Focus SWF January 2026

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January 2026

Serving the Community around South Woodham Ferrers for over two decades

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Maldon: 01621 744 336

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PVCu • Hardwood • Aluminium Domestic & Commercial

• Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Lightweight Tiled Roof Conversions • Fascias • Soffits • Guttering • Sliding Sash Windows • Lanterns • Bi-Folding Doors • Composite Doors Existing Double Glazing Repairs: • Replace misted / broken double glazed units • Replace window & door handles / hinges • Re-align dropped windows & doors • Conservatory roof repairs, upgrades & replacements

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South Woodham Ferrers £210,000

South Woodham Ferrers £575,000

South Woodham Ferrers OIEO £375k

• Offered with the advantage of no onward chain, this two bedroom second floor flat.

• The property benefits from a living room, a modern fitted kitchen and bathroom.

• Externally, there are communal gardens, parking and an additional carport.

• No Ground Rent • Lease remaining: 149 years • Service charge: £1,480 per annum • Council Tax Band: B

• This beautifully presented three bedroom detached bungalow benefits from a corner plot with surrounding gardens and a detached double garage.

• Popular and convenient location in a highly regarded road of similar modern detached bungalows.

• Boasting a Large Living room with direct access to the rear garden, a fitted kitchen diner, three bedrooms with an En-Suite to the Master and a three piece family bathroom.

• This lovely bungalow benefits from plenty or storage and the central heating boiler was replaced in June 2024 with electrics upgraded some years earlier with a modern consumer unit.

• Early viewing is strongly advised to appreciate • Sale Subject to Probate • Council Tax Band: E

• Set within cul de sac position and convenient for town centre amenities is this well-maintained three bedroom detached home.

• The accommodation comprises of a living room, fitted kitchen/ diner. To the first floor, there are three bedrooms sharing a modern family bathroom.

• Externally, there is a lovely south westerly facing family garden.

To the front, there is parking for three to four cars and a detached garage • Also convenient for Elmwood Primary School and South Woodham Station.

• Council Tax Band: D

South Woodham Ferrers £450,000

South Woodham Ferrers OIEO £450,000

South Woodham Ferrers £525,000

• Located in this cul de sac position is this four bedroom detached family home.

• The ground floor comprises of a fitted kitchen/diner, lounge and ground floor wc.

• To the first floor are four good size bedrooms and a family bathroom.

• Externally the property benefits from a low maintenance south facing rear garden, off street parking for three vehicles and a detached double garage.

• Conveniently located for the popular Woodville primary school and South Woodham station.

• Council Tax Band: D

• A stunning refurbished four bedroom detached family home.

• The well-proportioned accommodation comprises lounge, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, ground floor cloakroom and parlour.

To the first there is a master bedroom with en-suite and three further bedrooms sharing a modern family bathroom.

• Externally there is a 35ft low maintenance South facing rear garden, off street parking for two vehicles to the front.

• Also conveniently situated for the popular Woodville Primary School and South Woodham station providing easy access to London Liverpool Street.

• Council Tax Band: D

• Spacious three bedroom detached family home is beautifully presented throughout and enjoys a popular and convenient location within close proximity of the Station, the "outstanding" Woodville School, the new Crouch Vale Medical Centre and Sainsburys.

• Featuring a modern fitted kitchen with quality integrated appliances and Granite work surfaces, a comfortable living room with uPVC double glazed bay window to front and opening onto a separate dining room.

• To the first floor the three well-proportioned bedrooms share a nicely appointed family bathroom.

• Further benefitting from a good sized garage with driveway parking for several vehicles and an enclosed rear garden with gated access to the front.

• Council Tax Band: D

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A note from the Editor…

Advertise your business We hand deliver door to door in South Woodham Ferrers with 6’500 Magazines delivered every month.

Do you have a charity event or community project?

The Focus Magazine is dedicated to being a community led magazine. If you are running an event or a regular community club, let us know. We are always expanding on our charity and fundraising news.

Have You seen our other edition?

The Focus Magazine has also served the communities in Danbury, Bicknacre and Little Baddow for over a decade and Burnham on Crouch for 16 years.

Pick Up Points As well as being delivered door to door we also have prominent pick up points around the town. We would love to take the opportunity to thank

SWF Leisure Centre | SWF Eatery SWF Library | Club Woodham Town Council | Laundomat Clairemont Garden Centre Meadow Croft Garden Centre Bicknacre PO | East Hanningfield PO

As we step into a brand new year, I’d like to wish all our readers a very happy and healthy New Year. Thank you for your continued support of South Woodham Ferrers Focus. The magazine thrives on the strength of its community, and we are always keen to receive local news, stories and event information from residents, groups and organisations. We hope you continue to enjoy the magazine you receive on a monthly basis and find it a useful and enjoyable way to stay connected with what’s happening locally.

There’s plenty to look forward to as the year gets underway. South Woodham Ferrers parkrun is inviting everyone to bring a friend this weekend which is a fantastic opportunity to get active, meet new people and introduce someone new to a much-loved local event. Whether you’re a regular runner, walker or volunteer, it’s a

great way to start the year on a positive note.

For more dates for your diary, be sure to check the Town Council pages, which include a full programme of upcoming events and activities taking place across the town in the months ahead.

Looking ahead to February, South Woodham Local History Society returns after the Christmas break on 4th February. On this date, Sam Coley will be giving an illustrated talk on the research he has been carrying out into the lives of the people of Woodham Ferrers who are remembered on the war memorials at St Mary’s Church.A fascinating and respectful insight into the town’s history and those who shaped it.

Deadline for artwork and Editorial for the next issue is Monday 26th January

The views and opinions expressed in contributed articles are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editorial team. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in submitted content. Submission of content does not guarantee publication. Unpaid contributions are considered on a discretionary basis and may be edited for clarity, length, or style. All material contained within this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited. No responsibility is assumed for any injury, loss or damage arising from any article or advertisment contained within the publication.

Laura Basham Laura is an integral part of the team dealing with editorial content and fronting our accounts dept.

Nicky Arnold Sales Manager who plays an important role maintaining the success of the Focus.

Lynda Basham Director and Sales Executive with over 25 year experience in sales and customer care.

Stuart Basham Managing Director with over 35 years in advertising, design, print and marketing offering his extensive knowledge.

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Advertisement Feature

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THE LIGHT (IN THE DARKNESS) Happy new year!!

What do we mean by this? For family and friends (and all other people that we don’t know in the world), there is a hope for a year that brings Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

Many families enjoy as entertainment a game of “Pass the parcel”, you pass it round, and every now and then it stops and that person takes off a wrapping and it moves on. Each wrapper removed brings us closer to the gift.

Within the church we reveal a gift through the lighting of four Advent candles (not fork handles), each candle lit brings more light. We know what’s in this particular parcel, the baby Jesus!

Wishing “happiness” is a good thing to do. But what do we really yearn for the community we live in, our families around the world (including that of mankind), people we’ve yet to meet- Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

That unwrapped parcel, those lit candles represent those spiritual values and they are yours to receive in the form of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The Light overcomes the darkness.

His Hope is a promise made and kept to His children; that He would always be with you. It is not just a half-hearted wish that may or may not come to pass.

His Peace is a stillness within that the knowledge that God is with us, when we rise, during our waking hours, and rest. The peace that we often pray for around the world will come to pass, when we find this peace.

His Joy, this is beyond happiness, this cannot be satisfied by earthly wealth, gifts and possessions. It is worth praise, worship and thanksgiving.

His Love, we don’t deserve it, we cannot earn it, but we undeniably have it. Just look around you, check in with the World around you, it feeds you, creation amazes you: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life for you and me.

South Woodham Ferrers Christian Council

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TOUCH RUGBY MONDAY NIGHT • Age 14 and over. We’ve got players in their teens, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s playing on any given night.

• It’s rugby – all sizes, shapes, genders, skills, and fitness levels – but no full on tackling.

• Winter : 8pm-9pm at the WdF Leisure Centre 3G. £3 pitch fees.

• Summer : 7pm – 8pm at the Rugby Club, Saltcoats Park. Free.

If you want a run around contact :

Gerry Martin 07880 498565 Andy Palmer 07828 462710

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Sonia Barker

Counsellor & Hypnotherapist Why suffer in silence?

If depression, anxiety, a relationship issue, your weight or a phobia are having a negative impact on your life, take a look at my website to see how I may be able to help you!

Tel: 07983 439199 soniabarkertherapy@gmail.com Based in South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford

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GUTTER PROBLEMS HAVE YOUR GUTTERS BEEN CLEANED OUT RECENTLY? FULL GUTTER CLEAN OUT & SERVICE, LEAKS FIXED, DOWN PIPES UNBLOCKED

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Saving Ruby B and me Hi, my husband is saving Ruby, a beautiful 1935 Austin Seven, and as you possibly read last month he bought her without telling me. That afternoon he sat on the settee next to me, I noticed as I drank my tea after lunch that he was very fidgety, I couldn’t quite put my finger on why but he was behaving differently for at least an hour, then he looked at me and asked if I loved him, mmmm! I thought, a bit strange to ask just out of the blue, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but something was afoot, I really thought he had bought another motorbike, I wasn’t happy, he’s always had an interest in motorbikes he’s had a few and I know he has more free time than he is used to but my husband and motorbikes are not a good combination, he nearly killed himself twice on them in the past so that’s why I was showing my annoyance. He then went on to tell me he bought Ruby, I had to think for a minute and then thought I can’t really complain I had just booked a Centre Parks holiday in the new year for us and the family and I hadn’t surprised him with it yet.( It probably cost more than he paid for Ruby).

Hi it’s B again, I’m back, Im making great progress with Ruby, she is behaving herself at the moment although when out on one of our runs last week her horn decided to blow a fuse so I couldn’t give my usual beep! beep! when people waved but it’s sorted now.

When we go on our little excursions it never ceases to amaze me why some people think that while driving behind that the closer they can get to your boot the faster you will go, sorry guys my top speed is only about forty and it often takes a little while to get there, best to let them pass I guess.

What is the fascination with speed?

When I was young with motorbikes and then cars we were always looking to gain an extra few miles an hour, a bigger carburettor a sports exhaust, lower suspension, wider wheels and fine tuning continually working on them just to get that bit of extra speed not to mention the cost. I look back now and realise I’ve never really liked going fast, if I hit 70mph or 80mph on a motorway in my normal car I get to my limit and start to get out of my comfort zone.

Rubys speed is fine for me now, I just wish the other cars were of a similar speed and then I wouldn’t feel guilty holding them up.

My wife has just told me we are off to Centre Parks in the new year. Mmmm!

I guess we can afford it, Rachel from accounts wasn’t too hard on us this time.

Hi, yes it’s me Ruby, Hope you had a good Christmas and a great New Year celebration.

B has not been taking me out as much as usual, the weather has not been that great, we don’t go out in the rain he doesn’t want to get me wet I guess. Also I don’t have a heater so it might get a bit fresh in my cab.

May

When I was originally built heaters for the driver weren’t a thing, no one ever considered the driver might get cold, eventually heaters were put into cars but not until after the Second World War and even then I don’t think they were very good.

Now I remember the war very well but B has a 95 year old mother who has been out with us a couple of times, she told us lots of tales about the war, perhaps that’s a story for another time. The war years.

Hope to see you soon and don’t forget to wave.

Ruby To be continued…..

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SWF WI December Report We always have a lunch before our Christmas Party and this year was no exception. The excellent buffet food was provided by the Eatery and this year seemed even better than usual (if that’s possible!).

We had a good variety of sandwiches, quiches, pork pies, sausage rolls, chicken goujons and the everpopular fruit platters. It was all delicious and everyone really enjoyed it. Thank you Eatery!

After lunch we were entertained by Lorraine Ely whose set was entitled ‘Christmas Surprise’. We didn’t know what to expect and, when asked what the surprise was, she answered that what she was going to sing, was often a surprise to her! She was a very good singer and apart from lots of Christmas songs, old and

Our Rotary Club’s 22nd Annual Swimarathon is being held on March 21st, 22nd and 23rd at Woodham Pool.

This year we are making the Sunday Swim a Family Swim with a prize for the Family who swim the most lengths. It will be held at 12-30, 13-30 and 14-30 on Sunday 23rd with 6 lanes of up to 8 swimmers in each time slot.

So why not put a team in with Nan's, Grandad's, Mum's, Dad's, Brother's, Sister’s, any members of your Family and even the children! It's NOT a race, it's just for family fun and you help raise money for Charity.

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new, which we were encouraged to ‘sing along’ to, Lorraine interspersed the afternoon with Christmasrelated prose and a poem by Pam Eyres. It was a very varied programme which was enjoyed by all.

After Lorraine’s presentation, we enjoyed tea and mince pies provided by the Committee.

The hall was decorated by Shirley, her husband Dave, Glynis (who also provided the decorations) and Joy and it looked very festive so a big ‘thank you’ to them.

Our ladies are very generous with donations for a Christmas hamper and this year we had enough items for three. Glynis dressed the hampers and they looked really lovely. The recipients were delighted with their wins.

The Committee were thanked for helping to make the afternoon really special and wished everyone a very happy Christmas.

Girls brigade has been an active uniformed organisation in South Woodham for over 50years and have, in all that time, had loads of fun, taught many new skills, created a safe place and seen friendships develop.

Girls are welcome to join us from reception age. We meet in the Evangelical church in Hullbridge Rd from 5pm.

If your daughter is interested please contact us on southwoodhamgb@gmail.com.

Go to our Website (www.swfrotaryclub.co.uk) and enter your team TODAY, or email us for more information.

Thank you, Terry Tilbrook (Chair of Swimarathon Committee) email: terry-t@live.co.uk

Bring a friend to parkrun South Woodham Ferrers parkrun invites everyone to ‘Bring a friend’ this weekend People in South Woodham Ferrers are being encouraged to kick-start the new year with a boost to their wellbeing as South Woodham Ferrers parkrun invites everyone to join in the fun this weekend, and to bring a friend to parkrun.

The potential benefits are endless, with recent research showing that 79% of parkrunners reported an improvement to their happiness, increasing to 86% for those that volunteer with parkrun - reinforcing the positive impact parkrun can have on both physical and mental health. parkrun events, already well established in neighbourhoods throughout the region, continue to attract walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers of all ages and abilities. This week’s ‘Bring a friend’ initiative is a simple way to share the inclusive, social, and free experience that keeps parkrunners coming back week after week.

encouraging everyone to bring a friend to South Woodham Ferrers parkrun on Saturday 10 January and spread the joy of parkrun.”

All events are free and held every Saturday morning. Simply register once online to receive a personal barcode that can be used at any parkrun around the world.

People can walk or run the 5k route, support their community as volunteers, or simply spectate and socialise. parkrunners can push a pram, bring their dog on a short lead or take part with their friends and family. There is no time limit and nobody finishes last, thanks to volunteer ‘tail walkers’ who provide support and encouragement on the course. parkrun is a UK-based global health and wellbeing charity, and events are free and open to anyone. South Woodham Ferrers parkrun is one of over 850 parkruns across the UK, with more than 250,000 different people taking part each weekend. parkrun registration is free at www.parkrun.org.uk/register

“So many people discover parkrun because someone they know invited them or recommended it to them,” said CoEvent Director Helen Hall. “Bringing a friend not only helps grow our community, it helps people feel instantly welcome, and in the longer-term helps them connect with others and rediscover the joy of being active. That’s why we’re

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FOCUS 4 January 2026 Local data before Christmas showed 40 out of 1,850 beds (2.1%) were occupied by flu patients in our Basildon, Chelmsford & Southend Hospitals, double the previous week. Nationally last week 2,676 people were in hospital with flu, down from 3,000 the previous week. But there’s now an amber extended cold health alert until 9 January. Experts warn this will have a significant impact on the demand for health services, along with returns to work and education.

Staff sickness and travel delays won’t help either.

The key message from all authorities is: Everyone eligible get your flu jab and only attend A&E in an emergency. This year’s version of flu is different. We have less immunity, so the spread is greater. Children and young people are most affected. The flu vaccine is free on the NHS for those over 65-years-old, young children, pregnant women, those with certain health conditions, carers, and front-line health and social care workers. People in other groups can get the same vaccine for a fee from local pharmacists.

Latest reports: • COVID-19 activity is stable and at baseline levels.

• respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shows mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels.

• Norovirus has increased recently and is at expected levels; the highest rate is among children.

Resident Doctors’ went on strike between 17-21 December. Data on the impact is awaited. “Patients must be able to trust medical professionals with their lives and health. To justify that trust [they] must make the care of patients their first concern, and meet the standards expected of them…. .” Is striking in keeping with that duty? With financial constraints, long waiting times for treatments, and patients suffering the consequences of these strikes, do they have public support?

2025-12-28 Happy New Year!

Looking back over the past year, one of the downsides of 2025 was the passing of BBC Essex stalwart, Dave Monk. I did a weekly 'health broadcast' on his programme for more years than either of us cared to remember.

It came about because I'd been appointed as the station's official doctor since it launched in Nov 1986 under strange circumstances. I got a call asking if I'd like to be part of the launch and, when I agreed, was asked how they should describe me. 'Tall, dark and handsome' was dismissed on the grounds that (a) it doesn't matter what you look like on radio and (b) they were restricted by the rule that their reporting should be accurate. I then suggested 'local GP' to which they replied: "Can't we call you the BMA representative." I said that fell foul of the same rule as I wasn't its representative to which they replied: "Can you phone the BMA and ask if you can take on the job." I therefore rang and was told that the BMA didn't have a local representative and I'd do , ,, so that was quickly settled.

Dave's programme was a joy. I'd pick a few topical subjects and fax them though to him and then I'd either turn up at the studio if it wasn't a busy day for me or, more often, would broadcast from the surgery (using a Glensound ISDN Codec which made it sound as if I was in the studio) if I had to squeeze the broadcast in between seeing patients. I'd face a barrage of incisive questions which got to the heart of the condition being discussed and made sure that the 'medical jargon' was kept to the bare minimum.

The problem was that health can be a bit 'samey' as trotting out similar advice every week can be a turn-off (literally) for the listeners. These days the 'wellness influencers' get round that by simply making up eye catching 'headlines' to attract attention but at that time we stuck firmly to evidence based advice. The way of spicing it up was to link the advice to something which was already headline news. Perhaps the best historical example of this was that, prior to 1085, bowel cancer (usually ranking as the 3rd or 4th most frequent cancer) was a taboo subject. People found it distasteful. Then President Reagan was found to have a cancerous polyp and suddenly it dominated the news agenda - and it has remained an OK topic ever since with occasional boosts (e.g. "Bowelbabe" Deborah James's campaign which again focussed attention on the disease and raised £millions for Cancer Research UK.)

It's terrible that the NHS has had to publish updated Principles for providing patient care in corridors! “The use of corridor care is never acceptable and must be avoided when caring for patient groups including: • children • mental health patients • patients with learning disabilities, neurodivergence or autistic patients • patients with physical disabilities • patients who have dementia, confusion or delirium • patients who are confirmed or suspected of being infectious • patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding • patients who are severely frail • patients who are at end of life.

Nevertheless, recent reports suggest patients are being given end-of-life care in A&E corridors. Hospices are struggling to provide beds and it’s unclear if sufficient end-of-life community support is available. Is this acceptable?

Meanwhile, NHS bosses urge patients not to clog up A&E with everyday niggles. Local research highlights: • 42% of people who visited A&E for a non-emergency said they went because they believed they would be seen faster.

• 22% later realised they could have been treated by another NHS service such as a pharmacy, NHS 111 or their GP practice.

• 43% of people say they’ve had a winter illness recently. Over half chose to manage at home, while a quarter sought advice from their pharmacy.

We continue to monitor progress after the recent CQC report that the leadership of our local hospitals’ was inadequate.

Our weekly newsletter includes everything we’ve published in the previous 7days. Libraries provide online services and help with internet access. For welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com or leave a voicemail on 01245 322079.

With best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Sometimes I'd resort to humour to make a dull subject more interesting but Dave didn't suffer fools gladly and I remember the withering look that greeted my bad jokes. I once mentioned a study that came out of the University of Arizona which suggested that your kitchen chopping board often harbours significantly more faecal bacteria (around 200 times more) than a toilet seat, primarily due to raw meat contamination in knife grooves.

Toilet seats tend to get disinfected whereas wooden cutting boards didn't at that time so bugs like Salmonella were plentiful. I explained that, based on this research, I had started making our cutting boards at home out of old toilet seats as they were far more hygienic ... cue: withering glance!

On another occasion I was comparing wartime diets (which, despite deprivation, were often surprisingly healthy) with our increasingly unhealthy modern diet. We used to 'dig for victory' so fresh vegetables were a significant constituent of the wartime diet. In WW2, however, necessity made us experiment with unfamiliar foods. and seafood was very popular (it wasn't rationed). The ghastly snook didn't catch on but whale-meat was often on the menu. Dave said he was unaware of that and I feigned surprise, telling him that its consumption was even celebrated in a famous Vera Lynn wartime recording. I then broke into song; "Whale meat again, don't know where, don't know when" ... Cue: deep sigh!

Feeble attempts at humour apart we got on well and it was always a pleasure to see him and catch up with his news.

Dave also used to host meetings including one that is widely remembered in South Woodham. When the new development north of the Burnham Rd was first suggested a public meeting in the Dame Elizabeth Hall (William de Ferrers School) was arranged and Dave was put in charge. It soon became obvious that the hall wasn't big enough to accommodate the crowd that turned up - something which would have floored most presenters. Not Dave, however, who decided that we should move en masse to the town centre and somehow arranged for PA equipment to be quickly set up in the bandstand in order to allow the meeting to progress smoothly.

He is greatly missed. RIP! Dr John Cormack

10

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FOCUS Why New Year’s Resolutions Usually Fail (and what to do instead) Hello, it’s your friendly nutritional therapist, Kelly Beagle here. January is a funny month, isn’t it? One minute you’re still eating leftover Quality Street for breakfast, and the next you’re expected to transform overnight into a glowing, highly motivated version of yourself who loves green juice, early mornings and never touching carbs again. Every year, I see the same thing. People come to me tired, frustrated and convinced they’ve “failed” because their New Year’s resolution didn’t last past the middle of January. But here’s the honest truth: it’s not you that’s the problem. It’s the way resolutions are set up.

Most New Year’s resolutions are based on punishment. Eat less. Move more. Be stricter. Cut things out. And usually all at once. Your body, especially if you’re already tired, stressed or navigating hormonal changes, doesn’t hear this as motivation. It hears it as a threat. When that happens, stress hormones rise, cravings increase, sleep worsens and willpower disappears. Then the guilt sets in, and the whole cycle starts again. What if this year we did something a little different? What if January was about support rather than self-discipline? Instead of asking, “What should I give up?”, try asking, “What would help my body feel calmer and more stable?”. That might be eating breakfast instead of skipping it. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier rather than signing up for a 6am bootcamp. Drinking more water instead of a full detox. Not exactly Instagram-worthy, but incredibly effective.

Small, slightly boring changes are wildly underrated. They stabilise blood sugar, support hormones and give you energy back. And when your body feels better, healthier choices stop feeling like such hard work. Another common mistake is trying to fix everything at once. You don’t need a new diet, supplement regime, exercise plan and lifestyle overhaul all in January. Pick one thing. Just one. Do it consistently. Let success build confidence rather than overwhelm.

And please remember this: health is not won or lost in January. You haven’t failed because you ate a biscuit, missed a workout or changed your mind. Progress isn’t linear, and your body is not a machine. So this year, I’m giving you permission to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset. Be curious instead of critical. Support your body rather than battling it.

Sustainable change always beats short-term intensity. If you want help creating a plan that actually fits your life and your body, you don’t have to do it alone. If you want to book a 20 minute free telephone consultation, email me on hello@kellybeaglenutrition.com or visit my website, www.kellybeaglenutrition.com.

Wishing you a happy New Year, with less pressure, more support and a bit more kindness towards yourself. Kelly Beagle

Registered Nutritional therapist and Nurse

Marion Elizabeth Eldret Sadly at Broomfield Hospital on 29th November 2025.

Aged 75 years 01245 324437

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A small animal veterinary practice based in Woodham Ferrers, set in open countryside with a large client only car park.

You can be assured that Charles, Vikki and the team will provide the very best care for your beloved pets in a warm and friendly environment. Visit and like our Facebook page or go to our website for information on regular offers, yearly health plans and much more.

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Much loved Mother to Maxine, Christopher and Nicholas and the late Craig and Leanne.

Will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral service will take place on Thursday 8th January 2026 at St Leonard’s Church, Southminster at 10.30 am.

No flowers by request. Donations, if desired, to 'Farleigh Hospice’ may be made via Tributes & Donations at www.pauljking.com or sent to Paul J King Funeral Directors 6 Corporation Road, Chelmsford CM1 2AR 01245 264411

11

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HAPPY NEW YEAR SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS January 2026

01245 321817

Office Open 9am - 4pm

As we step into this new year, let’s celebrate the strength, kindness, and unity that make our town so special. May the coming year bring joy to every home, opportunities for growth, and moments of togetherness that remind us why we’re proud to call this place our own.

William de Ferrers School Presentation Evening Our Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Lisa Kelly was thrilled to present the winner of the Town Mayor’s Award, Livvy Brew, with a cheque for £100.00. Many congratulations, well deserved for all your hard work.

Seniors Christmas Party What a fantastic afternoon we’ve had at the Town Council Seniors’ Christmas Party!

A huge festive thank-you to our Town Mayor, Cllr Alan Shearring, and Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Lisa Kelly, as well as Asda and all our brilliant helpers. A special shout-out to John from SWF Bowls Club for being the most amazing Santa, Dean Ager for bringing all the Rat Pack–Sinatra charm, and Valentines Cuisine for serving up a delicious roast dinner.

And of course, thank you to everyone who came along — we hope you had a wonderful time!

Maldon Development near SWF Garden of Remembrance The recent planning application for an environmental impact assessment, proposing 1,770 new homes near the Garden of Remembrance along Lower Burnham Road, has been submitted to Maldon District Council.

SWF Town Council convened an extraordinary meeting to review the application and provide comments, noting with concern that we were not included as an official consultee. A formal response on behalf of our town by the Town Council has now been submitted and is available to view on the Maldon Planning Portal. https://publicaccess.maldon.gov.uk/online -applications/applicationDetails.do? keyVal=T42UENKK0M300&activeTab=sum mary

Town Centre Planters The planters in town are now all cleared and planted up with Chelmsford City Council’s donated plants and bulbs. Also the areas around the planters have been cleared of weeds and grass that were growing through the paviours.

Thanks to Mr Barry Smith and the community network.

Dick Whittington Panto - What a Show!

What a fantastic performance this year!

Our Dick Whittington pantomime was full of laughter, music, and festive cheer. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a memorable event. Your support and enthusiasm truly brought the magic to life.

Toddler Group Christmas Party Thank you to everyone who came to our toddlers Christmas party. We hope you had as much fun as we did and thoroughly enjoyed meeting Father Christmas.

We hope the little ones loved their gifts from santa and we will see you all again in the new year for our regular Toddler Group starting up again on Monday 5th January 2026.

Forthcoming Events & Meetings Tuesday, January 06, 2026 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Senior’s Film Club Doors open at 12:00 PM Film starts at 12:30 PM Featured Film: Thursday Murder Club

Seniors Film Club We hold a Senior’s Film Club at Champions Manor Hall every 2nd Wednesday of each month. We would love to see you there for just £5 for the year.

Grab a hot cup of tea/coffee and enjoy with a biscuit or two, sit back and enjoy the film.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Council Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting

Planning Applications

Sign up on the Chelmsford City Council website to receive notifications and updates regarding applications in their area: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control. Planning Authority: Chelmsford City Council Contact Number: 01245 606 826

If you plan to attend the meetings, kindly reach out to the Town Clerk at 01245 429446 or via email at katkins@southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk For a full meeting schedule visit www.southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk.

Agendas & Minutes

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Over to you

Celebrations

Dear Editor, We volunteer to plant out the three large concrete planters in QEII Square & the two brick planters in Guild way. The original reason we started to look after the planters was to demonstrate that as a community we do care about our Town.

Chelmsford City Council’s (Parks & Green Spaces) are now very kindly donating plants & bulbs for this prominent community project. Recently while planting out, we received several encouraging comments from passers-by.

We also received anII Square extremely offer of South Woodham Ferrers Town Centre: QE Planters 1 &kind 2 hot drinks from a young lady, presumably as we looked rather cold in the inclement weather conditions.

Wishing our beautiful Granddaughter ToriJane a happy 8th birthday for the 7th February with lots of love from Nanny and Grandad. xxxx

We were overwhelmed by these gestures and thought it would be appropriate to mention this community response in the FOCUS. We are extremely grateful for the comments and the offer of refreshments, it certainly makes it all worthwhile. Thank You Very Much!

South Woodham Ferrers Town Centre: QE II Square Planters 1 & 2 South Woodham Ferrers Town Centre: QE II Square Planters 1 & 2

QE II Square (1) (1

QE II Square (1 QE II (1) Square (1) (1

SWF Town Centre: QE II Square (3) & Guild Way Planters (4 & 5)

SWF Town Centre: QE II Square (3) & Guild Way Planters (4 & 5)

QE II Square (2)

SWF Town Centre: QE II Square (3) & Guild Way Planters (4 & 5) QE II Square (2) QE II Square (2) QE II Square (3)

QE II Square (3)

QE II Square (3)

Guild Way (4 & 5)

Found Wallet outside 21 Tutors Way, South Woodham Ferrers Guild Way (4 & 5) Please contact 01245 324055

Guild Way (4 & 5)

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HARRY’S TREE & GARDENING SERVICES ALL TYPES OF TREES

ROTARY’S THANKS TO A GENEROUS COMMUNITY.

TOPPED · SHAPED · TRIMMED FRUIT TREES PRUNED & SPRAYED SHRUBS PRUNED HEDGES TRIMMED & LOWERED UNWANTED TREES, BUSHES HEDGES & STUMPS REMOVED

Although we could not travel the streets of SWF this year, we took Santa’s Sleigh and snowmen to Windle Court Care Home as well as Collingwood, Woodville, Elmwood, Trinity St. Mary’s and St Joseph’s Primary Schools. A great time meeting children and adults to maintain the magic of the time of year.

ALL GARDEN WORK UNDERTAKEN

MOWING & STRIMMING BORDERS WEEDED & CULTIVATED OVERGROWN GARDENS CLEARED NEW FENCING & REPAIRS DRIVEWAY & PATIOS CLEANED Please call for a Free quotation or advice

01245 708 966 • 07901 187622 hstreeandgardening@gmail.com CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED

IfIf youyou love flowers are interested in floral arrangements, why notin come loveandflowers and are interested along to the South Woodham Ferrers Flower Arrangement Club

floral arrangements, why not come along to Wethe meet atSouth the WI Hall, Woodham Guys Farm Road, SouthFerrers Woodham Ferrers CM3 5NF on the second Flower Thursday of the month at 7.30 for a monthly demonstration by a talented NAFAS Arrangement Club demonstrator. These events are always entertaining, relaxing and a lovely way to spend an evening, so bring a friend and come and join us! We are a friendly and welcoming club.

We meet at the WI Hall, Guys Farm Road, South Woodham

Membership per5NF year (pro-rata) pay on the night Non-Members Visitors £7 Ferrers £45 CM3 on theorsecond Thursday of the /month at 7.30

for a monthly a talented Refreshments includeddemonstration and raffle is held at by £1 per strip, whereNAFAS you coulddemonstrator. win one of the These events are always entertaining, relaxing and a lovely way to beautiful arrangements made by the demonstrator on the night spend an evening, so bring a friend and come and join us! We are

Contact: SWF Secretary: 07917094534 or 07540495279 Email: SWFFlowerclub@gmail.com a friendly and welcoming club.

Membership £45 per year (pro-rata) or pay on the night Non-Members / Visitors £7 Refreshments included and raffle is held at £1 per strip, where you could win one of the beautiful arrangements made by the demonstrator on the night Contact: SWF Secretary: 07917094534 or 07540495279 Email: SWFFlowerclub @gmail.com

With our thanks, we were permitted to position ourselves at Sainsbury’s and Asda for two days on each of the weekends before Christmas and our Inner Wheel ladies on Sundays as well. The level of donations was fantastic, and we will be working to make people’s lives better through the town’s generosity.

This year our sponsors dug deep with their support for the Sleigh for which we gratefully thank Spantec, Rickard Luckin, Raytel, Ahead 4, Rigwell & Guildway, and Sternberg Reed.

We have few expenses as we are all volunteers so nearly every penny collected will be applied through our Rotary Charitable Fund to worthy charitable causes. However another great benefit was the look on the faces of the children as they talked to the big man.

We do need more help to keep this initiative going so, if you feel up to it and are able to help, please drop us an email and we will keep in touch about things we are doing.

Thank you all.

Focus on Gardening January With Centre Manager at Meadowcroft • Sow hardy annual plants • Move dormant plants this month if they’re in the wrong place.

• Buy certified seed potatoes and start the chitting process on first earlies.

• Pour warm water into bird baths on freezing days to give the birds a chance of hydrating themselves.

• Place new nesting boxes as soon as possible to get the birds used to them being there.

• Indoor heating is very drying for houseplants so check them regularly to make sure they are kept moist, and don’t dry out.

• Protect plants that are prone to winter damage in extreme cold conditions with fleece.

• Sharpen your garden tools.

• Feed the birds to keep their energy stores high which will help them get through the cold winter.

All Year

Gard Advicen e

SIMON SAYS MONTHLY GARDENING ADVICE

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Sunflowers Stay and Play Group in South Woodham Ferrers When: New term starts on Friday 16th January 2026.

Sessions take place at 10:00 to 11:00. Soft start 9:45 for those who benefit from easing into the morning.

Sunflowers is an inclusive play group where children can learn social skills, speech and language, motor skills and sensory awareness. We are passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where children at all stages of development can play together.

An area we consider our specialty is SEND. Each of the leaders and helpers have experience and training in supporting our young friends with additional needs and have a wealth of resources to share with parents and carers. We also offer hot drinks, listening ears and gentle hugs, and are listed on the Essex Local Offer as part of their SEND provision.

It is an intentionally small group to ensure all families feel welcome and parents are not required to ‘sign up’ and commit to each week. The cost is a suggested £3 donation each session, towards the running costs of the group.

Whenever you choose to come along and play, you can be sure of a warm welcome - and biscuits!

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South Woodham Ferrers based Office Boss Limited gets an Instagram boost from Theo Paphitis A South Woodham Ferrers, Essex-based firm has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Last week, Kathryn Selvey, owner of Office Boss Limited, posted to Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a repost by Theo to his half a million Twitter, 50k+ Instagram and almost 300k LinkedIn followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 4,000 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK. 2025 sees the 15th anniversary of #SBS Small Business Sunday, since Theo launched it in October 2010.

Business and retail entrepreneur and selfconfessed Shopkeeper, Theo re-shared Kathryn’s message to his combined 800,000 Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram followers and as a result, www.office-boss.co.uk has already seen a boost in followers and new enquiries for their virtual admin, HR and back-office support services. They are also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

Kathryn Selvey said, “Office Boss has been running for six years, and we’re on a mission to show small business owners – especially those in the trades – that they don’t have to do it all alone. Admin, HR and back-office tasks can be overwhelming when you’re trying to juggle everything. It’s amazing to have support from Theo and the #SBS community because it’s helped raise our profile and spread the word about what we do to hundreds of thousands of people. Being recognised like this is a real boost for a small business like ours.”

Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, Theo Paphitis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Office Boss Limited every success.”

Anyone looking for a re-post from Theo should post to him on X, LinkedIn or Instagram about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re-tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the #SBS website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.

Office Boss Limited South Woodham Ferrers, Essex Website: www.office-boss.co.uk Email: kathryn@office-boss.co.uk

IT Support Drop-in

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Drop in session with our IT volunteer for help on your own device such as laptop, tablet, or

Venue: New Life Church Community Hub, 40 Clements Green Lane, South Woodham Ferrers, CM35JP Contact: Ange@newlife-church.org.uk

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MILLWOOD WI December report If you would like to co

This has been a busy and enjoyable time for all the members.

We knitted and sold poppies for Remembrance Day. We went Bavarian Curling, followed by lunch at Meadowcroft Nursery. We had a lovely Christmas lunch at The Fox and Hounds. We finished the month with our Christmas party on Wednesday evening .

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to everyone , we went home still singing !

The evening was organised by our committee and many thanks must go to them for their hard work to make our meetings run smoothly We meet on the 4th Wednesday evening of the month in William De Ferrers me along you will be made very welcome. school at 7pm. Our next meeting is on Weds 28th January and our speaker is Maggie Piper Her subject is Essex Curiousities.

If you would like to come along you will be made very welcome.

We were entertained by a local band, Underfret, who played and sung songs we all knew and remembered fondly from The Beatles to The Eagles, from Rock and Roll to Neil Diamond among others .

Some of us got up and danced and were seen parading round the hall af the end of the evening! After their first session we had a lovely finger buffet which we all enjoyed After Underfret had finished, we were all given a card and present which were very much appreciated.

All of us had a great evening and after wishing a Merry Christmas

Happy New Year to one and all from the South Woodham Ferrers Bowls Club. Here's hoping for another year of new opportunities, friendships, Club recognition through friendly games and above all, good health.

Despite initial indications pointing towards challenging weather conditions, it turned out to be the opposite so providing some decent days to play bowls. This, of course, has helped those participating in the in-house Winter Pairs competition. Christmas and its associated social events has slowed progress a little but plenty of time to catch up.

Another quiz night was arranged and took part at the village hall. New members and their guests had meant that the number enjoying the evening was the best yet.

Quiz Master was Ian Hennessey, assisted by his club mates Kate Clarke and Margaret Watson. It was a good, fun night.

Our annual Christmas Dinner and prize giving presentation was held at The Lodge who managed to accommodate our growing number. Prizes were presented by the Treasurer and Club Captain, Ian Carter.

The SWF Club member of the year was awarded to Dave Porth.

Dave has been with the Club for a number of years and can often be seen supporting other members at their matches, wherever they are being played. He frequently stays on at home games to help with closing down after a match. Thank you Dave.

There were many prizes awarded during the evening including those for Men's singles: Trevor Smith, R/U Kevin Green. Ladies singles: Sue Morden, R/U Kate Clarke. Plate: Jim Allen, R/U Sue Pearson. Pairs: Jim Jarvis & Kevin Green, R/U Ian Hennessey & Sonia Martin. Winter Pairs 2024/25: Sue Morden & Martin Levitt, R/U John Betts & Adrian White.

Here's to a new season filled with hope, anticipation and some decent weather to play.

18

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Woodham at War Researching the names on Woodham Ferrers War Memorials Researching the names on Woodham Ferrers War Memorials South Woodham Local History Society will be returning after the Christmas break on 4th February when Sam Coley will be giving an illustrated talk on the researches that he has been carrying out on the people of Woodham Ferrers who are remembered on the war memorials at St Mary’s Church. Unusually the war memorial just inside the church yard records, not just those who died, but also those who served and survived the Great War. It should be a fascinating and informative talk so why not come and join us?

South Woodham Local History Society will be returning after the Christmas break on 4th February when Sam Coley will be giving an illustrated talk on the researches that he has been carrying out on the people of Woodham Ferrers who are remembered on the war memorials at St Mary’s Church. Unusually the war memorial just inside the church yard records, not just those who died, but also those who served and survived the Great War. It should be a fascinating and informative talk so why not come and join us?

You do not have to be a member of South Woodham Local History You do not have to be a member of Society to enjoy our talks which take place at Champions Manor Hall, South Woodham Local History Society Hullbridge Road, CM3 5LJ at 8.15 pm. Entry for non members is just £3, to enjoy our talks which take place at Champions Manor Hall, Hullbridge a real bargain and if you enjoy the talk and want to hear more you can Road, CM3 5LJ at 8.15 pm. Entry for always join us for a mere £15 which entitles you to free entry to all our non members is just £3, a real bargain and if you enjoy the talk and want to talks. hear more you can always join us for a If you are at all interested in local history why not join us on Facebook mere £15 which entitles you to free entry to all our talks. at www.facebook.com/groups/744341468216636 If you are at all interested in local history why not join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/744341468216636

If further information is required please contact the society’s secretary Roy Bradnam on 01245 328714 or its chairman John Frankland on 01245 321518.

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Important Telephone Numbers Police Station non emergencies 101 or Fire Station Neighbourhood Watch

South Woodham Councillors

0300 333 4444 0300 303 0088

(contact via the Police Stn above)

Town Council Champions Manor Hall Community Centre 321817 Leisure Centre (SWF Swimming Pool) 605600 Village Hall 325568 Library 0345 603 7628 Volunteer Centre Chelmsford 250731 Community Transport 477750 ‘Dial A Ride’ 9.30am -4.45pm 321180 SWF Community Care Post Office 324066 HEALTHCARE Health Clinic NHS Direct Greenwood Kingsway kingsway.receptionist@nhs.net https://www.kingswaysurgery.net

0300 3032619 111 426898 01245 321391

SENIOR MEALS ON WHEELS Senior Meals on Wheels Service The Eatery SCHOOLS Collingwood Primary Elmwood Primary St Joseph’s Catholic Primary St Mary’s Primary (Aided) Woodham Ferrers Village Trinity St Mary’s (Aided) Woodville Primary William de Ferrers

Chetwood Ward

Elmwood Ward

Bob Massey Ashley John Alan Shearring (Mayor) Russ Crosbie Annie Humphrey

Murrough O’Brien Jackie Birch Lisa Kelly (Deputy Town Mayor) Terry Sherlock Glenn Piesse

Collingwood Ward Peter Ferry Malcolm Sismey Scott Wilson Darren Thompson Mia Barnett

CHURCHES Evangelical Church Church of England Christ the King Church, RCCG. Methodist Church New Life Church Roman Catholic Church Salvation Army Woodham Ferrers Congregational Church St Mary’s Church Woodham Ferrers.

07375936840 01245 691979 07538097421 01621 853423 01245 321188 01245 324138 01268 768803 01702 551950 01245 961979

RELIGIOUS CENTRES Mid Essex Buddhist Centre

07936 534546

Keith Bentley Donna Eley Ian Roberts Pauline Price Toni Perham-Lake

South Woodham Ferrers City Councillors Elmwood & Woodville Ward Terry Sherlock Murrough O Brien Donna Eley

322263 322258 321301 321828 320505 321711 321755 326326

Woodville Ward

Chetwood & Collingwood Ward Ashley John, Bob Massey , Malcolm Sismey

For all enquiries Email: katkins@southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk

Sir John

Your Member of Parliament

Whittingdale

OBE MP

To report streetlamps not working, overgrown vegetation, potholes etc. please contact Essex County Council www.essexhighways.org/tell-us/report-all-issues.aspx To report a missed waste/recycling collection please contact Chelmsford City Council www.chelmsford.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/ For bus timetables, please contact First Bus at www.firstbus.co.uk/essex Community Care Community Care Co-Ordinator: Sandra 01245 321180 Food Bank - Located at New Life Church, Clements Green Lane, every Wednesday 10am to 12pm POLICE CONTACT NUMBERS Non-emergency: 101 Emergency: 999 Police Air Service: 01924 292 252 Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111 Transport Police: 0800 40 50 40 Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

If you would like to contact John Whittingdale, to ask for help, to set out your views, or to suggest something that he may like to do or see in the constituency, please get in touch. You can do so by coming to one of his regular constituency surgeries in Maldon, Burnham on Crouch, South Woodham Ferrers and Stock or by contacting him by email, telephone or post

By Post:

By Email:

Rt. Hon. Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA john.whittingdale.mp@parliament.uk

By Telephone: House of Commons Office: 020 7219 3557 Surgery Appointments: 01621 855663 Website:

www.johnwhittingdale.org.uk

Maldon Parliamentary Constituency

21

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