Focus SWF April 2025 by Point Graphics Ltd.

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We hand deliver door to door in South Woodham Ferrers with 6’000 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 communites 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 Rose & Bumble

Laundomat | Ahead 4 | BHN Clairemont Garden Centre

Meadow Croft Garden Centre

Welcome to the newest edition of the Focus. Our home was recently featured on television! The experience of opening our doors to the cameras was both exhilarating and humbling. We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kind words from viewers and community alike.

George Clarke’s Building home series followed the renovation of our home on a very limited budget. It aired on channel 4 last month.

We are deeply grateful for this experience and for the continued support of our friends, family and viewers. It’s moments like these that remind us of the strength and unity of community.

This issue is jam packed with local information and

A note from the Editor…

upcoming events. There has been a lot more content that has been forwarded to me but unfortunately with limited space available within the magazine I have to make decisions on content. There is a possibility of going up in pages which will allow for more content in the future.

Check out the Town Council Save the date column for upcoming events in the town.

Our new website is up and running. Please visit focus-magazine.co.uk where you can look through the latest issue online as well as information on how to advertise and pricing.

Artwork Deadline for the May Issue is 21st April. Please ensure any artwork or editorial pieces are with me by that date if possible to daniel@pointgraphics.co.uk

Dan

Millwood WI December Report

Our speaker this month was Kim Forster and the subject was

Armchair Yoga.

Once we were all sitting on our chairs and had space to move our arms, Kim explained that yoga has been practised for 1000's of years and can be used to reduce stress, bring about relaxation, help with any aches and pains and brings together body, spirit and mindfulness. Her voice was very restful.

One word she mentioned was asana which means posture.

She emphasised that yoga is always a practice, it is never perfect. YUJ which means yoke or join is the origin of the word yoga which comes from the sanscript language.

We concentrated on our breathing and Kim, after telling us to be aware of our breathing, asked us to try and clear our minds of all the things which had happened through the day and just breathe deeply through our noses.

She explained that we were going to breathe like a baby, into our

bellies.To make us more aware she told us to put our hands on our navel so we could feel the inhalation and exhalation. She said that all yoga postures can be just as effective when sitting down as lying on the floor.

We stretched our arms and legs, sat tall as mountains slowly bent to the right and left among others.

She emphasised that you must always listen to your body and yoga should never be painful alrhough it can be challenging.

We finished with a couple of minutes of meditation with our eyes closed .

Everyone really enjoyed the evening and we all felt relaxed and less stressed.

Earlier in the month several members went on a guided walk around Writtle.

Although the weather was very cold it was a really interesting walk. Who knew there was a royal resident in Writtle!.

They warmed up with a lovely lunch in a local pub where they were made very welcome.

Up coming outings include a boat trip yo see the seals from Burnham and a coach trip to Canterbury.

Our next meeting is the AGM.

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.

South Woodham Ferrers

£260,000

This nicely appointed two bedroom bungalow is part of a lovely community of bungalows which are only available to buyers of 55 years and over.

• Enjoying well-tended communal gardens, dedicated parking areas, a community hub, on site assistance throughout the day, emergency careline chords and pendants.

• Offers a spacious living room with separate kitchen. two good sized bedrooms and a re-fitted modern shower room.

• Support if required in a lovely Town centre location within close proximity to local amenities and transport links. Offered with a renewed 99 year lease on completion, the two bedroom format is much requested and rarely available, so early viewing is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

• Council tax band C Service Charge: £210 PCM

South Woodham Ferrers

OIEO £350,000

This delightful two double bedroom semi-detached property is conveniently situated for the Outstanding Woodville Primary School.

• The ground floor comprises: entrance porch, living room, kitchen/diner with integrated appliances and a conservatory. The first floor houses two double bedrooms and a bathroom.

• Externally benefitting from a 50' garden, driveway parking and a side entrance.

•The property is also conveniently located for South Woodham Ferrers station and the town's amenities.

• Council Tax Band: C

• *Being sold via a secure reservation agreement

Basildon

t: 01268 271 110

e: sales@balgoresbasildon.com

Hornchurch

t: 01708 470 756

e: sales@balgoresproperty.com

South Woodham Ferrers

t: 01245 323 729

e: sales@balgoresswf.com

South Woodham Ferrers £280,000

Located within a mews, this completely refurbished one bedroom bungalow is being marketed with the advantage of no onward chain.

• The accommodation comprises: fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, living room, bathroom and a bedroom.

• Externally benefitting from a West-facing garden and allocated off street parking for one vehicle.

• Council Tax Band: B

• *Secure reservation agreement available

South Woodham Ferrers

Guide Price

£450,000 - £475,000

• This well-presented Gough Cooper four bedroom detached family home is being marketed with the advantage of no onward chain and offers potential for extension STPC.

• The ground floor accommodation comprises: living room, fitted kitchen/diner with integrated appliances and a cloakroom. The first floor houses four bedrooms and a bathroom.

• Externally benefitting from an East-facing wraparound garden, a driveway providing off street parking for two vehicles and leading to an integral garage.

• The property is well-positioned for The Outstanding Woodville Primary School and convenient for South Woodham Ferrers Station with links to London via Liverpool Street.

• Council Tax Band: D

Brentwood t: 01277 216 800 e: sales@balgoreshayes.com

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559 e: lettings@balgoreloughton.com

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

e: sales@balgoresupminster.com

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424 e: sales@balgoreschelmsford.com

Ongar t: 01277 369 925 e: ongar@balgoreshayes.com

Wickford t: 01268 763 477 e: sales@balgoreswickford.com

South Woodham Ferrers £307,500

This well presented two bedroom terraced home is located in a lovely turning.

• The accommodation comprises: living room and fitted kitchen. The first floor houses two bedrooms and a modern shower room.

• Externally benefitting from a maintenance free West-facing garden and a driveway providing off street parking for two vehicles.

•The property is convenient for scenic river walks and Marsh Farm Country Park.

• Council Tax Band: B

GUIDE PRICE £450,000 - £475,000

• This modern detached bungalow occupies a nice position in a popular road within close proximity to the Railway Station and local shops.

• Having been re-decorated throughout and benefitting from a newly updated Kitchen this "turn key" bungalow is ready to move into.

• Featuring a light and spacious living room, a separate dining room/ bedroom three and two further bedrooms sharing and en-suite shower room and a well-appointed bathroom.

• Further benefitting from a modern gas central heating system with a Mega Flow pressurized hot water cylinder, uPVC double glazing throughout, a quality alarm system and hard wired fire alarm, this well maintained property should offer considerable piece of mind for the new owners.

• Having its own driveway to garage and an enclosed rear garden with gated access to the front this quality bungalow is offered with no forward chain and available for viewings.

• Early viewing is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

• Council Tax Band: E

• *Secure reservation agreement available

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038 e: sales@balgoresdagenham.com

Romford t: 01708 755 507 e: sales@balgoresromford.com

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955 e: sales@balgoresgravesend.com

To book a FREE valuation scan the QR code www.balgoresproperty.com

South Woodham Ferrers

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The Rotary Club’s 21st Swimarathon.

South Woodham Ferrers.

The Rotary Club’s 21st Swimarathon.

Over the weekend of 21st to 23rd March 2025, the Rotary Club of SWF held a Swimarathon at the Leisure Centre Swimming Pool. It was our 21st event and over those years thousands of swimmers have participated in the healthy and fun occasions, raising tens of thousand of pounds for worthy causes.

Treasured memories always in our hearts.

Missed by Brenda, Germaine, Jon and James and many others.

Over the weekend of 21st to 23rd March 2025, the Rotary Club of SWF Swimarathon at the Leisure Centre Swimming Pool. It was our 21st those years thousands of swimmers have participated in the healthy occasions, raising tens of thousand of pounds for worthy causes.

This year we were very grateful to the Mayor of our Town, Councillor Alan Shearring for starting the proceedings (as shown in the photo) following which, over the weekend, thirty-five teams and over two hundred swimmers took to the water, swimming solo in relay for 40 minutes and then as a team for five minutes of Mayhem. Teams from Collingwood; Elmwood; Trinity St. Mary’s and Woodville schools took part as did youth organisations; their leaders; family groups and our Inner Wheel. Our sincere thanks go to all participants and to the helpers and sponsors. It is an administrative challenge fronted by our Club which would be difficult to achieve without such support. But the end result has been a

SPENCE

Mildred Betty

Aged 95 years

Peacefully on 10th March 2025.

Funeral service will be held at Maldon Fields Crematorium on Wednesday 16thApril 2025 at 10:30 am.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Mundy House Care Centre (cheques made payable to Permacare Ltd) may be made via Tributes & Donations at www.pauljking.com or sent to

Paul J King Funeral Directors

5 Guild Way South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5TG 01245 321866

is a National Association of semi-retired/retired men from all walks of life , who meet together for fellowship and extension of their personal interests.

It is a unique opportunity for companionship, with monthly meetings now held just 4 miles

‘ Probus ‘ is a National Association of semi-retired/retired men from all walks of life , who meet together for fellowship and extension of their personal interests.

retired/retired men from all walks of life , who meet together for fellowship and extension of their personal interests.

political, and an opportunity to engage with like minded men in a convivial atmosphere, quite often graced with a Guest speaker, speaking on a topic of interest.

It is a unique opportunity for companionship, with monthly meetings now held just 4 miles away in Wickford..

This year we were very grateful to our Town, Councillor Alan Shearring the proceedings (as shown in the which, over the weekend, thirty-five over two hundred swimmers took swimming solo in relay for 40 minutes a team for five minutes of Mayhem. Collingwood; Elmwood; Trinity St. Woodville schools took part as did organisations; their leaders; family Inner Wheel. Our sincere thanks participants and to the helpers and an administrative challenge fronted which would be difficult to achieve support. But the end result has been raising money for Cancer Research Road; SWF Rotary Charitable Trust nominated by the teams.

It is a unique opportunity for companionship, with monthly meetings now held just 4 miles away in Wickford..

Why not give us a try ?

Please put next year’s event, 20th to 22nd March 2026, in your calendar participate in helping us to run another successful Swimarathon. It will

Our meetings are relaxed, friendly, non-political, and an opportunity to engage with like minded men in a convivial atmosphere, quite often graced with a Guest speaker, speaking on a topic of interest.

Contact:

Dudley Naslund 079451 690054

Why not give us a try ?

Contact:

Gordon Raymer 07532 267993

Dudley Naslund 079451 690054

Gordon Raymer 07532 267993

Lee

Spring is on its way we are told which will herald the start of our bowling season, playing league and friendly games within our Essex groups, and beyond.

Winter pairs matches are really hotting up now in play, if not temperature. There is still time for the tables to turn in making winners and runners up.

In the meantime, we were invited to play a friendly game with the Falcon Bowling Club, Chelmsford. This is an indoor club so the games would give new members an introduction to a different type of surface and game and a brush up for more established members. Good experience and learning curve for all, ending with drinks and refreshments.

Also, we recently got together to enjoy a quiz night at the Village Hall which was well supported by members and their friends and families. Good friendly banter the whole evening.

South Woodham Ferrers Bowling Club swfbowlsclub.@gmail.com

Thank You, Tesco!

South Woodham Ferrers United would like to say a big thank you to Tesco for awarding us a £500 grant as part of their Stronger Starts campaign. The funding will go towards an FA-led “Train the Coaches” session, helping us develop our coaching team and continue supporting players across all age groups.

We really appreciate the support – thank you, Tesco!

EVERY TYPE OF DAY … A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

The clocks have just gone forward, marking the beginning of British Summertime. One season flows seamlessly into the next: the snowdrops have come and gone, followed by crocuses, and then daffodils. The grass is growing, the birds are nesting, the bees are buzzing, and wildflowers are bursting into life as summer emerges. There was a song that hit the charts in 1965 called ‘Turn, Turn, Turn’ by The Byrds, which is all about the natural ebb and flow of time and the changing seasons. The lyrics of this song echo a beautiful Bible passage from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1-8, that goes like this.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Both the song and the Bible scripture tell of the things we experience at different times and seasons. There are times when we break down and cry and times when we laugh. Times we wish to forget and times we will treasure forever. Painful times and times that heal our pain. Times we loathe and times we love. Each of our lives has unique experiences; as has been the case throughout each generation, there have been contrasting highs and lows as the world turns and the seasons change.

What kind of season, week, day, or hour are you experiencing? Is it filled with overwhelming darkness, brimming with excitement for the future, or are you somewhere in between? It is comforting to know that God understands that times change and that each season of life can be different. God cares, comforts us in difficult moments, and rejoices with us when times are good. God knows our every thought, hears every prayer we murmur or shout, and can always be relied upon, as God always has time for us. God walks with us through every sort of day.

S.W.F Christian council

RNLI Fundraising 2025

Grey is fundraising again! Grey’s ambition is still to help people who get in trouble at and has a dream of becoming a coastguard lifeboat station at the end of Southend Pier. Grey is very passionate about raising money for the RNLI and saving living lives at sea. He would like to raise money within his local community to take any donations of 5p’s down to the lifeboat stations a How can I help Grey fundraise for this worthy cause?

If you can spare any 5p’s or loose change main office, Woodville Primary School, Brent Avenue, South Woodham Ferrers. Alternatively, please visit his JustGiving page to donate or scan the QR code. Thank you for your support. https://www.justgiving.com/page/g-clarke-625?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL Why 5p’s?

SWF COMMUNITY CARE (TRANSPORT)

YOUR MEDICAL APPOINTMENT DO YOU NEED TRANSPORT?

SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS COMMUNITY CARE

In 2014, Betty Frith – the honorary Treasurer of the RNLI Hertford branch for over 20 years – came up with the idea of washing the individual jam pots served up in cafes and hotels and reusing them as tiny collection jars for all those fiddly 5p pieces which end up at the bottom of your purse or pocket. The idea proved a huge success and has now been adopted by over 100 local RNLI branches, raising many thousands of pounds for the lifesaving work of the Institution.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

Is a local charity which provides a door to door service to take South Woodham residents, who have difficulty arranging their own transport, to medical appointments, normally within the Basildon, Chelmsford, Braintree, Southend and Maldon areas, including Crouch Vale Medical Centre.

Transport is provided by a pool of volunteer drivers.

How it works

The patient calls the Community Care Co-ordinator SANDRA 01245 321180

to request transport giving as much notice as possible. A message can be left if no one is at home.

Co-ordinator arranges a driver from the pool and rings the patient to advise the driver's name and pick-up time.

On the day - the driver takes the patient to the appointment and waits for them before taking them home.

How can I help Grey fundraise for this worthy cause?

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Clayton Engineering Limited (Registered No. 01274923). R.N.L.I. (Sales) Limited (registration number 2202240) also trading as RNLI Shop. RNLI College Limited (registration number 7705470). All companies are registered in England and Wales with registered o ffices at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

Patient puts a voluntary donation in an envelope and gives to the driver. All donations are paid into the Charity’s Bank Account at the end of each month.

There are suggested donation rates, depending on the distance of the appointment, but it is entirely up to what the patient can afford.

Our volunteer drivers are only reimbursed for their petrol expenses at the end of each month.

If you require further information please call Sandra

https://www.justgiving.com/page/g-clarke-625?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Why 5p’s?

Chelmsford Karate Club is celebrating a historic achievement as Sensei Jane Naylor-Jones has been promoted to Grading Examiner—the first woman to hold this prestigious role in the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB).

A lifelong martial artist, Sensei Jane has dedicated decades to training, competing, and coaching at the highest levels. She has represented Great Britain and England on the international stage, trained countless students, and helped shape multiple national, European, and world champions. This latest achievement is a testament to her deep commitment to karate and its values.

In 2014, Betty Frith – the honorary Treasurer of the RNLI Hertford branch for over 20 years of washing the individual jam pots served up in cafes and hotels and reusing them as tiny collection jars for all those fiddly 5p pieces which end up at the bottom of your purse or pocket. The idea proved a hu been adopted by over 100 local RNLI branches, rais many thousands of pounds for the lifesaving work of the Institution.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

Her promotion is also a poignant moment of history. Sensei Jane is the daughter of Charlie Naylor, a founding member of the KUGB, and her mother was one of the first women to practice karate, paving the way for future generations. Karate has always been a family tradition—Sensei Jane and her brother, Mark, began training in 1967 when their father started Chelmsford Karate Club at the YMCA. Today, that tradition continues, with her husband, Richard (6th Dan), and daughters, Bronte (brown belt) and Megan (3rd Dan), all actively in the sport.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey a nd Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Clayton Engineering Limited (Registered No. 01274923). R.N.L.I. (Sales) Limited (registration number 2202240) also trading as RNLI Shop. RNLI College Limited (registration number 7705470). All companies are registered in England and Wales with registered o ffices at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

What makes Sensei Jane’s journey even more remarkable is that she has battled chronic asthma all her life. Despite this, she has never let it hold her back, proving that perseverance

and dedication can overcome even the toughest challenges. Her success is an inspiration to students of all ages, showing that karate is not just about physical strength but also resilience and determination.

Her story is a reminder that karate is for everyone—regardless of age, ability, or background. Whether for fitness, confidence, discipline, or personal challenge, anyone can benefit from the lifelong lessons that martial arts offer.

“This isn’t just a personal achievement— it’s a reflection of the dedication of all those who have supported and trained alongside me over the years,” said Sensei Jane. “Karate has given me so much, and I’m honoured to take on this new role and continue to uphold the highest standards.”

Chelmsford Karate Club has been a cornerstone of martial arts in the region for over 57 years. The club prides itself on developing not just strong athletes but strong individuals, instilling discipline, respect, and resilience in students of all ages.

This promotion is a historic moment for both the club and the KUGB, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and the recognition of outstanding karateka.

For more information about Chelmsford Karate Club, visit www.chelmsford-karate.co.uk or call 07973 672663.

Featuring the Czech soprano Eva Romanakova

Accompanied by Andrew Palmer

Join us for a memorable performance in this wonderful setting of All Saints.

Whatever your passion in music, there will be something for you and everyone, from opera to show tunes and everything in between.

Tickets £10, available in advance or on the day. contact:

Easter Monday 21st April 2025 3pm

Birthdays

Hello April

With Centre Manager at Meadowcroft

• Plant up hanging baskets and patio tubs with summer flowering plants and grow-on in frost-free conditions. Remember to mix in slow, or continuous-release fertiliser to the compost when planting.

• Raise the air temperature around half-hardy plants by laying horticultural fleece over them on nights where frost is forecast.

• Scatter Fish, blood and bone, or chicken manure pellets over the soil around established trees and shrubs to give them a boost.

• Hoe off annual weeds in the vegetable patch, or use a pelargonic acid-based weedkiller to create a sterile bed for sowing and planting.

• Plant out 2nd early and maincrop seed potatoes.

• Place Cabbage collars around the base of brassicas to prevent Cabbage root fly from attacking.

• Apply Evergreen complete to lawns to help create a lush lawn for the summer.

• Hang apple and plum moth traps in the fruit trees to keep an eye on the moth population and prepare for attack!!

• Pot up tired houseplants into a slightly larger pot than the existing one. Begin feeding 6 weeks after potting.

• Prune hardy Fuchsias back to the highest sins of growth.

• Keep sowing small batches of carrots, radish, lettuce and spring onions to provide regular crops throughout the summer.

• Sow cucumbers and marrows this month and grow on in a warm, light place. Plant outside when all risk of frost has gone.

I’m about to jinx this month’s weather, but what I have to say is important! Although April is known for its showers, it is actually the second driest month of the year here in Essex. Luckily, the soil is moist this year, so new and established plants in the ground will thrive. However, planted containers will need to be checked frequently for watering. Showers get us wet when we’re

out in them, but they don’t always penetrate container soil. Rainwater tends to run over plant canopies and onto the floor, missing the roots entirely. A slow and steady watering routine is essential to keep container plants healthy.

The moist soil has encouraged grass to grow, making April the perfect time to give your lawn some TLC. Investing time in lawn care now will pay dividends for the remainder of the year, ensuring healthier and stronger growth. Miracle-Gro® Complete 4 in 1 Lawn Care is a great all-round treatment that is easy to apply. These specially formulated granules not only feed your grass but also help to eliminate weeds and moss, resulting in a thicker, healthier lawn. Any moss present in the lawn will turn black within a week, creating space to sow fresh grass seed.

This month is also ideal for sowing a variety of vegetable and herb seeds. Runner beans, courgettes, cucumbers, sweetcorn, and basil can all be started now. These plants germinate quickly under the right conditions, so be sure to check them regularly. They may need potting up or planting out before they outgrow their root space.

April is also a fantastic time to sow ornamental plant seeds. Some of my favourites include sunflowers, nasturtiums, cornflowers, echinacea, and sweet peas. These plants will bring vibrant colour to your garden and attract pollinators throughout the summer months.

If you don’t have the time or space to grow from seed, Meadow Croft Garden Centre offers a magnificent range of spring-hardy ornamental and edible plants. Be sure to ask the team whether the plants have been hardened off. If they have, you can plant them out immediately. Then, all that remains is to sit back and enjoy a splendid display of flowers and a delicious harvest of homegrown fruits and vegetables!

SIMON SAYS MONTHLY GARDENING ADVICE

Happy 6th birthday to our crazy and amazing Alfie, lots of love mummy, Isaac, Oliver and Eleanor-rose

Happy 11th birthday Tom and Joe, lots of love, Mum and Dad xx

Happy 16th birthday Evie Arnold lots of love from Auntie

A BIG happy birthday to our wonderful granddaughter Phoebe. Loads of love from Nan & Grandad xxx

April 2025

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council Newsletter

toallthatturned outforthe communitylitter pickincludingthe childrenofthe EcoCommitteeof TrinityStMary’s CofESchool

Residents are encouraged to register on the Chelmsford City Council website to receive notifications and updates of applications in their area:

https://www chelmsford gov uk/planningand-building-control Planning Authority – Chelmsford City Council (01245 606 826)

Forthcoming events & meetings

Tue 8th April 2025 Finance & Projects Committee Meeting

Wed 9th April 2025

Senior’s Film Club Paddington in Peru

Doors midday, film at 12 30pm

Tue 15th April 2025

Annual Town Meeting

Sat 19th April 2025

Easter Egg Hunt

Bandstand 10am till noon

Tue 29th April 2025

Planning & Environment Committee Meeting

Thurs 8th May 2025

VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting SWF Village Hall 6 30pm till 10pm

Sun 11th May 2025

VE Day 80 Senior’s Sing-a-long Champions Manor Hall 1pm till 3pm

Tue 13th May 2025

Annual Council Meeting

Tue 20th May 2025

Events, Community & Leisure Committee Meeting

MAYORAL ENGAGEMENT

Should you wish to arrange a Mayoral Engagement, please call the office on 01245 321817

Alternatively a Mayoral Engagement form can be downloaded from the website.

If you intend on attending the meetings, please contact the Town Clerk (01245 429446 or katkins@southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk) For a full meeting schedule visit www.southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS

To report streetlamps not working, overgrown vegetation, potholes etc. please contact Essex County Council www.essexhighways.org/tellus/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

On street parking restrictions are managed by the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) https://www chelmsford gov uk/parking-andtravel/south-essex-parking-partnership-sepp/

SWF Community Care Community Care Co-Ordinator: Sandra 01245 321180

Food Bank - Located at New Life Church, Clements Green Lane, every Wednesday 10am to 12pm

DISTINGUISHED HONOURS

It is with great pleasure that we advise you that both Martin and Jane Holden are to be awarded the Distinguished Honours Award at the Annual Town Meeting to recognise their selfless support work for the youth of South Woodham Ferrers with the local Boys’ Brigade Company Congratulations to them both!

South Woodham Ferrers WI March Report

The first of our outings this year was to the Brick Lane Music Hall to see an Irish Show, as it was nearly St Patrick’s Day. The production was excellent with plenty of Irish songs delivered by first class male singers. These were interspersed with the compère, Vincent Hayes MBE, telling jokes, dancing and singing too.

There was a delightful three course meal with traditional Irish fare, namely potato, pea and cauliflower soup, followed by bacon, cabbage and potato with tarragon dressing and finished with a very light sponge with the colours of the Irish flag!

One of our ladies has a birthday on St Patrick’s Day and she was serenaded by 200 people with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. She told us it was her best birthday ever!

We had noticed the lack of ladies on the programme but this was rectified right at the end of the performance with a young lady violinist who could really play her instrument. She was also able to dance around the stage whilst so doing – amazing!

Many thanks go to Shirley for yet again organising another splendid outing. We are all looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

This month we celebrated the 102nd birthday of our WI. We always start the afternoon on these occasions with a super buffet supplied by The Eatery. This year was no exception and the variety of food was lovely. Thanks go to Glen, Linda and the Girls who always look after us so well.

We were very pleased to welcome two ladies from Millwood WI and two from Woodham Ferrers WI to join us for the afternoon. After lunch, it was on to the entertainment which was supplied by Martyn Harrison. Martyn is a well-respected singer, having appeared in many West End shows, particularly Andrew Lloyd Webber productions. He told us that once you have been in one, you are regularly recalled to audition for others. He has a very powerful voice and treated us to songs from My Fair Lady, Cats, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and even a comedy song by Flanders and Swann, Mud, Mud Glorious Mud. This last one prompted loud audience participation!

After this we enjoyed a 102nd birthday cake and tea made by the Committee.

Many thanks to them (and Dave!) who worked hard setting up the room and clearing up afterwards. It all made for a very enjoyable afternoon.

“One method of carpet cleaning is as good as another”

Kevin Barber of Careclean, Carpet Cleaning Business has been established for over 40 years and will be writing our featured monthly column on Cleaning providing tips and guidance to keeping your home clean and healthy.

No. The dry-cleaning methods – which are dry foam, dry chemicals and dry compound – do not rinse your carpet in any way. Instead, they may leave a dirty residue. These are good maintenance methods to keep the carpet clean, but you must use them every few weeks. The most effective cleaning method is hot water extraction, which is the most popular method used today. Hot water extraction means a hot water cleaning solution, under high pressure, is forced into your carpet and then sucked out of your carpet. Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, recommends hot water extraction as the primary method of cleaning carpets, along with an IICRC approved firm. Carpet and Upholstery cleaners use one of two types of hot water extraction. If they use a large unit that operates from a van or truck outside your home/ facility, it’s called “Truck – Mount” extraction. If they use a smaller unit that can be brought inside, it’s called a portable extraction unit. Shaw’s first choice is a Truck – Mounted unit and it recommends the small, portable machine for the areas a Truck – Mount won’t reach. The Truck –Mounted System cleans much better because it heats the water to a higher temperature which breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals and pollens in the carpet. Then the machine uses high suction to draw the dirt and chemicals out of your carpet. This is the method my company uses.

Give Careclean a call on 01245 323989 to book in your free no obligation quote. We will arrange to visit you at a convenient time and talk through your cleaning options.

Essex Physiotherapy Clinic require a Part-Time

Receptionist/Secretary

Tuesdays 9am-5pm & Thursdays 4.30pm-8pm and be flexible for holiday and sickness cover.

Applicant should have good secretarial skills and feel confident liaising with, and supporting our patients. Have working knowledge of social media. Email with CV to Nadine Goodman at info@essexphysio.co.uk Closing date 14th April 2025

WOODHAMFEST 2

June 2025

Plans for WoodhamFest 2 have now extended to events in Woodham Ferrers, where there will be a fete in the churchyard on Sunday 29th June, local history displays and a special service in St Mary’s Church itself and a Karaoke night is being planned in the Bell. Things are still taking shape; however it is hoped to provide and entertaining weekend for everyone. One request – does anyone have a mannequin or two that they would lend us to display the 1970s dresses that the ladies from the WI still have? - please call Mike Fogg on 01245-328337 if you can offer to help.

The event will take place over the weekend of June 27th, 28th and 29th. If you would like to share your memories, please contact Mike Fogg on 328337 or email a contribution to mikefogg@btinternet.com

FOCUS

March was packed with important developments. April will be equally busy. This article reports the most important news briefly due to space constraints. See final paragraph for ways to get more information.

Winter illnesses have peaked. Whilst flu is decreasing, Respiratory illnesses and Covid are increasing again. Recently Norovirus reached the highest since records began in 2014 and remains high. Most healthy people recover from Norovirus in a few days, but vulnerable people and young children may get serious problems. It spreads easily; just a few viral particles can infect someone, including by close contact with someone with the virus, or eating food prepared by someone with it. It also sticks on surfaces. You can catch Norovirus twice.

If you have Norovirus

• Stay home; don’t return to work or school until two days after the vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped

• Drink plenty

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water; disinfectants don’t work well against the virus; nor do alcohol hand gels

• If you’re concerned - eg if a child can’t keep fluids down or the illness doesn’t stop after a few days - seek medical advice.

NHS England is being abolished. It will be brought into the Department of Health. This is to free up more money for frontline services. It’s expected to take around two years. 50% of the 14,400 NHS England staff and the 3,500 Department of Health staff go. This move gives government more control and accountability for the promised service improvements.

The English GPs ‘strike’has been settled. During the next year patients

Patients represented by the Save Maldon's Medical Services group have won a tremendous victory for all those living in areas that have relied so heavily on St Peter's Hospital in the past. The hospital has been given a 5 year reprieve whist suitable arrangements for provision of services are made. So what can be done?

No doubt dozens of proposals will be made - but here's one more. The King's Fund points out that the number of hospital beds in England has decreased by more than half over the past 30 years (from around 299,000 in 1987/88 to 141,000 in 2019/20). The UK now has a very low number of hospital beds - around half the European average: 2.43 per 1,000 population versus 5.73 in France and 7.82 in Germany.

As we are all aware, because there is so little reserve capacity, every winter there is enormous pressure on hospital beds - and if there is an unexpected occurrence (such as a pandemic) the hospitals are overwhelmed. This situation is exacerbated by bed-blockers - those who can't be sent home because there is so little support in the community. The last figure I saw was one in seven beds are now blocked.

Bed blockers are a problem throughout the year. When I was a junior doc at Addenbrookes (working for the late, great Prof Roy Calne) we used to be able to send patients to a convalescent home in Hunstanton ... and when I was a GP in SWF there were wards at St Peters where patients could be sent when they no longer needed the level of care provided at Broomfield. These arrangements meant that the acute hospitals could operate efficiently. There is nothing of this sort available now in Mid Essex.

Here's a suggestion that might create a similar provision ... for a hotel chain (such as Premier Inns) to build a hotel on the St Peter's site and form a symbiosis with the NHS. This would be financially attractive to the hotel management and would still be MUCH cheaper leaving patients blocking beds in the acute hospitals ... bearing the mind that the cost of a standard general ward bed is around £586.59 per day (and much more in some cases, depending on the type of ward.)

The deal would involve negotiating e.g. a 50 year lease on the part of the site occupied on condition that, for example, two floors of the hotel are set aside for NHS patients at a reasonable rate ... so the hotel management would know there is a guaranteed income. In the good old days, GPs very often looked after patients in cottage hospitals – and enjoyed the work as it widened the scope of their practice - so the local practices might be persuaded to do likewise if they got brand spanking new surgery premises

will get to book more appointments online and request to see their usual doctor. Red tape and targets will reduce, freeing doctors to see more patients.

English Community pharmacies are considering starting to work to rule unless a new NHS contract is agreed. Action could involve reducing opening hours and cutting services. Pharmacies have a vital role as the NHS shifts away from hospitals and back to the community; we need them more than ever.

The NHS has issued a follow up survey about their 10 year plan consultation at (1) Project: Your priorities for change | Change NHS focusing on patient choice, how to support staff to care for patients, and using technology to improve people’s experiences of the NHS. Please have a look at this and share your views, so that the eventual plan is shaped by the voices of those who actually use services.

GPs are inviting eligible people to book spring Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS national booking system https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccinationand-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/ is open to 7.5 million eligible people, including everyone aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people with a weakened immune system. UKHSA’s latest report on UK infectious diseases shows rises in endemic and vaccine-preventable infections. Such diseases caused 20%+ hospital bed usage, costing £6bn in 2023-24. This winter has shown us how reduced immunity has brought record infections. We must get our vaccinations.

Since September 2023 the Mid & South Essex dental access initiative has delivered over 23,500 UrgentAppointments.

Public health news is on our website and in weekly e-newsletters. SWF Library provides online services and help with internet access. For health & welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com , or leave voicemails on 01245 322079. https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/

(which they have desperately needed for many years) on the same site. The deal for the bed-blocking patients would be e.g. that they would get free accommodation for two weeks giving time for suitable discharge arrangements to b made (the NHS footing, the bill for the rooms, the cost of which, as I say, would be vastly cheaper than the cost of a hospital bed). The NHS would be relieved of the responsibility for the premises - but would need to provide the staff and equipment.

How it would work

This would be a low dependency facility for those who are fit for discharge from local hospitals such as Broomfield but can't be sent home because they don't have the support they need at home.

As mentioned above, floors would be permanently booked by the NHSassuring a steady income stream. There would need to be one nurse on the premises (or nearby) at all times - who can be shared with the nearby general practice. CCTV and alarm cords would have to be installed in all rooms (so patients who have problems are quickly spotted) - and they will need to sign consent forms allowing monitoring or this could be regarded as an invasion of their privacy. There would also need to be a porter onsite to assist with heavy lifting etc.

Other healthcare professionals (such as physiotherapists) could come and go as the need arises.

The extensive site would provide ample room for relocating the existing GP practices. As part of the deal GPs would look in on the patients during day (in exchange for a reasonable deal on their new premises.)

These is also a need for additional facilities. If the local NHS is relived of some of the burden there is a slim chance it could get its act together to provide these.

Throughout most of the time I was in practice in SWF, management have been discussing a replacement for St Peters. A scarcely believable level of incompetence has resulted in failure to make any meaningful progress whatsoever. Let's hope that more can be achieved in the next 5 years than in the past 30!

John Cormack