The Local Business Guide: Rochford & Hockley 3

FREE

Rochford and Hockley bringing local businesses to local people

Delivered free to 7,500 homes

Oct - Dec 2012

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Welcome A very warm welcome to the latest edition of the Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide.

The London Olympics have been and gone and provided us with a great feel good factor and some great moments to cherish, but it’s now back to reality and austerity! But do not worry, the featured articles in this edition provide some good ideas for excellent free days out for the kids around Essex (page 6) and some excellent money saving tips (page 24).

We also have our regular community feature on the Acres Way Kennels (pages 12-13) to try and help them re-home some lovely dogs that need a second chance. We also have a feature on Niki Cornish, a local photographer exhibiting at the local Beecroft Art Gallery (page 10) and an article promoting the services offered by the Hockley and Hawkwell Over 55 Social Centre (page 28).

We also have features on the History of Hockley (pages 16-17) and an article on the Rochford Lesney Factory, one of the towns biggest employers in the 1970’s and 1980’s (pages 22-23) and a piece entitled ‘Food for Thought’ which provides an interesting analysis of the benefits that different foods give you (pages 26-27).

If you have any interesting stories about Rochford or if you are a local team, association or charity that would like to be featured in any future editions of the Local Business Guide then please drop us a line at: info@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk We would like to thank all of our business advertisers for supporting our Rochford/Hockley Local Business Guide and would ask our readers to support their local businesses in order to help secure local jobs.

Please visit our website at www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk where you will find our latest guide on-line.

Please do not forget to mention our Business Guide when contacting businesses featured in this magazine!

The Rochford & Hockley Local Business Guide Publisher Email: info@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Advertisers Index GARDEN SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENT & CONSTRUCTION CLEANING 11 DECORATOR 4 FLOORING Inside Back NEW HOMES 2 ROOFING 25 VINTAGE WORKFORCE / VARIOUS TRADES 15 WINDOWS 32 FINANCIAL, LEGAL & PROPERTY SERVICES INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISOR Centre Pages LEGAL / SOLICITORS Back Page HOUSEHOLD & LIFESTYLE CAR PAINTWORK / REPAIRS / MOT / ACCESSORIES

21, 31, 34 CATERING / CREAM TEAS 14 EDUCATIONAL / TUITION 14, 15 EVENTS COMPANY 7 FUNERAL DIRECTOR 29 FURNISHINGS 25 FLORIST 31 FLYING CLUB 29 GOLF CLUB 3 HOTEL/RESTAURANT Inside Front, 29 IT / MULTI-MEDIA 5 HEALTH & BEAUTY OPTICIANS PRIVATE HOSPITAL SERVICES

5, 11 8, 9

The Local Business Guide do not make any recommendations as to the fitness of the advertisers appearing in this publication to carry our their services and no recommendations should be deemed to have been made.

All rights reserved. No part of The Local Business Guide Limited publications may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher.

This magazine is published by The Local Business Guide Ltd © The Local Business Guide 2012 Front Cover Photo courtesy of Niki Cornish Photography

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

1

2

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

ÂŁ19.95

FOR 18 HOLES Including

BURGER & CHIPS Monday to Friday after 10 am Please bring this voucher with you.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Expires 8th October 2012

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

3

4

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Sports Sunglasses See better Prescription Sport Eyewear Single Vision | Varifocals Power Range +6.00 to -8.00

Perfect Vision | Opticians

100 Ferry Road Hullbridge

Tel 01702 232 222

01702 411222 info@square22.com

WEBSITE CREATION, ESSEX At Square22, we provide digital solutions. We offer a professional and bespoke website creation service, from start to finish.

Our services include website design, website development, search engine optimisation, social media marketing, hosting, domain name management and much more...

GET O NL FOR J INE UST

Get your company or organisation online We can create a web presence for your company or organisation, including web hosting, personalised email and your own domain name for just £99+vat.

For more details, please call 01702 411222

£99

+VAT

Valid until January 2013 Offer applies to new customers only Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

5

Free Days Out In Essex Hadleigh Castle is open all year and is free to visit! After many years and the effects of land subsidence, the castle has been left in ruins, but two towers constructed in the era of Edward III still remain. It is a historic place to visit which overlooks the Essex marshes and Thames estuary- a great day out for a picnic or time to spend with the family!

Maldon Promenade Park is completely free with loads of fun stuff to do for both adults and children so is perfect for families! There are many take away kiosks, a scenic lake, sand pits, a splash water park, a children’s’ playground, wildlife area, grass recreation areas and much more to enjoy and experience!

Danbury Lakes is set within the grounds of Danbury Place. It has walking routes that take you around the beautiful waters of the lakes. Again, it is perfect for peaceful picnics where there are benches overlooking the tranquil lakes and in the spring and summer you can view the spectacular flower displays! Throughout the year there are also various children and family activities to enjoy.

Leigh-on-Sea Beach has been voted in the top 100 British Beaches, it is a lovely sandy beach which stretches on for seven miles from Leigh to Shoeburyness! It’s excellent for swimming, sailing and even windsurfing- the best part is it’s a free fun day out!

6

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

7

8

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

9

Working for the Community

Local Photographer Niki Cornish Exhibits at the Beecroft Art Gallery N

iki Cornish, a contemporary photographer has been passionately preparing for her upcoming photographic exhibition. After spending six months searching for the right person in the perfect surroundings and frame, she has finally put together her new collection.

The daughter of a soldier, Niki spent much of her childhood moving from army base to army base. Not settling into any school, she was eventually educated in Hampshire, whilst her parents relocated to Africa.

This way of life gave Niki great independence and the journeys to other parts of the world opened her eyes to new cultures and traditions.

Niki’s work is diverse, aiming to capture the essence of human nature, whether it be in a glance towards the lens, a subtle gesture or an outburst!

Niki believes that life can be beautiful and hopes that she has successfully captured those moments which make life an unforgettable, yet challenging journey.

Her exhibition called ‘Click’ runs from 13th November until 8th December 2012 and is being held at The Beecroft Art Gallery, opposite The Cliffs Pavilion.

Opening times can be found on the gallery website.

Admission is free.

The neon flower picture is in Chalkwell Park and is made from a design done by the Children at Darlinghurst Primary School.

10

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

11

Working for the Community

Can you help Re-Home a Dog from Acres Way Kennels?

A

cres Way Kennels has been caring for dogs over 20 years.

They take in strays for both Southend and Rochford councils, and from members of the public.

If you’ve found a stray dog in Southend or the surrounding areas, you should, in the first instance, contact Southend Council on 01702 215836. If you found the dog in Basildon, you should contact Basildon Council on 01268 533333 Sometimes, due to no fault of their own, people find they need to rehome their dogs. Acres Way are sometimes able to take these dogs into their kennels, and find new homes for them. They are visited by a large number of people each week looking to adopt a dog, and are often able to match dogs to new owners within a short period of time. This is far less stressful on the dog in the long run.

Their ability to take in dogs for rehoming is dependent on the number of kennels they have available at the time - space is limited, and they are required to keep a number of kennels free for any strays that may be found by the council. That said, they will always endeavour to do their best to help you, should you find yourself in this difficult situation. Please note, that due to limited kennel space and resources, a fee is charged for this service. If you feel you may need to rehome your dog, please call the kennels on 01268 770402 between 10am and 3pm and ask to speak to Tom. Adopting a Dog If you think you might be able to offer a dog a good home, the first thing you need to do is to go down to the kennels, select a suitable dog you like, take it for a walk and see how you get on. Some people and dogs just don’t get along, so before reserving a dog, the Acres Way staff would need to see if you suit each other. If you have children, or another dog, they

12

recommend that you bring them with you, to make sure that everyone will get on.

Once you have visited the dogs, and hopefully found one that matches your lifestyle and expectations, a member of staff will arrange a convenient time for a home check. These are usually carried out within 2 or 3 days of your visit and take about half an hour. Once the home check is complete, you’ll be able to collect your dog. You will need to bring with you some identification showing your current address, and the £130 adoption fee. It may also benefit you to bring a lead and collar, but if you do not have one, they do have a number available for sale at the kennels.

Their staff will be on hand if you have any questions, and will be able to guide you through the adoption process. All the staff and dogs at Acres Way look forward to seeing you!

Re-Homing Update Brilliant news - Jake, the 8 year old male German Sheppard we featured in our last edition has now been successfully re-homed with a very kind lady along with some help from her friends.

Jake was originally picked up in the Basildon area and we can only assume that he was a yard dog. He was covered head to toe in oil, his ears have been clipped and had a terrible infection set in. His feet were also in a horrendous condition and for the first week he was unable to stand. Jake has endured a hard life.

He is still undergoing treatment on his ears which will be an on-going problem but now he is in a good home and receiving constant care and affection to help him continue to live a happy and healthy life.

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

This month’s featured dogs Toby - Lurcher  Male / Age 3-4

Toby is a very sociable dog and mixes well with other dogs. It is unknown if he okay with other animals or children. He is a very friendly boy and loves to play with all the other dogs.

How to contact them Acres Way Kennels, Great Burches Road Thundersley, Essex SS7 3NE They are open 10am-3pm 7 days a week.

Visitors are welcome at any time during these hours - no appointment is necessary.

By email: contact@acresway.co.uk By phone: 01268 770402

 Sebastian - Jack Russell Terrier

Male / Age 4-5

Unfortunately Sebastian still remains without a loving home from our last issue. He was collected by the dog warden as he was found wandering the streets. He was very under weight and in need of a good wash. Although not very good with other dogs or cats he is brilliant with adults, children and is very affectionate and loves a fuss.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

13

Take Advantage of a Free Assessment and See How Kumon Study Can Benefit Your Child We all know the importance of maths and English. It has been widely shown, for instance, that young people with better literacy and numeracy skills are far more likely to succeed in gaining good employment and fulfilling their potential later in life.

Kumon Educational, the UK’s leading supplementary education provider, offer maths and English study programmes which are tailored to each child’s ability. Kumon’s unique method focuses on your child as an individual, providing them with transferable skills and the ability to learn for themselves.

As a result, children can improve their allround academic performance and also gain the confidence to tackle new challenges both in and outside of the classroom.

14

Before enrolling, your child will benefit from a Free Assessment. This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that your child’s Kumon study is individualised to their needs from the outset. Once enrolled, your child will start on the programmes at a level they are comfortable with. This ensures that they establish a daily study habit and that there are no gaps in their understanding of the subject before moving on.

The Hockley centre is run by Alexandra Ruddell, who has been a Kumon instructor for 15 years. The centre is located at Hockley Community Centre Association on Westminster Drive and classes take place on Mondays and Thursdays.

To get more information or to take advantage of a Free Assessment, call Alex on 01702 206341 or email hockley@kumoncentre.co.uk.

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

15

History of Hockley Too large to be a village, but too small to be called a town, Hockley is a large village and civil parish in Essex, lying between Rayleigh and Rochford while the urban area runs into the neighbouring parish of Hawkwell. It came to prominence during the coming of the railway in the 1890s.

In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson’s Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Hockley like this: ‘Hockley, a village and a parish in Rochford district, Essex. The village stands on a hill, 1½ mile S of the river Crouch, 4 NW of Rochford, and 6 N-of Benfleet r. station; and has a post office under Chelmsford. The parish comprises 4, 614 acres. Real property, £6, 108; of which £65 are in fisheries. Pop., 798. Houses, 170.

The property is much subdivided. High grounds here command some fine views. Wharves, and remains of an ancient bridge, are on the Crouch at Hull-Bridge; and the river there is fordable at low water.’

16

Hockley Mount The name Hockley is derived from an Anglo Saxon word meaning a small hill and Hockley is the home of a burial mound, Plumberow Mount, a mound that tops a hill at the end of Plumberow Avenue. The Mount was excavated in 1913, by Mr. E. B. Francis, in the hope that it would yield a wealthy burial. At the time, there was a summer house on the top of the mound, and so trenches were cut on three sides. The excavation found a Roman coin of Domitian and some Saxon pottery which may indicate a secondary burial. The oval mound is 14 feet (4.3 m) high, and 76 feet (23 m) in diameter, with a flattened top.

The Church Hockley is mentioned no less that three times in the 1086 Domesday Book and the then hamlet of Plumberow twice. At that time the main manor of Hocheleia – as it was then called – was in the possession of the royal Saxon abbey of St. Mary’s, Barking. The abbey retained its responsibility for the living of Hockley’s beautiful church of St Peter and Paul until the Reformation when it eventually passed into the possession of Wadham College, Oxford. The small and much loved church, stands on a high hill to the north-west of the village with magnificent views across the Crouch valley. The present building dates mainly from 1220, when it was enlarged. It has a nave which was possibly built before the twelfth century, a thirteen century chancel and a fourteenth century tower, the upper half of which is octagonal and was built at a later date. The tower holds three bells, manufactured

by Miles Gray in 1626, by James Bartlett in 1684 and by John Hodgson in 1657, and the building is Grade II* listed.

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Next to the church and opposite the old manor house, is Hockley’s original school which first opened its doors in 1839. When the building became too small a new school was built on the High Road in 1903.

Hockley Woods To the rear of school are Hockley Woods, which for centuries served the local community as a resource for fuel and building material. The woods were divided amongst a number of owners and jealousy guarded with high earth banks, which can still be seen today. Southend pier was constructed with timber from Hockley Woods. Today there is still a large wooded area named Hockley woods.

The Victorian Pump Room and Spa In the centre of the village there is situated a grade II listed Victorian pump room which became known as Hockley Spa. The building was built as a spa to a design by John Lockyer in 1842, after Robert Clay found a medicinal spring in 1838. The pump room and a hotel to accommodate the expected visitors were completed in 1843. In the 19th century, there was a general feeling that spas were both desirable and profitable. A spa was proposed for Hockley taht was going to make the village’s fortune, and it was expected to rank alongside Bath, Buxton, Leamington, Harrogate and Tunbridge Wells.

Unfortunately the fashion for taking the waters was on the wane, with people preferring instead to visit the new seaside resorts such as Southend, and the venture failed. Hockley sank back into sleepy obscurity until becoming a commuter settlement in the post war years.

It was subsequently used both as a Baptist chapel and then as a factory. The Pump Room survives, however, close to Hockley Station, and is now in private ownership.

The Coming of the Railway in 1889 The quiet and pretty village of Hockley changed forever in 1889 when the Great Eastern Railway reached Hockley. With the village now easily accessible to London, local landowners grasped the opportunity to ‘get rich quick’ and sold off their farmland for development. Special trains were run from London and the plots of land were sold at auctions, where champagne flowed freely. Eventually the holiday shacks that were erected into more permanent dwellings and the Hockley of today was born.

Hockley’s Watering Holes There are three well known pubs in Hockley, which are still in business- the Spa Hotel in the village, the Bull Inn, located in a timber framed and weatherboarded seventeenth century building and the White Hart Inn west of the village. The village green at the White Hart has hosted cricket games, bonfires on 5 November, and many other children’s games in the past. In addition, the Hockley community centre has a members bar and provides a venue for numerous local groups and clubs.

Hockley is also the site of the Bullwood Hall men’s prison, which was a women’s prison until 2006. www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

17

THE LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDE WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Money Guidance

by Martin Lamb Dip. PFS Certs C11 (MP & ER)

W

elcome to the first Money Guidance page of the Local Business Guide. From the content of the media stories it would be easy to think that the financial world is about to come to an end and that economically we are all going back to the caves! The media love to run stories on whose fault the current crisis is, and apportion blame, but that does not help us to move forward.

Whilst we are undoubtedly in difficult times I believe that fantastic investment opportunities are being overlooked. The whole World is undergoing a transition of both economic and political power from the West to the East and Emerging Markets.

in the East and Emerging markets will continue to drive commodity prices and wages upwards, and as we are a significant net importer of goods made in these countries, and we have structurally weakened Sterling by printing more money, that Sterling will devalue relative to these currencies. This makes imports even more expensive, and adding fuel to the inflation fire. Interest rates are not going up in any significant way for several years, and the real value of ‘safe’ cash, gilts, National Savings, and Premium Bonds will be eroded at a considerable rate.

Over the last 12 months concerns in Europe over sovereign debt and the impact on their banking system have held markets back. In recent months policymakers have taken positive steps and secured enough support to allow European Banks to cope with what is effectively an “orderly default” in Greece. However issues in Spain are now becoming prevalent and in outright terms their debt dwarfs that of Greece. The situation in Europe is without doubt very serious however if the policy makers do get it right, and on balance we believe they will because the impact of getting it wrong is almost too significant to contemplate, then there will be a massive release of capital into world stock markets. This is currently tied up in cash and Government Bonds and we believe that this will be moved into Stocks and Shares globally but especially in the growth markets of the world and Commodities.

1. That it is absolutely VITAL that you spread your investments across different asset types. There is much more to effective investing than just Stocks and Shares. Blue Chip Commercial property, Corporate Bonds and Fixed Interest securities issued by the largest soundest companies, Commodities and Energy, Bonds issued by more credit worthy countries, and strengthening Currencies should all form part of your portfolio. The key is holding them in the right proportions at the right time to minimise Risk.

The great irony of this is that the value of the traditional ‘safe haven’ assets, ie Gilts could fall significantly in this scenario, and, if you add in the impact of long term high inflation, then even cash is going to prove a poor investment.

It is our belief that on-going economic growth

18

So you must remember;

2. That you or your adviser MUST be reviewing your investments to allow for the short term risks within the Eurozone, but also to make sure they continue to be reviewed to allow for the outcomes of the Euro crisis, whether that be positive or not.

3. And that what appears to be SAFE in this changing world, might NOT be………

Martin Lamb, Managing Director of Joseph R Lamb Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. This article does not constitute investment advice, readers should seek an assessment of their needs and requirements before making any decisions based on the content of this article

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

19

Wordsearch Can you find the 12 foods hidden below:

Z Q P O R E C O N I H R • • • •

20

F R I C E A R B E S C I

PIZZA PASTA SAUCE SALAD

Q A Z C J F W W A O H H

P Z Z C S B S U N Q I Y

Q E A U A R C O N P C K

E L E E N E N T P U K O • • • •

T L M S D A P O E L E X

V E N E W D P I P L N M

E G Z E I O W Z A S L R

F I S H C G I R S O U P

BREAD CHICKEN FISH SOUP

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

D T A C H R O O T L A M • • • •

P K M E F T O Q A B N E

E U Y E K N O M L H E D

RICE CHEESE SANDWICH BURGER

S D S A L A D F O J Y N

U E P L U R E G R U B C

ANNUAL CAR SERVICE

£145

ount Disc MOTs rbike Moto n Site o

Including

• Brake Check • Oil & Filter Change • Anti - Freeze Check • Brake Fluid Condition • Oil & Fluid Levels Checked

HAVE AN MOT WITH YOUR SERVICE FOR JUST

£30

• Free Retest if Required • Same Day Service

ISS CE N ’T M r DON ENTRA que ba o r W a E N B I N THE the new L HERE IL T ind Beh E’RE ST STREE T W S WE

IM A GE

G TTIN I F E TYR ICE ON V SER ITE S

PHONE: 01702 544284 / 548431 EMAIL: workshop@1ststopcars.co.uk 68 - 72 West St, Rochford, Essex SS4 1AS

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

21

The History of Lesney Cars in Rochford The Beginning John (Jack) Odell and Leslie Smith, the founding partners of Lesney, produced their first toys in the late 1940’s. The Cement Mixer, the Caterpillar/Crawler Bulldozer, and the Aveling Barford Diesel Road Roller were ‘economy toy models’, which were cheaper than their rival Dinky model toys. The Milk Cart was the first of the company’s early products that came out with its own box (until then, all the toys were issued without boxes).

In 1953 Jack Odell discovered that a matchbox from the Norvic Match Company in Czecholslovakia could hold his newly designed new ‘tiny toy’ perfectly and hence ‘Matchbox’ was born. From this point onwards, the larger scaled toys began to take a secondary position within Lesney’s plans and by 1955 there were no more made.

In 1966, Lesney’s received the Queen’s Award to Industry employing some 3,600 workers at that time. They also achieved a special mention in 1967 in the Guiness Book of World Records, when output had reached almost 100 million models annually, and the company showed £28 million in sales and a £5 million profit. More awards followed, and in 1968, Smith and Odell received the OBE. By then, around 130 countries were involved on the Matchbox success trail.

The Rochford Factory In 1969, E.K. Cole’s huge factory, the Ekco Electronics Works on the Sweynes Industrial Estate, off Ashingdon Road, Rochford, was closed down, causing much unemployment in the area. The old Ekco building was taken over by the Lesney’s toy factory. It became the largest employer in Rochford, and in the first year of production there business trebled.

22

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Until the early 1980s, Rochford was the main production site for Matchbox cars and similar metal toys. At one time over 2,000 people were employed there working both day and night shifts, making model cars at the factory site where the Lesney Housing Estate now exists.

Unfortunately most of the work was tedious and repetitive and many of the workers were working mothers who worked a system of flexible working hours. Lesney were a responsible employer who laid on special Lesney buses to bring workers in from Shoebury, Southend and Rayleigh. Many will remember the distinctive Lesney liveried London buses travelling through Rochford heading towards the factory.

In 1978, Lesney bought AMT, the US maker of model kits, and the American firm Vogue Dolls.

But instead of boosting the company’s turnover, the acqusitions triggered a downturn from which Lesney would not recover. This was the start of the recession.

In 1980, it was realised that Lesney could not support the US market because of high labour costs in the UK, and that the only way forward would be to switch to cheaper and more superior production techniques in Asia It wasn’t long before the the firm ran into difficulties and Lesney went into receivership in 1981/82. The company was forced to close down with hundreds of local people losing their jobs. .

In Lesney’s place, a new company, Matchbox Toys, was created to serve as a holding company for all the former Lesney operations.

However, after many troubled years, the factory finally closed, and the company relocated to Rugby, Warwickshire in 1990.

Matchbox eventually moved to China and now only a road name reminds us of the glorious past and a huge housing estate now stands on the site.

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

23

Top Money Saving Tips Stop buying big brands!

Most shops own brand items are made by the same people, just packaged differently and priced better.

So why pay for the privilege of eating well known branded foods when an own brand tastes the same!

Watch the pennies!

If you keep a record of every single penny you spend for at least one month; you’ll learn a lot and then later save the money you realized you wasted!

Haggling!

You’d be surprised at the number of places you can haggle prices. From furniture stores to car dealerships to your local electrical store, by being friendly and just by asking you can get the price down on almost anything. If you don’t ask – you don’t get!

Switch off the plugs!

A standard CRT television set still uses 2 watts of power on standby, with LCD and plasma screens using even more. According to the Energy Saving Trust, switching stuff off instead of leaving it on standby saves the average household at least £37 a year; it’s also helping out the environment!

Shop at cheaper places!

Instead of buying higher priced products in premium supermarkets, make a visit to the less fashionable supermarkets. Your shopping experience might be a little lacklustre but it’ll be worth it when you see how much less you’re paying at the checkout.

Stay organized!

Computers are used by companies to save money.

If you have a computer or laptop at home, use it in the same way. Use a spreadsheet to help with your budgeting. Keep your bank balance on it this will help you to stay organized and you can also use it so that you do not forget important dates.

Interest!

There is no such thing as 0% interest. When you see that advertised, it simply means that the cost of the interest is in the purchase price. If you are in a position to pay cash, then ask for this money back. The salesman may give you some trouble, but ask to speak to the manager, who may well cut the price to you for cash.

24

Walk!

One of the biggest money saving tips: walk don’t drive. If you need to get a paper at the shops, go on foot. It might not be practical if you’re off to do the weekly shop but by not driving your helping the environment by cutting carbon emissions, saving money and losing weight by walking everywhere!

Layers in the winter!

When it gets cold put on an extra layer instead of turning up the thermostat. There’s no point having the house heated and wasting money on electricity bills when putting on a cosy knitted sweater will do the job just as well!

Online comparison sites!

It might be annoying and feel like a waste of time, but checking the price of your household services, credit cards and loans with comparison sites like moneysupermarket.com could save you a lot of money; just take some time out to get organised!

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Rochford Furnishing 1 ST CHOICE FOR C ARpETS ,VINYLS, C URTAINS & BLINDS • All fiittings completed by our own experienced staff • Very competitive prices and excellent service

Telephone:

01702 546036 FA M I LY RU N B U S I N E S S E S TA B L I S H E D F O R O V E R 3 5 Y E A R S 38-40 West street • rochford • essex • ss4 1AJ

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

25

Food For

Thought Apples Apricots Bananas Beans Blueberries Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauli ower Cherries Fish Garlic Grapefruit Grapes Honey Lemons Limes Mangoes Mushrooms Oats Onions Peaches Pineapple Rice Strawberries Sweet potatoes Tomatoes Water Watermelon Yogurt

26

Protects your heart Combats cancer Protects your heart Prevents constipation Combats cancer Strengthens bones Combats cancer Saves eyesight Protects against Prostate Cancer Protects your heart Protects your heart Lowers cholesterol Protects against heart attacks Saves eyesight Heals wounds Combats cancer Combats cancer Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Reduce risk of heart attack Prevents constipation Strengthens bones Protects your heart Combats cancer Saves your eyesight Protects prostate Promotes Weight loss Protects prostate Guards against ulcers

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Prevents constipation Controls blood pressure Quiets a cough Helps hemorrhoids Protects your heart Saves eyesight Prevents constipation Protects your heart Combats Breast Cancer Combats Cancer Boosts memory Controls blood pressure Promotes Weight loss Conquers kidney stones Aids digestion Protects your heart Protects your heart Boosts memory Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Combats cancer Combats cancer Relieves colds Battles diabetes Protects your heart Lifts mood Combats cancer Combats cancer Promotes Weight loss Strengthens bones

Blocks diarrhea Saves your eyesight Strengthens bones Lowers cholesterol Stabilizes blood sugar Combats cancer Promotes weight loss Prevents constipation Strengthens bones Ends insomnia Protects your heart Combats cancer Helps stops strokes Combats cancer Guards against ulcers Controls blood pressure Controls blood pressure Regulates thyroid Kills bacteria Battles diabetes Kills bacteria Helps stops strokes Aids digestion Conquers kidney stones Boosts memory Combats cancer Lowers cholesterol Conquers kidney stones Lowers cholesterol Lowers cholesterol

Improves lung capacity Shields against Alzheimer’s Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Boosts memory Protects your heart Protects your heart Combats cancer Banishes bruises Slows aging process Combats Cancer Kills bacteria Combats Prostate Cancer Enhances blood fl ow Increases energy Smoothes skin Smoothes skin Aids digestion Combats cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Aids digestion Dissolves warts Combats cancer Calms stress Strengthens bones Protects your heart Smoothes skin Helps stops strokes Supports immune systems

Cushions joints Slows aging process Blocks diarrhea Stabilizes blood sugar Prevents constipation Controls blood pressure Helps hemorrhoids Promotes weight loss Guards against heart disease Shields against Alzheimer’s Supports immune system Fights fungus Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Fights allergies Stops scurvy Stops scurvy Shields against Alzheimer’s Strengthens bones Smoothes skin Fights fungus Helps hemorrhoids Blocks diarrhea Helps stops strokes

Controls blood pressure Aids digestion

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

27

Working for the Community

The Hockley & Hawkwell 55+ Social Centre I

n the Car Park behind Hockley Library is Hockley & Hawkwell’s best kept secret - “The Hockley & Hawkwell 55+ Social Centre,” where a warm welcome awaits you between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Established in 1989 by Hockley & Hawkwell Old People’s Welfare Committee, it provides around sixty lunches, morning coffee and afternoon tea, daily for the older members of our community in modern comfortable surroundings.

Lunch costs £4.50 and transport is available for those who are unable to get to the Centre under their own steam, in its wheelchair and zimmer frame friendly mini-bus, for a small donation.

However, you don’t have to have lunch in order to attend the afternoon activities – Monday, Whist - Tuesday, Bingo – Wednesday, various pastimes, such as Cards - Thursday, Entertainment or a Speaker and Friday, Scrabble but you don’t have to be over 55 to pop in at 10 am/noon, to sample freshly baked scones or cakes with tea or coffee for under £1.

When I first visited the Centre, a recently widowed lady told me how kind and supportive everyone was and how, having somewhere to go regularly, with such a warm atmosphere had helped her come to terms with the loss of her husband. If you feel this facility might suit you, why not pop in for coffee one morning to check us out or ring 01702 206208 for more details.

The main reason for the Centre’s success is a dedicated band of volunteers, who keep everything running smoothly. However, sometimes they are over-stretched so if you feel that you could give up a couple of hours to help, please ring Carol Warren on 01702 202582.

You can also help by supporting our Fund-Raising events: October – 27th Race Night with Fish/Chicken & Chip Supper and live music. Ring 01702 202060 for details. The Centre will also be open 24th November, serving hot drinks and snacks during the Annual Christmas Lights Switch-on. We look forward to your company.

Wendy Clover, Secretary

28

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

29

Quick Sudoku Every Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically.

Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

30

Easy

Medium

Hard

Evil

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

UNCLE TOM’S

MOT & MOTORING CENTRE

For All Your Motoring Needs Tel: 01702 542664 www.uncletoms.com

book your MOT online and receive free text and email reminders anually

Servicing, Tyres, Brakes, Exhausts, Clutches, Code Reading

Special Offer Receive an MOT @ £35 On production of this voucher LOAN CARS subject to availability

Unit 45-47 Purdey’s Ind. Estate Rochford, Essex SS4 1ND info@uncletoms.co.uk www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

31

HOW MUCH MONEY ARE YOU WASTING ON ENERGY EVERY YEAR? Not only are our windows quality, affordable and stylish, but they help you to save energy and money on your heating bills too.

Thermaseal Window Systems Ltd have manufactured and installed a comprehensive range of quality PVCu products for 25 years.

• Energy Rated Windows

• Professionally Trained Installers

• Composite Entrance Doors

• 10 Year Insurance Guarantee

• Patio Doors - Bi Fold Doors

• Fensa Registered Company

• Conservatories - Orangeries

• Free No Obligation Quotation

Your Local Showroom

Wickford Showroom: 4 Kingsview Court Hodgson Way Wickford Essex SS11 8YF Tel: 01268 561717 Fax: 01268 561777

Billericay Showroom:

Fensa

Registered Company

90 High Street Billericay Essex CM12 9BT Tel: 01277 655511 Fax: 01277 655538

www.thermasealwindowsystems.co.uk 32

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

2012 Calendar January 2012 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31

February 2012 Su 1 8 15 22 29

April 2012 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30

Su 1 8 15 22 29

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31

Su 6 13 20 27

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31

Su 4 11 18 25

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30

Su 3 10 17 24

September 2012 Su 5 12 19 26

November2012 Su 7 14 21 28

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31

June 2012

August 2012 Su 1 8 15 22 29

October 2012 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31

Su 5 12 19 26

May 2012

July 2012 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29

March 2012

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29

Su 2 9 16 23 30

December2012 Su 4 11 18 25

Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31

Su 2 9 16 23 30

Holidays and Observances (United Kingdom)

Jan 01, 2012: New Year's Day Jan 02, 2012: New Year's Day Holiday Apr 06, 2012: Good Friday Apr 08, 2012: Easter Sunday Apr 09, 2012: Easter Monday(WAL, ENG, NIR)

May 07, 2012: Early May Bank Holiday Jun 04, 2012: Spring Bank Holiday Jun 05, 2012: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Aug 27, 2012: Summer Bank Holiday(WAL,ENG,NIR) Dec 25, 2012: Christmas Day Dec 26, 2012: Boxing Day

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

33

£20 off

*

all repairs booked on day of estimate

Get your car ready for Autumn!

Professional quality paintwork repairs at a fraction of traditional body shop costs ● Quick ● Convenient

✓BUMPER SCUFFS

✓KERBED ALLOYS

✓PAINTWORK SCRATCHES

✓MINOR DENTS

For your free estimate call Barron Sumner on

0800 028 7878

or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk * £20 discount only applicable to bookings over £100 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only available through ChipsAway Barron Sumner on all bookings taken before 31st December 2012. Please produce advert at time of estimate.

REPAIRS FULLY GUARANTEED 34

to advertise in the next issue of The Local Business Guide call: 01375 402 546

Useful Phone Numbers Emergency Services Police, Fire, Ambulance Essex Police - non-emergency Crimestoppers Rochford Police Station

Helplines 999 101 0800 555111 0300 3334444

Hospitals 24hr A&E - Basildon Broomfield, Chelmsford Southend

01268 524900 01245 443673 01702 435555

Health NHS Direct confidential health advice Hockley Clinic Raphael Clinic - Rochford Hullbridge clinic

0845 4647 01702 578700 01702 549547 01702 577900

Councils Essex County Council 0845 7585592 MP - Rochford - James Duddridge 01702 616135 MP - Hockley & Hawkwell - Mark Francois 01268 742044 Rochford District Council, 01702 546366 South Street, Rochford, Essex SS4 1BW Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Out of hours emergencies 01268 527317 Recycling / Refuse / Bulky Items 01702 318111 Environmental Health / Pest Control 01702 318111 Woodlands / Parks 01702 318111 Planning / Building Control 01702 318191 Cemetries / Land Charges 01702 318191 Housing / Homelessness / Leisure 01702 318191 Parking / Roads & Transport 01702 318166 Housing Benefit 01702 318197 Council Tax Benefit 01702 318198 Animal Welfare 01702 318057 Business Rates 01702 318017 Rochford, Hockley & Hullbridge Libraries 0845 603 7628 Rochford Rugby Club 01702 544021

Age UK 0800 1696565 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Childline (24hr) 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 477 0808 Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 4779400 FRANK - National Drugs Helpline (24hr) 0800 776600 GamCare - Gambling Issues 0845 6000133 Missing People (24hrs) 0500 700700 National Debtline 0808 8084000 National Domestic Violence Helpline (24hr) 0808 2000247 NSPCC Helpline (24hr) 0808 8005000 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre 0808 8029999 Runaway Helpline (24hr) - under 18 0808 8007070 RSPCA (24hr) 0300 1234999 RSPCA - Southend Branch 01702 290889 Samaritans (24hr) 08457 909090 Sexual Health Direct 0845 1228690 Shelter 0808 8004444 Victim Supportline 0845 3030900

Travel Traveline National Rail Enquiries Rochford & Hockley Train Stations National Express

0871 2002233 08457 484950 0845 6007245 08717 818181

The Local Business Guide 01375 402546

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

Emergency Utilities Electricity - UK Power Gas - National Gas Emergency Service Anglian Water Services Essex & Suffolk Water Directory Enquiries

0800 7838838 0800 111999 0845 7145145 0845 7820999 118 500

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

35

TO ADVERTISE IN ANY OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDES

Rayleigh

Southend Rochford/Hockley

Call Ricky: 01375 402546 Mobile: 07969 211229

Basildon

FREE

basildon bringing

s to

sinesse

local bu

ople local pe

April -

2

June 201

sales@thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

bRinging locAl bUsinesses to locAl people

www.thelocalbusinessguide.co.uk

co.uk

essguide.

ldonbusin

www.basi homes 10,000 FREE to Delivered

OFFICES AT DANEHURST COURT, 35 - 37 WEST STREET, ROCHFORD, ESSEX, SS4 1BE EMAIL: INFO@ICEBLUELEGAL.CO.UK

TELEPHONE: 01702 540001

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN

ALL ASPECTS OF FAMILY LAW ALL ASPECTS OF CIVIL LITIGATION PERSONAL INJURY WILLS & PROBATE EMPLOYMENT LAW WE OFFER APPOINTMENTS TO SUIT YOU WE CAN OFFER FREE 1/2 HOUR INITIAL CONSULTATIONS, LOW FIXED FEES, INSTALMENT PLANS, NO WIN NO FEE ARRANGEMENTS AND WILLS FROM £50 PLUS VAT

COSTS ARE ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT

CALL OUR SPECIALISTS NOW