Braintree April 2024

Food & Drink Page 6

Money Matters Page 8

Entertainment Page 12

Gardening Page 14

Home & Lifestyle Page 20

Braintree District Council Pages 22 & 24

Sport,Hobby & Community Pages 26

Puzzle Page Page 28

Items for Sale Page 29

Trades Directory Page 30

This months featured photograph is a lovely view of Bocking Windmill

If you have a photo you think we would like please send in to:

jane@withinreachmagazine.com

Hello! Aprils edition of Within Reach brings ideas for getting out and about, jobs to do in the veg patch and brightening your home. Hopefully dodging the April showers along the way!!

We really would like to hear from any community, sport and social groups about forthcoming events. Just email info@withinreachmagazine.com or contact us through our website. Also do let us have your items for sale , using the same email address. Within Reach Magazines are hand delivered monthly to over 11,000 homes in selected areas of Braintree. Sadly we cannot reach everyone so, if you or someone you know do not regularly receive a copy, please visit www.withinreachmagazine.com and click on Latest Editions. Or just scan the Linktree code with your smartphone to go straight to our website and social media pages! And don’t forget to let us know of any events you or your community and groups would like included in our Sport, Hobby and Community Pages

Deadline for Advertising Copy for May is Tuesday April 26th.

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Inheritance Tax

It’s not just something the very wealthy need to think about!!

With the average UK house price now over £288,000, more people than ever are considering measures to avoid inheritance tax for children and grandchildren. Here are some tips to follow if you think you may be affected!!

Lifetime Giving. Making gifts in your lifetime can reduce exposure to inheritance tax. Many people have heard of the 7-year rule, but in certain cases this does not apply where gifts are made out of surplus income or within certain annual limits.

Ensure any life assurance policy is written in to trust. This can help protect the proceeds of such a policy being subject to inheritance tax on your death.

The Residential Nil Rate Band trap - This occurs when your estate exceeds £2 million and you lose the residential nil rate band by £1 for every £2 you exceed it. This can be a particular problem where one spouse inherits everything from the other first. This is a potentially generous relief on passing a home to a lineal descendent that you don’t want to lose.

There are other ways to mitigate inheritance tax with the use of reliefs and careful structuring of your affairs. It is never too early or late to consider your position with an inheritance tax review. Initially, by reviewing what assets you own, any liabilities, and what is contained in your latest will, your exposure to inheritance tax can be calculated. A good tax or financial adviser will be only too happy to conduct a review and explain what steps you can consider taking to avoid your family facing a large tax bill at some stage in life.

By James Card Director, Braintree Tax Advisors

Slimming World recipes are so delicious that losing weight and eating well is easy peasy!!

Try this ‘fakeaway’ burger dish !! Ready in just 25 minutes!!

Burger in a Bowl

What you need:

low-calorie cooking spray

500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

What you need for Slimming World’s Super Sauce:

3 level tbsp extra-light mayonnaise

5 tbsp fat-free fromage frais

1 level tbsp American-style mustard

2 tbsp tomato purée

2 tsp white wine vinegar

½ tsp garlic salt

¼ tsp onion granules

¼ tsp sweet smoked paprika

What you do:

½ iceberg lettuce, roughly shredded

8 gherkins, sliced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, roughly chopped

Spray a large, heavy-based non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Add the beef, onion and garlic and stir-fry for 7-8 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the onions have softened. Take the pan off the heat and drain any fat from the mixture. Season lightly. Meanwhile, put all the sauce ingredients in a bowl with 4 tbsp water and whisk until well combined. Mix together the lettuce, beef, red onion, tomatoes and gherkins and divide between 4 wide bowls. Share the sauce between the burgers and serve hot. And enjoy a guilt free treat!!

SLIMMERS LOSE 3044.5 lbs or 217st 6.5lbs

Super slimmers in Braintree and Great Notley have lost a whopping 3044.5lbs in weight –that’s the equivalent of 1.4 tonnes , the same as an adult female Common Hippo!!

Altogether the members of the Braintree and Great Notley Slimming World groups are now 3044.5lbs lighter than they were since the beginning of the new year

The 288 members, who attend the groups every week, follow Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan created by the organisation’s team of expert nutritionists, which encourages them to fill up on satisfying foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meats, fish, pulses, fruits and vegetables.

Annette has lost 5 stone 10.5 lbs to drop from a size 18 to a size 10. She says: “Filling up on lots of satisfying foods means you’re never hungry so I’ve never felt as though I was on a diet. Before I joined Slimming World I thought losing weight meant going to the gym and counting calories. But now I know it’s about making healthier choices about food and becoming a bit more active.

“The support and inspiration we get from our Consultants Matt and Heidi has also been integral to our success. Because they both have lost weight themselves, they both understand the ups and downs of slimming and can offer us help and advice based on their own experience, without them I don’t think we’d have achieved nearly as much.”

Matt and Heidi say: “ There are 65.3% of adults aged 18 years old and older are overweight in Essex and we just want to help even more people to make real changes for life. We are delighted that our members have lost weight so beautifully. It has made a big difference to their lives and to their whole families’ lives, and all of them are happier and healthier now. Slimming has never been more important – there’s no better job satisfaction than that!”

Matt and Heidi’s groups are in held Braintree and Great Notley every week.

Monday 5.30pm

Braintree Museum,Manor Street, CM7 3HW.

Matt 07888678060

Tuesday 9.30am

Braintree Town Hall,Fairfield Road, CM7 3YG.

Matt 07888678060

Wednesday 4pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm

Thursday 9.30am

Marks Farm Community Centre, Dunstable Drive, CM7 3LT.

Matt 07888678060

Thursday 7pm

Braintree Museum, Manor Street, CM7 3HW.

Heidi 07557331671

Saturday 7.30am and 9am

Great Notley Community Centre CM77 7US (Behind Prince Louis Pub)

Heidi 07557331671

We think you deserve the best so we ensure that every item that leaves the premises is hand-made just for YOU!

Sandwiches, Breakfast Boxes, Soups and Salads!!

• Locally sourced food

• Meats and poulty all roasted and carved by us

• All cakes, soups and specials made by us using traditional recipes & ingredients

Ask about our great platters, perfect for business lunches, parties or home get togethers!! FREE

“What shall we do this weekend ?”

Ideas for family days out this April

Knights of Middle England Joust

Castle Hedingham, Halstead, Essex CO9 3DJ

www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

Saturday 13th April 2024 and Sunday 14th April 2024“Unforgettable spectacle as the ever-popular Knights of Middle England take to the Hedingham battle ground, showcasing their skill, courage and chivalry as they battle it out to be proclaimed champion!”

Imperial War Museum Duxford Family Mission: D-Day Edition

www.iwm.org.uk

It’s 1944 and one of the most important days of the Second World War is looming. You and your family are needed as paratrooper recruits. As a team, use your jump bag to discover more across the museum. Use the specialised replica Second World War equipment within each bag, including Cricket Clickers, K-Ration Kits, and Binoculars. Learn about the biggest invasion in history as you explore IWM Duxford. This interactive storytelling experience is based on personal stories from those who served on D-Day.

Colchester Zoo Dino Discovery Day

Colchester Zoo Dino Discovery Day

www.colchester-zoo.com

Take a step back in time with our Dino Discovery Day filled with all things prehistoric, including the chance to meet our dinosaurs and their keeper, and it’s all included in the cost of your admission!Discover extinct species from millions of years ago, from gigantic carnivores to the graceful herbivores. There’s also have a range of exciting activities taking place throughout the day too.

Essex Spring Shopping Fair

Cressing Temple Barns, nr Braintree, Essex CM77 8PD

Saturday 20th April 2024 and Sunday 21st April 2024 “Exhibitors will include Arts & Crafts, Fashion & Beauty, Food & Drink, Gifts & Household Accessories, Outdoor & Garden goodies as well as the unique and uncategorisable!”

Why Not Grow Your Own ?

There are few things so satisfying as growing your own veg and April is a busy month for the kitchen gardener!!

Here are a few jobs to get done to reap the delicious rewards later in the summer and autumn!!

Plant second-early and maincrop potatoes

Place cardboard collars around the stems of brassicas to deter cabbage root fly from laying their eggs

Pinch out the tips of broad beans if they're covered in aphids, or spray shoots with soap-based solution

Sow outdoor varieties of tomatoes, chillies and courgettes in pots, so they're ready to plant out in late May or June

Divide clumps of hardy herbs, such as lemon balm and chives, then replant in pots, borders or a dedicated herb bed

Sow small batches of rocket and other easy salad leaves

Continue planting bare-root asparagus crowns and Jerusalem artichoke tubers

Sow flowering companions in the veg plot, such as pot marigolds and borage

Continue planting batches of garlic, shallots and onions every few weeks to extend the cropping period

Sow herbs such as parsley, coriander, dill and chamomile in a sunny bed or container

Protect emerging seedlings from slugs and snails and find out how to deter them

Sow fast-growing crops, such as radishes, to make the most of any temporary gaps

Old Furniture ? New Look!!

Chalk paint is a versatile option for updating old furniture because it adheres well to various surfaces and requires minimal preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to give an old piece of furniture a new life this spring!!

Materials Needed

Chalk paint - Paintbrushes (choose brushes appropriate for your project size)

- Sandpaper (for sanding or distressing) - Wax or sealant (optional, for finishing) - Clean cloth - Painter's tape (for protecting areas you don't want to paint)

Prepare Your Workspace

Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, preferably outdoors or in a room with open windows. Lay down a drop cloth or old newspapers to protect your floor from paint drips.

Clean the Furniture

Remove any dust, dirt, or grease from the surface of the furniture using a clean cloth. If the piece is particularly dirty, you may need to wash it with mild soap and water. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

Sand (Optional)

If the surface of the furniture is glossy or has imperfections, you may choose to lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. However, chalk paint can often be applied without sanding, especially if you want to achieve a distressed look.

Apply the Chalk Paint

Stir the chalk paint thoroughly to ensure an even consistency. If there are any areas of the furniture that you want to protect from paint (such as hardware or certain edges), use painter’s tape to mask them off. Using a paintbrush, apply the paint to the furniture in even strokes, following the grain of the wood. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you may need to apply multiple coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Chalk paint dries relatively quickly, so you may only need to wait an hour or two between coats. If you want a distressed look then lighly rub off paint on corners with fine sandpaper.

Apply Wax or Sealant (Optional)

Once the paint is completely dry, you can choose to seal it with wax or a clear sealant to protect the finish and add durability. Apply the wax or sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a clean cloth or brush.

Let it Cure

Allow the furniture to cure for at least 24 hours before using it or placing any objects on it to ensure that the paint has fully dried and hardened.

That's it! With these steps, you can successfully chalk paint an old piece of furniture and give it a fresh, updated look. Enjoy your newly transformed piece!

LITTERING REPORT IT

You can help us by being our eyes and ears.

If you see or suspect any kind of environmental crime, please let us know and we will look into it. Report it here: www.braintree.gov.uk/seeitreportit

Pictures and dash-cam footage is always appreciated and can be sent to our Streetscene Protection Team: streetscene.enforcement@braintree.gov.uk

Did you know?

We have increased the levels of fines for those who litter, fly-tip and graffiti.

Deadline extended for registration

Installing solar panels does not have to be costly or time-consuming. Solar Together takes away the stress and some of the cost. Even better, the deadline for the latest round has been extended to Friday 12 April, so there’s still time to register.

Solar Together uses group purchasing to provide affordable installation of solar PV systems (panels and the technology to

make them work), battery storage and electric vehicle charging from trusted suppliers.

Registering is free and does not oblige you to purchase anything.

Find out more https://solartogether.co.uk/ braintree/home

Local elections

what you need to know

Local elections are taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024 where you can have your say on who the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex will be.

Register to vote online via the GOV website by midnight on Tuesday 16 April.

Apply for a postal vote online via the GOV website by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April (you will need to reapply every three years).

Apply for a proxy vote online via the GOV website by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April (someone voting on your behalf).

Find out more www.braintree.gov.uk/elections2024 elections@braintree.gov.uk or 01376 552525

Baby & Toddler Groups

JAM Parent & Toddler Group

Cornerstones Church, Black Notley,CM77 8NB

Mondays 11.30-12.30pm

Hartbeeps Happy House

Cressing Sports and Social Club. Monday 09.3010.15

Angel Pavilion Tuesday 10.15-11.00

Hartbeeps Baby Beeps

Angel Pavilion Tuesday 11.15-12.00

Hartbeeps Baby Bells

Angel Pavilion Tuesday 12.00-13.15

Baby College - Toddler Plus

Marks Farm Community CentreTuesday 10.00-10.45

Bambinos Toddler Group

The Old School Room, Shalford Road, Rayne CM77 6BTWednesdays 10-11.30 Term Time

Exercise,Sport, Fitness

Hobby Groups

Witham Philatelic Society meets on the 1st Thursday of each month 1.30pm to 3.45pm Witham Community Association, Spring Lodge Centre Powers Hall End Witham

Retired and Looking For a Hobby Or Activity?

Join us at Braintree U3A. We have more than 20 hobby groups , days out and meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Braintree Arts Centre, Bocking End.

Braintree & Halstead

Model Railway Club

Monday evening 7pm - 10.30pm

Thursday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm Tel: 01787 461064

Braintree Camera Club

Meetings alternate Tuesday evenings in Bradwell Village Hall. For times & dates see www.braintreecameraclub.co.uk or call on 01376 324204

Green Pilates & Exercise Classes

Chair aerobics

Chair yoga

Better Balance Class

Yoga for all

Mid week meditation

Pilates for beginners

Monday 11.30am

Tuesday 10.30am

Tuesday 11.30am

Wednesday 10.15am

Wednesday 11.15am

Thursday 10.30am

All classes are £7.50 but first class is free. www.greenpilates.org

Green Pilates Movement Studio in Legends, 14 Silks Way, just off South Street.

Yoga

every Wednesday morning at Notley Yoga 9.30am

Aikido with Tiptree Aiki Budo Fraternity

Friday 7.00 to 8.30 PM , Sunday 10.00 to 11.30 AMTiptree Sports Centre

Braintree Town Hall

Slimming World Groups

Tuesday 9.30am

Marks Farm Community Centre

Wednesday 4pm to 5.30 pm & 7.30pm & Thursday 9.30am

Gt Notley Community Centre

Saturday 7.30am and 9.00 am

Braintree District Museum

Thursday 7.00pm & Monday 5.30pm

Wednesday 16th August 2023 2:00-4:00pm

Walking Netball

Ladies Over 18

Alec Hunter Acadamy, Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm

Braintree Hockey Club, Sundays 9.00-10.00am

For more information

netball@braintreewalkingnetballclub.co.uk

Great Notley Photography Club www.gnpc.co.uk.

We meet every other Thursday evening at The Church in Great Notley, Braintree, CM77 7GN.

Church & Spiritual

Braintree Christian Spiritualist Church 7 Coggeshall Road, Braintree CM7 9DB Evenings of Clairvoyance 5th March 2024Guest Medium7 May 2024. Lynda Rose 7.30pm. Entrance £5. Mediums subject to change. Weekly Sunday Service at 6 30pm with a Guest Medium. Clairvoyance included in the Service. Donations accepted.

www.braintreecsc.org.uk

The Church in Great Notley Bridge End Ln, Great Notley, Braintree CM77 7GN Services at 11am each Sunday [5th Sundays check website for details]

Christ Church London Road, Braintree, CM7 2LD Traditional Service at 9.30am, Contemporary Family Service at 11am Children and Youth activities at 11am Service Monthly combined service usually on 3rd Sunday at 10.30am

Crossword

Across

1. Spongy item of confectionery (11)

9. Help (3)

10. Wild dog of Australia (5)

11. Pertaining to birth (5)

12. Crumble (5)

13. Very small unit of length (8)

16. Servings of food (8)

18. Torn apart (5)

20. Aqualung (5)

21. Major African river (5)

22. Animal enclosure (3)

23. Comprehends (11)

Down

2. Relating to sound(5)

3. Move sideways (5)

4. Underling of a powerful person (6)

5. Female big cat (7)

6. Public speakers (7)

7. Pairs of round brackets (11)

8. Having good intentions (4-7)

14. Egg White (7)

15. Extraordinary occurence (7)

17. Very tall mythical beings (6)

18. Dry red wine (5)

19. Lacking interest (5)

www.withinreachmagazine.com

TO SELL? Write to us at 6 Maple Close, Halstead CO9 2SS or email info@withinreachmagazine.com

Baby and Child

Silver Cross Reflex Navy blue pushchair. Very good condition complete with rain over.£60.00. Cosytoes cover to fit same £5.00.Braintree. Tel: 07879012003.

Electrical

Household

Suitcases various sizes all good condition. Various Ceiling Lampshades 3 x Pairs of Ceramic Bedside Lamps – Cream; Powder Blue and Peach Any reasonable offers accepted Tel:01376 345108

IWC can help you with all aspects of estate planning, from making your will, to creating trusts, to funeral planning and mitigating Inheritance Tax.

Start making your Will today!

BT6500 Twin Digital Phoneset £15. Tel:01376 345108

Retro 1980s Hi-Fi – full working order with operating instructions, cables etc. Technics CP Player SL-PS620A incl. Remote. Fisher Integrated Amplifier CA-67 and Fisher Tuner FM-67. Pair of small Toshiba Speakers 5 watt/ channel output. £40. Tel:01376 345108

Call 01376 349366 to find out more

Visit www.iwcprobateservices.co.uk

Leisure & Sport

Email: admin@iwcprobateservices.co.uk

Nike Size 9 Black Leather Football Boots £7.50. 2 Gray Nicolls Bats; cricket boots,many pairs of pads; gloves; cricket balls. Any reasonable offers accepted. Tel: 01376 345108.

Building Services

MS BUILDING & MAINTENTANCE T: 07903458649

E:msbuildingco.@gmail.com

TL PROPERTY SOLUTIONS, M:07526282470/07488385824

T: 01376 619489E:m.tanner@tlpsolutions.co.uk W: tlpsolutions.co.uk

JPL HANDYMAN & PLUMBING SERVICES M: 07488385824 E:jplhandyman.services@hotmail.com

BRAINTREE DISTRICT PROPERTY SERVICES T: 07436708394

GAROLLA Electric Garage Doors T: 01376 230144 www.garolla.co.uk

JAB SERVICES T: 07979720110

A MOORE PLASTERING T:07939138795

Carpentry & Fencing

HARPER FENCING freephone: 0800 193 8588 mob: 07767 420 750 info@harperfencing.co.uk www.harperfencing.co.uk

GOOD WITH WOOD E: jakegibson@hotmail.com

Cleaning Services

OVEN GLEAMERS T:01787 852112 M:07956 750151 E:stephen.hall@ovengleamers.com W:ovengleamers.com

H2NO T: 01787 223857/ 07793 153987

HOMEFRESH www.homefresh.biz Tel: 01206 210945/ 0800 083 0523

Chimney & Fireplace

J GRAY CHIMNEY & FLUE SPECIALISTS M: 07592 354001 W: jgrayfires.com

THE FIREPLACE FITTERS Tel: 01787 460700 W:fireplace-fitters. co.uk

Electricians & Gas Fitters

PAUL MULLIN T: 01376 341469 M: 07970490693

JC ELECTRICALS M: 07557 913273 W: jcelectricals.co.uk E: john.cally2@btinternet.com

Financial & Legal Services

FREDERICK CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

T: 01621 735000 M: 07957 299 986 E: lucy.fcw@sjpp.co.uk W:frederickcharleswealthmanagement.co.uk

IWC PROBATE SERVICES T:01376 349366

E:admin@iwcprobateservices.co.uk W:iwcprobateservices. co.uk

DEEDPOLL NAME CHANGING W:deedpoll.com

BRAINTREE TAX ADVISERS T:01376 653196 W:braintreetaxadvisers.co.uk

Garages

CHAPEL HILL GARAGE Unit 3 Chapel Hill, Braintree T: 01376 324333 W: chapelhillautoservices.co.uk

Garden Services

JL TREE CARE T:01376 386 957 M:07803 071 263

www.jltreework.co.uk

MOWDEN HALL DESIGNST: 01376 520746M: 07595 868944 W:mowdenhalldesigns.co.uk

SUSANNES GARDEN MAINTENANCE T: 01376 331247 M: 07962021395

DAVID SELF TREE SURGERY M: 07717 844885

E:@davidms1981@yahoo.co.uk

DC LANDSCAPES www.dcbuildinglandscapes.com

M:07739178036 T: 01787 703775

SL DRIVEWAYS T: 01376 388329 M: 07538621616 W:theslgroup.co.uk

Glass, Doors, Windows

A.G. GLASS 22 Benfield Way, Braintree CM7 3YS

T: 01376 323700 E: a.g.glass@btconnect.com W:ag-glass.net

BLUE MANOR WINDOWS Unit 4, Chilford Court, Rayne Rd, Braintree CM7 2QS, T: 01376 32226 W: www.bluemanorwindows.co.uk

Health

WALKING ON AIR Foot healthcare specialist

T:07884265026

BEAULIEU DENTAL CARE Tel:01245 465586

E: beaulieudental@btinternet.com www.beaulieudental.co.uk

Painting & Decorating

BRAINTREE ALL DECS T: 01376 329329 M: 07796 147527 E: sjg1016@tiscali.co.uk

PETER ROBB T: 01787 379778 M: 07941463104 E: peterrobb64@gmail.com www.peterrobb.co.uk

Plumbing,Heating,Drainage

S BECK PLUMBING & HEATINGT: 01787 221787 M: 07918 195393

ASH ENVIRONMENTAL DRAINAGE M:07956 665272

COMPLETE BOILER COMPANY TEL: 01376329664 www.completeboiler.co.uk

PAUL SAUNDERS T: 01376 345690/ 07961158371

E: paul.a.saunders@btinternet.com W: psaundersbuilders. co.uk

Security Services

BRADLING SECURITY T:01376 328100 E:info@bradlingsecurity.co.uk W:bradlingsecurity.co.uk

Skip Hire

ALL CLEAR SKIP HIRE Cordons Farm, Long Green, Cressing. T: 01376 552174www.all-clearskiphire.co.uk

COLNE SKIPS T: 01787 222950 E: colneskips@gmail.com W: colneskips.co.uk

Taxi & Private Car Services

YELO TAXI T: 01376 33 44 55 W:yelotaxi.co.uk

XTRA MILE TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE COMPANY

T: 07510661608 E:thextramiletaxi@gmail.co.uk

HAPPICABS Tel: 01376 500737 www.happicabs.com

Vehicle Hire

SIMPLE VAN HIRE T: 01206 237622 W: simplevanhire.co.uk