Your Benfleet & Hadleigh December 2010

www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

2 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

SALES is not like LETTINGS - You don’t have a solicitor to back you up

We are your last line of defence against poor tenants

Fisks - THE PROFESSIONAL LETTING AGENT FOR BENFLEET & CANVEY

And it doesn’t cost as much as you think!

ARLA Qualified Consultants

Full referencing with rent guarantee and legal protection

Professionally written inventories

Custodial bonded deposit account


Published by:

Canvey Island Publishing LTD

Editor: Angela Owen

Business Address:

11 Winterburn Close, Canvey Island,

Essex, SS8 0AB

Tel: 01268 696404 Mob: 07974 238657

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data contained in this document is accurate, neither

the publisher nor its editorial contributors can

accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or

omissions resulting from accident, negligence or any

other cause.

Canvey Island Publishing do not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may

be reproduced or stored in any retrieval system of any form without the express permission of the publisher.

Distribution

We distribute to 7,500 homes every month - covering

one half of the area one month and the other half the

next. Copies are also available at the library, council offices and several other prominent pick up points

You can view the latest magazines, past magazines,

past articles and more local information on our

website at www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Tel: 01268 696404

Welcome to the December issue of Your Benfleet & Hadleigh Magazine!

We would like to wish all our readers and

advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year. Thank you all for your

continued support for Your Benfleet &

Hadleigh Magazine which is now into it’s third

year.

We are looking forward to 2011 with some

changes to the magazine which will include

more articles and more local information. This

magazine is here to support our community,

so if you have anything you would like to

share with local residents, please do not

hesitate to give us a call on 01268 696404 or

e mail [email protected]. We

would love to hear from you.

See you next year!

Graham and Angela OwenGraham and Angela OwenGraham and Angela OwenGraham and Angela Owen


It’s not too late to find the perfect gift

Are you ready for Christmas? Are you so

organised that you bought everything in the

January sales for gift-giving twelve months

later? If you answered “yes”, then there’s

no need to read on. However, if you’re like

me, Christmas has once again taken you

completely by surprise. I suspect we all go

into denial at the point when the first

Christmas decorations arrive in the shops

around about August!

Normally we’d panic and snatch the first

vaguely suitable gift from the nearest

available shop. But wait! Last minute gifts

are never well thought out, are they? The

adage “it’s the thought that counts” is

actually incredibly important. People would

rather receive a small, carefully chosen gift

than a hastily grabbed box of bath products

that scream “this will do”!

Don’t panic. Most shops will be open on

Christmas Eve, so you can really leave it

until the absolute last minute if you plan a

little first. Make a list of who you need to

buy for and spend time really thinking

about those people. What do they like?

What would they appreciate? Keeping the

recipient in mind and choosing a thoughtful

gift is the only way to succeed at this late

stage.

Some people are just downright

impossible to shop for which is why

you’ve put off buying anything until now.

In this case, present them with a written

promise to take them shopping for

something they really want. For some

people it really is better to get their input

before buying.

Another heartfelt refrain is “what do I get

the person who has everything?” The

answer is… a box to put it all in. Whether

this is an unusual jewellery box, a useful

sewing chest or colourful, personalised

storage containers for children, you can’t go

wrong with an attractive box.

Donate the gift of your time. Offer to

babysit so parents can take a well-deserved

break. Spend a day gardening for someone.

Buy tickets for a concert, cinema, sporting

event or a play and take the family.

Organise a surprise weekend break or

holiday and present the tickets on Christmas

Day.

Bring some nostalgia to Christmas with

family-friendly board games. Introduce

extra food with a gourmet gift hamper. A

beautiful tree ornament will hold memories

every year when it comes out again.

Students will always appreciate money.

Don’t even attempt to work out what the ‘in

-thing’ is as it will surely change next week.

If you’re still stuck, there are always gift

vouchers. Spa-breaks, restaurant vouchers,

experience days, animal adoption and

cookery courses are unusual vouchers to

give.

Last minute Christmas gifts don’t have to

come from the shops. Use your imagination

and take some time to think about what they

would really welcome. Have a happy and

stress-free Christmas!



Friendly & Reliable Local Courier Collecting and Delivering Across the UK

Whether you use a courier once a week, once a month or once in a blue moon - we can provide you and your clients the very best in customer care. We offer both local and nationwide coverage and will collect and deliver with minimal delay.

When you go to great lengths to manufacture or provide a product , how does it look if it arrives broken or in an unsuitable vehicle - your reputation matters to us and when we deliver we represent your company in a professional manner.


HILLS ELECTRICAL

Established 1966

REPAIRS & SPARES FOR MOST MAKES OF WASHING MACHINES - MICROWAVES - DISHWASHERS -

TUMBLE DRYERS - COOKERS & ALL SMALL APPLIANCES

12 MONTHS GUARANTEE ON ALL PARTS AND LABOUR

NO CALL OUT CHARGE ON COMPLETION OF WORK CARRIED

OUT IN YOUR HOME

SALES / SPARES COUNTER OPEN 9am - 5pm MON - SAT

01268 681945 Mob: 07801 851131

www.alloccasionscaterers.co.uk

A wide range of menus for parties and events of any size available

Garden Parties Christenings

Children’s Parties Bar Provided Equipment Hire

Corporate Events Weddings Funerals Birthdays

Barbecues / Hog Roast


Ruth Cable shares her memories of growing up on the Salvation Army

Colony during the war.

“The day war broke out, I was ready to go to

the morning Salvation Army service in the

Colony Citadel. We listened to the news on a

battery run wireless that was set up in the hall.

My mother and her friends were in tears and

the men all looked shocked.

Within days, lorries came down the lane to the

colony filled with soldiers and equipment.

Machine gun posts were erected not far from

our house and on the big hill to the right, huge

gun emplacements were being built to house

the great Ack-Ack guns that would fire over

the Estuary. Right in front of the hil stood

“Big Bertha” - the biggest gun of all. When

she was firing, it was like nothing we had ever

heard or seen before and our house would

shake.

As Castle House became home for the

military officers, for a child like me it seemed

as though the scene was set for some pretty

exciting things to happen. I remember the

sight of London burning as well as the night

Coryton oil depot was hit. The colony was

covered in thick black smoke and it was like

night time in the day.

There were many bombs dropped on the lower

fields and creeks as the German bombers

heading home

jettisoned their

remaining loads but I

only remember 2

incidents of real

damage. One semi-

detached house in

Chapel Lane and

“Compton” which had

a land-mine dropped

on it by parachute. It

suffered a direct hit

one Sunday night. We all heard it in the

Salvation Arm Temple in London Road

and fortunately, the couple who lived

there - Mr and Mrs Jeans - were also in

the temple.

Life went on much the same on the

colony throughout the war. All the

children helped with hay-making,

stamping silage for cattle cake and

harvesting. The greatest intrusion in our

lives was the noise of “Big Bertha.” One

day, I was by the piggery and it was quite

exciting to hear the soldiers shouting their

orders to get ready to fire. Not so much

fun afterwards as I seemed to be deaf for

ages!

The colony had been such a lovely place

before the war - the beautiful show

gardens below West View, the orderliness

of neat paths and the tennis courts along

by Castle House. There was a piece of

land where fetes were held and in the

winter, nothing could beat carol singing

on a cold, clear night - the Salvation

Army band with it’s little lanterns on long

poles.

Although many things went on as usual, I

could see that the Colony was not

prospering as it had - with the coming of

the military and the shortage of men, how

could it?”


01268 799332 5 High Street, South Benfleet SS7 1NA

(Opposite St Mary’s Church)

www.stevemurphyinteriors.co.uk

• Artificial Baits • Bivvies & Wraps • Bait • Carp Care • Fishing Rods • Lines & Reels

• DVDs & Books • Photography • Clothing & Luggage • Sleeping Bags • Cooking Equipment ......and much more


* Only specialist lettings agent in Benfleet

* Let only flat fee of just £350 - Sole or Multi

* Unbeatable Management Fees

Supporting Little Havens Children’s Hospice

• Marketing Fulfilment • Database Enhancement

• Mail Merging

Parnham House, 325 London Rd, Benfleet, SS7 1BL

[email protected]

TO ADVERTISE IN YOUR BENFLEET & HADLEIGH

MAGAZINE

CALL ANGELA ON

01268 696404


• Full Re-Upholstery Service • Loose Covers

• Dining Chairs • Headboards

• Caravans, Boats & Motor Homes • Hard Pelmets

• Curtains & Blinds • Cleaning & Stain Protection

Specialists in built-in & integrated appliances

12 Months Guarantee on all parts fitted

Servicing and Repairs of Domestic Kitchen

Appliances Carried Out to the Highest Standard

Martin James D.Pod.M, M.Ch.S,

State Registered Chiropodist

& Podiatrist - HPC Reg

Over 25 Years Experience

Benfleet Surgery Constitution Hill, Benfleet, SS7 1ED


• Home Repairs • Carpentry • Tiling

• Painting & Decorating • Fencing/Gates

Castle Point District Stroke Club Runnymede Hall, kiln Road, Benfleet

Every other Wednesday

Call Geoff Sharp on 01268 780701

New Thundersley Townswomen’s Guild St George’s Church Hall, Rushbottom Lane,

Benfleet, SS7 4DM

1st Wednesday of the month - 1.30pm

Call Geoff Sharp on 01268 780701

Concert by “Heart Beat” Saturday 11th December

Playing the music of Buddy Holly and other

hits of the 60s

St Barnabas Church, Church Road, Hadleigh

Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start

Tickets £8 including interval drink and mince

pie

To book tickets Call 01702 556619

The Orpheus Singers and the Leigh Orpheus Male Choir Concert 18th December 2010 at 7.30pm, doors open

at 7pm at Sweyne Park School, Rayleigh.

Tickets: Adults £8 Concs £7 Child £4

Call 01702 477911

Castle Point Wildlife West Wood Working Party Sun 19 Dec 2010 From 10.00am till about

2.00pm

Come and spend time in the woods and

help tidy it up. Tasks for all! Use the

Rayleigh Road entrance and follow the

main track. It is advisable to wear rough

clothes and bring gardening gloves.

For more info, contact Neal on 01702

551448 or visit CPWG's website at:

www.castlepointwildlifegroup.co.uk


01268 795507

1 Kelvin Road

Manor Trading Estate

Benfleet, SS7 4QB

Bodywork Repairs

• Servicing • MOT • Mechanical Repairs

• Insurance Crash Repair Specialists

• Insurance Co Approved • Free Estimates

FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

Fully Insured

6yr Backed Warranty

ALL ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN Complete / Part Rewires ~ Extra Lights / Sockets

Domestic Specialists

However big or small, for a fast friendly service call

01268 750015 or 07527 898753 www.ecocityelectrical.co.uk


Our local history section is always very popular and we would love to hear from any local residents who have a story to share of life in Benfleet.

You may find it hard to believe that people

would be interested to hear

your story, but you mustn’t

forget that your life is part of

history. There are lots of

books on the shelves about

local history but it’s the real

stories of people’s lives that

makes history come alive.

We would love to hear from

you. If you would like to

share your memories with

local residents or if you have

any old photographs or

postcards.

Please call Angela on 01268 696404 or Email

[email protected]

Photograph courtesy of www.footstepsphotos.co.uk


Call Andy Youngs Call Andy Youngs Call Andy Youngs Call Andy Youngs

for a Free Quotation onfor a Free Quotation onfor a Free Quotation onfor a Free Quotation on

01268 75813301268 75813301268 75813301268 758133 30, Appleton Road30, Appleton Road30, Appleton Road30, Appleton Road

South Benfleet,South Benfleet,South Benfleet,South Benfleet,

Essex. SS7 5DBEssex. SS7 5DBEssex. SS7 5DBEssex. SS7 5DB

Mob: 07810 002934


KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • BEDROOMS Family Run Business With Over 20 Year’s Experience

Specialist Kitchen Furniture Made To Measure to Suit All Budgets

Bathrooms - Design, Supply and Installation

Showers ~ Shower Cubicles ~ Bathroom Furniture ~ Tiling


Eversden Jewellers, based at the bottom of Kent’s Hill Road is one of the only remaining businesses in Benfleet to still be owned by the original owners.

Here is a brief history of this family run business that has been established in the area for 56 years.

Eversden Jewellers has a history spanning

over 130 years in the trade with four

generations of clockmakers and watch

repairers. There has also been two

generations of jewellers with each generation

having their own business.

Mr Ronald Eversden started his own

business in Southend in 1952 at the age of

21. He married in 1954 and his wife, Lucy,

joined him in the business. As well as

running their business, they have raised three

children along the way - Graham, Colin and

Vanessa.

In 1967, a redevelopment meant a move to

their current shop in Benfleet which

was at the time just a shell that they

had fitted to their own design.

Mr Eversden carries out his own watch

and clock repairs as well as making

and repairing jewellery on the

premises. His sons have both followed

him into the trade with Graham clock

making and repairing and Colin

making and repairing jewellery.

Graham worked with his parents for 17

years before working independently for

himself. Colin is now the manager of the

store in Benfleet and Vanessa continues to

help out when her job as a beauty therapist

allows the time.

Eversden Jewellers is a completely

independent jewellers and as such can offer

customers their full attention at all times as

there is always a member of the family in the

shop. All makes of watches and clocks can

be repaired and some jewellery repairs can

be done by the next day. For view the full

range available, visit the shop at 297 High

Road, Benfleet - at the bottom of Kent’s Hill

Road or call 01268 753506.

The original store in Southend - 1954


A FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED OVER 40 YEARS

♦ Jewellery Made to your Design

♦ Exquisite Giftware

♦ Valuations ♦ Ear Piercing

♦ Glass and Crystal

♦ Ornaments ♦ Christening Gifts

Incontinence Products From £10

Cosyfeet Extra Roomy Slippers From £20.43

Circulation Booster - £169.36

Boot Scooters From £559

Rise & Recline Chairs from £595


Benfleet resident Sam Power is only nine

years of age but is well on his way to

following in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton

and Jenson Button.

Both these favourites of the racing world

honed their skills at the 1200m International

Kart Circuit, Buckmore Park in

Chatham, Kent where Sam was

the winner of the Buckmore

Park Winter Championship in

only his first year of racing. In

fact, Sam - a pupil at Woodham

Ley School in Benfleeet - has

only been karting himself for

just over a year but has proved

to be a natural talent.

Mum Sarah says of his winning

race: “At Buckmore Park, Sam

was racing against boys who

were much more experienced and

older then him. Many of the boys

are in race teams where they

receive expert advice and

equipment, whereas Sam has only

had the help of his Dad, Brian, who

has little knowledge BUT must be

doing something right!”

Sam’s has also achieved podium

places in other races including Rye

House in Hoddesdon and

Claypigeon in Dorset. He left a

lasting impression at the

Claypigeon race circuit where he

finished in an impressive third

place out of 18 drivers on his first

time on the track.

Sam’s next challenge will be the

S1 MSA British Championship and

he is looking for any local

companies to offer

sponsorship. This championship

will be televised on Motors TV

and will give local companies a

great opportunity to advertise on his both his

kart and his clothing.

If you are interested in sponsoring Sam

please contact 01268 756444 or 07900

60 30 55 and speak to either Brian or Sarah

Nine Year Old Sam Power


AQUA PLUMBING

FULLY INSURED • ALL WORK GUARANTEED

BENFLEET RESIDENT

TEL: 01268 566275

MOB: 07986 381511

• BOILER REPLACEMENTS

• FULL HEATING SYSTEMS

INSTALLED

• POWER FLUSHING

• RADIATORS REPLACED

• APPLIANCES INSTALLED

• REPAIRS TO TAPS BALL

VALVES / BURST PIPES

FULL BATHROOM

INSTALLATIONS INCLUDING

TILING & PLASTERING

NO JOB TOO SMALL!

Saturday 4th December - 9pm - Late - LIVE SINGER - ED STACEY

Sunday 5th & 19th December from 1pm - LIVE JAZZ BAND

24th December - CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY

31st December - NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY


Glass Hire / Loan ~ Sale or Return on Large Orders

Wide Variety of Chilled Champagnes At Competitive Prices


319 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2BN

Tel: 01702 555888


If you are looking to SELL or LET your

property either now or in the future and

would like a FREE valuation simply

telephone the office or call in

personally to arrange an appointment.

amosestates.com

Helping you to

make the right move.

www.yourlocalmags.co.uk


Can you help th

e Christ-

mas star find hi

s way to

the top of the tr

ee?

bells

carols

Christ-

mas

crackers

presents

pudding

reindeer

Santa

sleigh

snow

star

tin-

sel

Can you find all

the words in

our festive wor

d search?

Words may run u

p, down,

left, right or diag

onally. U C A R O L S S L R N

S P S R B B R T R E E

L L A W G E W F L I R

E T N R K O P E D N V

I E T C N R S Y J D B

G T A S J N H Y H E E

H R V D I K Y S Y E L

C N M T Z F N B T R L

P R E S E N T S Z A S

C H R I S T M A S G R

P U D D I N G O Z O EChristmas Limerick

The Christmas tree fairy looked glum

She said, “I’m not having much fun.

The top of this tree Isn’t comfy for me

What’s wh

ite and goe

s up?

A confused

snowflake!

What goes

: now you s

ee me, now

you

don’t, now

you see me

, now you d

on’t?

A snowman on

a zebra cro

ssing!

Festive Fu

n

UCAROLSSLRN

SPSRBBRTREE

LLAWGEWFLIR

ETNRKOPEDNV

IETCNRSYJDB

GTASJNHYHEE

HRVDIKYSYEL

CNMTZFNBTRL

PRESENTSZAS

CHRISTMASGR

PUDDINGOZOE

Christmas word search solution


First Class Day Nursery Est 1989 From Birth to 8 years of age Before & After School Care

Fully Funded Sessions For

All 3 & 4 Yr Olds

Open 7am - 7pm All Year Essex County Council Approved PROPRIETORS:

V. Baker, BA

S.Goate B.ED, Early Years Professional Status

BACP Accredited

Counsellor/psychotherapist

01268 566800 81 - 85 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5LN

www.firstclassdaynursery.co.uk [email protected]

Nursery education specialists

Our fully qualified, highly experienced

team of professionals offer the finest in nursery care & education.

0

• JAMES WELLBELOVED • HILLS SCIENCE PLAN • ALMO NATURE • NATURES MENU • BARKING HEADS • MEOWING HEADS • BURNS and more

STANSTED £ 70.00 LONDON CITY £ 80.00 GATWICK £ 85.00 LUTON £125.00 HEATHROW £130.00 SOUTHAMPTON £220.00 DOVER £180.00

DECEMBER PRICE REDUCTIONS

Excluding 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st



I am a local plumber capable of dealing with most of your day to day plumbing needs, from dripping taps to blocked sinks.

SENSIBLE PRICES

NO JOB TOO SMALL

MOST MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Local Builder

Extensions

Conservatories

Renovations

Alterations

0800 955 0440

Mobile: 07710 353668

www.jtinstallationsltd.co.uk

To Book Your Table Call

01268 75945401268 75945401268 75945401268 759454


1 2 3 4 5

6

7

8 9 10

11 12

13

14 15

Across

1 Trite (5)

3 Privately owned (abbr) (5)

6 Indicates location (2)

7 Inclusive-price holiday (7,4)

8 Beneficial sustenance (6,5)

11 Vitamin C-packed drink (6,5)

13 __ and fro (2)

14 Rhizomes (5)

15 Debate (5)

Down

1 Gambler (11)

2 Silvery-white metallic element (6)

3 Reflexive form of 'it' (6)

4 Extinct bird (4)

5 Disfiguring outgrowth (11)

9 Leg-coverings (6)

10 Relates to the eye (6)

12 Bushy hairstyle (4)

8 9 2

2 4 1

2 7 3 6

1 8 5

7 6 9 2

8 4 7

6 5 9 2

7 8 6

4 9 3


ALPINE INSURANCESERVICES LTD

323 - 325 LONDON ROAD,

HADLEIGH, SS7 2BT

We are a local company & pride ourselves on offering

a personal service.

• Cars

• Vans

• Homes

• Landlords

• Businesses

• Rips, Burns, Cuts, Scuffs & Scratches Repaired

• Re-Antiquing & Complete Restoration

• Colour Matching Using Advanced Machinery

• Leather Cleaning: All Leather Types

• Seats Re-Padded & Spring Replacement

• Insurance & Consumer Reports

♦ Carpentry - including hanging doors, door frames, skirting, kitchen fitting, flat pack assembly

♦ Joinery - fitted wardrobes & cupboards

♦ Children’s Play Houses, Sheds & summer Houses made to own spec.

♦ General Home Improvements including plastering & decorating

TO ADVERTISE IN YOUR BENFLEET & HADLEIGH

MAGAZINE

CALL ANGELA ON

01268 696404


This month, Michael Clark (Registered Osteopath, Nutrition & Holistic

Lifestyle Coach) discusses how to boost your immune system

Why do people get colds?

It is commonly believed that we ‘catch’ colds

and if we can keep these terrible germs away,

we will be fine. This is not true! On a daily

basis all year round our body is exposed to

‘viruses’ and ‘bacteria’. Typically our

immune system is strong enough to deal with

this without us ever experiencing any

symptoms. Our immune system is a

complicated defence system which keeps us

healthy and strong. It’s when our immune

system becomes overwhelmed we experience

the symptoms of colds etc. Therefore it’s not

the ‘bug’ you are exposed to, it’s dependent

on how healthy your immune system is to be

able to deal with it.

Why do more people seem to get sick in the

winter?

This time of the year is commonly known as

the ‘cold and flu season’. It’s not necessarily

that there are more viruses and bacteria

floating around. It’s that this time of year we

commonly weaken our immune system due to

a number of factors such as: eating more

processed sugary foods, consuming more

alcohol, increased stress and time

commitments, reduced levels of exercise as

well changes such as dark cold nights etc.

What can I do to help avoid colds and flu?

Although it may be more challenging at this

time of year, now is a good time to start

making healthy changes to boost your

immunity:

1. Avoid/Reduce Sugar.

Sugar is proven to weaken the immune system

almost immediately and continues to do so for

several hours even in small quantities.

Making efforts to reduce sugar intake

particularly if you feel you are coming down

with something will help keep your immune

system strong. Most sugar consumed is NOT

in teas and coffees. It comes from hidden

sugars in sauces such as ketchup, processed

food and fruit juices.

2. Get enough rest and

sleep

Just like our physical

body needs rest to feel

alert and healthy. So does

our immune system.

Making time to rest and

getting good quality

sleep will help keep your

immune system working

at its optimum.

3. Exercise

Combining quality

exercise with quality rest

will improve circulation

and improve immunity.

4. Eat according to your Metabolic Type

As discussed in my previous article every

persons genetic requirements for foods is

different. Eating in this way will allow our

immune system to function optimally.


Coconuts and Coconut Oil

Besides being excellent for thyroid health.

Organic, unrefined coconut oil is rich in lauric

acid which when converted in the body has

strong immune system enhancing affects.

This is by know means a complete list and is

not intended to treat any specific person. The

principals are simple. By reducing as many

factors which weaken your immune system as

possible and by increasing the factors which

boosts your immune system will give your

body the best chance of staying well while

those around you sniffle and sneeze.

For more information contact Clarks

Osteopathic & Complementary

Healthcare ® on 01268 795705 or visit

www.osteopathy1.com

5. Reduce stress

We all face some stress from time to time.

However stress that one perceives as

overwhelming is clinically shown to weaken

the immune system therefore reducing the

bodies ability to fight illnesses. There are

many ways to improve stress management

such as recreation, exercise, reading, music,

meditation etc. Whatever your method of

stress reduction it’s vital to not allow stress to

become overwhelming.

6. Consume the highest quality food possible

Minimising unhealthy foods is important. But

to truly boost your immune system there is no

better way than eating the highest quality

foods affordable along with consuming

adequate amounts of water. These include

fresh, seasonal, organic, biodynamic, or

minimally treated vegetables and free

range meats. The better the quality the

higher the vitamins, minerals,

antioxidants and enzymes contained.

There are also a number of foods which

are known to specifically enhance

immune function, these include:

Garlic

Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and anti

-fungal. To obtain the benefits it’s

important to eat them fresh because

garlics potency is severely

compromised within and hour of

crushing for use in most garlic pills.

Fermented foods

80% of our immune system is provided

by the beneficial bacteria in our intestines.

Sadly many of the so called ‘pro-biotic’ foods

are misleading. Fermented foods support our

beneficial bacteria. Among the best are foods

such as kefir, fermented natto, kimchee, miso,

tempeh, pickles, sauerkraut, and olives.


December 1914 - A Christmas Truce

One of the most remarkable events of the

First World War concerns the Christmas

Truce of 1914, in which the soldiers of the

Western Front laid down their arms on

Christmas Day and met in “No Man’s

Land,” exchanging food and cigarettes as

well as playing football.

The cessation of violence was entirely

unofficial. There had been no prior

discussion and troops acted spontaneously

from goodwill, not orders.

The most famous account of events involves

British and German forces; however, French

and Belgium troops also took part. No-one

really knows what initiated it. There were

some reports that British troops heard their

German counterparts singing Christmas

carols and joined but there were also reports

of German and British soldiers erecting

signs wishing each other a “Merry

Christmas.”

Driven by feelings of goodwill, home-

sickness and combat-weariness some men

crossed the lines with their hands up, and

troops from the opposing side went to meet

them. Commanders either turned a blind-eye

or joined in. Food and supplies were

exchanged and tools and equipment were

borrowed. Games of football were played

and bodies trapped within No Man’s Land

were buried.

7th December 1761 - Marie Tussaud was born in France

We are all familiar with the waxwork

museums that feature the name “Madame

Tussaud’s” but how many of us know

anything about the woman behind them?

Born Anna Marie Grosholtz, her fascination

with waxworks began as a young child

when her mother was a maid for worked as

a maid for Dr. Philippe Curtius who used

wax to model anatomical figures and drew

huge crowds with the opening of his first

waxwork museum.

He trained the young Marie, who went on to

teach sculpture to the children of King

Louis XVI. The king loved her work so

much that she was invited to live with the

Royal Family at Versailles until the French

Revolution of 1789.

During the revolution, she was arrested

because of her association with the king.

She was freed however due to her

association with Dr Curtius and was then

employed to make death masks from the

heads of those who lost their lives at the

guillotine. Marie would search through piles

of decapitated heads to find the best

examples. On his death, Dr Curtius left his

museums to Marie who had by now married

Francois Tussaud. She opened her first

museum in London 1835 and her self

portrait (below) still stands at the entrance.

She died in 1850.



Welcome to PC Senior’s monthly section, designed to help you enjoy and get the most out of your Personal Computer – or maybe encourage you to get started? It is aimed especially at “PC Seniors” (Over 50’s) but the advice should be useful to all ages.

At our 50+ Computer Clubs people often ask

“What is this Key on the Keyboard for?” Not

surprising when there are a few new looking

ones they would never have seen on an old

typewriter!

At the last Club someone asked what the “F”

Keys along the top row

were for (Running from F1 to F12) so here is

a quick guide.

Some of them don’t work or do anything

unless you are in a particular program such

as Microsoft Word, in which case Pressing

F1 brings up a Help Screen. Pressing F5 will

bring up a box in which you can Search your

Document for a particular Word/Phrase.

Nobody has ever asked me what the F11

Key does BUT you’ll wish you had -

especially if you have a small computer

screen on a Mini Laptop or “Notebook.”

When you are using Internet Explorer to

view a Web Site, notice how at

the top of the screen TOO

MUCH room is taken up with

Menus, Toolbars and Search

Boxes etc …. Press the F11 Key

to simply Switch the top Menus

& Toolbars etc off temporarily! I

say temporarily because you

might need them again in a

minute or two. So, just Press F11

again to switch them back on!

Treat it as a Switch, turning it

OFF & ON whenever you like.

We would like to wish all

members of our PC Senior Clubs a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If

you are not a member yet and are looking to

improve your computer skills in a relaxed

and friendly environment, why not make it

your New Year’s Resolution to come and

join us in 2011.

Check out the date of your nearest 50+

Computer Club on our Web Site:

www.pcsenior.org.uk

Computer Clubs and safe Support for the

50+ Age Group.

For more information, call 01268 696404 or

email [email protected]


Jean Harvey is fully NHS trained and offers

flexible, convenient home visits for ♦ Toe Nail Cutting

♦ Hard Skin Removal

♦ Callous Reduction

01268 758938/07809 237517 [email protected]

Carpentry & Joinery ♦ Building Maintenance

Kitchens ♦ Wardrobes ♦ Internal/External Doors

Windows ♦ Doors ♦ Conservatories ♦ Porches


Rosemary Cunningham shows you how to do more of what you love by using the “80/20 Principle.”

I’ve been very busy since I last wrote. I had a

very productive week relaxing on holiday and

since then had so much to do that I had to retire

to my place of thinking, the bath, to ponder this

month’s article.

It came to me, to write about something that is

making a huge difference in my life, the 80:20

principle. This is the concept that 80% of results

in all areas of our life and work come from just

20% of the causes and actions. We live in a

wonky universe where the amount of effort we

put into something doesn’t necessarily dictate the

amount of reward we get back.

If we plant a packet of seeds, the best 80% of the

plants come from 20% of the seeds. You may

find that some people in your life take a lot of

your time and give you a lot more hassle whereas

others you love to be with take up the 20%. How

can you spend more happy time with the 20%

and less with the less satisfying 80%? In

business there are often customers who

contribute the most complaints and bring in the

least revenue and others who spend the most and

are a dream to serve. The secret to a happy,

productive business is working with more of the

latter.

Today I’ve been writing down all the things that

I do in a day and on reflection, I can see that I

really can reduce the time I spend on some

unproductive tasks. For instance, I spend a lot

of time now checking useless emails. Other

activities like writing always get left until last

but are really productive, enjoyable and good

for my business, my clients and me.

I was reading a book by Richard Koch on the

80/20 principal back in the summer, looking at

where I got the most joy and reward for my

work. I realised that the time I spent working in

Colchester just wasn’t fruitful anymore and I

made a decision to bring my business back to

Hadleigh. Now I feel I have an extra day and a

half in my week to do what I really want to do

and could see my fabulous Hadleigh clients in a

much more relaxed way! It’s also left room in

my life for new, interesting work has come in. I

now work for a few hours a week at the

hospital, helping the staff relax. I’m so much

happier as a consequence and I’m convinced

that if we’re happy in our lives we attract more

good things to be happy about!

Do have a look at your life in this way, it will

really help you manage time more effectively

and do more of what you love. Aim to halve

your unproductive, underperforming time,

delegate what you can and look at losing some

of the useless tasks. Then double your

productive, enjoyable 20%. Have a go and let

me know how you get on!

RosemaryRosemaryRosemaryRosemary

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE


Knightswick Road, Canvey Island Tel: 01268 510111

TRIBUTE NIGHTS Includes 3 Course Meal - £31.50

The Bee Gees Thurs 2nd Dec

Freddie Mercury Thurs 9th Dec

Robbie Williams Thurs 16th Dec

Neil Diamond & Tom Jones Sun 19th Dec

CHRISTMAS DAY

Adults - £47.50 Children (Under 12) - £28.95

BOXING DAY

Adults - £18.50 Children (Under 12) - £9.95

A 10% service charge will be added

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS

3 Course Meal Included - £26.50

Fri 3rd, Sat 4th, Fri 10th, Sat 11th, Fri 17th, Sat 18th and Thurs 23rd December

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2010

3 Course meal with Live Band “The Tonic” and our resident DJ - £48.00

Christmas Menu Available Throughout December


Spinach and Feta Pie

Serves 6

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min

Ingredients

1kg washed spinach

2tbsp olive oil

4 spring onions, finely chopped

200g feta cheese

250g ricotta cheese

4 eggs, lightly beaten

Grated nutmeg

2tbsp finely chopped dill or flat-leaved parsley

Sea salt and pepper

1 packet filo pastry, thawed

125g melted butter

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4.

Chop the spinach quite roughly.

Heat the olive oil in a large pan then add the

spinach and spring onions and cook until the

spinach has wilted. Drain well and cool then

lightly squeeze out any excess juices.

In a big bowl, mash the feta cheese with the

ricotta, then beat in the eggs, nutmeg,

chopped dill or parsley, sea salt and lots of

pepper. Add the spinach and spring onions

and mix well.

Brush one sheet of filo pastry with melted

butter and place it in a lightly oiled 20cm x

28cm (8in x 10in) ovenproof baking dish,

allowing for some overlap.

Continue layering the brushed sheets one on

top of the other until you have six layers,

and then fill the dish with the spinach

mixture. Top with six more layers of

buttered pastry and trim or tuck in the edges.

Bake for 60 minutes or until set. Rest for ten

minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Whether you’re a vegetarian yourself or have vegetarians visiting this Christmas try this gorgeous Greek-inspired pie. It makes a welcome

change from nut-roast!


Castle Point Council

01268 882200 www.castlepoint.gov.uk

Canvey Town Council

01268 683965 www.canveyisland-tc.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Policing Team

07791 680397

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 477 5773

NHS Direct

0845 46 47

Rebecca Harris MP

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

0207 219 7206


LOCAL NEWS | COMMUNITY INFORMATION | SPORTS | CHARITIES

EVENTS | HISTORY | LOCAL BUSINESS | USEFUL NUMBERS & MORE

Your Local Community Magazines

are now ONLINE!

Find out more about what is going

on in your local area with our

regularly updated website

Read articles from past copies of the

magazines


Accountants

Tax Assist 25

Appliance Repairs

Advanced Technology 11 Hill’s Electrical 7

Aerial Installation

Trevange 19

Blinds

Paul James Blinds 13

Builders

J.T Installations Ltd 25

Car Repairs

Chips Away 9 Dr Bump 11

Car Servicing & MOT

Cartec 13

Cards & Gifts

Village Cards 10

Catering

All Occasions 7

Chiropodists

Martin James 11

Courier Service

G A Couriers 6

Day Nursery

First Class Day Nursery 23

Decorators

Andy Youngs 15

Electrician

E City Electrical 13

Estate Agents & Lettings

Amos Estates 21

Brown & Brand 40 Fisks 2

Fishing Supplies

Hooked 9

Footcare

Jean Harvey 33

Fancy Dress

Fancy Anything 23

Funeral Directors

A.R Adams 13

Furniture Resoration

Furniture Clinic 27

Gardening

Oakleighs Garden Maintenance 12

Hairdressers

Ellis’ 10

Insurance

Alpine Insurance Services 27

Ironing Service

Ace Ironing 7

Jewellery

Eversden Jewellers 17

Kitchens & Bedrooms

Reality Kitchens 15

Steve Murphy Interiors LTD 9

Kitchen Fitting

KJ Fitting Services 32

Lettings

Liberty Lettings 10

Mobility Supplies

Ward International 17

Music Shop

ABC Music 22

Off License

IIIsix3 Beers, Wines & Spirits 20

Osteopath

Michael Clark 28

PC Services

Dr Byte 31

Labyrinth IT 1

Tuff Computer Company 39

Pet Services

Cockapoodledoo 12

Wagtails 23

Plumbing & Heating

Aqua Plumbing 19

Leakstop 25

Plumbing Supplies

Benfleet Heating Spares 33

Property Services

RF Property Services 27

Restaurants / Cafes / Takeaways

Benfleet Tavern 19

C & K Bar 24

Flutes 25

Secretarial Services

JMS 10

Television Supplies

Ace Vision 14

Therapists

Rosemary Cunningham 34

Transport

Destinations Direct 23

Upholstery

D J Upholstery 11

Window Cleaner

JSM Services 12

Windows and Doors

Economy Windows 20

Special FX 5

Wood Supplies

Dawes Heath Timber Yard 15

PUZZLE ANSWERS

C O R N Y I N D I E

R I A T O X

A C S D C

P A C K A G E T O U R

S E L E

H E A L T H F O O D S

O I C C

O R A N G E J U I C E

T F H L N

E R T O A C

R O O T S A R G U E

5 1 3 8 4 6 9 7 2

9 6 7 3 2 5 4 8 1

8 4 2 9 7 1 5 3 6

2 9 6 1 3 4 8 5 7

1 7 5 6 8 9 3 2 4

3 8 4 2 5 7 6 1 9

6 5 1 7 9 8 2 4 3

7 3 8 4 6 2 1 9 5

4 2 9 5 1 3 7 6 8



Documents

Your Benfleet & Hadleigh December 2010