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www.yourlocalmags.co.uk January 2012 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 LETTINGS is not like SALES - You don’t have a solicitor to back you up We are your last line of defence against poor tenants

Your Benfleet & Hadleigh January 2012

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Local community magazine for the residents of Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh in Essex

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www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

January 2012

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

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

We are your last line of defence against poor tenants

2 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

3 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

EST 1982

126

We are the only approved local installer of the

new Glowworm Clearly Hybrid System

Boiler Changes

From £900

Gas & Electric

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Get Your Heating

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From £150

PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

Specialists in: 21 - 25 HART RD, THUNDERSLEY, ESSEX, SS7 3PB

01268 755366

www.castlepointgas.co.uk [email protected]

Gas & Electric Landlord Tests Available

4 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Wow! 2012 already! We would like to wish

all our readers, contributors and advertisers a

Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Over the last 4 years, Your Benfleet &

Hadleigh Magazine has gone from strength

to strength and we hope you still enjoy

receiving it through your door. For 2012, we

aim to include more information about

What’s On in the local area so if you hold

either a regular club or meeting or are

planning a one-off event don’t hesitate to

contact us on 01268 696404 and we will be

happy include the details. Remember to let us

know nice and early!

We would also like to include more stories,

photographs and memories of local people so

why not make your New Year’s Resolution

to dig out all those old photos and give

Angela a call on 01268 696404. We will

always return any photographs or

memorabilia we receive the following day by

recorded delivery - we know how important

your memories are. If you have the time, why

not sit down and write or even record some

Welcome to the January Issue

Published by:

Canvey Island Publishing LTD

Editors: Graham & Angela Owen

Business Address: 11b The Driveway, Canvey Island,

Essex, SS8 0AB

Tel: 01268 696404 Mob: 07974 238657 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Field Sales: Marion Irving - 07825 789690

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 does not officially endorse any

advertising material included in this publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication, including the

advertisements included may be reproduced or stored in any

retrieval system of any form without the express permission of

the publisher.

YOU CAN FIND COPIES OF YOUR

BENFLEET & HADLEIGH MAGAZINE AT:

Benfleet & Hadleigh Libraries

Castle Point Council Offices

Alpine Insurance & K J Green, Hadleigh

of your memories of old Benfleet, Hadleigh

or Thundersley and send them to us at the

address below.

We also like to include information about

local services and charities and this month,

on page 12, we introduce you to a new Debt

Counselling Centre that has recently opened

in Benfleet. This time of year, right after

Christmas can be hard for any family

struggling with debt and but help is now

available locally and free of charge!

If you have any other ideas of things you

would like us to include in the magazine,

you can e mail us at

[email protected]

Best Wishes

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

5 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

6 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

The New Year Tradition of Wassailing

associated with groups of rowdy young

men who would visit homes in a trick or

treat kind of way and if they weren’t

given food or drink would either curse the

occupants or vandalise the property.

Hence the demand in We wish You A

Merry Christmas to “bring us some figgy

pudding” and “we won’t go until we’ve

got some.”

Orchard Visiting Wassailing

The tradition of Orchard Wassailing is

still carried out in some parts of the

country, particularly in cider producing

parts of the West Country. This involves

singing and drinking to the health of the

trees in order to ensure a good crop in the

coming year. Customs and traditions vary

between regions but the general aim is to

“wake” the tree.

A bowl of cider or spiced ale (wassail) was

carried to the orchard and sprinkled over the

roots of the trees. The largest tree in the

orchard was selected and the villagers would

gather around and blow horns, bang kettles

and fire guns in order to “wake” the sleeping

tree. The Wassail song was then sung or

chanted as a blessing in order to keep the

tree free from evil spirits until the next years

apples appeared. Wassailing was particular

important when part of the labourers wages

would be paid in Apple Cider as the farmers

would need a good crop in order to attract

good workers.

Apple Tree Wassail

Oh apple tree, we’ll wassail thee

And hoping thou wilt bear

For the Lord does know where we may go

To be merry another year.

To grow well and to bear well

And so merrily let us be

Let every man drink up his glass

And a health to the old apple tree.

“Wassailing” has been associated with the New Year since as far back as the 1400 and is an old custom that takes place around Twelfth Night - 5th January. There are two different types of Wassailing - the House Visiting Wassail which is much like carolling and the Orchard Visiting Wassail.

Wassail gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon

term Waes Hael which means “Be Healthy.”

It was a Saxon custom that at the start of

every year, the Lord of The Manor would

shout “Waes Hael” and an assembled crowd

would shout “Drinc Hael” which meant

Drink and be Healthy.” The Lord of the

Manor would then give his peasants food

and drink in exchange for their blessings of

goodwill.

This custom progressed to people going door

to door bearing what was known as a “Wassail Bowl” filled with hot, spiced ale.

In return the householders would give them

food, drink and Christmas fayre such as

“Figgy Pudding” believing it would give

them good luck for the year. The Christmas

Carol “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” is

thought to refer to the tradition of

Wassailing especially as it was not always

an entirely innocent event. It was often

Door to Door Wassailing

7 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

07912 311 369 [email protected]

01268 799332 5 High Street,

South Benfleet SS7 1NA

(Opposite St Mary’s Church)

www.stevemurphyinteriors.co.uk

8 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Community News

memory they

are now largely

forgotten, by

most. Nick

picks up on

some of this

and other more

distant snippets

of historical and topographical interest,

weaving them into the web of his tales of

sailing the magical ditches around the

estuary, with his mate at his side listening...

The Jottings of a Thames Estuary Ditch-

Crawler can be purchased at all good

bookshops or at www.amazon.co.uk.

For details of Nick Ardley’s previous book

and for more information visit

www.nickardley.com

Local author, Nick Ardley has had his third book published by Amberley Publishing - The Jottings of a Thames Estuary Ditch-Crawler.

Nick Ardley sails the

Thames estuary from the Island Yacht Club

on Canvey Island where he has been based

since around 1980. He enjoys his coastal

hops immensely, but, it is the rivers and

creeks themselves that causes a welling up

of a magic within him: so much history

abounds around the edges of those waters

where much has disappeared. Often, the

many waterside industries have left little

trace, yet, although some rest in living

The Jottings Of A Thames Estuary Ditch-Crawler

Start the New Year With Weightwatchers

Leader Debbie Pearce lost 6 stone following the

Weightwatchers plan

Weightwatchers leader Debbie Pearce would like to advise all members of a slight change in the meeting times of her Wednesday evening group.

As of January, the meetings held at

Runnymede Hall every Wednesday will

start with a weigh-in at 5.30pm. The

inspirational talk will be between 6pm and

6.30pm followed by a second weigh-in

between 6.45pm and 7.15pm. The new

members talks will take place at 6.30pm and

7.15pm.

Debbie will be pleased to welcome all new

and returning members in the New Year. For

more information call Debbie on 07872

987153 or visit

www.weightwatchers.co.uk

9 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

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£20 a Head (£10 deposit required) Call - 01268 569108

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Happy New Year to you all!!

Introducing to you our NEW and REVISED menu which includes many new and exciting meals including “Fish

Finger Sandwich,” “Sausage ‘n’ Mash With Onion Gravy” or why not really tempt those taste buds with the “Ultimate’

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Stuffed mushrooms ~

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creamy mash & roasted garlic ~

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Non refundable

Since we first opened, we have

stocked a range of gluten and wheat

free foods, including bread, baguettes, scones

and rolls, as well as lacto-free and Soya milk.

We are now extending our range with home

made breads and cakes. We believe we are one

of the only cafés or restaurants in the area to

cater for the needs of Coeliacs and those with

wheat, gluten and dairy intolerances.

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CALL “The Two Of Us”

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10 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

BOB LEIGHTONS

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Reliable Local Decorator with

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From the Smallest Room to the

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11 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

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State Registered Chiropodist

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Benfleet Surgery Constitution Hill, Benfleet, SS7 1ED

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12 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Community News

LOCAL people struggling with overwhelming personal debt are set to get free help from an acclaimed charity

opening a new centre in Castle Point.

Growing debt counselling charity Christians

Against Poverty (CAP) is opening 37 new

church-based debt centres around the UK this

Autumn including one in partnership with St

George’s Church, Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet.

It is rare good news for people who are coping

with inflation at a 20-year high combined with

job losses or frozen incomes putting further

pressures on financial commitments that were

once easily met.

Benfleet’s new centre manager, Judy Wilson,

said: “Members of our congregation were

becoming more and more concerned about

people in our community finding it really

tough to keep their heads above water. Among

them there are those already at crisis point, not

eating or sleeping properly with the stress of

being hounded for money they don't have. The

Bible speaks very clearly about looking after

the poor and in 2011 this is what it looks like

and we refuse to let them go under.

“We know it's the hardest thing in the world

to ask for help but we want people to

know that however bad a situation can

look, there is a tried and tested way out

and it starts with putting the kettle on,

taking a deep breath and then ringing our

helpline 0800 328 0006 to speak to

someone who really cares.”

CAP offers people a uniquely in-depth,

caring service to people with spiralling

personal debt.

Every client is booked in for a visit from

the local centre manager in their own

home; all the bills and outstanding mail

from creditors are removed and responded to

by CAP's Bradford head office. Then the

household is supported and encouraged to

combat the isolation many clients say they

feel as they tried to cope alone.

The charity's award-winning service has been

described as “unsurpassed” by TV’s Money

Saving Expert Martin Lewis and “staggering”

by HRH Prince Charles when he recently

visited a centre in Peckham, London.

CAP’s CEO Matt Barlow said: “It is our

experience that given the right level of

support people can and do pay off what they

owe. Every day we celebrate people

becoming debt free and we are looking

forward to some of these coming from Castle

Point in the coming months and years.”

The charity has 190 centres around the UK

currently supporting £71m of secondary debts

for its clients regardless of income, age,

gender, background or faith.

To find out more www.capuk.org or for help

call 0800 328 0006

NEW DEBT COUNSELLING CENTRE OPENS IN BENFLEET

13 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

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14 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

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15 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

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16 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Local History

The Canvey Community Archive was recently given a copy of an illustrated guide to the area dated 1906. The guide, titled “Holland-in-England” includes the following wonderful description of Benfleet Village.

“South Benfleet, formerly the site of a

Danish fortification, is a pretty little village

situated on a creek called Hadleigh Ray. Old-

world cottages and buildings meet the gaze

on every side; these, together with the

church, creek, and beautifully wooded hills

in the background, gives an eye-satisfying

picture to the whole scene, which even the

“iron-horse” snorting through cannot destroy.

The church of St. Mary the Virgin is of

Saxon origin and is built of ragstone and

Saxon brickwork, however, the present

building dates from the Norman period.

Upon the arches in the interior are several

very grotesque corbels and in the north wall

some stone steps formerly used to ascend the

rood-loft. On the south side of the altar is a

cinque-toil headed piscina, where at one time

the water was emptied after rinsing out the

sacred vessels; these objects are most

interesting to any one possessing an

antiquarian turn of mind.

Another beautiful survival to be inspected at

this church is the perpendicular wooden

porch, the finest but one in Essex. Inside are

some richly-carved spandrels, and each side

is filled with mullioned tracery. A unique

interest is also attached to this porch, for

tradition states that at one period it was

repulsively adorned with “tanned hides,” as it

was the custom of the Anglo-Saxons when

they caught their Danish prisoners to flay

them alive and nail their skins to the nearest

church porch. There are two other edifices in

Essex which have been utilised for the same

horrible purpose.

We have not yet fully exhausted the

attractions of this charming village, but space

will not permit further particulars in the first

edition of our guide; but we hope soon to

enter more fully into the subject.

Most charming of seaside places may you yet

know prosperity; may you combine the

poetry and prose of existence for the tired

toiler in cities, who come to be soothed by

the music of your tides and invigorated by

your delicious sea breezes.”

With thanks to Janet Penn of www.canveyisland.org

17 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Newly Refurbished

Free Prescription

Pick-Up & Delivery

Huge Range of Products

Health Foods, Herbal &

Vitamin Supplements

Post Office

249 - 251 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2RF

01702 558432 E: [email protected]

18 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

What’s on

On-Going Events Mondays

Hadleigh Castle U3A - University of the 3rd Age

Hadleigh Methodist Church, Chapel Lane

Every 1st Monday 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Tuesdays

Social Dance

St Cedds church, Bridgewater Dr, Westcliff

Every Tuesday - 1.45pm

Ballroom, Sequence and Latin

Friendly Group. Call 07767 406194

Canvey Island Breathe Easy Group

The Paddocks, Long Road, Canvey

Every 3rd Tuesday - 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Pram & Buggy Club

St Peter’s Church, Church Road, Thundersley

Every Tuesday during term time. 1.30 - 3pm.

Call Janet on 01268 776508 for details

Benfleet U3A

Richmond Hall, Benfleet

Last Tuesday of the month 2pm - 4pm

Thundersley Village W.I

Swans Green Hall, Hart Road, Thundersley

Last Tuesday of the month (except Dec &

Aug) 7.30pm for 8pm start

Call Mary Brockman on 01268 750835

Runnymede Ladies Guild

Runnymede Small Hall, Kiln Road,

Thundersley

2nd Tuesday of every month

7.45pm for 8pm start - New Members

Welcome Call 01268 757795 for details

Wednesdays

Castle Point District Stroke Club

Runnymede Hall, Kiln Road, Benfleet

Every other Wednesday 01268 780701

Benfleet Floral Art Group

Richmond Hall, Benfleet, SS7 5HA

4th Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm

01268 751216. Mrs H A Cade

Flower Arranging Demonstrations

New Thundersley Townswomen’s Guild

St George’s Church Hall, Rushbottom Lane,

Benfleet, SS7 4DM

1st Wednesday of the month - 1.30pm

Sundays

Leigh Storytelling Circle

Leigh Sailing Club, High Street, Old Leigh

2nd Sunday of every month 8pm

Everyone is welcome to attend just to listen, or

to tell stories themselves. For further

information on Leigh Storytelling Circle

contact: June 01268 521645, Martin 01268

747877 or John 01702 558139

TO ADVERTISE IN THE

WHAT’S ON SECTION

CONTACT ANGELA ON

01268 696404

Runnymede Hall, Kiln Road, Benfleet, SS7

Every Wednesday 5.30pm - 6.30 and 6.45pm

- 7.15pm. Call Debbie on 07872 987153

19 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

What’s on in January

Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services

Invites residents to attend a Community Breakfast including

Community Information Marketplace

Wednesday 21st

March 2012 9.30am – 11.30am

Hall 1, The Paddocks, Long Road, Canvey Island

Leigh Storytellers present::::---- Tales from the FiresideTales from the FiresideTales from the FiresideTales from the Fireside

National Storytelling Week

Jan 29th to Feb 5th 2012

This year to celebrate National Storytelling

Week, storytellers from Leigh Storytelling

Circle will be presenting a programme of tales.

Come and listen to our tales - tales of mystery,

and tales of fear, tales from England, Ireland and

around the world. Listen as we tell of Kings,

Queens, Tsars, Thieves and Leprechauns. Tall

tales, short tales, and tales to intrigue.

These intrepid storytellers will be appearing on:

Sunday January 29th

Meet: 3.15 pm for 3.30pm start

at The Iron Age Roundhouse,

Chapel Lane Car Park

Hadleigh Country Park

Cost £4.00 per person

including refreshments.

For tickets contact: 0845 603 7624

Booking essential

(Warm clothes essential)

This event is suitable for over 10s

20 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Unit 2a Cartwright Road, Manor Trading Estate, Benfleet, SS7 4QA

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Mon - Fri 6am - 10pm Saturdays 8am - 6pm

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21 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

amosestates.com SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

At Amos Estates we are a friendly firm of estate agents owned and operated by local people with a vast knowledge of the

regional property market. Meet your teamB

Darren Dukes FNAEA Director

Peter Moir MARLA Director

Darrell Clarke Sales Negotiator

Charlotte Bishenden

Lettings Manager

Jessica Burt Secretary

We are confident that our own special ethos of traditional values combined with cutting edge technology makes us the agent of

choice whatever your property requirements.

319 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2BN Tel: 01702 555888

Email: [email protected]

22 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

The number under each picture tells you which letter of its name you should write

on the line. For example, in the first square, the second letter of ‘ship’ is ‘H’. When

you have written all the letters you’ll see a phrase which you’ll hear a lot this month

2 3 1 2 3 4 1 4 3 2 4 2

Letter Quiz

Word Search

crackers

fireworks

happy

hats

midnight

new

party

songs

streamers

year

O M G E M Y E A R

F I R E W O R K S

L D M H H A T S Y

S N L A N Y I T N

O I J P Y E R G I

N G T P G A W L G

G H R Y P M U R N

S T R E A M E R S

C R A C K E R S H

Answers on Page 38

Each of the words in the list below may be found in the grid. The words may run up, down or diagonally. Can you find all of them?

23 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

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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

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

www.firstclassdaynursery.co.uk

* 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

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24 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Sadlers Hall Farm Trade & Retail

Estate is still open for business

Why not pay a visit to Sadlers Hall

Farm today? With a farm shop, cafe

and plenty of free parking, the trade

and retail estate is still easily

accessible despite the current road

improvements.

Many of the businesses on the estate

welcome both trade and retail

customers and there is a variety of

businesses available including

windows and doors supplies, PC

repairs, tattoo artist and even a gym.

The area will continue trading

throughout the road improvements and

you will be sure of a warm welcome

from any of the businesses.

Pop in to Sadlers Hall Farm today and

see what is on offer!

27 Sadlers Hall Farm

London Road, Benfleet

01268 752978

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10 YEAR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE

25 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9am - 9pm SATURDAY / SUNDAY 9am - 6pm

Wide Range Of Equipment

No Joining Fee

Only £20 A Month - Unlimited Use

26 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

O P T I C I A N S

Across

7 Composed of red

and blue (6)

8 Unwind (6)

9 Boundary (4)

10 Disorder which

produces seizures

(8)

11 Small / insignificant

(7)

13 Ordeal (5)

15 Uproar (3-2)

16 Academy (7)

18 Presenting (8)

19 Hero (4)

21 Device for steadying

a camera (6)

22 Type of deodorant

(4-2)

Down

1 Christmas (4)

2 Might be used to treat

a stutter (6,7)

3 A form of Government

(7)

4 Tall cottage-garden

plant (5)

5 In perpetual good

humour (13)

6 Current events

programme (8)

12 Pots, kettles, tools etc.

(8)

14 Tom-foolery (7)

17 Impulsive / flighty (5)

20 Member of the

woodwind family (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12 13

14

15 16

17

18 19 20

21 22

1 6 4 5 9

3

5 7

9 2 1

2

4 9 3 7

5 2 8 1

3

1 5 4

27 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

We are a local company & pride

ourselves on offering a personal service

� Commercial

� Homes

� Landlords

� Cars

� Vans

Insurance Arranged For:

A form of Government

JEWELLERY H O S P I T A L

208 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5LD

01268 758058

Specialist Repair Service

Jewellery Designed

& Made on Premises

Top Prices Paid For All SCRAP GOLD

28 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

on Twitter the social media site

who are saying they are unhappy

and sending them surprise

flowers! One lady received the

following message from

Interflora. @MissCakehead We

can't believe your cats didn't give

you flowers for your birthday -

would it cheer you up if we sent

you some? :-)

Every day, do something that's a little outrageous Go

on, push the boundaries a bit and

wear that crazy hat and make

people laugh!

Think from where you want to be I

now coach women about their mindset

around money and one tip I pass on is to

make decisions from where you want to be,

not where you are. So, if you want to be a

successful business person, ask yourself how

a successful businesswoman would answer

this email, handle this staff problem etc. It

puts you in a much better place to make

good, sound choices.

Get rid of guilt in your life This is such a

consuming, waste of time emotion. If you

feel guilty, do what you can to make any

amends then make a huge effort to leave it

behind. It will hold you back and serves no

useful purpose apart from making you

miserable.

Work out what makes you happy and do it! For me in 2012 will be making time to

see old friends, something I love to do and

neglect through business. No excuses! I’ll

get my times in the diary.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year. Do

contact me on 01702 558623 if I can help

you with treatments, training courses and

Money Breakthrough Coaching!

RosemaryRosemaryRosemaryRosemary

I’m sitting here writing my first article for 2012 and reflecting on the year gone by. I’ve had a big rollercoaster for my health, family and business and I’ve been blessed to meet with some wonderful, inspiring people and would love to share with you some of the things I’ve learnt and have made a big difference in my life.

Good is good enough I’m a recovering

perfectionist and in the past have put off doing

things as I just couldn’t do them to my own

exacting standards. I’ve learnt that nothing

will ever be perfect and seeking perfection

stops me having fun!

Don't ever be afraid to ask for help; it's an invitation to join the fun! We ladies

joke that a man will never ask for directions.

Well, we’re not perfect either! Not many

people relish asking for help. However, when

we do, we often get a pleasant surprise. I

remember when my friend said they had no-

one to babysit their 3 children for a weekend

and was absolutely astonished when I said I’d

love to do just that and have had wonderful,

unforgettable times at weekends ever since

Commit random acts of kindness This is

whole movement with many followers now

and even Interflora have sought out customers

Healthy Living With Rosemary Cunnigham

29 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

30 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

January in History

22nd January 1901

Queen Victoria died on 22 January 1901,

ending an era in which most of her British

subjects knew no other monarch. Her reign

was the longest of any monarch in British

history. She was only 18 when she came to

the throne and was Queen of the United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1837-

1901) and empress of India (1876-1901).

Victoria was the only child of Prince Edward

(Duke of Kent ) and Princess Victoria Mary

Louisa of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. She was

born on 24th May 1819 at Kensington

Palace and was christened Alexandrina

Victoria. However, from birth she was

formally addressed as Her Royal Highness

Princess Victoria of Kent. Sadly, her father

died 8 months after she was born.

At the age of 21, Victoria married her cousin

Albert of Saxe-Coburg Gotha, a German

Prince. They married on the 10th February

1840 at the Chapel Royal in St. James's

Palace. They had nine children, 40 grand-

children and 37 great-grandchildren,

scattered all over Europe. Most of Queen

Victoria’s children married into other royal

families of Europe. In fact, both Queen

Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip

are great-great-grandchildren of Queen

Victoria.

Prince Albert died in 1861 at the age of 42

and Victoria mourned his death for almost 10

years. For the rest of her reign she wore

black.

Queen Victoria was 81 when she died at her

home Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

27th January 1832

On this day, author Lewis Carroll was born

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson in Daresbury,

Cheshire. As well as being an author, he was

also a mathematician, logician, Anglican

deacon and photographer.

He was most famous for his book Alice in

Wonderland and its sequel Through the

Looking Glass. Charles Dodgson’s first

piece of work to be published under the name

Lewis Carroll was a romantic poem called

Solitude in 1856. In this same year, he met

Henry Liddell and his family who became a

great influence on his career. Liddell had a

young daughter named Alice and it is

believed that she was the inspiration behind

Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland which was

published in 1865.

31 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Creative Wedding Service

Traditional or Contemporary

Coverage To Suit All Needs

Reasonable Rates

PORTRAITS

Passport Photos / Driving Licence

23 Kents Hill Road (South), Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5PN, Tel:01268 565082

32 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Business Focus - Mart’s Blinds

Martin Corbyn is pleased to announce the launch of his new company - Mart’s Blinds.

Martin previously worked as an agent for

Paul James Blinds providing a

comprehensive service across Castle Point

and the surrounding areas for over 5 years.

With a wealth of experience, Martin prides

himself on providing a fast, reliable service

including after care if required. He stocks a

vast selection of fabrics for all ranges of

blinds and your order will be available and

installed within 10 working days! He also

offers a fitting service if you have already

purchased your blinds or curtains elsewhere.

The company stocks a wide range products

including roller blinds, conservatory blinds,

patio awnings and vertical blinds. If you are

uncertain as to what you require, Martin can

advice you of the best product to suit your

needs.

Martin told Your Benfleet & Hadleigh

Magazine:

“I am thrilled with the response since

launching Mart’s Blinds 8 months ago. My

top priority is always to provide the best

possible customer care. I aim to provide a

high quality, reliable service so please call if

you require any further information or free

friendly advice.”

MART’S BLINDS: 01268 512731

33 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Dancing Games

Arts & Crafts Stories

Face Painting Glitter Tattoos

34 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

35 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

36 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

• 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

We are here to offer support to

individuals in the community who

have suffered bereavement.

Useful Numbers

Police Essex Police 0300 333 4444

www.essex.police.uk

Benfleet Neighbourhood Policing Team

07791 680397

Medical

Basildon Hospital 01268 533911

Southend Hospital 01702 435 555

NHS Direct 0845 4647

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

South Essex Stop Smoking Services

01702 313705

www.southessexstopsmokingservice.nhs.uk

Councils

Castle Point Council 01268 882455

Essex County Council 0845 7585 592

www.essexcc.gov.uk

Rebecca Harris MP 020 7219 7206

House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

[email protected]

Other Numbers

RSPCA 07791 680413

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

0808 800 5000

37 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

Benfleet Tavern is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a sociable drink.

With ample parking and a secure children’s play area and a large beer garden

Every Thursday - Karaoke

Every Friday - DJ

Saturdays

Live Entertainment From 9pm

FREE ENTRY 7th Jan - Live Rock/Soul Singer “Big Baz”

14th Jan - Rock Band “Shortround”

Full Sky Sports Coverage Now Available!

38 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657

Appliance Repairs Advanced Technology 15

Aerial Installation

Trevange 37

Art Gallery / Lessons

Jim Woolfe 37

The Weir Gallery 39

Baby Wear & Accessories

Angie’s Angels 23

Beauty Therapists / Salons Escala 11

Male Waxing 7

Ruby’s 7

Blinds

Mart’s Blinds 32

Builders Image Housing 17

J.T Installations Ltd 13

FJB & Sons 15

Car Repairs

Dr Bump 29

Vauxhall Spares 15

Car Servicing & MOT

Castle Point Motors 2

Catering All Occasions 7

Chiropodists Martin James 11

Cleaning Services

Duster’s Domestic Cleaning 9 JSM Services 11

Day Nursery

First Class Day Nursery 23

Decorators

Andy Youngs 15

Bob Leighton 10 P. Bowers 17

DJ / Disco

The Two of Us 9

Electrician

E City Electrical 13

Estate Agents & Lettings Amos Estates 21

Brown & Brand 40

Fisks 1

Liberty Lettings 23 Robert Michael 27

Face Painting

Fabulous Party Faces 33

Fencing

Ellis Fencing 17

Furniture Repair Furniture Clinic 36

Gardening

Oakleigh Garden Maintenance 13

Hairdressers

Quinny’s 11

Ruby’s 7 The Colour Lounge 15

Health & Fitness

Benfleet Muay Thai 34 Flex Fitness 20

Fun & Fit 29

New Generation Fitness 25 Norbur Yoga 10

Heating Engineers

Castle Point Gas & Heating 3 Griffith’s Heating 14

Insurance Services

Alpine Insurance 27

Jewellers

Jewellery Hospital 27

Kitchen Supplier

SM Interiors 7

Locksmith Castle Locks 13

Music Shop

Benfleet Music 23

Opticians

K J Green 26

Templemans 23

Parties

Fabulous Fairy Parties 33

PC Services PC Senior 34

Tuff Computer Company 25

Pet Supplies T & J Feeds 31

Picture Framing

Phoenix Frames 39

Pharmacy Asif’s Pharmacy 17

Photographer

Clive Wilkins 31

Plumbing & Heating

Aqua Plumbing 11

Restaurants / Cafes / Takeaways Benfleet Tavern 37

Sadlers Cafe 25

The Muddy Creek 9

Roofing

Fibre-Tech 39

Solicitors Nairnsey, Fisher & Lewis 10

Sunglasses & Ski Goggles

Sunglass Solutions 9

Sweet Shop

Mr Brown’s Sweet Shoppe 23

Tattoo Artist Swift & Bold Tattoos 25

Television Supplies

Ace Vision 14

Therapists

Rosemary Cunningham 29

Tool Hire Hanson’s Hire 31

Transport Destinations Direct 13

Training

Dr Byte 35

Windows and Doors

Masterlite 24

Special FX 5

Wood Supplies Fearnwood Products 11

Index of Advertisers

Puzzle Answers

O M G E M Y E A R

F I R E W O R K S

L D M H H A T S Y

S N L A N Y I T N

O I J P Y E R G I

N G T P G A W L G

G H R Y P M U R N

S T R E A M E R S

C R A C K E R S H

Letter Quiz Answer

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Y S F L I N

P U R P L E U N R E E L

L E D P R W

M E T E E P I L E P S Y

C R N P C

P I N H E A D T R I A L

R T L W E S

H O O H A V A R S I T Y

N E G G S

A W A R D I N G I D O L

A A D E B B

T R I P O D R O L L O N

E Y Y Y E E

1 6 2 8 3 4 5 7 9

5 7 3 6 1 9 2 8 4

8 4 9 5 7 2 1 3 6

9 5 7 4 2 6 8 1 3

3 1 6 7 5 8 9 4 2

2 8 4 1 9 3 7 6 5

4 3 5 2 8 7 6 9 1

6 2 8 9 4 1 3 5 7

7 9 1 3 6 5 4 2 8

39 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk

AFTER

� 25 Year Guarantee

� 100% Weatherproof

� No Join or Seam

� Maintenance Free

� Asbestos Covering/Removal

� Family Run Business

� NO JOB TOO SMALL

SAVING ON ALL BOOKINGS

PLACED BEFORE SPRING

BEFORE

We are a family run business with over 30 years of experience, now in a unit close to the Rayleigh Weir

Framed Pictures ~ Prints & Limited Edition ~ Canvasses & Tapestries School Photos & Artwork ~ Ceramics & Pottery ~ Sports Shirts ~ Medals &

Memorabilia ~ Budget Photo Frames ~ Re-glazing & Re-framing

40 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657