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Local community magazine for the residents of Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh in Essex
Citation preview
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
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
Heating Systems
From Only £2000
Get Your Heating
System Flushed
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
Best Wishes
Graham and Angela OwenGraham and Angela OwenGraham and Angela OwenGraham and Angela Owen
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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The Muddy Creek, 198 High Road, Benfleet - www.themuddycreek.co.uk
£20 a Head (£10 deposit required) Call - 01268 569108
BYOB - No corkage!
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’
Burger”- 6oz of pure delight with thick back bacon, cheese, salad and chunky chips .. All for £6.50
Stuffed mushrooms ~
Slow cooked lamb shanks in red wine jus
creamy mash & roasted garlic ~
American cheese cake raspberry coulee ~
Coffee with chocolates
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.
DISCO FOR BALLROOM,
LATIN - AMERICAN &
SEQUENCE DANCING
ALL FUNCTIONS CATERED FOR
COMMERCIAL - PRIVATE
CALL “The Two Of Us”
01702 618771 or
07833 664443
10 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657
BOB LEIGHTONS
PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES
Reliable Local Decorator with
20 Years Experience Quality Interior & Exterior Works
Specialist in Wallpapering
Affordable Prices
From the Smallest Room to the
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References From Local People
For Friendly Advice & a
Free Quotation Call Bob
01268 693471 or 07851 974589
11 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk
Martin James D.Pod.M, M.Ch.S,
State Registered Chiropodist
& Podiatrist - HPC Reg
Benfleet Surgery Constitution Hill, Benfleet, SS7 1ED
NVQ level 2 / 3
Beauty courses
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Nail courses
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Escala Beauty Academy T: 01702 555566
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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
FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE
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However big or small, for a fast friendly service call
01268 750015 or 07527 898753 www.ecocityelectrical.co.uk
Castle Locks 318 - 320 London Road,
Benfleet, SS7 5XR
• 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
• FREE QUOTES
• NO CALL OUT FEE
• POLICE VETTED
• Car & House Lock Outs • Locks Supplied & Fitted • Van Locks Fitted - Slamlocks & Deadlocks • Car Keys & Remotes Including Transponder • UPVC Door & Window Locks Repaired / Replaced • Collapsible Grilles & Gates • Key Safes Supplied & Fitted • Key Cutting • Mul-T-Lock Garrison / Integrator Keys & Locks
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& OUR FRENCH ‘WINE & DINE’ DAY
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DESTINATIONS DIRECT
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14 To Advertise Call 01268 696404 or 07974 238657
Membership No. 037490 Gas Safe Reg. No: 505926
• Boiler Servicing & Maintenance
• Heating Installations & Boiler Exchanges
• Underfloor Heating
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• Gas Fire & Cooker Servicing & Maintenance
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• LPG Appliances Also Covered
15 www.yourlocalmags.co.uk
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
Call Andy Youngs Call Andy Youngs Call Andy Youngs Call Andy Youngs
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01268 75813301268 75813301268 75813301268 758133 30, Appleton Road, 30, Appleton Road, 30, Appleton Road, 30, Appleton Road,
Sth Benfleet, SS7 5DBSth Benfleet, SS7 5DBSth Benfleet, SS7 5DBSth Benfleet, SS7 5DB
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Mob: 07810 002934
Email: [email protected]
FJB & SON
BUILDING & MAINTENANCE
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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
www.flex-gym.net
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OPENING TIMES
Mon - Fri 6am - 10pm Saturdays 8am - 6pm
Sundays / Bank Holidays 9am - 5pm
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
First Class Day Nursery First Class Day Nursery First Class Day Nursery First Class Day Nursery
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
ALL YOUR FAVOURITES AVAILABLE
RHUBARB & CUSTARD, ANISEED TWISTS, SHERBET
105 HIGH ROAD, BENFLEET
01268 569153
PARTY BAGS, GIFT JARS & WEDDING FAVOURS
MADE TO ORDER
SWEET CART TO HIRE FOR WEDDINGS & PARTIES
TEMPLEMAN Opticians
NHS & PRIVATE
01268 777355 169 High Street, Rayleigh
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
FINANCE AVAILABLE - NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
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
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
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
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
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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