THE VILLAGE EMPORIUM January / February 2015 • Blackwater edition Delivering to: Bicknacre, Danbury, Goldhanger, Great Braxted, Great Totham, Heybridge Basin, Langford, Little Baddow, Little Braxted, Little Totham, Nounsley, Salcott cum Virley, Tollesbury, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Tolleshunt Knights, Tolleshunt Major, Ulting, Wickham Bishops, Woodham Mortimer, Woodham Walter.
Please mention The Village Emporium when responding to advertisers Welcome to the New Year issue… Dont forget to follow us on Facebook The Village Emporium Essex & Twitter @EmporiumEssex A very happy and peaceful Layer Marney Tower, the home New Year to all our readers. of the current High Sheriff of Essex, Nicholas Charrington. After the bustle and festivities of Read the article on P22 to see Christmas, January and February how he combines his ceremonial can seem very flat, so do take duties, running Layer Marney and five minutes to have a cuppa and the odd bit of DIY on the side! enjoy The Village Emporium. We are always looking at ways We love to spread news of local to improve the magazine, so if people, businesses, charities you have any ideas whilst and achievements – do please enjoying your tea, then please write in and let us know what is let us know! going on in your village so that we Advertise with us can share it with our readers. We We deliver by hand to 17,000 This issue's tea room is located also advertise your events for free village homes and businesses in Maldon. This is a town with in our What’s On column, so if across two editions, each many independent shops - well you’d like publicity then just let us with a circulation of 8,500. worth a visit for the January sales. know. Looking forward to hearing Promote your event Have a look at pages 6 & 7 and from you… take the opportunity to check We advertise your event out the tea room, shops and Best wishes free of charge (priority will restaurant featured. If you are be given to charity and on Facebook you can win a free community events). afternoon tea at our featured tea Janet John The copy deadline for room, check it out at ‘The Village & the March/April issue Emporium Essex’. Andrea Hall is 6th February. did last month and will be taking her mum for a free afternoon Call 01621 858412 or email tea at the Steam Pump tea room [email protected] www.emporiumessex.co.uk in Langford. The photo on the front cover this issue is a stunning shot of Have you seen our sister magazine, the South Chelmer edition? Read online or request a copy via our website www.emporiumessex.co.uk Features this issue include: • Recipe: Chocolate dipped shortbread! • Help with your new puppy • Proile of Stock & Buttsbury Heritage Society 2
The Village Emporium 01621 858412 Inside this issue Welcome to the New Year issue… Dont forget to follow us on Facebook The Village Emporium Essex & Twitter @EmporiumEssex Features 07 Contents 07 The teapot collector Visit a cosy new tea room in Maldon 04 What's on 06 Out & about 21 Re-energise for the New Year ... with a Tsuboki massage 14 Your family 21 Look good, feel good 22 Time out with the HIgh Sheriff 26 Business & IT The busy life of Nicholas Charrington 28 Your home 27 Measuring cash flow in shoes! 56 On the road An accountant with an unusual approach! 58 Your garden 21 64 Index 29 Anyone want a mountain? Why it pays to plan for IHT 31 Imagine a close knit community Regulars A new type of networking group 34 A lesson in preserving history 15 Recipe: Winter 15 The Old Schoolhouse in Gt Braxted warming soup 37 Tips for winter golfing 17 Message from 39 Adding a touch of style to your home Westminster Be inspired at Simply Floors & Walls! 19 Spring Lodge 43 Now your heating could 22 Veterinary Centre cost you 40% less 46 Community News 50 Charity News 53 Looking to extend your property? 59 Plume 55 Grape Passions School News New moves for local wine business xx 62 Business 57 Hands that do dishes… News The beneits of a water softener 53 19 CoMPeTITIoN! WIN a beautiful alpaca/acrylic scarf. See page 11 for how to enter. Congratulations to Clive Hopgood of Wickham Bishops who won the afternoon tea at Perrywood Garden Centre in the competition in our last issue. Congratulations also go to Charlie Hicks from East Hanningield for winning a pelvic loor course in the competition in our Sept/Oct issue. 3
Please mention The Village Emporium when responding to advertisers What’s on Date for your diary timber framed houses built in East Anglia between 1170 and 1700, to show how the type of house and JANUARY type of timber framing changed over this period. Start date: 13th 7 Le Weekend: Jan, end date 24th March. Maldon Film Club Fee:£48. Enquiries Ann Jackson Wed 7th Doors open at 7.15pm on 01621 868167. Maldon Town Hall. With Lindsay Duncan and Jim Broadbent. 6 Red Devils 17 Country and Wine and soft drinks are available, Wednesday 6th May 2015 Western Dance at a charge, from 7.30pm and the Come and join the ‘Team Sat 17th 8-11.30pm films begin at 8pm. Call 01621 Havens’ coach as we drive to Sandon Village Hall, Woodhill Road, 869340 (for membership enquiries) skydive with the Red Devils on Sandon, CM2 7SQ. Kevin Barry: or 01621 850250 (for general Wednesday 6th May 2015. a very popular singer from Suffolk, enquiries) www.maldonfilmclub.info There is a non-refundable playing country and middle of the booking fee of £100 and the road music. Help raise funds for 8 - Wickham Bishops cost of the jump is £199, but Sandon Village Hall. Tea and coffee 10 Drama Club Panto: Red you can pay in instalments by available. Bring your own drink. Riding Hood Thurs-Sat 8th-10th booking on their website. If Contact Ray 01245 472386. Wickham Bishops Village Hall you fundraise over £500 then Tickets: 07876 708684 the cost of the jump can be 17 Wickham Bishops free to you. When you are on Club of Jazz Sat 17th 7.30pm 13 Workers educational their website look for Havens Wickham Bishops Village Hall CM8 Association course Hospices date on 6 May 2015. 3JZ. Traditional Jazz at its best with Tues 13th 10.30am–12 noon http://clickandjump.co.uk/red- Graham Hughes & the ‘Sunshine Parish Rooms, Tollesbury devils-booking/ Kings’. For bookings ring 01621 A new 10 week course entitled For further information please 853626 0r 01621 891717 ‘Discovering East Anglian timber contact Emma Hamilton on framed buildings’. Tutor John 01702 220308 or ehamilton@ 22 - Treasure Island 24 Walker. The course will introduce havenshospices.org.uk Thurs 22nd - Sat 24th January students to the smaller historic The Centre, Congregational Church, Retired or semi-retired ? East Street, Tollesbury. Want places to go, opportunities to CM9 8QD. Performed by learn and to have fun? Tollesbury Amateur Players. Looking for new friends and things to do? For more information call 07547 566 811 or email tap@ U3As are about learning and having fun together. We have tollesburyplayers.com a wealth of knowledge and experience amongst us so why 24 Winter Warmer Dance not join in and share it and learn about something different. night: After-eight Social Club Making new friends is always important so there’s always Sat 24th doors open 8pm time for coffee, biscuits and a chat. All this for only £15 a Langford Village Hall. Admission: year plus £1 a month for branch meetings!!!!! Members £7 non members £9. Includes soup with a roll and a If you would like more information on any of the above you can dessert. Bring your own drinks. find more details on the website (just enter Dengie U3A in a Dancing to the sounds of ‘Top search engine) or give Maxine a call on 01621 740024 Deck’. For further information or email [email protected] contact Mike on 01621 856219 www.aftereightsocialclub.co.uk 4
The Village Emporium 01621 858412 Out & about Danbury Country FeBRUARY Park activities 6 Sounds of Musicals show Fri 6th doors open 7.30 Danbury Sports and Social Centre. WITHAM Sounds of Musicals is a fun trip through the well-known songs from CHORAL SOCIETY the London and Broadway stages, Musical Director; with plenty of audience interaction, Patrick McCarthy 31 & Nature club sing-along moments and a Musicals Open Rehearsal - all Welcome 28 £3 per child Saturdays 10am- themed party set to get everyone Do you enjoy singing? We’re 12 noon Jan 31st & Feb 28th dancing. Tickets £12 members/£14 holding an open rehearsal on A different activity each guests. Enquiries 01245 224515. Tuesday 13 January 2015 month. Everything is outdoors at the Witham United Reformed often in the mud and rain! 7 Farmers’ Market Church from 7.45pm until 9.45pm We nearly always have a camp Sat. 7th 9am-12.30pm Do come along to meet our fire and sometimes toast Danbury Sports and Social Centre. friendly choir and find out what we are about. marshmallows! Your opportunity to buy fresh, local, We shall be rehearsing Stainer’s Booking required. quality produce. Stalls include Kelly Crucifixion as well as music 14 Allotment club Turkeys with their award winning by Stanford and Parry for a £3 per child Saturdays turkey & beef. Admission: Free. performance on 21 March 2015 10am - 12 noon from Feb 14th Enquiries 01245 224515. We rehearse every Tuesday in Suitable for children aged from term time. 3 upwards accompanied by 14 Valentines ballroom/Latin Ring 01621 854621 for more details their adult. Plant, weed, tend social evening night with www.withamchoralsociety.org.uk and harvest the allotment, Jeff Short Sat 14th 8-11pm which was set up last summer Danbury Sports and Social Centre. in an area of the park adjacent These informal social dance from £11 to £13. with concession to the old grade II listed red evenings are held on the second price of £8.50 for certain seats at brick wall. Meet in the lakes Saturday of each month. Music is the Tuesday and Saturday Matinee car park at 10am, finish at 12 provided by Jeff Short. Everyone performances. noon. No booking required. is welcome regardless of standard Just bring some gardening and resident dance teacher Jen 20 Great Totham Nursery gloves and allotment ideas! Thomas will be on hand to offer curry night Fri 20th 7.30pm All money collected is used to guidance if required. Licensed Bar start, food served at 8pm. buy more seeds. provided & free parking. Admission Great Totham Village hall on the door: £4 members, £5 (CM9 8NH). Choice of curries, 18 Puddleducks guests. Enquiries 01245 224515. poppadums, rice, naan bread and £1 per family every Monday one soft drink per person for £15 in term time 1.30pm 16 - The Madness per ticket. Please bring your own 21 For Pre-school children Musical : our House, additional drinks. Raffle. Please call 18 Wild Wednesday presented by WoW! the nursery on 07960 947931 by 11am-2pm Feb 18th. Bring a Mon 16th to Sat 21st nightly at 12th February to secure your tickets. picnic and follow the signs in 7:30, Saturday matinee at 2:30 the park to find where the fun is The Public Hall, Collingwood Road, 21 Wickham Bishops Club of happening! Just turn up! Witham CM8 2DY. Box Office Jazz Sat 21st 7.30pm For more information on any Tel 0845 475 0420. Email wow. Wickham Bishops Village Hall CM8 of these activities, please [email protected]. Online at 3JZ. Traditional Jazz at its best call Andrea Gabriel, Park www.wow.org.uk. Monday evening with Sean Moyses' Hot Five. For Ranger on 01245 222350 preview: all seats £7.50. Other bookings ring 01621 853626 or performance tickets range 01621 891717. 5
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Feature The teapot collector Mrs Salisbury collects teapots! If you order tea at Mrs Salisbury’s tearoom at Bright’s Passage off Maldon High Street you can expect a stylish silver teapot and ‘proper’ loose leaf tea brewed to perfection! There’s more to Andrea Salisbury than meets the eye, she’s a real entrepreneur and along with Mr Salisbury (Mark) she’s brought Bright’s Passage back to life. From a virtually derelict area where all the shops had gradually closed and become run down, Mark and Andrea set to work and opened in March 2014. Andrea has run Continental Coffee for nine years so had the experience needed for a tearoom. “The success of the shops is dependent on the tea shop; people come for tea and stay to browse around the shops,” soup, sausages with onion gravy, she explains. quiche and tarts. The tearoom is full of In the summer there are tables for character with a small area people to sit outside and Andrea for 12 people downstairs has plans to bring a double-decker and a bigger area bus into the passage, replacing upstairs. It’s got beams the beach huts at the end, to and interesting décor, so provide additional seating with a there’s plenty to capture view across the park. the attention – until the food arrives! The day we visited there Bright’s Passage is a delightful were SEVEN different cakes on place to browse and sit for a chat offer; toffee, date and walnut, with friends – Mrs Salisbury’s is peanut brownies, carrot cake, open from 10am – 4pm Monday amaretto chocolate brownies, cakes and scones; there are to Friday and 9am – 4pm on Rocky Road and a Viennese also champagne jellies! (Note: Saturdays (closed on Sunday). sandwich. Then there’s the watch our Facebook page for an You’ll love it! afternoon tea – “We’re really proud opportunity to experience this). of our afternoon tea,” Andrea said, Mrs Salisbury’s Famous “everything is made fresh, no pre- If you want a tasty light lunch, there Tea Rooms. prepared sandwiches.” As well are baked potatoes, sandwiches Tel: 07989 327004 as the delicate sandwiches, the and a daily list of specials that Bright’s Path, Maldon CM9 5EP afternoon tea features delicious features things like homemade 7
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Competition WIN a beautiful scarf… When the weather gets colder you need something warm when you go out and you couldn’t do better than a beautiful scarf made from Alpaca wool mixed with acrylic. Pamela and her husband came to If you'd like to enter a the UK from Peru in 2008 and saw draw to win one of these an opportunity to introduce Peruvian beautiful scarves just answer handicrafts, importing a rainbow of this question: colourful scarves and cute Peruvian What is the name of the cardigans for kids,t to an eager new techniques used to make customer base. the children’s cardigans? handmade by artisans in Lima (the Include the colour of the scarf you’d Each scarf is 22 cm wide by 170 cm capital city of Peru). They learn the like in your entry. Email your reply to long, so there’s plenty of material to Arpillado techniques from their families [email protected] wrap yourself up warmly and they who originate from the mountain Or by mail to: The Peruvian knitwear competition The Village Emporium come in 14 different colours (red, areas. There is a choice of colours Ravens, Maypole Road, Langford, chocolate, light purple, blue, salmon including red, blue, blue and white, Essex CM9 4SX. Remember to include pink, pink, silver grey, olive green, white and brown, light blue, and pink. your address and telephone number slate grey, caramel yellow, white, If you want more information about so that we can contact you if you win. purple, turquoise and black). either of the items please contact Competition rules can be found on our website:www.emporiumessex.co.uk The children’s cardigans are Pamela on [email protected] 11
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Feature Your home Winter warming simple soup The Braxted Park Cookery School recommends starting with simple stuff and so their beginners' course features Roasted Butternut Squash soup, Mushroom Risotto, Lamb Rogan Josh, Slow Cooked Duck with honey, ginger and soy, Chicken wrapped in cabbage and pancetta and Sticky Toffee pudding. The novice chefs learn how to make each dish from scratch and now you can experiment with one of these dishes too. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients: n 2 butternut squash n 2 cloves garlic n 1 small bulb ginger n 2 red chillies n 2 medium onions n 1 tablespoon organic vegetable bouillon n 2 litres water n 200ml double cream (optional) n 1 bunch of chives, or chervil Method 1 Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, and roast covered with oiled foil for 1 hour at 180ºc. 2 Peel the garlic & ginger and chop finely with the red chillies. 3 Peel and chop the onions then sweat gently in a little oil for 10 minutes. if necessary. If you’d like to join a beginners' class at Braxted Park the next 4 Add the garlic, ginger and chilli 6 Add the vegetable bouillon and course is on Sunday 1st February. and cook for a few minutes. simmer for 20-25 minutes. Remove the flesh from the roasted squash (discard the skin), chop & 7 Liquidise then add cream The Cookery School add to the pot. if desired. at Braxted Park Tel: 01621 890300 5 Cover with the water and 8 Serve hot, garnished with [email protected] www.braxtedparkcookery.co.uk bring to the boil, add more water freshly cut chervil or chives. 15
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Feature Message from Westminster The Autumn Statement had good news for local families and businesses in the Witham Constituency and Essex. As the county of entrepreneurs, the strengthening of entrepreneurs’ relief and the reduction of the administrative burden with simpler tax management are both benefits. I was also pleased to see rail network to give us the of the success of the Government’s cutting and capping of business world class high performing railway long term economic plan. rates, giving businesses a ‘high local commuters deserve. street discount’ of £1,500. The If any of my constituents need Chancellor has also made it easier Since 2010 income tax has been more information about the Autumn to employ young people by cutting cut for 26.7 million taxpayers, and Statement, help or advice, please National Insurance contributions raising the tax free allowance to do not hesitate to contact me. on all under 21s from 2015 and for £10,600 has freed 3 million people apprenticeships for those under 25. from paying income tax altogether. Priti Patel Member of Parliament for Witham Record levels of investment in road To support home ownership, and rail improvements have been the stamp duty threshold is now House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Tel: 020 7219 3528 announced, meaning the three £125,000, making house purchase Email: [email protected] lane carriageway on the A12 will go cheaper for 98% of people buying a www.pritipatelmp.com ahead and new measures for our house. All this is possible because 17
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Advertising feature A New Year and a new start ...for your pet Why not include your pets in your New Year resolutions? Try a new activity Many owners ‘eyeball’ the amount There are many hobbies and of food that they feed their pets, activities you can enjoy with pouring an inaccurate amount into your dog including aglilty, the food bowl. Studies have shown heelwork to music and Canicross. that this often means pets receive They are a great way to strengthen far more food than they need. the bond between you and they will improve the behaviour of Calculate the amount of food, in your dog, improve fitness levels grams, your pet requires each day degree of gum disease. While (for both of you) and are and weigh this out accurately at there are many dental chews and great fun. feed time. We also recommend specialised foods available, the visiting your Practice veterinary most effective way to prevent dental Measure your pet’s food Nurse at least every three months to problems is daily brushing with a A study in 2014 discovered that check your pet’s weight. suitable pet toothpaste. Visit your 45% of dogs, 40% of cats and Practice Veterinary Nurse who can 28% of pet rabbits were classed Practice good oral hygiene demonstrate the correct brushing as obese. The main cause of this It is estimated that 70%-80% of technique and give your dog or cat is overfeeding. dogs and cats suffer from a a dental health check. 19
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Advertising feature Re-energise for the New Year Now 2015 is here you’ve probably made a few resolutions – the get fit, lose weight, drink less, stop smoking type of thing that require sustained effort to ensure you succeed. But what about treating yourself? Most of us don’t schedule in enough ‘me time’. Life is A Tsuboki head massage gently focuses on pressure too busy, but looking after yourself is important. points that release tension, improve minor health issues and re-energise you so you’re ready for If you haven’t tried it before, a really good massage anything. Aligning your energy gives you more than can be relaxing and healing – as well as energising. a temporary boost. If you’re flagging after the festive frenzy you probably need all three! Do you choose a relaxing hot stones You can book either or both of the treatments and massage, a clinical approach or something like an ensure you’re ready to get 2015 off to a fantastic start. Indian head massage to energise you? Now you don’t have to choose, as there’s a new and exciting treatment that does all three. It is a Tsuboki Japanese Face and Head massage. Jas Bdesha is highly qualified in sports and clinical massage techniques, myofascial release and a Tsuboki specialist. If you’re thinking: ‘What’s Tsuboki?’, let us explain: Tsuboki treatment is based on assisting the flow of healing energy (Ki) through the entire body by stimulating over 50 acupressure points (Tsubos) in the 8 meridians running through the face and head. It is a wonderfully energising treatment; recipients love it because it’s easily accessible yet feels like a full body massage. A Tsuboki facial also includes release of tension in neck and shoulders, with the the use of steel (ridoki) rollers to invigorate deeper layers of skin and lymphatic drainage techniques. If you’d like to find out more about Tsuboki – or hot stones, Indian head massage or need clinical therapy for painful conditions – give Jas a call on 07775 633798 and book yourself a New Year energising session. 21
Time out with The High Sheriff Nicholas Charrington was born at Layer Marney Tower 53 years ago and has lived there all his life with his family. He is currently High Sheriff of Essex, one of 55 High Sheriffs in England and Wales. The Office is an independent As I arrived for our non-political Royal appointment, meeting Nicholas had the origins of which date back to just come back from a Saxon times. Whilst the duties of morning at Tymperleys the role have evolved, supporting restaurant and tea the Crown and the judiciary remain room in Colchester. central elements. Colchester’s former Clock Museum was This is only one aspect of bought by the family Nicholas’s life, he runs the business in December 2013 and side of the Tower with his wife, opened for business as a Sheila. If you have not visited, it tearoom in May 2014. is a jewel in Essex’s crown and It’s managed by his daughter has so much to offer: the beautiful Alice and has become a house and stunning gardens are popular place for people open on selected days from April to pop in for a drink and to September. They also host something to eat. Built in the educational trips, Tudor treasure 1490s it needs a bit of TLC hunts and in the warmer months, every now and then and, as Glamping! Visit the website Nicholas loves a bit of carpentry www.layermarneytower.co.uk to in his spare time, he’s the man find out more. they call. 22
Feature Your home Time out with The High Sheriff Nicholas took over from Julia Abel by the time he spent with the safe from crime and the fear of Smith as High Sheriff in April 2014, forensics team, based in the police crime. The Awards are presented a position he holds for 12 months. headquarters in Chelmsford. by the High Sheriff at a special awards ceremony at Hylands The High Sheriff usually works With only a few months left as House in March 2015. with the Lord-Lieutenant at Royal High Sheriff Nicholas is now visits in the County and in May last looking forward to awarding It will bring his year as High year Nicholas visited Chelmsford grants from the High Sheriff’s Sheriff to a rewarding end. Cathedral when Her Majesty The Fund, managed by the Despite his busy life running his Queen and HRH the Duke of independent charitable trust, businesses I suspect he’ll miss Edinburgh attended a service as Essex Community Foundation being so closely involved with part of the centenary celebrations (ECF). The fund is used to so many varied aspects of life for the Diocese of Chelmsford. support voluntary and community in Essex. organisations working throughout No two weeks are the same; Essex to make their communities Sarah Case Nicholas is invited to many events and attends three or four each week all over Essex. He has especially enjoyed visiting areas he has not been to before and increasing his understanding of the issues that voluntary organisations are tackling to make our communities safer places to live and work. “I was very impressed by the team that run the Women’s Refuge in Colchester when I visited them last November – I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for my role as High Sheriff.” The High Sheriff must play an active and supportive role in relation to the police and emergency services. Nicholas was fascinated 23
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Please mention The Village Emporium when responding to advertisers PC MISBEHAVING? Get your PC problems fixed! PC Care for Windows 8, 7, Vista & XP Virus removal, Performance tuning, Software, Hardware & Network installations & repairs Nick Smith : 01621 893290 or 07986 405838 PC email: [email protected] CARE www.pccareessex.co.uk essex 26
Advertising feature Measuring cash flow in shoes! It’s unusual to find an accountant who tracks her cash fluidity in shoes, but Bambi Harrison is not your usual accountant! “Accounting is a dry subject,” she says “so I try to make it more interesting and I love shoes and handbags so I assess my available funds in which shoes I could buy – not that I necessarily buy them, but it’s a great way to stay motivated.” Bambi is passionate about your tax return early, any refunds panic. If you’re just recovering ensuring her clients' money is in can be issued that much sooner. from Christmas, the credit card bill their own accounts rather than If you wait until the following lands – and then the tax bill is due, someone else’s. She is a fount of January, the taxman is sitting on it can be really painful.” tips on how to keep your business your money.” cash-healthy; “Turnover is just a Bambi is a big fan of planning for number; if the money isn’t in your However, if you owe tax the sooner small businesses, whether you’re bank account, it doesn’t count!” you know what your tax bill will just starting up or are still growing. be, the better you can plan for “If you list out all your expenses, January is a busy time for it. “Think of it like saving up for costs of equipment, staff costs accountants with the deadline Christmas,” she says, “If you put and what you want to earn for for tax returns falling on 31st and a bit away every month you don’t yourself, you can price your goods/ Bambi encourages her clients to get to the end of January and services to clients more accurately. get their paperwork done early. With a cash flow forecast based She explains: “The tax year ends on solid information, one client on the 5th of April. So if you are got much more tax back than he due a refund, by submitting had expected and a lovely rebate landed in his bank account!” If you’d like to talk to Bambi about increasing the pairs of shoes your cashflow will cover give her a call on 01621 891039 or visit her website www.bbharrison.co.uk. 27
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Advertising feature Anyone want a mountain? Even the apparently wealthy are not immune from the tax man. Lord Lonsdale died in 2006 leaving the title and estate to his eldest son, Hugh Lowther – along with a tax bill of around £9 million. pay the tax bill. I know that most of you don’t FoR own mountains or have assets SALe worth many millions, but neither do you want to be forced to sell your assets in a desperate attempt to raise enough money to settle the IHT bill. If you’re interested, it’s a 2,676 acre plot with the 2,850ft (869m) mountain. You also get grazing rights for 5,471 ewes, 732 hoggs [young sheep] and 200 lambs! They’re expecting it to raise around £1.75 million. If you would just like to check how much IHT could be payable on your death, get in touch. I will need an estimate of the value of your assets, including any mountains you might own! The information regarding taxation is based on our understanding Because the family’s money is instalments over ten years for land of law, HM Revenue & Customs all tied up in property the only and buildings. In Lord Lonsdale’s practice and current legislation, way to pay the inheritance tax case, family disputes caused a which may be altered and (IHT) was to sell assets. That’s delay in raising the cash to start depends on the not applicable only to people paying the bill and now the ten individual financial with huge estates, the current year period is close to expiry the circumstances of threshold for inheritance tax is estate needs to raise a significant the investor. just £325,000 – and many lump sum to settle the liability. people’s family home is worth more than that. Their solution? Sell a mountain! Want to know more? The family has owned a landmark Contact Paul Hoskin at Normally, IHT is payable within mountain and manor in the Lake Hoskin Financial Planning on six months of the deceased’s District for more than 400 years, 01621 767200. death, although tax can be paid in but now it has to be sold off to 29
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Feature Imagine a close knit community... A real community is where everyone gets to know each other, what they need, and what their skills are. The community works as people help each other when it’s needed, working with and for other members. In this way a successful community is created. Business communities understand community there are people who well – the proof of the pudding is in the power of networking – but need help, people who have skills the eating – and this pudding has business networking only caters and people who actively help proven to be delicious with many for 30% of the population. What others – although often not as part successful connections being about the other people who live of an organised group. made, friendships developed and and work locally? much more. The concept of L4G is to bring Link for Growth (L4G) is unique every member of the community There are 75 groups across the – it caters for EVERYONE. together and give them the UK. Your local group is in Danbury L4G came to Danbury a year ago opportunity to meet, talk, listen, and you can find out about and has already forged a strong learn, link and grow in a really meetings by visiting our website at community amongst all the people positive environment. The tone of www.Link4Growth.biz. You’ll find who have attended one or more of the meetings is for people to get the Danbury meetings listed under the monthly meetings. to know each other and discover ‘Upcoming events’ on the second how they can help. People Monday of each month. The message is that we are all are encouraged to introduce members of various communities; a themselves with “Hello, my name Come along and find out how to be street, a village, a school, a factory is… What’s your name – and how part of the L4G local community. complex, a group of parents with can I help you?” children at the same school and, of Our local Community course, many different If this sounds too simple to work Leader is Nicky business groups. Claydon In each 31
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Advertising feature Tips for winter golfing... Winter is now with us, and the cold temperatures that go with it, but this doesn’t mean you should put your clubs away for the season. With a little preparation, golfing this time of year is not only possible but also very enjoyable. Here are a few tips to coloured golf balls that are easy Winter golf is a very different game help you prepare: to spot from a distance. to the summer variety, whether Winter clothing - let’s start with you decide to take the obvious. Most lightweight embrace the elements time practising on warm weather gear will be more Due to a mixture of your golf the driving range than enough to keep Jack Frost ball being cold, the many layers or completing a at bay as you make your rounds; you will need to wear and lack short 9-holes, so we would also recommend of decent footing, it is almost long as you prepare packing hand warmers in your impossible to hit the ball as far correctly it can be mittens to ensure you stay as you would in the summer so just as fun, comfortable between shots. just enjoy the experience and if not more so! have fun. Winter goling is about The golf ball – A white ball enjoying the elements, having fun Tel: 01376 510222 is not the most practical choice with your friends and discovering Forest Road, Witham, CM8 2PS this time of year, we recommend a side to the sport that very few www.rivenhalloaksgolf.com investing in some brightly are brave enough to try. 37
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Advertising feature Your home Adding a touch of style ... to your home Choosing the right floor covering to complement your lifestyle can be a real challenge – do you go for carpet, wood, natural floor tiles or a good quality laminate? What will it look like when it’s in place and what happens when you replace one type of flooring with another? That’s when personal service is Karndean, Classical Flagstones, Hill, Maldon CM9 6UZ; it’s really important – and that’s what Polyflor, Balterio, Earthwerks and just a short drive from Maldon you’ll get if you come and visit Lifestyle Carpets. You don’t need and Danbury. us in our new showroom in the to go anywhere else to complete Wycke Hill Industrial Park. your project as you can get trims, grout, underlay, gripper and all SIMPLY FLOORS As you might guess from our the other accessories you need & WALLS name – Simply Floors & Walls from our range too. – we also offer a range of wall 5% coverings to create interesting You don’t need to do any décor in each area of your home. complicated measurements: just DISCoUNT ask and one of our estimators will You’ll get a huge range of high visit to measure your space and on all orders on presentation quality products – along with advise how much of your chosen of this editorial at our branch! One per customer. Valid for 6 fantastic service. Our customers flooring or wall covering you need. months from date of pubication. come back again and again. We work directly with individuals as Simply Floors & Walls (Essex) Ltd well as giving trade customers is open 6 days a week: Monday expert advice and a fantastic to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Simply Floor & Walls (Essex) Ltd range of products from which from 9am to 4pm on Saturday. Unti 12, Wycke Hill Business Park, to choose. Wycke Hill, Maldon Essex CM9 6UZ Tel: 01621 852324 The showroom is at Unit 12, email: simplyfloorsandwalls.com The brands include Amtico, Wycke Hill Business Park, Wycke 39
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Advertising feature Your home Now your heating could cost you 40% less! Now that the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has been launched, this offers an opportunity to make a significant difference to your heating bills. It will bring your bills down, PV Renewable Energy are regardless of the fuel you use Panasonic Pro partners for the (electricity, gas, oil or LPG), but will design and installation of make the biggest savings if you are Aquarea air to water heat pumps. off the gas grid. For more information on the RHI scheme or a demonstration of the The RHI has been designed following technologies: primarily as a boiler replacement scheme, but can also offer n Heat pumps /dual fuel subsidies to hybrid systems where government will pay for a renewable systems a heat pump can complement an heating system for you. n Solar PV existing boiler. n Solar Thermal With the constantly escalating n Air conditioning heat pumps What does this mean to you? prices from the energy suppliers The simple answer is that you can and our variable climate, it makes save up to 40% on your heating sense to get the best level of Contact Richard on the number/ email address below. and hot water bills - and the efficiency you possibly can. STILL uSIng oIL or Lpg To heaT your home? SWITCh To aIr anD STarT SaVIng explore the benefits of aquarea online www.panasonic-heating.com PV Renewable Energy Ltd The Rowans, Lea Lane, Great Braxted, Witham CM8 3EP Tel: 07891 586 024 / 07946 313 943 [email protected] www.pvrenewables.co.uk Please quote reference AQ19 43
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Feature Community news Welcome to our community news page – please use it to spread the word about what is going on in your area. Great Totham Village Hall on the fourth Tuesday of each month (but not in December and January). Meetings are varied with the June and November meetings featuring supper and a demonstration by a National Demonstrator from the National Association Photograph courtesy of Essex Chronicle year everyone gets involved in of Flower Arrangers. Twice a creating arrangements using the available flowers and most of the other meetings feature local demonstrators explaining the craft. Each month there’s a Plant Stall where members bring plants they have divided and a Sales Table where you can buy oasis, dishes, ribbons, etc. Members also bring a flower from their gardens for the Flower of the Month Search for a volunteer community? Contact Sarah Case Competition: then all the members The Tollesbury school crossing has at [email protected] for more place coins against the flower now been agreed and will be the information. n they like best with the proceeds first in Essex to have a volunteer being donated to the Chairman’s crossing patrol. Essex County chosen charity. Council will train the volunteers so Floral fancies as soon as one is found it can be If you’ve ever If you’d like up and running quickly. There are thought about to find out still some annual costs involved in learning to arrange more, do visit running the crossing, with just over flowers, don’t wait as a guest in £5,000 in the bank sponsors are any longer, join the February (on the now required to ensure it can run Wickham Bishops 24th, which is for years to come. Flower Club and also our AGM); put your creative meetings start at Currently, the money already ideas to the test! 7pm (for 7.30pm) raised is being used for training, and cost just £5. uniforms and to fund the annual Although the club Please phone assessments that are required – so started out in Joan 01621 who do you know who would like Wickham Bishops, 892550 for further to be in the forefront of the local it’s now held in the details. n 46
Feature There is a better way to divorce or n separate Divorce and separation are difficult and traumatic life events. With lots to think about, including practical issues like where and how you are going Maldon & District Citizens to live; money; children’s Advice Bureau needs you arrangements as well as In the last year alone we have the emotions you are all helped 3,000 local people to feeling, you’ll need help to resolve a wide range of issues navigate your particular set relating to money, family, housing of circumstances. and employment. It’s the first place many people turn to in a crisis. With Essex Family Solutions you’ll have access ● Remember that if you do choose We could not provide this quality to lawyers who can deal with to take your dispute to court, the support without our dedicated the paperwork, financial planners judge will make the decision and team of volunteers – this is where to help you look at the money, it might not be the one you had we need your help. Maldon & independent mediators to help hoped for (50:50 may not be fair) District CAB is recruiting volunteers you reach agreements, family Life is going to be harder. The and urging people with all kinds consultants and counsellors to same money coming in now has of experience to get in touch. If help you to deal with the emotions to fund two households, so some you decide this opportunity could that might derail negotiations. cutbacks and hard decisions are be right for you, we will provide This means that you and your likely to be needed. extensive training in how to advise partner can build the solution that those who seek our help. suits you best. ● Stick to the main areas of routine and be flexible on the rest. We would also like to hear from our top tips include: Accept that you may have different volunteers with experience of ● Be realistic about your parenting styles, but these may making grant applications to expectations of your relationship, complement each other. help with fundraising, and those yourself and your partner, interested in joining the Trustee particularly when coping with times ● Collect all of your financial Board of our charity. of change and stress. information, about day to day If you would like to join our friendly expenses for you, your home and team and make a real contribution ● Although separation/divorce your family. to your local community please is often a relief, it can feel like a write to Manager, Maldon & bereavement. The loss needs ● Remember to look at the finances District Citizens Advice Bureau, to be acknowledged and mourned. as a whole, rather than a piece at a St Cedds House, Princes Road, time. Income, capital and pensions Maldon, Essex CM9 5NY or email ● Rushing into a separation/ all link with each other. us on manager@maldoncab. divorce may give you a sense of Contact details for our cabnet.org.uk n control, but may not be in the best members and their companies long term interests of you or any can be found at www. children involved. essexfamilysolutions.org.uk n 47
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