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As I write this, it has been nearly a year to the day that lockdown started but it is so good to see the daffodils and snowdrops blooming, the sun shining (although still a little chilly) and the lambs bouncing around, jumping on their mums and playing. PUBLISHER EDITOR In the magazine this month the Chelmsford CVS have sent in Dean Robinson Nicola Faux some volunteering vacancies. They had a great response to the [email protected] [email protected] Covid 19 vaccination volunteers. Thank you to those of you who have given up your time to help. Danbury Sports Centre are advertising their re-opening in April, May and June with the classes you can attend, Covid restrictions in place. So that is exciting news for those of us who have missed attending. On page 17 Danbury Table Tennis Club member Gordon Gatheral has won the Pride of Table Tennis Award for his volunteering in Table Tennis and is now in the running for the National Award in June. His efforts have encouraged a lot of STUDIO / SALES ACCOUNTS youngsters to play and join in. Good luck to him for the National Wendy Murray Nicky Robinson Award. [email protected] [email protected] I do hope you all have a lovely Easter, get lots of chocolate but please remember the rules and stay safe.
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2 Focus The Focus
NHS VACCINATION PROGRAMME CONTINUES APACE WITH HELP OF VOLUNTEERS
Hundreds of local volunteers have Online learning and social volunteers - City of Chelmsford Mencap responded to the call for help with the Puppy and Dog Socialiser - Medical Detection Dogs biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. Volunteer Receptionist - Renew Counselling Chelmsford CVS has been recruiting, Administrator for Children’s Saturday School - Chelmsford Islamic checking and mobilising volunteers for School community Covid vaccination sites across the area, while also supporting practice Telephone Befrienders – Essex Befriends and Age UK Essex managers with logistical and practical support. Walking Buddies for people who have been shielding or self- Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer of Chelmsford CVS, said: “Within days isolating of launching our call for volunteers, over 280 people signed up to Volunteer Facilitators for restorative justice programme help with car park marshalling, giving directions and reassuring those attending. Treasurer for a Maldon heritage centre “The feedback from people coming for their vaccinations - many of whom were most at risk from the virus – carers and staff has been amazing. We are very grateful to volunteers for giving their time so generously and cheerfully, come snow, rain or shine.” • The CVS is continuing to celebrate community stars through its Spirit of Chelmsford campaign. Visit chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/soc to nominate or follow the campaign on Facebook @ChelmsfordCVS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY TOO! Here is a selection of volunteer vacancies in Chelmsford and Maldon. Please contact [email protected] if you think you could help or for more information. Urgently need! Mentors to inspire families and children – Community 360 and the Essex Child & Wellbeing Service
Bakers Funeral Services Arranging personal funerals within local community for over 140 years
• 8]ST_T]ST]cUd]TaP[SXaTRc^ab • !#W^da_a^UTbbX^]P[P]SRPaX]VbTaeXRT • ?aXePcTRWP_T[^UaTbc • 7^abT SaPf]RPaaXPVTb Danbury, Chelmsford – 01245 221100 Eves Corner, Danbury, Essex CM3 4QB bakersfunerals.co.uk Focus 3 The Focus LITTLE BADDOW PARISH COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY Little Baddow Parish Council met remotely on Thursday 4th March. In addition to regular review of finances the key discussion topics were: Planning Application - Council considered the Planning Application for the Solar Farm, Main Road, Danbury. During the earlier consultation period in November 2020 the Council, to Will you still be working ensure it fairly represented the views of the residents publicised the matter on its website and notice boards and set up a Poll for from home this summer, residents to register comments and indicate whether they supported or were against the proposal. There were 187 responses hot and uncomfortable? with 59% in favour and 37% against with a small number remaining neutral. The main issue raised by residents was the visual impact on what is an agricultural area and the requirement for adequate screening especially from the A414 as it approaches the village of Danbury and from Graces Lane and Graces Walk in Little Baddow. Cycling and Anti-Social Behaviour in the Village - The Chairman of the Council, Cllr Peter Irvine, updated Council on his discussions with Essex Wildlife Trust. EWT are fully aware of the poor behaviour of mountain bikers in Heather Hills ignoring No Cycling Signs and building tracks; their Regional Manager, Neil Bedford, is making additional visits to assess and hopefully deter bikers in Heather Hills. EWT have plans for larger signs, fencing and additional hedging to be installed but due to Covid these have been on hold as EWT stood down all volunteers who complete the work. Police have attended the area following reports of incidents and spoken Why not have the latest heat pump technology with the bikers involved. In addition, Council has written to fitted in preparation. By using the latest heat-pump Mountain Bike Trail websites and Forum to ask them to stop listing technology, as well as heating your space we can and promoting the Little Baddow area cool it. All with full infra-red and WiFi control. Parish Assembly & Newsletter - Council agreed to hold the Annual Parish Assembly on Wednesday 28th April 2021; due to Covid restrictions this will be held as a virtual meeting with residents able For home, office, lounge, bedrooms. to join a 'Live Streaming' of the meeting. The Newsletter will be published ahead of the Assembly and will include details of how to For a no obligation quotation please call join the meeting. 07584428001 or email: [email protected]. Co-option of Councillors - Council reviewed the application from Mr Steve Scott to fill one of the two vacancies on the Council and confirmed his co-option with immediate effect. There remains one vacancy and Council would be pleased to receive applications from any interested residents. Next meeting is 8th April 2021 LITTLE BADDOW PARISH COUNCILLORS Keith Bonsor John Scott [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 07482 098408 Tel: 07902 382069 Alan Roche Kevin Sheldrake 07912 685427 01245 225102 Mel Coates-Jones Barbara Teal [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 01245 222731 Tel: 01245 226170 Deborah Ginn Parish Clerk: Ian Wardle 01245 224790 [email protected] We supply and install some of the most advance and efficient Tel: 07376 030712 Air Conditioning Systems Peter Irvine (Chair) [email protected] Waverley Air also offers Tel: 07850 610929 Service and maintainance of most forms of air conditioning and heatpump equipment Website: www.littlebaddow.org.uk 30 Years Experience Memorial Hall Bookings: 70 Station Road · Dullingham · Newmarket · Suffolk CB8 9UP [email protected] Tel: 01245 697200 Tel: 01638 508538 or email: [email protected] 4 Focus The Focus DOWNLOAD THE APP AND TAKE PART IN THE VIRTUAL 10 MILE ROAD RACE 2021 22ND - 23RD MAY 2021 Owing to the current pandemic and for a second year, the Rotary Clubs of Chelmsford Mildmay and Chelmsford Rivermead are replacing the Great Baddow Charity Races Advertise in the Trade section for as little as by organising a VIRTUAL 10 mile Road Race, (under UKA £65 + VAT for colour advert (3 insertions) licence) and a VIRTUAL 2 mile Family Fun Run over the weekend of 22-23 May 2021. Telephone 01245 32 31 30 Simply by downloading one of the free designated Apps, for more details that will certify timing and gain entrants a free medal and certificate, runners will be able to compete on their own course locations. It is important to remember these are charity races and this ejcoombs family law year the main beneficiaries are City of Chelmsford Mencap solicitors wills and probate and PARC. All runners are welcome to gain sponsorship for their own charity and the Rotary organisers encourage a Experienced lawyers offering sensitive and constructive guidance on: donation to their nominated charities as listed on the • Divorce / separation • Wills / probate website www.baddowraces.co.uk where all information • Financial settlements • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Arrangements for children • Cohabitation agreements about the Virtual Races conditions and entry details can be • Mediation • Premarital agreements located. Whatever your situation, we can provide you with the highest quality “We know that many runners would like the opportunity to legal advice to protect your interests. run and also to raise money for charities which are currently hard pressed for funds. Going virtual is our way of Contact us now for an initial consultation supporting our loyal athletes and in consideration of the health and safety of both runners and volunteers.” Suite One, Well Lane, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AB Run safely and good luck! In 2022 we will celebrate the 40th 137 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9AB year of the Great Baddow Races. Tel: 01245 221699 Email: [email protected] Web: ejcoombs.co.uk Respray Service: Garden Furniture, Alloys, Car and Bike Parts + More! We manufacture: Gates, Railings, Fencing, Staircases, Handrails + More! We Refurbish Sandblast and Full Powder Coating Service available. Garden Furniture Call:Call: 0127701277 356356 306306 & Railings to look like NEW! Unit 11c Dunsteads Farm, Trueloves Lane, Ingatestone, Essex. CM4 ONJ Email: [email protected] Focus 5 The Focus NEW SHELTER ROOF PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS Remus Horse Sanctuary, experts in the care of elderly equines, has shared pictures of its new shelter roof following a fundraising campaign earlier this year. Remus raised £3,735, via JustGiving, in January and February to replace the roof after it began leaking again, despite two previous repairs. 39-year-old Megan can be seen here crunching on some tasty fresh hay. She has been with Remus since 2012 and has a heart issue, laminitis, arthritis and EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome). She is the sweetest of ponies. Of the shelter, Sue Burton, Founder of the charity said, “we grew very concerned last year as the roof began to leak really badly. Pippa, Sophie, Dickie and Megan all share the shelter which opens out to a large laminitic paddock. “The quote to replace the roof was £3,600 including VAT which seemed an awful lot at the time, especially as we’ve received very little in the way of donations over the past year and haven’t been 29 able to carry out our normal fundraising efforts”. Like many charities, Remus has suffered greatly as a result of 5th March 2021 Covid-19. “Towards the end of last year, we calculated that our deficit was somewhere in excess of £337,000 and obviously it has just continued to escalate since then. “Winter is always much more expensive, with us needing to provide so much more food when grass isn’t available and the paddocks turn to mud and, even worse, get flooded. And many of our elderly horses require additional warmth too, which we provide via special electric lamps.” Action Fraud warning as holiday bookings surge after lockdown exit There are numerous ways for members of the public to support plans announced. the Sanctuary. Obviously Action Fraud and ABTA, The Travel Association, are reminding the public to think twice donations are critical, but leaving before handing over their money and personal information when booking holidays this a gift in your will, recycling, year. microvolunteering and clothes recycling are just some of the What is holiday fraud? other ways that people can help. Visit www.remussanctuary.org/ Holiday fraud can vary from fake accommodation listings that don’t actually exist, to “too how-you-can-help to find out good to be true” offers with flights being particularly targeted. Criminals can approach you more. Both Megan and Pippa can over the phone, via text, email and social media, offering incredibly cheap deals to tempt be sponsored here. you into booking a holiday with them. In reality, the holiday you’ve booked, or parts of it, “We are delighted to share doesn’t exist at all. pictures of our new shelter roof Before you buy: and we, Pippa and Dickie, Sophie and Megan are eternally grateful • Do your research—make sure you’ve read plenty of reviews and have checked that to everyone’s support. Our the company is an ABTA member thanks to Malcolm and Paul at • Pay Safe—use a credit card where possible and avoid paying into bank accounts Ablefelt Roofing for the great job that they did. • If it’s too good to be true, it usually is! “Hopefully we will see everyone in early May for our first Open Day – weather and safety permitting!” For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org 6 Focus The Focus How Heathcote achieves phenomenal 11+ results By Samantha Scott, Headteacher, Heathcote School & Nursery This year has been hugely successful for Heathcote’s final year with whatever additional support they felt they needed. The staff pupils with a 90% pass rate for 11+ and 100% of independent really do always go above and beyond for our pupils and this has school places offered, with a plethora of awards and scholarships been demonstrated time and time again, resulting in all pupils for academic, special talent and drama. going to their first-choice secondary school. The pupils have worked hard for these results, supported by our Examinations for selective independent preparatory schools are outstanding provision for 11+ and secondary selection similar to 11+ exams therefore by preparing pupils in this way, they examinations. We want to give our pupils the very best chance to are well above the standards needed for the independent exams attend the secondary school that will best suit them to continue too. their education whether this be independent (with entrance Continually enhancing our provision examinations), selective (grammar) or state (comprehensive or academy). Going forwards we are enhancing our provision further. For our Form 5 pupils, from next term, we are offering practice Our winning formula examinations on Saturdays, where children can learn how to work This preparation starts in Form 3 with a specific 11+ style lesson in exam conditions and receive comprehensive feedback on their each week starting to give children the opportunity to utilise skills results. And during the Easter and Summer holidays we hold 11+ such as reasoning, enquiry and analysis. Bond Books, CGP and days to enhance the pupils’ understanding and consistently Schofield & Sims resources are set as part of their homework from continue their learning throughout the holidays, with extra lessons Form 3 onwards. In Form 4 this progresses to two weekly 11+ provided to the girls sitting the separate CEM test for Chelmsford lessons including English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, County High. and familiarisation with age-appropriate practice paper resources. We are immensely proud of our pupils’ success this year, which truly From Form 5, as well as the two weekly lessons, we provide an is a combination of pupils’ hard work, the school’s provision, and additional weekly 11+ club, which continues up until they take the the dedication of our staff. examinations in the Autumn term of Form 6. During this time, pupils are set past and practice tests including the most recent If you would like to learn more about Heathcote School and CSSE past papers. Nursery, please join us for our next live Virtual Open Day on Saturday 24th April at 10am – registration and more details can Heathcote provided live on-line lessons to pupils in all year groups be found on our website: from Nursery to Year 6 throughout all lockdowns during the pandemic starting in March 2020, and held an extra weekly live 11+ https://www.heathcoteschool.co.uk/ and follow us on Facebook: practice sessions for the pupils taking the exams, providing them https://www.facebook.com/HeathcoteSchool Find out how we achieved our AMAZING 11+ results heathcoteschool.co.uk/11plus Next Virtual Open Day Sat 24 April 10-11am Eves Corner, Danbury, CM3 4QB www.heathcoteschool.co.uk Focus 7 The Focus FOCUSFOCUS ONON HEALTHHEALTH VERTIGO? Feeling a bit giddy but haven’t had a drink? Although vertigo is more common as you get older, it is not actually anything to do with wear and tear but more to do with the fact that It could be vertigo, which is a sensation that feels as though you you’ve had more opportunity to dislodge the crystals. So don’t feel are moving when still, or everything around you is. you’re over the hill if you get vertigo and don’t get yourself in a spin! Think about when you are sitting on a stationary train at a platform If a visit to the GP didn’t solve the problem then please do not and the train next to you starts to pull away. Initially it may feel as hesitate to get in touch with us. though you are moving even though you are still, a very strange NICK O’CONNOR sensation which is sometimes accompanied by nausea and even Registered Osteopath & Medical Acupuncture vomiting. If it’s the first time you’ve ever experienced vertigo it can be scary! You should definitely contact your GP just to rule out an inner ear If pain persists for 12+ weeks in spite of medication or treatment, it is Chronic Pain. infection or anything else. Hopefully, it is Benign Paroxysmal We work extensively with people suffering with Chronic Pain, using an incredibly effective combination of Chinese and Western Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy to Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is a disorder arising from crystals reduce pain, restore mobility and ease the psychological impact of chronic pain. normally attached to the walls of the inner ear. They sense acceleration and are located right beside the semi-circular ear canal, which do the job of sensing where the body is; standing upright, falling forwards or going to the side. So when the crystals calcify and become dislodged they can fall into the canal causing chaos! Should this happen, it may feel as though you are falling to the side. The body will then try to correct that and because of this, you start to OSTEOPATHY ~ CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY ~ ACUPUNCTURE ~ FERTILITY SUPPORT feel dizzy. Not a nice sensation but it is usually fairly easy to resolve. 140 Station Road, Burnham on Crouch Registered Osteopath & Medical Acupuncture Nick O’Connor 01621 786600 Registered Osteopath Melvyn Hughes There is a diagnostic test which is carried out and will result in a Registered Osteopath (Cranial) Silke Ukena 14 Monks Mead, Bicknacre 0 nystagmus (a rapid side to side movement in the eye) if you do have (within Polish Me Pretty) Licensed Acupuncturist (Fertility & Antenatal) Alexandra O’Connor vertigo. If this is the case, then the Epley manoeuvre will be carried 01245 226007 Registered Osteopath (Fertility, Paediatric, Cranial) Gillian Hind out to basically move the dislodged crystals out of the semi-circular www.holicity.co.uk www.essexfertility.com canal. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY? OR INTERESTED IN A PHYSIOTHERAPY CAREER? Essex Physiotherapy Clinic have always been involved in supporting Alongside this video are numerous self-help topics created by our team youngsters on their career path towards physiotherapy. Over the years of specialist physiotherapists on topics ranging from low back and neck we have offered numerous work placements for pre-degree students pain, setting up a computer station at home, exercises for mobility and and work placements for under and post-graduate students. relaxation/stress management courses. Despite the pandemic we managed to give a third-year physio student Why not check out our amazing resources and also follow us for a hundred-hour clinical placement to complete their degree in this constantly updated information and self-help tips on our lively academic year. We were rewarded by a lovely graduation photograph, Facebook and Instagram pages - @essexphysio . complete with beaming smile. You can also sign -up to our monthly newsletter or make an William de Ferrers School hold an excellent careers convention each appointment for treatment by ringing 01245325037 year which we are happy to support, by sending a team to talk to prospective physio students. In this pandemic year the convention has been virtual and we had lots of fun producing a careers information video. We based the video around a conversation with one of our Advertise on the work experience pupils from ten years ago, who attended W de F, but who decided on a different first degree. He has since decided to train Trade Pages from as little as for physiotherapy as a mature student and is due to begin his course in September. His information was fully up to date and he gave us £25 + VAT some great insights into his experiences of applying just this year. It occurred to us that pupils from other local schools may find the video for a black and white advert useful and so have made it available on our website www.essexphysio.co.uk and on our YouTube channel, Essex Telephone us for more details Physiotherapy Clinic. 01245 32 31 30 8 Focus Little Baddow | OIRO £1,100,000 Sandon | OIEO £1,000,000 Stunning family home set within half an acre of grounds with This modern family home provides accommodation which is spacious ground floor including entrance hall, cloakroom, four perfectly suited to modern family living. The ground floor reception rooms, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and includes three reception rooms and a large fitted kitchen/family boot room. In addition there are four double bedrooms with en- room. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms with en- suite facilities to two bedrooms as well as a family bathroom and suite to two and a separate shower room. Outside the overall separate wc. There is double glazing and oil fired central heating plot is around 0.20 of an acre and there is a double garage and whilst outside there is extensive parking and double garage. further parking. Bicknacre Danbury Woodham Mortimer £430,000 £425,000 £1,000,000 • Four Bedrooms • Extended Four Bedroom Family Home • Four Double Bedrooms • Four Reception Rooms • Three Reception Rooms • Stunning Kitchen/Family Room • Stunning Fitted Kitchen • Fitted Kitchen & Dining Area • Three Reception Rooms • En-suite and family bathroom • Gas Central Heating & Double Glazing • Garage & carport with office over • Popular Location • 60ft West Facing Rear Garden • Half an acre plot 2019 2020 Danbury’s hard working, professional and friendly estate agent Residential Danbury 01245 222856 www.bondresidential.co.uk Bond_Danbury_FOCUS_Advert_Template_2021.indd 1 19/02/2021 15:34:08 The Focus DANBURY PARISH COUNCIL ! APRIL / MAY 2021 ! We have had a fantastic response to the questionnaire that was distributed with the Focus in February to hear your views for our new project to improve and enhance the leisure and recreational facilities at the Dawson Fields, particularly for children, teenagers and young adults. The next round of consultations will be held in Focus Groups with children, teenagers and young adults from the local primary and secondary schools. Potential designs will then be created with costings for residents to consider and choose their preferred option. Examples of the types of equipment that could be provided. During the Covid pandemic Danbury residents have responded magnificently to help others in need. Could this volunteering spirit can be extended to re-establish the Neighbourhood Watch group which existed years ago? A Neighbourhood Watch Group is formed by local people living in neighbouring houses, apartments or streets, or a parish, where they look out for one-another in mutual support. This might include: - ● Sharing information and advice about ❑ keeping homes safe and secure ❑ personal safety ❑ using the Internet safely ❑ being aware of scams and fraud ● Being aware of vulnerable neighbours and watching out for them ● Looking out for suspicious activities in the area ● Looking out for neighbours’ properties when they may be away. Anyone can set up a Neighbourhood Watch Group and there are many groups in the Chelmsford area. The Parish Council would facilitate the establishment of a group for local volunteers who would then run it independently of the Council. Local coordinators and administrators do not have to spend a long time on their duties. Contact and spreading information is generally by Whatsapp. Do visit these websites for further information: https://chelmsfordneighbourhoodwatch.org.uk/promoleaflet.html https://chelmsfordneighbourhoodwatch.org.uk/membersguide.html https://chelmsfordneighbourhoodwatch.org.uk/newsletters.html If you would like to attend a Zoom meeting to find out more, please contact the Parish Office by the end of May. You will be contacted about possible dates. Dates for your Diary Danbury Parish Council Easter Picture Hunt from the 31st March. Danbury Parish Council are arranging an Easter Picture Hunt to take place over the bank holiday weekend –6 pictures relating to Easter will be laminated and placed around the centre of the village and recreation ground, each contain a letter; when all 6 letters are found they will spell out a word. Please let us know what the word is once you have found all the clues along with a picture of your own drawings or painted eggs for our Facebook page – send to parish.offi[email protected] Virtual Carers Group 20 April and 11 May These are informal sessions to provide an opportunity for local residents caring for a loved one to share experiences, information and mutual support. If you would like to join, please contact Michelle Harper, the Parish Clerk on 01245 225111 or by email: [email protected]. Council Meetings Council meetings have now been resumed and are being held remotely via Zoom. Residents are welcome to attend the meetings and will have an opportunity to address the Council during the public questions item. The links to join the meetings are published on the Agendas which are posted to the Parish Council Website and also on the Parish Notice Board. Please visit our website at www.danbury-essex.gov.uk and ‘like’ us on Facebook to get up to date information on meetings, local events and village information. Village events can be publicised on the website diary and Facebook. There are also listings for Danbury businesses, clubs and organisations on the website. Please contact the Parish Council if you would like to be included or to make any amendments. Michelle Harper, the Parish Clerk can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by telephone: 01245 225111. 10 Focus The Focus SCAMS ensure that after paying for it, their portfolio still has a sufficient “safety net” . We can also identify what are the best funds to sell to raise the money. Why do we want to know what you are spending your money on? An example may explain. Two weeks ago, a 90-year-old client rang us asking for a withdrawal from his investments of £12,000. It was his first withdrawal in many years and as usual we asked what the money was for. Steve Dodge of the IFAC “It’s for building work”, he said, “started off at £300 to fix the guttering and they found all sorts of other problems and they need writes on income £11,000 to fix the lot.” Now that set alarm bells ringing, it sounded like a classic “Builder An existing client very kindly introduced me to a friend who wanted Scam” and we asked if his family knew about this, to which he said our advice on investing a lump sum she had just received. Partway no. We asked a few more questions; who is the builder, has he had through our conversation she asked me why her friend told her that alternative estimates, has he received an estimate/invoice etc? whilst it was easy to invest money via ourselves getting it back sometimes meant a “third degree” interrogation! I laughed; I knew In brief, we then contacted his daughter who knew nothing about exactly what my existing client meant. it, and it was indeed a scam. Sadly, because he did not contact us first to ask where to raise the funds, Let me firstly stress, we do not hold any of our client’s money, they he had already issued cheques from all have full control and access to all their accounts at all times. his deposit account and the money When investing funds for clients, we virtually always leave a and the builder had gone. significant amount of funds in National Savings and/or building Your Independent Financial Adviser is society/bank accounts. Not for growth or income but safety. not being nosey or preventing you Markets rise and fall so having a “safety net” is essential to avoid spending your money however you having to sell investments when markets are down. wish, they are trying to ensure your All we ask is that when spending larger amounts, clients contact us Portfolio remains in good shape to to establish what funds to use. A new car/kitchen/bathroom for achieve your objectives and if possible, example can make a big “dent” in a portfolio so we would like to protect you from scams. Independent Financial Advice Centre Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Help & Impartial Advice from Qualified Professionals on:- √ Early Retirement √ Personal Pensions √ Inheritance Tax √ Annuity Purchase √ Mortgages √ Drawdown Annuities √ Investing a Lump Sum √ Self Invested Pensions (SIPP’s) √ Investing for Income √ Protection (Life & Income cover) Contact us today on 01277 (Billericay) 630873 97 High Street CM12 9AJ email: [email protected] www.impartialadviser.com 12 Focus The Focus AIR CONDITIONING - BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER The warm summer of 2020 saw most people spending significantly Many Daikin systems operate with A+++ energy labels qualifying more time at home. In some cases, people were working from for just 5% VAT on residential installations and guaranteeing you home for the first time and in others, people were simply following some of the best energy performances around. Some models Government advice and not venturing out without good reason. automatically sense when the air-conditioned space is unoccupied and reduce their performance until they sense people have In 2020, Greenworks Controlled Environments responded to returned. Wi-Fi enabled products allow users to monitor energy use increased demand for residential air conditioning systems to and adjust control settings even when they are out. This can be provide cooling to bedrooms, living spaces and home offices. Now useful when switching on cooling in advance of your arrival home. is the time to consider an energy efficient heat pump air conditioning system installation so that homeowners can deliver a A wide range of indoor units and design options allows for an constant, cooler temperature to their homes. Homeowners that had installation that compliments your interior. Outdoor units include air conditioning installed last summer will have also benefitted from technology that allows for quiet operation. energy efficient heating from their heat pump system over the winter. Improving indoor air quality is recommended more than ever, and Daikin air conditioners contribute towards this. All the units in An air source heat pump transfers thermal energy (heat) from one Daikin’s FTXM range are fitted with a Titanium apatite deodorising mass of air to another. In cooling mode, heat energy is absorbed filter that helps eliminate odours. The Flash Streamer breaks down into the system’s refrigerant circuit via the indoor unit and rejected allergens such as pollen and fungal spores providing better and at the system outdoor unit into the mass of outside air. The cycle cleaner air. reverses in heating mode such that thermal energy is absorbed from the mass of outside air, even when that air temperature is low, Arrange for a free survey, proposal, and quotation to consider an and heat energy is transferred to the room via the indoor unit. installation before summer. Daikin UK have heat pump solutions with some of the highest Andrew Norden energy efficiency labels on the market. With an emphasis on Greenworks Controlled Environments Ltd renewable energy and savings due to inverter technology you will (South Woodham Ferrers Office) benefit from a total solution that provides outstanding comfort without jeopardising your energy bill. Focus 13 The Focus 14 Focus The Focus Focus 15 The Focus FOCUSFOCUS ONON PETPET HEALTHHEALTH HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR DOG’S GASTROINTESTINAL AND IMMUNE SYSTEM • The dog gastrointestinal tract is colonised by a complex number • they stimulate the cells lining the intestinal tract, including the of microorganisms that help to modulate health and disease. repair and production of cell-protective proteins • They produce various nutrients for their host, prevent infections caused by disease-producing intestinal bacteria, modulating the What are Prebiotics? normal immune response and protecting against disease. • They are non-digestible foodstuffs, which are fermented by the • Modification of the intestinal microorganisms is essential in large intestinal bacteria and therefore encourage the growth and maintaining our dogs’ health. The introduction of probiotics and stabilisation of a favourable commensal bacterial population and prebiotics, or synbiotics, into the dogs’ diet is favourable for the the production of volatile fatty acids. Volatile fatty acids provide intestinal microbiota. nutrition and have a protective function of the intestinal cells. What are Probiotics? How to help your dog’s intestinal health and general immunity • are live microbial microorganisms intended to provide health • Use a combination of probiotics and prebiotics in a single benefits by improving or restoring the intestinal microbiota by synbiotic product ensures a superior effect, compared to the increasing the ratio of normal, “healthy” intestinal microorganisms activity of the probiotic or prebiotic alone. relative to the pathogenic (disease-forming) species. • The use of a synbiotic formulation that contains two different • have the potential to stimulate innate immunity against probiotic strains, thereby maximising the beneficial effect of both microorganisms and dietary allergens. bacteria. • production of antibacterial substances and exert inhibitory • The use of a symbiotic formulation that contains beta-glucans and actions on disease-forming organisms inulin prebiotics, shown in studies to reduce cholesterol levels, • reduce toxin attachment to the intestinal cells show a protective effect against colorectal cancers, improved • increase competition against disease-forming species of bacteria liver health, boost immune cell counts and antibody production • reduce bacteria from getting into the blood system, thereby and the reduction of the severity of signs of inflammatory bowel reducing general inflammation within the body. disease. There are so many more beneficial effects that, for sake of brevity, I have not mentioned. Conclusion In dogs, synbiotics may be utilised to improve and/or restore the microbiome composition with subsequent benefits on inflammatory and immune functions include inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, antibiotic-responsive diarrhoea, acute diarrhoea during and following antibiotic use and during times of stress and convalescence. A healthy host-microorganism balance must be maintained in order to optimally perform metabolic and immune functions and prevent disease development. JÜRGEN THEINERT Edgewood Veterinary Group 16 Focus The Focus ANY IDEA WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK IT IS? OVER 60’S CLUB Each morning, my wife and i try PLEASE NOTE Letters to decide, what day of the week it is. In normal times this was easy, if we were going to shop at ASDA it must be Tuesday, but that that is no good since we are isolating; no good relying on day the on line shopping comes from Morrisons, since this might be a Tuesday, or a Wednesday or even a Thursday, or maybe we had decided to miss a week; if I was going to the Barracuda swimming session in Maldon, it must be Friday, but due to Covid, no swimming; if my wife was going to the Ladies Fellowship meeting in the afternoon, it must be Thursday but due to Covid, no meeting; no post it could be Sunday, but that can’t be right, since we receive so few letters it could be any day of the week. Consulting a calendar is no use, since calendars work the other way round, that is, you have to know know what day of the week, before you can use them. We could cheat and look at the Daily Telegraph, but how would we know it is today’s paper and not yesterday’s? So what system would readers recommend? Richard Creak SPORTS NEWS H SPORTS NEWS H SPORTS NEWS H SPORTS NEWS H SPORTS NEWS H REGIONAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - GORDON GATHERAL FROM CHELMSFORD table tennis activities including: l Junior coaching at several venues including twice weekly at Danbury Table Tennis Club; l Reorganising and reformatting the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League to be up and running during September 2020 in a covid-secure structure; l Administrating and developing the extremely successful Chelmsford Junior League; and l Running a successful ‘Bat & Chat’ social table tennis club. The local ‘Bat & Chat’ group was started by Gordon in partnership with Table Tennis England and Chelmsford City Council in 2018. During the past 12 months Gordon has grown the group from 8-10 participants to over 70 registered players. Before the onset of the pandemic, Gordon had moved the group to a larger sports centre and was regularly filling 22 table tennis The Pride of Table Tennis Awards initiative celebrates and honours tables with retired and otherwise non-working players, providing the immense contribution volunteers make to the sport of table great fun and exercise, and also a way into competitive sport. tennis by recognising and rewarding their efforts each year. Volunteers are the heartbeat of table tennis and without them, this Gordon’s efforts with the table tennis youngsters of Chelmsford has great sport would not be able to flourish and grow. The Pride of resulted in a significant increase in junior participation in the league Table Tennis Awards gives the table tennis community the system – with a 40% year on year increase to 29 individual junior opportunity to nominate and celebrate volunteers for their teams across 5 separate divisions, including 4 junior teams from valuable, outstanding and often unseen contributions that they Danbury. This affords the juniors opportunities to play at the have given to the sport over the previous 12 months. correct level and keeping all games as competitive as possible which in turn improves player interest and retention. Gordon Danbury Table Tennis Club member Gordon Gatheral (pictured attends the match afternoons on Sundays and ensures all matches right) has now been awarded this prestigious award by Table Tennis are running efficiently and all parents are trained how to score and England. The Regional Award follows on from the earlier Local umpire games – this can often be the most tricky part of Gordon’s Award, and now Gordon will be considered for the National Award day! which will be decided in June 2021. A very truly deserved Award. The award recognises Gordon's voluntary work across a range of Focus 17 The Focus TRADE ADVERTISER COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Computer Services APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SERVICE Upgrades, Virus Removal Hardware/Software Installation Advice and Basic Tuition. Reasonable Rates. 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