Issue No. 366 JULY 2020
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Photo: Ryan Knight
2 Focus
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PUBLISHER Dean Robinson
STUDIO / SALES Wendy Murray
EDITOR Nicola Faux
ACCOUNTS Nicky Robinson
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Monthly Blog
Hi All, I hope you are all keeping safe and well. Great news everyone, we are still working remotely but the magazine is back getting delivered to you as from this month. I hope you have missed us as much as we have missed you! A big thank you to everyone who has supported us and continue to do so. If you as an advertiser would like to get on board with us and promote your business around this great community then all you have to do is pick up the phone and have a chat with us to see how we can help you get back on track. If anyone has any articles that you think our readers would find interesting then please send them into me along with a few photos. Finally, over the last few months, we have continued to produce the magazine although with a skeleton staff, but felt it was so important to keep you all aware of the services available during this pandemic. Enjoy your Focus this month! Wendy Murray [email protected]
Focus 3
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Danbury, Chelmsford – 01245 221100 Eves Corner, Danbury, Essex CM3 4QB
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YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE IN DANBURY
Established 25 years Kate Churchouse, an Independent Flamingo Paperie Partner living in Danbury has had an unexpected boost to her business during lockdown. She works from home selling greeting cards, giftwrap and papercraft kits and looks after a team of Partners doing the same. Kate says, “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect my sales to go up during lockdown, nor those of my team, but the combination of the closure of shops and the fact that people were confined to their homes has meant an incredible boost to our businesses. We have been so fortunate that Flamingo Paperie has been able to continue supplying our needs under such difficult circumstances and we can’t thank our Head Office staff, warehouse staff and printers enough. “Back in March when it became clear that events were going to be non-existent over the coming few weeks, maybe months and that businesses may be closed, I feared for my own business, my team’s businesses and the company as a whole. My sales at this time of year would normally mainly be from 2 sources – events of some kind (charity coffee mornings, open houses, shows, farmers’ markets etc.) or baskets in businesses. Yikes. “I soon started to get orders coming through though from existing customers and as I already had a big stock of cards at home I was able to fulfil these. I can offer a contactless deliver to your door service so I took the decision to promote myself more locally and see what happened. The results were phenomenal and I’d like to thank my local customers, new and old, for their support. It has been a pleasure to be able to help the local community in a small way.” If you would like a brochure, contact Kate on 01245 227426 (for more details see the accompanying advert).
A LOCAL BUSINESS’S LOCKDOWN EXPERIENCE – AN UNEXPECTED BOOST TO SALES.
4 Focus
DANBURY PARISH COUNCIL !
Stuart Berlyn Chairman of Parish Council Ex-Offcio member of all committees 14 Hopping Jacks Lane Danbury CM3 4PN Tel. 01245 225883 [email protected] April Chapman Vice-Chairman of Parish Council Ex-Offcio member of all committees, Chairman of Environment 6 Southview Road Danbury CM3 4DX Tel. 01245 224791 [email protected] Linda Anstee Chairman of Health and Wellbeing, Member of Environment c/o Parish Office, The Old School House, Main Road, Danbury CM3 4NQ Tel: 01245 223855 [email protected] Graham Chapman Chairman of Facilities, Member of Environment and resources 6 Southview Road Danbury CM3 4DX Tel. 01245 224791 [email protected] Barbara Hallett Chairman of Community Engagement, Vice-Chairman of Environment, Member of Health and Wellbeing Orchard Lodge Cherry Garden Lane Danbury CM3 4QY Tel. 01245 226523 [email protected] Mandy Hessing Vice-Chairman of Facilities, Vice-Chairman of Planning, Vice-Chairman of Health and Well-being, Resources, Member of Community Engagement and Resources 160 Main Road Danbury CM3 4DT Tel.01245 227523 [email protected] Alan Keeler Member of Environment,Facilities and Planning Hazelbank, Fitzwalter Lane Danbury CM3 4DZ Tel. 01245 222329 [email protected] Paul Sutton Chairman of Resources, Vice-Chairman of Community Engagement, Member of Health and Wellbeing 4 The Heights Danbury CM3 4AG Tel. 01245 917507
[email protected] Jonathan Thombs Chairman of Planning, Member of Environment Facilities & Resources 13 Little Fields Danbury CM3 4UR Tel. 01245 767037 [email protected]
The parish office will be closed during this crisis but the telephone and e-mails will be manned during office
hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm. To contact the office please use: 07714 146565
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.danbury-essex.gov.uk
!
DANBURY PARISH COUNCIL - JULY 2020 UPDATE !
Focus 5
Bradwell B New Nuclear Power Station Consultation Thank you to those of you who shared your responses to the Bradwell B consultation with us. By the time you receive this, the Parish Council will have submitted a response to the Consultation taking into account the views of residents, advice received from Planning Aid England and a Question and Answer session held with members of the Bradwell B project team. A copy of our response will be posted on the Parish Council Website. Coronavirus Update 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 meeting are published on the Agendas which are posted to the Parish Council Website and also on the Parish Notice Board. The meetings dates for July are: Monday 13th Environment, Wednesday 15th Facilities, Tuesday 21st Health & Wellbeing, Wednesday 22nd Resources, Monday 27th Planning, Wednesday 29th Parish Council The Parish Office is now being manned with social distancing measures in place. Due to space limitations, members of the public will not be able to enter the Office but can contact us with any queries on 01245 225111 or by email: [email protected]. The Danbury Community Festival The Parish Council, are continuing to work with volunteers to plan The Danbury Community Festival which will celebrate the amazing efforts of residents, and community spirit shown during the coronavirus outbreak. It is hoped the Festival will take place in May 2021. Please contact Michelle, the Parish Clerk, if you would like to be involved in the event. Coronavirus Support Group Our thanks go to all those helping others at this time and we have been proud to support the Danbury Coronavirus Support Group. Please visit our Facebook Page and Website for information and updates about Coronavirus and where to find help and support. Play Area and Cricket Wicket: Dawson Memorial Field The play area on Dawson Memorial Field remains closed until further notice as the play equipment is not cleaned. Please do not be tempted to climb over the gate. We also request that you do not venture onto the cricket wicket so that it can be kept in the very best condition for when our cricket clubs resume play.
However, new toddler swing seats have been installed ready for when the play area can be reopened.
New Bench A replacement bench has been installed by the Youth Shelter at the Dawson Memorial Field. It has been made from recycled plastic and we hope that it will serve as a resting place for many years to come.
Michelle Harper, the Parish Clerk can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by telephone: 01245 225111.
6 Focus
Acupuncture Osteopathy &
Burnham & Danbury www.holicity.co.uk
Pain Relief, Health & Wellness
01621 786600 01245 226007
A diagnosis of 'infertility' is made when a couple have been trying to conceive for 12 months, have had regular unprotected sex and yet have not achieved a successful pregnancy (if over 35, the time is reduced to months). Infertility is not only about whether someone can conceive, it is about the ability to have a successful pregnancy; if someone is having recurrent loss, they would also be also diagnosed with infertility. The very word 'infertile' is loaded with extremely frightening, world-destroying meaning'. Hearing it spoken by a doctor, or seeing it written in a doctor's letter feels like the most damning diagnosis, the worst moment ever. For many couples, it can feel like the bottom just dropped out of their world. What is rarely made clear is that for the majority of couples, infertility is a transient state; it is a diagnosis made on the basis of what has happened in the past year, it is not necessarily a prediction of what will happen in the coming year. How Common Is Infertility? A significant proportion of couples struggle to conceive, approximately 1 in 8 couples in the UK will be diagnosed as infertile at some point, though fewer than half of these couples ever seek medical help (Datta, J et al, 2016). What is 'Unexplained Infertility'? A sub section of the infertile population have 'unexplained infertility', a diagnosis given to a couple if they have been trying to conceive for 12 months and there are no known causes for the lack of success. I work almost exclusively with couples with infertility, many of whom have unexplained infertility, and I know for a fact that it is not usually a permanent state. It would be more accurate, and kinder, to diagnose someone with 'subfertility', which would suggest more clearly that it is a state of fertility that can often be improved. How Is Fertility Assessed? For a woman, fertility is assessed through a mixture of tests. - Blood tests are used to check your basic menstrual hormones. - You may be tested for chlamydia which is a sexually transmitted disease that can have a negative impact on fertility. - An ultrasound may be used to check your ovaries and uterus. Y- ou may be offered a test called a hysterosalpingogram which will check that your fallopian tubes are intact and clear. - If you have any history of pelvic inflammatory disease, or symptoms that suggests endometriosis you may be offered a laparoscopy so they can take a look inside to check everything looks ok. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/) For a man, fertility is usually assessed through a shorter list of tests: A basic sperm test. - You may also be checked for chlamydia as that can impact male fertility too. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/) What If All Those Tests Are Clear? If all these tests are clear, then I would urge you to seek out someone like me! Fertility is not a switch, someone is not fertile, or 'barren', there is a sliding scale of subfertility in between and that is where we come in. What Difference Can Fertility Acupuncture Make? When I start working with someone, I take in so much information - past medical history and fertility investigations all provide some useful information, but there is so much information to be gleaned
FOCUSFOCUSON ON HEALTHHEALTH
INFERTILITYfrom the state of the menstrual cycle, from digestion, sleep, emotional climate and so many other aspects of health that form part of the Chinese medicine diagnostic system. I hunt for anything that can be improved in order to move my clients into a more fertile state. I work to support the body to improve the health and vitality of a menstrual cycle; clients will report a reduction in pain symptoms, improvements in the colour and consistency of the menstrual flow and a reduction in symptoms of hormonal imbalance. I work to support improvements to digestion, sleep, immune health and mental health which are all important aspects of the foundations of fertility. Why Choose A Fertility Support Trained Acupuncturist? As a Fertility Support Trained acupuncturist, I have a particularly integrated way of working with western medical tests and diagnostic tools. - If I feel a blood test is necessary to further our understanding of what is going on, I will help you to arrange it. - If you have had the blood tests and been told everything is 'normal', I will cast an eye over the results - 'normal' is not the same as 'optimum' when it comes to fertility. - If your case is particularly complex, I will discuss the situation with a team of expert peers, a group we fondly refer to as the 'Hive Mind' and we can collectively determine the best course of action. With some of my clients, I find gentle, nourishing fertility support is all they needed; in other cases I uncover issues overlooked in their previous fertility investigations (hyperprolactinaemia, Hashimoto's, iron deficiency etc). Most of my clients see me in the clinic for fertility acupuncture, though I also work with a growing number of clients remotely to guide and support them on their journey. In all cases I strive to create a safe, nourishing space so that I can support the emotional strain that comes as part and parcel of fertility struggles; how you feel about the journey you are on is as important as the journey itself. I am one of a small, dedicated army of practitioners out there who are devoted to making a difference to people whose lives are blighted with fertility issues. If you are struggling to know where to turn and what to do about it, reach out. Alexandra O'Connor LicAc MBAcC www.essexfertility.co.uk
CANCELLED
Focus 7
Turning Point
Fading behind four silent walls, A prisoner in my home,
Securely bound by anxiety, Sinking into turmoil alone.
Harried by an invisible fiend, Hiding, lurking, who knows where?
Normality has been banished: Stripped bare of friends to share.
Then a glimpse of simple beauty,
Through my window on the world, Caught a splendid season blossoming,
As spring swiftly unfurled. Capturing imaginations and
Releasing heavy minds, Nature heals with hope and wonder
In the green cathedral we find.
So wonder at the sparrow quarrel And where their dispute lies.
Gaze heavenward at the graceful buzzard, Sailing brilliant blue ocean skies.
Let your heart follow flutter below Of orange tip and brimstone bright.
Marvel at bee highway hum And the traffic of busy flight.
Be lost in timeless beauty Of a rose in dawn’s first light
And the mesmerising bluebell sea, Swaying amongst the starry white.
Catch that spark of energy, Generating an electric flow. Relax into the warm caress
Of spring sunshine’s soft glow. Submerse in the sweet symphony
Of nature’s magical song. Float in the feeling of whole again
Back where you belong. Be lulled by the wild whisper Of nature’s freshest leaves.
Trace spring’s first glossy swallow Through the ocean deeps it weaves.
Led from the darkest days,
With the light I eternally follow, Life begins to brighten,
Transforming dull and hollow. Resilience leads recovery,
As communities begin to heal: A new beginning dawning
With a shine of precious and real.
© Linda Anstee
ECHOES OF HISTORY 2020 POSTPONED UNTIL 2021
The military heritage preservation charity, Essex HMVA, is sorry to announce their flagship event, Echoes of History will unfortunately not take place in 2020. Following careful consideration of the current guidelines from both Public Health England and the Government regarding social distancing at outdoor events during this Coronavirus pandemic and after consultation with other interested parties, the trustees have regrettably decided to postpone Echoes of History for 2020, instead holding the event in 2021 with the revised dates being the 7th and 8th of August 2021. We realise this will be a disappointment to everyone who expected to be able to attend this year’s event - however as a charity, our paramount concern is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, stallholders and staff alike while also being cognizant of our social responsibilities, and the trustees collectively felt it would be difficult to adhere to the current advice regarding hygiene procedures, limiting contact with others as well as the requirement to remain 2 metres apart while still allowing the event to be enjoyable. For any stallholders or exhibitors who were due to attend Echoes of History 2020, we will contact you shortly regarding your preference for the 2021 event. We would like to thank everyone for your support and understanding, we hope that you and your families continue to remain safe and healthy during these challenging times and we look forward to welcoming you back to Echoes of History 2021 on the 7th and 8th of August 2021. If you have any further questions about this announcement, please contact us using the ‘Contact us by email’ link on the Echoes of History website.
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LITTLE BADDOW PARISH COUNCIL
Councillor Peter Irvine Chair of the Council Contact details Telephone 07850 610929 E Mail: [email protected] Parish Clerk – Ian Wardle Contact details Telephone: 07376 030712 E mail: [email protected] Councillor Keith Bonsor Contact details Telephone 07482 098408 E Mail: [email protected] Councillor Mel Coates-Jones Contact details Telephone 01245 222731 E Mail: [email protected] Councillor John Scott Contact details Telephone 07902 382069 E Mail: [email protected] Councillor Deborah Ginn Contact details Telephone 01245 224790 E Mail: [email protected] Councillor Barbara Teal Contact details Telephone 01245 226170 E Mail: [email protected] Councillor Alan Roche Contact details Telephone: 07912 685427 E mail: [email protected] Councillor Richard Stirland Contact details Telephone: E mail: [email protected] Councillor Kevin Sheldrake Contact details Telephone: 01245 225102 E mail: [email protected] Memorial Hall Bookings: Claire Mackintosh [email protected] Telephone: 01245 632194 Please report any issues relating to the Memorial Hall to the Clerk
Little Baddow 'Virtual' Open Gardens
From 23rd May 2020
Good news!
Unfortunately, the real Open Gardens event (which has run in the
village for more than 30 years ) has had to be cancelled this year
but, undeterred, we have an exciting alternative! In its place, we
will be holding a ‘Virtual’ Open gardens – where visitors can enjoy
a ‘walk’ through the village, popping into more than 30 gardens
on-line .
Lots of our village gardens are looking even better than usual this
year and their owners have been busy with their cameras so that
we can put together a video showcasing them in all their glory from
sweeping landscapes, to intimate gardens packed with plants.
Little Baddow 'Virtual' Open Gardens is finally released. Watch the
video on www.littlebaddow.org.uk
If, as a visitor to the virtual event, you would like to make a voluntary
donation you can do so via ‘Just Giving’. All proceeds will go to the
Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund.The video is also
available to buy as a DVD for those who wish to have a copy of their
own.
Focus 13
The number-one priority for us all right now is keeping ourselves and our families safe and healthy. Number two on the COVID-19 ‘worry list’ for most of us though is the financial impact it is having, or may bring our way, and how best to navigate all this uncertainty.
Meet Samantha Mawdsley
Sam is the Managing Director of Blackwater
Wealth Management, a Senior Partner
Practice of St James Place, one of the UK’s
leading wealth management organisations,
managing client funds of over £117 billion.
Operating from offices in Danbury, they
provide advice on pensions, investments,
estate planning and life cover and help over
600 households in Suffolk and Essex to
achieve their financial goals and security.
The value of an investment with
St. James’s Place is directly linked to the
performance of the funds selected and
may fall as well as rise.
You may get back
less than the
amount invested.
Blackwater Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc. (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services,
more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
Always here for you
We’re here when you need us most
We are working remotely and are ready to
help you during this crisis. Whether that be
reassessing and adjusting your plans to protect
your income and investments, or making the
most of the opportunities that volatile
markets bring.
Want to know what financial help is out
there for you?
We can guide you to the most current
information from the Government and help
you claim all you are entitled to.
Need to access your savings and
investments?
If you need to access your investments or savings
earlier than planned, we can help find the best
way forward to minimise the damage.
Think you have to put off retiring?
If you were planning on retiring soon, we could
help you protect your pension and still achieve
your goals.
Want to make new investments?
Uncertainty often creates opportunity. We can
help those in the market to invest in the longer
term to find the best prospects.
Just want to talk?
That’s fine too. Give us a call. There is never
any obligation, and we’re happy to help calm
your money worries during this crisis if we
possibly can.
So, please stay calm and stay well. The important
thing to remember is that this will end and, as
has always been the case with economic cycles,
better times are closer every day.
Speak with Sam or a member of the Blackwater team today and arrange a no obligation review:
Call us on 01245 905405 or email Sam at [email protected] Alternatively, visit our website www.blackwaterwealthmanagement.co.uk
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Covid-19 Update
10 Focus
THE HAZARD OF GRASS SEED INHALATION
You may think that my description of problems associated with simple grass seeds is an over-dramatisation but once you know of the life-threatening problem they can cause, then you’ll perhaps agree with the term of ‘hazard’. Our most recent casualty was a large breed dog that was brought into me on a Sunday afternoon with a reported mild cough of a few days’ duration. On clinical examination I found nothing abnormal and on listening to her chest with a stethoscope, there was no wheeze or anything to suggest any pathology. Because of Covid19 we are meeting owners outside the practices, discussing their problems and then taking the pets into the practice to examine them and then, returning them to their owners. On returning this lovely dog to her owner, I stated that I had found nothing wrong with her and then suddenly, out of the blue, she coughed very softly; the owner reported that this was the cough the family had heard and immediately my thought was that of lower respiratory airway disease. I started asking the owner whether she had been going through any long grass, to which he said that she had been bounding through a field a few days prior to presentation and it was after this that she had started coughing. My suspicion was raised to the possibility of an inhaled grass seed that had lodged in her lungs and I booked Winnie in for the following day for sedation, chest x-rays and possibly bronchoscopy (endoscope into the airways) to look for a possible grass seed. The following day I sedated her; on the x-rays, I could see a very small area of possible consolidation in her lungs. Unfortunately, because of her large size, our bronchoscope was not quite long enough to reach the area of concern. I discussed my findings with her owners and recommended referral for full bronchoscopy and in the meantime, whilst they decided on whether to take up the option of referral to a specialist, I decided to start her on anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. By Wednesday, she was no longer coughing, and the owners reported that she seemed well again but thank-goodness, they wanted to ensure that she had not inhaled a grass seed and took up the referral option. On Thursday morning she was anaesthetised by the specialist and this is what she retrieved with her endoscope: If this had not been removed (and I have seen this happen before), there would have been two scenarios: • She would have eventually been referred, by which time it would have been impossible to visualise and remove the grass seed via bronchoscopy because of the severity of the inflammation and
infection in the area. She would have then undergone a CT scan to determine the extent of the infection and inflammation of the surrounding lung tissue and thereafter, once the CT confirmed that the lung lobe was consolidated, she would have undergone general anaesthesia for a lung lobectomy, meaning that her chest cavity would have been surgically opened and the affected lung lobe removed. This would have caused considerable pain, but she would have survived but that it is only the start of the potential problems. There would be a high risk thereafter of her developing a condition called pulmonary hypertension, which would have required lifelong twice daily medication to slow down progressive heart disease and ultimately a few years down the road, she would have gone into chronic heart failure and ultimately died as a result of heart disease. • The second scenario would have been that the consolidation of the lung lobe had spread beyond the lobe and that there was nothing else available but to put this youngster to sleep. Cost of our investigation and the retrieval of the grass seed by the specialist – approximately £1500. Cost of the second option – conservative estimate for investigations, surgery and lifelong treatment – probably ten times the above figure! Solution: Please avoid long grass, cut grass or perhaps any grass that has gone to seed at this time of the year as they are treacherous things. They find their way into manner of orifices; we find them in ears, between dogs toes buried deep within the tissue, necessitating on many occasions, a couple of surgeries to retrieve these menaces, buried in the tissue of armpits of dogs, in their eyes under their third eyelids, causing corneal ulcers, those that have managed to work their way into the back muscles and have worked their way into the abdomen, caused peritonitis and death, those that have been found in bitches’ vagina, lodged in the cervix! How on earth do these dreadful bits of grass get everywhere? They are like darts; they have a sharp end that pushes forward and there is no way back with the splayed tail end. Please avoid them and spare our dogs the suffering they experience with these hazards. Jürgen Theinert BVSc BSc MRCVS Edgewood Veterinary Group
FOCUSFOCUSON PET HEALTHON PET HEALTH
Focus 11
WINNER CASH PRIZE £20 EACH MONTH
OPEN TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS
THE WINNING PHOTO WILL BE FEATURED IN THE MAGAZINE AND AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED INTO OUR
2021 PRINTED CALENDAR, SO GET CLICKING AND SEND IN THOSE PHOTOS
BY MON 27th JULY for the JULY WINNER.
EMAIL TO [email protected] OR POST THEM ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE, HEADED PHOTO
COMPETITION
ONLY ONE WINNER PER MONTH
ALL PHOTOS MUST BE GOOD QUALITY AND AT LEAST 1 MB IN SIZE FOR REPRODUCTION AND OF LOCAL
INTEREST.
DECISIONS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHTED TO YOU AND WE
WILL HAVE YOUR PERMISSION TO USE THEM.
NO AGE LIMIT, WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL AND FACEBOOK
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
COMPETITION
Contact us today on 01277 (Billericay) 630873 97 High Street CM12 9AJ email: [email protected]
www.impartialadviser.com
√ 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)
Independent Financial Advice Centre Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Help & Impartial Advice from Qualified Professionals on:-
May’s Winner, Paige Marns
Bicknacre
12 Focus
COVID-19 SURVIVOR WHO FOUGHT FOR HIS LIFE
When told he had to go onto a ventilator, Pastor Peter Nembhard, 52, of Grays, thought he was going to die after he was admitted to Basildon Hospital with Coronavirus in the beginning of April. Peter, who is a devout Christian and Pastor to ARC Church (A Radical Church) which has multiple branches across London, was reluctant to go to hospital and leave his wife and four children behind. After eight days of being ill at home with severe sweats, a high fever and a cough, Peter discussed the option of going to hospital with his friends and family. Peter said: “I told my wife and kids that I could stay at home and try and recover or go into hospital. Sadly, going into hospital meant that no matter how long I was there no one would be able see me due to visiting restrictions. “My second daughter Kristie-Anne shared a story and explained that going to hospital now would benefit my health later.” Kristie-Anne, said: “When my mobile phone started to have a few problems I should have fixed it straight away as it wouldn’t have gotten worse, now it’s at a point of being irreparable. I didn’t want dad to be the same.” Peter was taken to Basildon Hospital on 2 April and placed on a Covid ward after testing positive for Coronavirus. He explained: “My fight in hospital was with the breathing – I was really struggling to breathe. There was one point that I had lost hope, as I thought I was going to die.” His friends and family continued to support him with words of encouragement and their prayers. Peter said, “I will never forget one particular nurse, Vanya Roach, who was like an angel to me. I felt as if God sent her directly to help me fight this.” “Vanya took the time to explain exactly what was happening; she sat down and fed me and really helped me through my fight. “I asked what I could do to assist my recovery; she said sit up in the chair or lie down on my belly as it would be easier to breathe.” Staff nurse, Vanya Roach, who helped treat Peter while he battled with Covid said: “I’m so pleased that he has recovered and is doing well. He had such a great fighting spirit and was really involved in his recovery.” After being on a ventilator and showing signs of improvement, staff helped Peter to get up out of bed and try walking. Peter was discharged on 14 April, a day before his 31st wedding anniversary.
Could you help support businesses and residents by enabling safe use of Maldon High Street as lockdown restrictions are lifted? Whilst this role promotes social distancing and safety it is a fun way to engage with and support your local community. The role includes data collection (footfall, queues etc.), providing general information about queueing, crossing points parking etc. and providing directions as needed. You must be over 18 years old, fit and able to stand for long periods of time. You’ll receive the necessary PPE and training prior to starting the role. Shifts are available between 8 am and 6 pm, seven days a week.
Family Mentor Volunteer Could you help families in your community improve their health and wellbeing? As a Family Mentor you’ll enable families and children to take part in new activities, develop new skills and build their confidence. As part of a team you’ll engage with families via telephone and video link (Zoom/Skype). The role will be home based due to the current situation and may include evenings and weekends but is fully flexible. You should be reliable, resilient; empathetic and respectful of others, and have good interpersonal skills as well as the ability to respect confidentiality. Applicants must be available to attend a comprehensive induction and training programme prior to commencing.
Telephone Befrienders Telephone Befrienders are needed to contact Carers and older people across Essex. As a Befriender you’ll provide support on the telephone to those that may be socially isolated, offering understanding and companionship. You’ll be empathetic and able to deal with difficult and emotive conversations. In return you’ll be offered an interesting and rewarding experience with ongoing training and development, in a supportive environment.
Volunteer Centre Enquiries and Drop-in If you are interested in any of the above roles, or for general volunteering enquiries, please email [email protected] or call 01621 851891. To view a range of volunteering roles visit www.volunteeressex.org. Current restrictions may limit the volunteering roles on offer at this time. The monthly Volunteer Centre Drop-in has been cancelled until further notice and will restart when it’s considered safe to do so. For further information on any of our services or volunteering opportunities please telephone 01621 851891 or email [email protected] The CVS aims to promote charitable purposes for the benefit of the community in the Maldon District. We support voluntary and community groups, offering services such as funding advice, training support and advice on legal and constitutional issues. Find more information on our website www.maldoncvs.org.uk The Volunteer Centre Maldon and District aims to promote volunteering and assist members of the public to get involved in supporting charities and organisations. Visit www.volunteeressex.org to register as a volunteer and to search and make enquiries about our current volunteering opportunities.
Expressing gratitude to staff at Basildon Hospital, Peter said: “I’m so grateful to Basildon Hospital, I appreciate all the doctors and nurses and everyone who helped me to recover and allow me to be at home with my family for my wedding 31st anniversary.”
A SELECTION OF VOLUNTEERING VACANCIES
TRADE ADVERTISER
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANER
CARPET FITTER
CHIMNEY SWEEP
CJ APPLIANCES We repair: washing machines,
dishwashers, tumble dryers,
electric cookers electric ovens
Reliable service 20 years experience
01245 225472 07800 819502
APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SERVICE
BUILDERS
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Electric Vehicle charging pointsF o r a d v i c e & f r e e e s t i m a t e s
i n f o @ s w f e l e c t r i c a l . c o . u k w w w . s w f e l e c t r i c a l . c o . u k
Industrial Services & Controls Ltd
GARDEN SERVICES & LANDSCAPING
ADM GARDENING ADM GARDENING • Free quotations • Pruning • Fencing• Decking • Patios • Turfing • Cement works • Landscaping • Pressure Cleaning
Office: 01245 476993 Mobile: 07990 650295
Computer ServicesUpgrades, Virus RemovalHardware/Software InstallationAdvice and Basic Tuition.Reasonable Rates.For a Home Visit call:
Mark Piesse01245 32151407973 522412
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� Locks opened, fitted and repaired� Garage locks and handles� UPVC specialist� Locks, handles, springs, gear-boxes, mechanisms and adjustments
� Local family business� Fixed prices
Email: [email protected]: locks4less.co.uk
Danbury LocksmithsTelephone: 01245 409162
Mobile: 07825 804843 (24 hour)
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EST. 1981
LOCKSMITHS
PAINTERS AND DECORATORS
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All decorating works undertaken. For free estimates please call Gerry:
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35 Yrs Experience
GARDEN SERVICES & LANDSCAPING
OSTEOPATHY - HEALTH SERVICES
Sports injury or aching muscles and joints?
Local osteopath Jo Barber can help relieve the pain of backache, headaches, sports injuries, frozen shoulder, whiplash, arthritis and many other ailments. AXA PPP and BUPA recognised. Gift vouchers available.
Tel: 01621 828285 www.natures-medicine.co.uk
ADVERTISE ON THIS
PAGE FROM AS LITTLE AS £21.66 + VAT
CALL 01245 32 31 30 FOR MORE DETAILS
PLASTERING
Anglo Plumbing Your local family plumber · Qualified · Emergency & repair specialist. · Genuine 24/7 call out. · No call out fee. Call us anytime. · All plumbing work undertaken. · Competitive rates.
Tel: Danbury 01245 221220 Mobile: 07768 181 181 Email: [email protected] Website: www.angloplumbing.co.uk
We are still open and provide emergency and repair service during the Corona crisis.
The necessary arrangements are made with you over the phone prior to arriving at your property, and we use PPE.
Please call us on Danbury 221220 or 07768 181181.
PLUMBING & HEATING
14 Focus
WEBSITE DESIGNROOFING
TREE SURGEONS
JAS Tree ServicesAll aspects of tree work undertaken: Felling, Pruning, Crown Reduction, Thinning & Lifting, Hedgecutting,
Call John Smith NPTC Qualified for a FREE quote on01621 744996 / 07825 525975
www.jastreeservices.co.uk email:[email protected]
Tree Surgeons www.acornarb.co.uk • £5 Million Public Liability Insurance • Tree Felling & Stump Removal • Crown Reductions, Lifting & Thinning • Pruning, Shaping & Balancing • Tree, Shrub & Hedge Planting • Stump Grinding & Sites Cleared • Mobile Wood Milling Service • Qualified Staff: N.P.T.C & City & Guilds • All Work Meets With British Standard 3998 Regulations • Mortgage Tree Reports • Tree Hazard Evaluation Surveys & BS5837 Reports
01245 473293 Mobile: 07779 375 492 Reeds Farm Nursery, Roxwell Road, Writtle Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SB
www.suelees.co.uk Website Design
Does your business need a website?
Is your website living up to your expectations?
Get your free website consultation today CONSULTANCY
Helping Small Businesses move into the 21st Century Tel: 01245 227108 • Mobile: 07989 734698 •
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01245 426 163 | Email: [email protected] Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5LL
www.ahead4.com
Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 17:30Tue: 09:00 - 19:30
Sat-Sun: 11:00 - 15:00
YOURlocal computer shop
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FULL GUTTER CLEAN OUT AND GUTTER SERVICE LEAKS FIXED, BLOCKAGES REMOVED, DOWNPIPES UNBLOCKED
FASCIA, SOFFIT AND CONSERVATORY CLEANING. CALL STEVE-THE GUTTER MAN
01245 420279 / 07910 513896 Maintaining the gutters of Danbury for over 10 years
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ADVERTISE ON THIS
PAGE FROM AS LITTLE AS £21.66 + VAT
CALL 01245 32 31 30
FOR MORE DETAILS
JOHN WHITTINGDALE MP SURGERIES WILL NOW TAKE PLACE OVER THE PHONE.
House of Commons ‐ 020 219 3557 Constituency Office ‐ 01621 855663
COVID19 casework will be treated as a priority for
the foreseeable future. This may unfortunately have a knock‐on effect on the ability to respond to phone calls, emails and send out
casework replies in a timely manner. I apologise for any delay there may be to
correspondence and the inconvenience caused.
