A Word on Witham... Keeping you informed

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August/September

Around Town

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Return of the Georgian Market • A recipe fi t for a king Students back to school • Young Witham

A little known fact? Witham’s Racing heritage

Opportunities for school leavers

What’s on in Witham?

Initially, you have to decide what property you are going to purchase. It’s vital that you research the local area and ask yourself, “Would I live here?” If you decide that, actually, you wouldn’t, chances your tenant won’t either. Once you have made a choice and (fingers crossed) you manage to snap it up (at a great price I hope), you will need to make it more attractive to potential tenants. I think it would go without saying if someone perceives a greater value; he or she would be willing to pay a higher rent.

So how do you go about doing this? Kitchens and bathrooms tend to attract the most attention on a viewing so it’s always best to ensure these are looking as good as they can.

The kitchen should have, at a bare minimum, an oven and hob. If you’re not willing to cook your dinner on it, don’t expect someone else to do so! If you do leave further white goods, remember you may be able to write off depreciation that these assets will suffer against tax (consult your accountant about this).

The bathroom is the tougher one of the two. Many properties are now built without putting a window in the bathroom; they can come across as dark, cold and small. How can this be rectified without extensive building works? For starters, use white bathroom paint and ensure it is spotless for any viewings. Also consider installing a larger shower head that will improve water flow as well as adding the appearance of luxury. To end on a very important, yet basic, note. Ensure the grout, sealant around the sink, bath and taps is mould free and looking fresh, white and clean.

Lettings : 01376 502500Sales : 01376 502450

Email : info@witlet.co.ukWebsite : www.witlet.co.uk

A word from WitLet...

How to maximise your investment into property?

Free Energy Performance Cert

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Free Professional Floor Plan

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A choice of four....

Choose to let or sell your property with us this summer then you will recieve one of the following ...

WitLet is rewarding its customers both old and new alike.

Should you decide to let or sell your property with us this summer we will offer you the choice between one of four exciting benefits.

Did you know we sell?

WitSell has arrived to accomodate those looking to purchase or sell their property!

Written by : Rob Williams

Witham is known as a Georgian Market Town. Newland Street is the centre of the town and consists of many unique and interesting shopping experiences – It was in fact Newland Street that fi rst attracted me to Witham when I moved here 10 years ago. In that time, we have all noticed the slow decline in the footfall about town, as our larger neighbours (Chelmsford and Colchester) attract the traffi c away from town with their Superstores and a greater, more encompassing shopping experience. If we, as town residents want to maintain Witham as a viable and interesting place to shop, then we must allow the businesses a chance to succeed.

Marketing Witham are a Community Interest Company (not for profi t) that came together to build a winning bid and to enliven our high street. Only partially successful, we formulated a plan that showed a way to bring the crowds back into the town – By looking at Witham’s roots (a Georgian Market Town), we determined to bring a large scale monthly market back into the town. Success could only be achieved if the market was big enough to attract footfall, and thereby make the shopping experience a valuable off ering to the residents and the surrounding villages.

Pending fi nal approval on the road closure approval from BDC, on the fi rst Friday in October , November and December of 2014, Newland Street will be closed between Guithavon Street and Lawn Chase (Prezzo’s to the Nationwide), and at least 50 stalls will be located on the road. Th e monthly market will run from 9am to 3pm, and will hopefully bring life, vibrancy and a great deal more attention to our beautiful town.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Th is months Town Team Focus... Witham Monthly Market

We are Chartered Certifi ed Accountants, based in Witham, dedicated to providing a friendly, professional and pro-active service to a range of businesses throughout Essex and London.

By working with us you will receive:

A personalised service exactly when you need it. Straight talking help with paying less tax. A reliable service with all work delivered on time.

For details of our complete range of services, including start-ups, go to our website.

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

01376 512 637

enquiries@neilsmithaccountancy.co.uk

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Summer is drawing to a close and for many students the time will soon come to return to University. Long months spent at home can often lead to the accumulation of more belongings than you arrived with. Finding the right kind of place to store these additional valuables can be quite the challenge as let’s face it, university accommodation is hardly renowned for its generous space.

Thankfully we at Dragon Storage have the right solution for any student on a tight budget. Our self-contained facilities range from 10 sq ft to 250 sq ft with prices starting from as little as £24.04 per month – that’s less than £1 per day! All of our compounds have vehicle access and are monitored by the very latest in security surveillance, ensuring that your valuables stay safe right up until graduation.

Whether you need to store old books and essays or the lamp that no longer fits in your halls, we have the space for you.

We at Dragon are proud to support small start-up businesses looking to take that first step towards future development. As such we are uniquely positioned to provide your business with the vital space it needs to grow. Our premium packages start from £199 per month and include:- Reception Service-Free boardroom use-Free conference room use- 24 Hour access

Dragon Enterprise are Witham’s premier office space provider for both domestic and commer-cial markets.

Where to find us?

Dragon Enterprise CentreBraintree RoadWithamCM8 2DD

Telephone : 01376 388522Email : Info@Dragonenterprisecentre.co.uk

What’s on in Witham...

Events worth noting:

Focus for August :

Focus for September :

Witham’s International Puppet Festival

Sunday 21st

This September will play host to Witham’s International Puppet Festival. This fantastic event will be presented in the area of the Grove and Newlands shopping precincts.

The day will include giant walk about puppets and traditional story telling shows throughout the day. Performances from the Titian Robot, The Hairy Chairs, Punch & Judy, Academy Puppets and many, many more promise a day of fun for all the family.

Local schools have also participated in a puppet making competition and the children’s puppets will be on display.

South Anglia Savoy Players presents Iolanthe

Originally written by Gilbert & Sullivan, this heart warming tale of two star crossed lovers promises an evening of scorching satire, magical melodies and a battle of the sexes to remember.

Sunday 3rd to Monday 4th

• September 6th The Del Rio Ramblers

• September 12th FunHouse Comedy Night

• September 19th Witham Public Hall Trust Rule of three

Where ? Witham Town Hall

Where ? Witham Town centre

• August 11th to 15th WOW summer school

w

w w w . s o r r e l . e u Sorrel are dedicated to investing in our local community and the greater Essex area. We are currently looking to recruit young, talented individuals with an interest in becoming an integral part of our family.

We offer extensive work experience opportunities and induction interviews for recent school leavers providing you with an in-depth look into the working dynamics of Sorrel as an industry leading enterprise. Your time with us will afford you a greater understanding of the fast paced nature of the construction industry and where your skill sets lie.

For those individuals that truly excel at interview, Sorrel are offering scholarship opportunities with the potential for future employment within our company. We can currently offer training and development in the following areas:

PlumbingAC EngineeringElectricalCarpentrySite ManagementCommunications InstillationPainting & DecoratingAV / Security / CCTV instillation & maintenance

If you would like the opportunity to join us then please send an introduction e-mail explaining why you would like to work in the construction industry to Adam English at : adam@sorrel.eu

We as a family run business believe in fi nding and nurturing local talent. We are proud to be an industry leading supporter of the next generation of British tradesmen and women.

Interested in working within an exciting and dynamic local business?

Sorrel are a locally run family business who pride ourselves on an ability to provide exceptional services in commercial redevelopment and maintenance. With offi ces located both in Witham and London, we are perfectly positioned to

operate throughout the South East Region.

We are immensely proud of our prestigious client profi le and are dedicated to building lasting relationships based on the values of honesty, transparency and

excellence.

As Blue Dragon Cars nears it’s third birthday it’s founder Stephen Hanks explains how his family has a long standing history within the local area, having traced his routes to a string of local small businesses. Among these were The Ives family who first established a presence in Witham operating Chipping Hill Forge , this family business passed from father to son and so on right through until the 1800’s. Over five generations kept the forge alive. More recently his Grandfather Harold Johnson and Uncle David (helped by mum and nan) ran “H A Johnson & Son” electrical engineers in Guithavon Street through the 70’s and 80’s, both were strong characters and renowned for their knowledge and helpfulness, a true example of a local family business integral to the community. Stephen remembers there always being a visitor in the shop and the kettle on for the weary of foot, Bobby.

Beyond their local businesses, the Ives family also strongly embraced the ideals of community becoming actively involved in both festivals and charitable events within the Witham area. Such family ideals remain close to Stephen’s heart and he endeavours to uphold these traditions to this day. A perfect example of this would be Blue Dragon Cars contribution to Cressing Temple’s annual classic car show of which they supplied 5 vehicles including a 1971 MG Roadster, a 1987 Jaguar XJ V12 and 93 L Classic Mini Cooper. Further to this, Stephen’s family continues to show their support to the local community through fund raising, you may have seen his great Blue Dragon suit yourself, parading around town!

After studying architecture at university Stephen began his career within the motor industry at Vauxhall, becoming a key member of their show room sales team having started at the age of 22. After gaining 19 years of experience and progressing through the company Stephen decided to branch away from Vauxhall to forge his own path. He channelled his enthusiasm and lifelong passion for motor vehicles into the creation of Blue Dragon Cars. Beginning with just 9 cars, the business now handles over 40 vehicles and supplies throughout the UK and Europe. Despite its rapid expansion in the first two years of operations Blue Dragon Cars is still very much a family run and focused business, something that Stephen has worked very hard to maintain. He established the business with the aim of assisting local people with the sale of their cherished vehicles by granting them the greatest possible exposure to the current market. Beyond this Stephen wanted to create a place in which local people could turn for simple, transparent motoring advice which stands as the very embodiment of Blue Dragon Cars ethos.

So what’s next for Blue Dragon Cars? Well as the business continues to expand, Stephen and his family hope to establish themselves within a purpose built show room that can house over 50 cars which will allow them to further their services to the local and greater Essex area.

Should you require honest, professional expertise on selling your current vehicles then Blue Dragon cars can be reached on the following details:

07976 838071sales@bluedragoncars.co.uk

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Th is months

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Th is months Recipe

Dead Elvis Cocktail

What’s in it? 1 shot Grey Goose Vodka1 shot Berentzen Wild Berry Schnapps½ shot Triple SecSplash of GrenadineSplash of Sugar Syrup2 handfuls of Crushed IceGenerous Drizzle of Blue Curacao

Courtesy of : Th e Secret Squirrel Club, Below Hold the Anchovies

Wish to advertise with us?Would you like your business to feautre in our next edition. If so please contact us at:

Sarah Kauter EditorWitLet Magazine10 Guithavon Street CM8 1BN

Tel : 01376 386 850E-mail : Sarah@witlet.co.uk

Online training

Knowledge is the best defence against the threat of fi re especially within your place of work. As an employer it is your responsibility to ensure that your staff are capable of responding safely and in an appropriate manner when faced with hazardous situations.

Our interactive video based training course is designed to assist employees with identifying and reducing the risk that fi re presents in the workplace. The course covers the key fundamentals in basic fi re safety training, fi re marshal training and extinguisher training,

The courses we offer are as follows:

• Basic Fire Safety Training• Fire Marshal Training• Extinguisher Training

This issues

Witham Complaints...

Each issue we turn our focus to the multitude of letters and requests we recieve from you, our readers:

Dear Word on Witham,

I'd like to express my anger of the placement in shops in the Witham highstreet. A prime example of this are the Greggs and Subway establishments, the two are virtually next door to each other and everyday I am faced with the challenge of choosing either a meatball marinara or a steak bake. If the shops were further apart then I could make my choice for lunch and stick to it! Without being tempted by the smell coming from the other shop!

I also can't help feeling that the rest of Witham is suffering here, by having two fast food restaurants so close to each other AND in the centre of town surely means the outer regions of Witham are deprived, by having to travel long distances just for a pasty or a sub.

I hope this can be adhered to.

Mr O'Hara

Dear Word on Witham,

I am truly happy to see a local business take such pride in our lovely little town. I really hope that the future editions will carry on as such a high standard as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I would like to see some more interaction with the readers in future episodes maybe.

Mr Barry Thomas

I would like to thank the lovely man who helped me off the train when I was struggling with my buggy. I wish more people would take a small amount of time in their day to help others - Mrs Cole

Dear Word of Witham,

I really enjoyed your first edition of Word On Witham. I think this is something that is much needed for the town and I am very keen to see it succeed. Of course; I would also like to thank WitLet, who appear to be heading this venture. I look forward to the next edition.

Mr R. Gulibert

The paths around the river have been mostly litter-free for the past few months. It is nice to know that people care about the environment as much as I do. It creates a great family atmosphere for the summer - Ms Frank

Letters to us...

Letters of thanks...

This months

Did you know... Withams rich racing heritage

In 1962 the company, whilst still in its infancy, moved to Witham. The Walkletts established a base of operations which was soon to become known as Ginetta House. The building which was originally constructed in 1911 became one of the first purpose built motors works in the UK. The building remained home to Ginetta cars for 30 years and still stands amidst our beautiful town today. The team’s time in Witham allowed them to perfect their craft and develop the beginnings of a true racing legacy with the G4. Whilst previous models were designed for competition racing the G4 was usable as an everyday car but still very competitive in motor sport as well with numerous successes. Over 500 were made up until 1969 with a variety of different ford engines.

Ginetta Today ...

A little known fact to many, our sleeply town once played host to one of the UK’s most famous racing teams Ginetta.

Ginetta was originally founded by the four Walklett brothers in Suffolk, 1958 who each shared a singular passion for motorsport and dreamed of establishing a wholly British racing contribution of their own. Each brother specifically supported the business in their own way, Trevers was mainly responsible for styling, Ivor for the engineering, Douglas for management and Bob within sales. The first ever vehicle built by the brothers, the Ginetta G1, was based on a pre-world war II Wolseley Hornet but not meant for production. Soon to follow was the G2, which was sold as a kit car for enthusiasts. Only 100 were made until the arrival of the glass fibre bodied G3 in 1959 and the G4 in 1961.

To date Ginetta have developed a range of award-winning road and race cars, making them a formidable player within the world of motorsport.

The current owner of Ginetta Racing Lawrence Tomlinson holds to his vision of providing competitive and affordable motorsport to drivers as young as 14. As such Ginetta have established their own young driver’s championship to help found the future stars of tomorrow within the racing world. To date no other manufacturer runs three championships within the two biggest racing packages within Britain. Ginetta continues to enjoy numerous victories within the GT racing series which looks set to continue.