WHAT'S ON IN THE MALDON DISTRICT

From Maldon Event guide

Christmas Fayre Saturday 17th November 2012 10am to 4pm St Giles Church, Langford   CM9 4STStalls, refreshments Cost: Entry freeMore details: Irene 01621 855447

macTheatre present HUW WILLIAMS and MAARTIN ALLCOCK Sunday 18th November 2012 8pm The Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon   CM9 4QEHuw Williams and Maartin Allcock met on a Fairport Convention tour bus. Huw’s songs have been covered by many artists and he has contributed to Radio 4, is an Eisteddford-winning step dancer and the brains behind Calen, the Welsh trad band. Maartin Allcock has toured and recorded with Jethro Tull and Beth Nielsen Chapman amongst others, writes for Acoustic magazine and transcribes music books. Together they produce foot tapping tunes, beautiful songs and both funny and captivating stories. Cost: £10 (Advance), £12 (On Door)More details: Maldon TIC 01621-856503

Maldon Promenaders present 'A Night at the Oscars' Friday 23rd November 2012 8pm Maldon Town Hall, Market Hill, Maldon   CM9 4RLFeaturing songs from the Hollywood musicals. In aid of Maldon Pioneers and Little Haven's Children's Hospice. Cost: Adults £7, concessions £5, balcony £8More details: 01621 856503

Christmas Bazaar ALTHORNE Saturday 24th November 2012 2pm Church Hall, Burnham Road / Fambridge Road, Althorne   CM3 6BYCome and join in the festive fun! Find cards and gifts for family and friends. Take part in competitions, or have a punt at the Raffle and Tombola. Enjoy tea and cake, and browse jewellery, books, puzzles, Christmas decorations, toys, games and bric-a-brac. Fun for all the family! In aid of Church Repair Fund. Cost: Free entry

Latchingdon Pre-School Christmas Craft Day Saturday 24th November 2012 10am - 1pm Latchingdon Pre-School, The Street, Latchingdon   CM3 6JSCome and have some seasonal fun at our christmas craft day, make cards and gifts, decorate biscuits and have fun. Refreshments will also be available  Cost: 2's and over £2.00 under 2's FreeMore details: Contact Latchingdon Pre-School - 07773 199835

Maldon & Dengie Ramblers Walk - Heybridge Basin Tuesday 27th November 2012 10am Meet at Daisy Meadow car park, Heybridge Basin, Maldon   CM9 4RPSix and a half mile walk More details: Alan Seager 01621 858071 or Frank Beringham 01621 856176

Queens Stocking Fayre  Saturday 8th December 2012 11am to 3pm Queens Head, The Hythe, , Maldon   CM9 5HNLocally made Cakes, Sweets, Treats, Cards, Decorations and lots more .Just what you need to fill those awkward stocking spaces, plus the ever popular Decorate a Duck Competition.

SANTA SPECIAL Sunday 9th December 2012 10am - 5pm MUSEUM OF POWER, Hatfield Road, Langford near Maldon   CM9 6QAJoin The Santa Special steam train for a trip to North Pole Central to meet Santa Claus! Every child recieves a present and refreshments are included in the price! It is essential to book as there is limited capacity. (Tickets go on sale at Maldon Tourist office in September) Cost: £7.00 (in advance only)More details: 01621 856503 from September

Maldon Christmas Fayre Thursday 13th December 2012 6pm to 9pm High Street, Maldon   Christmas Shopping evening with market traders and charity stalls lining the High Street. Entertainment, music and dancing. 6pm to 9pm. The High Street will be closed between West Square and Victoria Road from 5pm. More details: Tourist Information Centre 01621 856503

Maldon Choral Society's Carol Concert and Christmas Cantata by Geoffrey Bush Saturday 22nd December 2012 7.30 pm All Saints Church, High Street, Maldon   Conductor Dr Gillian Ward Russell Cost: £6 (Children under 16 years free) from Maldon Tourist Office, Wenlock Way, MaldMore details: Maldon Tourist Office 01621 856503

Newsletter - March 2012

Newsletter:    (March 2012)

Welcome to March newsletter.

I really shouldn’t have mentioned the amazingly good weather in last month’s letter.

How many of you woke on the 5 February to inches of snow! I know we did and I had forgotten just how much harder it makes life.

Although I did have a few humorous moments with a few animals who have never seen snow before, one young goose came out of her shed and was so terrified she flew into my arms and I’m sure I saw a young cockerel shut his eyes and shake his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, I did chuckle to myself

On a more serious note, it’s a very worrying time for sheep owners (including myself) in our area with the arrival of the Schmallenberg virus (SBV).
Group member and veterinary surgeon Susan McCann has kindly sent some information for us, so please read on. East Essex Smallholders


The virus has now been confirmed in over 50 cases across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and Cornwall. The majority of cases so far have been diagnosed in sheep.

All farmers/small holders are being advised to be vigilant for signs that are consistent with the disease. It is believed to be have been caused by a midge-born virus, that is likely to have infected ewes and cows in summer-autumn 2011, infecting foetuses early in gestation. It only appears to infect RUMINANT foetuses ie calves, lambs and goat kids and we are now only seeing the signs at calving/lambing time.

It is likely that the midgies were blown on the wind from Germany/Holland but there may be a role played by the importation of infected stock from these countries.

· Affected ewes / cows seem to generally be healthy prior to and after giving birth

· Offspring are either dead at term, premature or poorly viable

· Deformities affect the nervous system and limbs, which tend to be flexed towards the body.

· Neck spasms, contracted limbs and dummy animals.

· Domed skulls (hydrocephalus).

Although it is not a notifiable disease, if you experience more one or two RUMINANT newborns this season with any of the following, it would:

1. deformed limbs, contracted or bent joints (more than one joint involved)

2. Showing neurological signs including paralysis or gait abnormalities

3. Still births

For more information please look at the following websites
DEFRA Animal Diseases
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
West Point Farm Vets

Northpoint Veterinary Group, 1 Leaden Hall Chase, Stortford Road, Leaden Roding, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1RB

Tel: 01306 628489 Fax: 01279 877911

Good luck fellow sheep owners expecting lambs, all we can do is hope for the best.

On a brighter note member Numbers still growing to date we have 91.

And the blog is proving a great success with over 5000 visitors.

Why not add the blog and web page to your favourites so you don’t miss out on any news.

We are now on twitter and Facebook, so give us a tweet or a Like

Twitter – click here

Facebook - click here
East Essex Smallholders on BBC Essex

Not only have we been on the front page of a national glossy magazine, Home Farmer, had articles in another, Smallholder, and managed to get our names in the local paper, Essex Chronicle, in the past few months, Chairman Dani and Secretary Carlie have now broadcast a LIVE interview on BBC Essex Ken Crowther’s radio show on 13 February promoting our group and the Hobby Pig Keeping Course.

Girls you were great - WELL DONE. I was feeling nervous just listening so I can only guess how you felt.

Dani added to the humour when Ken asked how big is a Dexter and she gestured with her hand and you hear Carlie say “they can’t see you.” I think Dani may be preparing for The Jonathan Ross show.

The interview was really to promote the ADAS, DEFRA funded, Hobby Pig Course but it was a wonderful chance to get the group’s name out there; I have said it once but I think you both deserve another - WELL DONE.


Report on lets go Turkey mad

Yet another lovely evening was had by all!

Our “bring and share” table was up to its usual high standard and it was lovely to see so many members - old and new.

A big thank you to Philip, from Kelly Turkeys, for a wonderful insight into the life of the Kelly Bronze Turkey - past and present.

It was amazing to hear tales of the free range birds being protected from foxes by two border collies.  What a lovely life these birds have compared to the commercial flocks (although Mr Google says a group of turkeys is a rafter!)

Philip also gave tips on how to cook the Kelly Bronze to the peak of perfection, founded by the late Molly Kelly, and finished with a carving demonstration.  Finally we got to taste this famous turkey.

For more information or if you are interested in buying your own poults to rear visit their website

EESG announce 2012 calendar Competition

EESG are pleased to announce the 2012 calendar competition organised by our committee member Agnes Harris.

So come on dust those cameras off and get out there.

All entries must be emailed to Agnes at competition@eastessexsmallholder.org.uk by 31 May 2012 

Theme of the competition is “Life of East Essex smallholders”

For competition rules information 

click here

The 12 winning photographs will be published in our first ever EESG calendar for 2013. Please send maximum of two photographs per member describing any season, in colour or black and white. 

Between the 18th June and the 19th August there will be an opportunity for all members to vote online for their favourite 12 photos out of 30 selected.

There is no prize other than a winning photograph being published in the 2013 EESG Calendar with your name (if you wish). However a £10 book voucher will be awarded to highest placed under 18 year old only.

You will be sent details in due course of how you can vote online – details will also be on the website. 

HAPPY SNAPPING

Unveiling of EESG merchandise

Husband and wife team, Chris and Agnes, have been very busy designing and sourcing out our lovely new merchandise, which had its grand unveiling at our February Members meeting.  It was a universal hit.

On sale we now have, with our stunning NEW EESG logo (also designed by our very own Agnes ) the following:

EESG fabric badge £1.00 (to stitch on the groups smart green polo shirts)

Mugs £5.00

Coasters £2.00

Our supply of merchandise was SOLD OUT on the night so more are being prepared as I speak.

If anyone would like to place an order or have any ideas for other merchandise please contact

merchandise@eastessexsmallholdersgroup.org.uk  

Order form click here

Report on Hobby Pig Keeping Course

An amazing 50 people attended the course on Hobby Pig Keeping at Stisted Village Hall that was  funded by DEFRA  and presented excellently by Odelle Walker from ADAS and Bev Mair from Chelmsford Trading Standards.

Odelle covered the following:

• 5 freedoms associated with the Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Bio Security, Disease Control - Including Notifiable Diseases, and effective quarantine.
• Pig Health, Vaccinations and worming and fallen stock. (You can't just bury dead pigs, they legally have to be disposed of in the correct manner, which in Essex is via W Martin and Son in Braintree.)
• Feeding and legislation - it is illegal to feed any catering waste including domestic kitchen waste even if these establishments only cater for vegetarians.
• Record Keeping Requirements - how we must keep movement logs (even the infamous micro pigs need a walking licence) and medicine books and the length of time they must be kept.  

Bev Mair, from Chelmsford Trading Standards, then moved on to talk about

movements of pigs including the new EAML2 Online movement recorded system, which will completely replace the paper forms from the 1st April 2012. Identification of Pigs - Tags, Slapmarks or Tattoo's and the associated legislation was also covered.

The course ran from 2pm-5pm, breaking half way through for refreshments supplied by East Essex Smallholders Group with a marvellous selection of homemade cakes.

People attended from all across Essex, along with members from East Essex Smallholders Group, Herts &Essex Smallholders and Suffolk Smallholders.

The course was very informative and everyone who attended commented on how much they had learnt.

Fingers crossed DEFRA funding can be obtained for a similar course to be run on sheep.

Danielle Perkins

Events for your diary

After a suggestion from our Treasurer, Helen, it has been decided to trial a later start time to our monthly meeting. From 20 March 2012 we will meet 7.30pm -8pm (please let us know how this works for you )

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Pig Mania

Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

A chance to meet Essex Girl, Tracy, form the Giggly Pig Sausage Company and hear about her exploits in the world of Giggly Pigs.

Starts  (NEW TIME) 7.30pm -8pm don't be late

Tuesday 17 April 2012

The Rare Breed Survival Trust.............To be confirmed

Sunday 22 April 2012

A spinning event where members will learn how to prepare and spin wool to make use of fleeces that might otherwise be disposed of has been arranged.

Alongside this, there is the hope to learn about felting and making of accessories and easy headwear.

All places are taken for this event but if anyone is interested please contact

chair@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk 

Who will add you to the new list.

Visit to Kings Seeds

We are planning a trip to Kings Seeds in June to see the sweet pea trials if you are interested please at your name to list at the meeting or email   carlie@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Exciting new course - Wet Felting

Would you like to learn how to felt wool?

Well now is your chance!

Make, Do and Mend in Chelmsford are offering the members of East Essex Smallholders the chance to learn about felting wool.
During this 3 hour workshop you will learn the basics of wet felting using soap and water and create your own piece of felt that will then be used to make a flower corsage with beads.
The Course will cost only £36.00
There are only a few places left – so book now.

We are looking at booking a course for a Saturday in March.
If you are interested please contact

Danni – 07854595640 or

email chair@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Tiptree Jam – Open farm Sunday 17 June 2012

Anyone who is interested could take advantage of Open Farm Sunday 17 June and visit Tiptree Jams:  visiting the strawberry fields, sharing recipe ideas, tasting fresh strawberries and Tiptree Quince and Little Scarlet Conserves. After a quick visit to the Jam Museum most people finished the day with a Tiptree Cream Tea.

Sunday 20 May

Essex Young Farmers Show

courtesy of Farm & Country Supplies

Co-ordinator:  Carlie Mayes

8am-5pm

Tuesday 22 May

7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 19 June

Bring and Share Show Meeting - Blackwater Show

7.30pm for 8pm

Sunday 24 June

Blackwater Country Show

Co-ordinator: Danni Perkins

8am-5pm

Sunday 18 July

Southminster Flower Show

Co-ordinator:  Danni Perkins

Tuesday 21 July
7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 21 August

7.30pm for 8pm

Sunday 26 August

Bell Meadow Show, Woodham Walter

Co-ordinator:  Carlie Mayes

8am-5pm

Tuesday 18 Sept

National Sausage Week

7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 23 October

7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 20 November

7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 11 December
 Christmas gNosh
7.30pm for 8pm

Recipe of the Month

• 1 (8 ounce) package macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• fresh ground black pepper , to taste
• 2 cups cheddar cheese , shredded good quality
• ½ cup breadcrumbs , buttered

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.

In a large saucepan melt butter.

Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.

Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.

Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).

Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.

Add grated cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.

Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

You can also freeze this recipe in bags for later use - once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer - pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling

Dig it

I bet you all thought we were going to get away with not seeing any snow this winter; thankfully (so far) it did not last too long.  The temperature certainly dropped, I heard it reached -11C degrees one night.  This can only do the ground good and hopefully knock over those bugs that try to hide away underground.

A little cold snap should not stop us from planning the spring sowing, especially if you have somewhere under glass or cover to get things started.  As I mentioned last time there are lots of things that can and should be sown or prepared now and in particular potatoes.  I put several trays of seed potatoes to chit and the “Swift” first early are coming on nicely with “Kestrel” following.  I shall start some main crop in the middle of the month and if you have the space try some late main crop that should get you through Christmas.

I put in a large tub of salad leaves and these are sprouting slowly but will start to be pickable by the end of the month at which point another sowing can be made.

Herbs will be happy with a March sowing under glass, I have Basil and Parsley well away and if you do not have a permanent plant then Chives are worth sowing.  Thyme, Rosemary and Sage will really need to wait until April.

forcing rhubarb

So what should we be planting in March – peas can be sown direct into the bed providing the ground is not frozen of course.  Remember it is always worth covering over a bed with polythene or carpet for a few weeks before showing.  This will stop the soil from being waterlogged and keep it a bit warmer.  Keep the cover on until germination and then remove. The seedlings should be strong enough to fend for themselves.  Peas, like potatoes come in early, mid and main crop so choose an early variety.  I will put some in containers as well as direct just to get a little bit earlier under cover.

Onion sets and shallots can go in, just protect them from birds and mice.

straw around strawbs

Tomatoes can be started under glass, always worth sowing more for swapping or selling at the shows! Early carrots, beetroot, broad beans, leeks and Swiss chard can go in from the middle to the end of the month depending on weather conditions. 

It really is the last chance to prune apple and pear trees and only to shape them up and remove winter damage.

Strawberries will wake up now so be ready to put a layer of straw or matting around them to keep the new growth off the soil.

Raspberries and cane fruit can be planted out - cut down to a few shoots above ground level after planting.  Established bushes should have all previously fruited stems cut to 4” above ground, last years growth that did not fruit will produce this year.  Tidy up raspberries by cutting out crowded stems.  Blackberries should be treated the same.  Cut the stems back by a third and tie in to support growth.  

Make your own
coldframe

Rhubarb can be forced if you have spare crowns.  Just put a dustbin or similar over the top and forget about it until April and then when the new stems are big enough you can pull what you need.  Only do this once to each crown as it does stress the plant but the result is very early, very sweet rhubarb.

General tasks –

Keep the veg plots tidy and hoe out any early weeds.  If you dug your marrow or squash trench keep putting in all your kitchen waste and green stuff like weeds, this will give a good base for the plants later on.

Room is getting a premium under glass so look to start moving some plants into a cold frame if you have one.  This does not need to be anything fancy; even some sacking draped over a few canes will help protect plants on cold nights.

The clocks ‘spring’ forward at the end of the month so we will be able to get out in the garden for an hour when you get in from work and unwind – cannot wait!

Terry

Contact details:

For information on joining:
Email:  membership@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk  

For information on Events and monthly meetings/visits:
Email:  events@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

For general information:          
Email:  info@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

For news and press enquiries:
Email:  events@eastesexsmallholders.org.uk

For advertising livestock or other produce:
Email:  advertising@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

To contact our Chair - Danielle Perkins
Email:  chair@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

To contact our Treasurer - Helen Quinnell
Email:  treasurer@easttessexsmallholders.org.uk

To contact our Dig It - Terry Adger
Email:  digit@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Newsletter - November 2011

Join EESG on 22 November for a pint of Farmers Ale

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Farmers Ale Tours

Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

Come along and sample the local brew with a tour courteousy of EESG Member Charlie Saville, of Farmers Ale.

Starts 7 - 7.30 pm

For details of membership, contact membership@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk.

All are welcome, please bring along something to share, either sweet or savoury to enjoy over a pint and chat.

For more information on this and future events, please go to website and blog

Website:           www.eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Blog:                 http://eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Membership:   membership@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk 

Beekeeping Beginners Course

Are you interested in keeping bees?

Want to learn

more about

keeping bees?

Would like to attend a course on beekeeping?

The EESG is investigating the level of member interest to gauge if

running a course would be viable to do over the coming winter months

Course will be run by beekeepers 4 beekeepers!

Register your interest by emailing

events@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

with your

name

address

preferred contact telephone number

email address

and how much you would consider paying for such a course

Sausage Tasting Evening - Tuesday 18 October 2011 - 7.30pm - Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon

Next meeting - 19 April 2011 7pm - Blue Boar

   

Mcveigh Parker are coming to talk to all about fencing and agricultural supplies.


If you could bring along a homemade cake or some biscuits to share, that would be great.


Look forward to seeing you all there.


Danni