SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ESSEX FORD BILLERICAY – 26.1.8

Appeal from Brentwood Drum Corps..

..which has 45 unused instruments in its store cupboard from when the group had more members.  Today it has only five, but the instruments, and uniforms, remain available.  Corps leader Bill Plummer came on Phoenix FM offering free loan of the instruments to musical newcomers joining the corps for use elsewhere.

Tuition's also included for a nominal £1/week charge.  To seize this opportunity phone Bill on 01277 226402 or just turn up at Brentwood Drum Corps' next practise session.  They meet weekly at Brentwood County High Tuesdays at 7.30pm.

Hutton artist Jim Merriott on Phoenix FM and in Essex Life

Fireman turned safety officer turned artist Jim Merriott (above) came on the show explaining how rheumatoid arthritis had not scuppered his painting abilities because "you don't paint with your hands, but your mind," said the 66-year-old.

Every month readers of county magazine Essex Life are able to enjoy Jim's Essex scenes.  The February 2008 edition features Battlesbridge.  Retired since 1992, today Jim paints at a rate of around four pictures a day – fitted in round teaching others his craft.

His next exhibition is on February 9 at Lindsell Art Gallery near Dunmow (www.lindsellartgallery.co.uk).  Saturday Pitstop's online listeners enjoyed Jim's Ingatestone Hall (below) and Finchingfield snow scenes on the webcam – and were let into a trade secret that areas of snow were actually unpainted canvas.  Jim's website:  www.cottagecornerart.co.uk

WHSmith:  two stores into one

Brentwood High Street's WHSmith closes on February 9, with stationery products transferring to the first floor of the chain's Baytree Centre store.  Stationery and the town's new upstairs Post Office will fill the first floor, while newspapers/magazines, books, music and films will be sold downstairs.

The Post Office will move from its current High Street address into the Baytree Centre WHSmith in spring this year.  The store says a contingency plan will be up and running whereby the elderly, parents with pushchairs and those with disabilities can be served downstairs if the lift breaks down.

Stay tuned to the Saturday Pitstop for news on further developments and let us know how you think combining the PO and WHSmith will work in practice.  Email radio@phoenixfm.com with Saturday Pitstop as the subject.

From Essex Ford Billericay

The new Ford Focus has arrived at Essex Ford Billericay's London Road dealership.  For those on a budget, the Ford Ka Studio is available this month only at £4,989.  Contact James Marney, in vehicle sales, on 01277 652242.

Over in service, any Ford car older than three years qualifies for a Ford Value Service at only £99 (or £129 including MOT).  And until February 29, 2008 Essex Ford Billericay is offering £40 of M&S vouchers free with your service.

Article by Oliver Rowe, 26 Jan 2008
Posted in Saturday Morning with Oliver Rowe

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