The gift of books on World Book Day

The gift of books on World Book Day

We have been delighted to support the fundraising efforts of kind hearted Joanne Randall who fund raised a fabulous £755 to purchase books for distribution to local youngsters by Southend Food bank.

Joanne Randall, a local Independent Usborne Book representative visited our Hockley branch to tell us about her idea to mark World Book Day 2022 by fundraising to buy books to be distributed by Southend Food Bank. We were happy to help out with a donation.



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As communities across the country come together to honour those who gave their lives in service, our Director Colin MacLean has taken the lead in marking the start of the 2025 Poppy Appeal with a heartfelt act of remembrance at the Hadleigh War Memorial. Colin has unveiled a stunning wall of poppies, the first in a series of moving displays.

As November draws near, red poppies begin to bloom across lapels, symbolising remembrance, gratitude, and unity. Each year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal brings communities together to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and give back and thanks to the tireless RBL volunteers.

Living next to the woods, we expected to feel closer to nature, but we didn’t expect to make friends with it. We thought we would spend our mornings listening to the birds and admiring the trees. Instead, we find ourselves checking that Freda the fox, our uninvited but much-loved garden guest has returned safely from her nightly wandering!

Halloween is just around the corner, and Hockley Village is getting ready to come alive with ghosts, ghouls and giggles! The Hockley Haunted Halloween Trail promises an evening full of fun and a few spooky surprises along the way. If you’ve got little monsters eager to trick or treat in a safe, free of charge environment then come along and see us.