Sad news

I regret to inform you, following a long illness, the passing of my good friend George Mulliner on 27th December. I had known George for more than forty years and we became very close friends and colleagues. George was a councillor of the North Weald Parish Council, chairman of the Village Hall Charity and a long time chairman of the Redbridge Cycling Club, which is where I first met him in 1979.

Epping Forest District Council are looking for volunteers to join the Buddy Up project supporting adults 18+ with learning disabilities, autism or both. The idea is to provide Buddies to support clients into accessing community activities.

The project runs across West Essex and volunteers and service users must live in Uttlesford, Harlow or Epping Forest Districts, or be registered at a GP practice in West Essex.

While this is a volunteering role expenses incurred while accompanying a client on outings perhaps to the cinema, coffee shop or exercise class will be covered.

Saagar wanted to volunteer at the Food Bank to build up his social skills but wanted a friendly face to support him and he’s continued his volunteering.

Sarani started college but wasn’t sure on the bus route, so her Buddy accompanied her to show her the route and she’s now confident to do the journey on her own.

Referrals can be made through:

eppingforest.essexfrontline.org.uk

Or contact Olivia at Email otimotheou@eppingforestdc.gov.uk • Call 01992 564083 or 07729 109006

Clients do not need to have a formal diagnosis of autism or learning disability to sign up for the programme. Volunteers must be 18+ have the time and commitment to support a client and are prepared to undertake a DBS check.

Soon after moving into North Weald he became chairman of the Horticultural Society where he dragged me into the treasurer’s job and the same happened when he resumed as chairman of the Village Hall Charity. I think that the Parish councillors will agree with me that George always presented sound judgement and often humour when needed, into their meetings, as he did with the Village Hall meetings. He will be greatly missed by many friends and colleagues. My thoughts go to George’s wife Margaret and his children, Wendy, Roger and Caroline. Source: Roger Smith