2020 January issue of North Weald Village Life magazine

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Issue: 161 January 2020 Page

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2020 Happy New Year. 2020—I can’t help but think of eyesight when I say 2020!! I am sure this will stop fairly quickly. I do think it has a nice ring to it though. The start of a new decade. Gosh I wonder what the next 10 years will bring.

I am not going to dwell on that, I think the next 12 months will be enough to think about. Just in the Peachey family we will see some challenges. My eldest daughter will be leaving University and moving home and looking for a job in a primary school—I can’t believe it.

My youngest daughter will be stressed as she is sitting her GCSEs and my middle daughter will be more settled as a university student.

Cover photo: I am carrying on the theme—a New Year Cupcake. What could be better!

I am NOT going to make any resolutions this year. I always break them within minutes. I do want to focus a bit more on a healthy lifestyle, and more walking but for that I need more time!

I would love to write a book, my secret ambition. I have learnt recently that this is something my mum wanted to do before I lost her a few months ago. Maybe I should do it for her (and me). My dream would be to go away for a few days, somewhere by the seaside and just do nothing else but rest, relax and write. How wonderful would that be. Maybe 2020 should be that year. I have certainly learnt how short life can be.

Contents

I wonder if we will see any snow this month. Usually as schools and businesses start to get back to normal, then snow appears to hault the proceedings. Mind you we all love snow, as long as you don’t have to drive in it of course. I hate driving in the snow and ice, I think there really is a skill to it.

8. Planning applications

That’s the problem with winter really it is the uncertainty with weather. Especially if you have to drive anywhere.

Accidents, roadworks and traffic can really be problematic when the weather is bad. Also with dark nights and bad weather after you are at home you just don’t want to leave again that day.

16. Election results

I guess for this year, Brexit will again be a big talking point. I am assuming there will be deal as this is something the Prime Minister has promised ‘get Brexit done’.

Also topical is meat eating. I have had numerous ‘discussions’ with my daughters about how eating meat can be hazardous for the climate. I understand the facts but it does seem far fetched that people cant enjoy the foods they have been raised eating and can be an essential part of many nutritious recipes. I am personally not bothered I can eat or not eat meat, I don’t mind but I believe everybody should have the choice.

Anyhow Happy New Year everybody. I hope it is healthy, happy and prosperous.

Kind regards June Editor

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January 2020 Issue Page No.

5. Neighbourhood Plan update 6 & 7. Events 9. Local family need your help 11. Council tax scam 15. Recycle your Christmas tree 20. Refuse and recycling revised dates 25. Gardening Hints 27. Church Chat—Meet Rev. Tom 32 . Birds 33 . Location of debrilliators

Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk 07814 863955 Write to: 49 York Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6HU www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Subscription: If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £25.00 for 12 issues.

Contributions & Editorial: If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us via letter or email.

Advertisers: Please email or telephone us for full advertising rates and sizes. Booking Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure any data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported,

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JANUARY BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Celebration Party Alcohol Friends Family Fireworks Music Resolutions Beginnings Fitness Weather Snow Rain Love Thank yous Happiness

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Congratulations to Miss A. Hill this month who will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to New YEar Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th January 2020. Please ensure you put your name, address and telephone number on your entry so that I can telephone you if you are the lucky winner. Good Luck.

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Neighbourhood planning events Despite cold weather and dark evenings, local residents came along to the three events organised by the North Weald Bassett Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group which were held in the middle of December. Meetings were held in Thornwood, North Weald and Hastingwood.

Residents who attended had the opportunity to find out what has been happening over the last 12 months, discussed any concerns with members of the committee and gave essential feedback on important issues such as the future of certain roads, outline policies, protected green spaces and many other important issues.

This important feedback will be essential as the neighbourhood plan progresses.

Festive refreshments were available including mulled wine, soft drinks and mince pies.

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Horse rescued from swimming pool On the morning of Saturday 7th December, a horse in North Weald went for a wandered and unfortunately accidentally fell through a swimming pool cover into a swimming pool.

Firefighters from a Epping, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Great Baddow attended and rescued the horse.

During the 90 minute rescue operation, crews used a ’skid’ to help lift the horse back out of the pool.

The horse has avoided serious injury but was left in the care of a vet as a precaution.

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Broken Down/Misted Sealed Units Replaced Locks/Hinges Renewed Conservatories Cleaned/Repaired Cat & Dog Flaps Fitted Front Door Panels Renewed Handles Replaced Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium

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Source: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

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LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday Every Monday

Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes Taoist Tai Chi

8.15pm & 9.15pm 10.30am— 12.30

North Weald Village Hall. Beginners at 8.15 and intermediate at 9.15. Contact Debbie on 07872 427946.

Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping. Tel: 01992 523854.

Every Tuesday

Taoist Tai Chi

7.30pm— 9pm

Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Tel 01992 523854 for more information

Every 1st Tuesday

Ongar Flower Club

7.30pm

Ongar Sport Pavillion. Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £5.00 members free.

Every Tuesday

Baby & Toddler Group

1.15pm— 2.45pm

Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 family.

Every Wed & Friday

Queens Hall Short Mat Bowls

1pm—4pm

Queens Hall at the top of School Green Lane

Every Wednesday

Thornwood Baby & Toddler Group

9.30-12.00

Thornwood Village Hall, Term time only. Social friendly group providing range of toys, crafts and singing £4 per session

Every Thursday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time—

10.30am— 11am

North Weald Library. For under 5’s and their parents/carers (term time only) Songs, rhymes and stories. Free to attend

Every Thursday

Bingo

7pm— 9.30m

Wheelers Farm Gardens, £4 for book of 8 pages (2 games per page) Option Flyer £1. 50p for small raffle and cup of tea/ coffee. Over 18 only

Every Friday

Reiki Healing/Hands on Healing

1pm—3pm

North Weald Village Hall. The healing is free with donation.

Every Friday

Medium doing Clairvoyance

3.15— 4.15pm

North Weald Village Hall. £3 per entrance. With free raffle ticket.

Every Saturday and Sunday

North Weald Airfield Museum

12 noon— 5pm

North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way

Every second Saturday of the month

Ploughman’s Lunch

12noon

North Weald Village Hall. In aid of NWSS. All welcome

Every third Saturday

Trad Jazz

12 noon— 14.30

North Weald Village Hall. £10 per person. Free tea and coffee, people can bring their own soft or alcoholic drinks. Features top musicians.

Every second and Fourth Wednesday

Theydon & Abridge Jazz

8pm

Abridge village hall. Enquires davedyer24@gmail.com or phone 07903 879209

Every Tuesday

Board Games Session

2.30— 4.30pm

North Weald Library. Learn new games. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm. All ages welcome

Weds 1st January

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Weds 8th January

North Weald WI

1.45pm

North Weald Village Hall. Mrs Oggie Lund is talking about Couture Military. Visitors £3.00.

Saturday 11th— Sunday 12th

Recycle your Christmas Tree

9am—5pm

St Clare will collect your unwanted Christmas tree for a donation. Book your collection through charityxmastreecollection.com or ring Rachel 01279 773 734.

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Planning Applications Planning File No: 016905 Application No: EPF/2790/19 Applicant Name: Mr & Mrs Caton Officer: Sukhvinder Dhadwar Location: Forest House. Woodside North Weald Bassett EppingCM16 6LG Proposal. Application for Variation of Condition 2 for EPF/1982/18. (Restoration & conversion of existing stables into a habitable (C3) guest annexe including light-weight glazed link extension between main house & a new annexe).

Comments must be made by Monday 30th December 2019.

Comment online at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/iPlan or by post to: The Director of Planning and Economic Development, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ Any enquiries should be made to the Application Processing Team T: 01992 564436 E: appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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Important Scam alert Essex Police have warned of a scam in operation over this festive period.

You have just finished shopping and got back in your vehicle when someone knocks on your window and says “excuse me there’s a scratch down the driver’s side of your car”.

While you get out to see this scratch, their accomplice will open your passenger door and remove your handbag, wallet, and phone!

At least one victim in Epping Forest today. It is reported that older women are being targeted but anyone could be a victim.

A local family need your help.

Please be careful.

Edie is a 6 years old and smiley,, happy-go lucky little girl. She loves performing, including playing football. She is a gentle soul and is loved so much by all her family, especially mummy and daddy, brother Charlie and their dog Coco.

Unfortunately, on 27th November 2019 life changed forever as the family received the devastating news that Edie has an aggressive Brain Tumour called DIPG. As you can imagine, this is truly the kind of news that brings the entire family to its knees and leaves them fearful for the future.

But, while they will face many physical, emotional and financial challenges, the gloves are off and the entire family are ready for the fight that lies ahead!

This is where your help is needed. They are an extremely close and proud family so the decision to start the fund is not an easy one, but they are going to need financial support to fight and get the best medical help and treatment possible, to make sure Edie wins her battle.

Edie has recently undergone extensive radiotherapy treatment.

Any money raised will initially help with any additional medical visits and treatment, physical therapy and possible clinical trial logistics which is something the family are already exploring.

They are aiming to raise as much money as possible and by donating, no matter how big or small, you will help ease the financial burden on the family so that they can just focus on being present with Edie and face this challenge head on.

For more information and how to donate, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/ f/ediesfight Page 9

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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance gets planning permission for new Airbase Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has received planning permission from Epping Forest District Council for new premises at North Weald which will secure the future of the North Weald operation of the Charity.

EHAAT will make use of a one-off grant of £1.5 million from the Government to help pay for the new Airbase, which will cost around £4.5 million.

Construction of the building will begin next year and is scheduled to be complete during Winter 2020.

Jane Gurney, Chief Executive Officer at EHAAT said: “This is fantastic news. A lot of hard work has gone into these plans over many months, so it is great news to get the green light. The new building will give us security of tenure and will result in significant cost savings compared to leasing a new building built to the same specification.”

As well as facilities for aircraft, vehicles and aircrew, the building will include space for training, mentoring, patient liaison and cross training with other emergency services, which will benefit both EHAAT and the local pre-hospital care community.

Don’t be caught out by latest Council Tax scam Epping Forest residents are being targeted by scammers promising a Council Tax refund.

It will also provide a visitor centre which will allow EHAAT to welcome and engage with their supporters plus space for the EHAAT Hertfordshire Fundraising Team to work more closely with their clinical colleagues.

In addition to the proposed new Airbase at North Weald, the Charity is also undertaking improvement works to the facilities at its Earls Colne Airbase.

Theywere alerted to the scam by a resident who had received the following text message: “You are due to receive a refund from your council, visit our secure website to begin the process.”

The website bears plausible governmentlooking branding, but refers to Epping Forest City Council! It instructed her to enter her bank details, something we would never ask our customers to do.

They immediately alerted our corporate fraud team who assessed it as a complete scam, saying no genuine request would ever ask for bank details.

If you receive such a text, please do not respond, but immediately report it to Action Fraud – the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre. Report it online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

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Parish council proposes 2020-21 budget Band D householders in North Weald Parish - which includes North Weald Village, Hastingwood and Thornwood Common - will pay 5p less towards the services provided by North Weald Bassett Parish Council in the next financial year than in 2019-20, if a proposed budget is approved by the full council next month.

The proposed figures would see each Band D household paying £85.91 to North Weald Bassett Parish Council in 2020-21.

The budget, proposed by the parish council's finance and general purposes committee last night (Monday), includes £8,000 towards the cost of the North Weald Bassett Neighbourhood Plan and £3,000 towards ongoing maintenance of Weald Common.

The parish council is also budgeting £2,500 towards the cost of anticipated tree work in the next financial year, £2,000 for work on the Debt of Honour (if the parish council takes over responsibility from Epping Forest District Council) and £1,500 towards the cost of a new gate for the bridleway next to North Weald Cemetery.

The proposed precept, which will go before the full council meeting for ratification on January 13, is for £222,545.

North Weald Poppy Appeal A total of £5821.46 was raised for this year’s North Weald Poppy Appeal. This included £639.54 from Thornwood Common and £608.84 from Hastingwood.

The remainder was made up from collections at Airfield Market; Harlow Garden Centre and donations for wreaths etc.

Doreen Lodge, the local Appeal organiser, would like to express appreciation on behalf of the Royal British Legion, to everyone who gave so generously to the Appeal.

Thank you to the army of collectors who knocked on doors; collected at the Airfield Market and Harlow Garden Centre.

Also to the ladies who knitted and sold poppies and many thanks to those who had poppy tins on their premises.

Your support will ensure the R.B.L. can continue helping British Armed Forces and their families past and present.

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Epping Christmas Market Despite earlier rain and wind, 70 stalls and a variety of entertainment combined to make this year's Epping Town Councilorganised Christmas Market another success.

Local schools as well as the Epping Forest Band and Harlow Salvation Army band were among those providing musical entertainment on the Piazza while visitors could also see Santa in his grotto at Epping Fire Station, and meet Olaf.

The environment was great, with families enjoying the dry mild evening choosing decorations, gifts and food.

Town Mayor Grahame Scruton officially opened the market and presented The Audrey Rose Cup to Mr Smiths of London hair salon as the winner of the public vote, organised by Everything Epping Forest, for the best Christmas window display.

He had earlier also opened the Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Church. and switched on the lights on the 25ft high Christmas Tree on the Piazza, kindly paid for by the Rotary Club of Epping.

Cllr Scruton thanked all the stallholders and entertainers for taking part. He also thanked town council staff Geraldine Vallis and Bill Towers for all their hard work.

Other attractions included face painting and real reindeer.

Many visitors commented that they like the extended number of stalls as they felt there was more to see and buy.

Thank you Another year has passed us by, A true illustration of how time does fly.

Though thanks to all the advertisers and readers, We’re able to wish a very happy and prosperous New Year to all of you.

Source: Andy—resident poet. I couldn't think of a better way to say thank you for your support during 2019 and hope that you will continue to support us in 2020.

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Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club (Behind the Talbot) Meets every: Saturday 8.00—9.30am or 10am— 11.30am (please note new times) Call Mandy on 07778117128 And every Tuesday 5.30pm or 7.30pm

(Cara)

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Have you downloaded the what3words app?

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging the public to download what3words, a free smartphone app that helps you easily and accurately describe your location.

The app developers have broken the world down into trillions of 3m by 3m squares, each with a unique three-word address.

These three words can then be used to pinpoint your location more accurately when sending emergency services to you.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has installed the what3words app on all of its tablets in fire engines to enable crews to get to the scene quickly.

The Service’s control room asks callers in remote locations if they have the app and if they don’t, the team encourages callers to quickly download the app.

The Service has already had some successes with the app, which still works without a phone signal and works anywhere in the world.

If you want to feel safe on your travels knowing that emergency services will be able to find you easily, download the what3words app today at what3words.com.

Source: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Raise funds for St Clare and get your unwanted Christmas tree collected

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On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th January, volunteers from St Clare Hospice will be out and about collected Christmas trees for recycling.

Registration is open until Monday 6th January. Suggested donation is £10. You will need to register through charityxmastreecollection.com or contact Rachel on 01279 773734.

What a great way to recycle your Christmas tree and raise funds for our local hospice.

WEBSITE: w\ww.haydenlandscapes.co.uk EMAIL: haydenlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Page 15

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North Weald Hustings On the evening of Wednesday 4th December, over 70 local people attended the hustings held at St Andrews Primary School. The word ‘hustings’ means a meeting at which candidates in an election address potential voters.

This hustings was organised by two local women in the village, namely Miriam Shewry and Carnela Co-op Rhoda, who with hard work managed to arrange for candidates from four of the parties to attend. In attendance were Paul Jeater, Alex Burghart, Oliver Durose and Robin Tilbrook.

Each candidate had an equal timed slot to talk about their proposals and to answer unseen questions submitted prior to the event from local residents.

Paul Jeater, Green Party, spoke of how he would recommend local authorities to place a priority on climate control, road by road, looking at loss of energy by hones and businesses.

Alex Burghart talked of getting Brexit done and education.

Oliver Durose spoke of the importance of looking after the homeless, working parents and NHS. Robin Tilbrook referred to policing and putting hobbies back on the beat.

This was an essential event, allowing for local residents to meet candidates prior to the election on 12 th December.

St Andrews school were very kind in allowing us to hold the event at their premises, with school governors being present to help at the event.

It is astonishing that for one parish we are split into three parliamentary constituencies and the results are as below:Epping Forest (Thornwood)

Vicky Ashworth Te Velde – Labour Party – 10,191 votes Thomas Hall – Young People’s Party (YPP) – 181 votes Eleanor Laing – Conservative Party – 32,364 votes Steven Neville – Green Party – 1,975 votes Jon Newham – Social Democratic Party – 170 votes Jon Whitehouse – Liberal Democrats – 5,387 votes Brentwood & Ongar (North Weald) Conservative - Alex Burghart - Votes: 36,308 Labour. Oliver Durose. Votes. 7,243 Liberal Democrat. David Kendall. Votes: 7,187 Green. Paul Jeater. Votes: 1,671 English Democrats. Robin Tilbrook.

Votes:532 Harlow Parliamentary constituency Hastingwood) Conservative. - Robert Halfon. Votes 27,510 Labour. - Laura McAlpine. - Votes: 13,447 Liberal Democrat. Charlotte Cane. Votes: 2,397 Page 16

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New year – New You? It will come as no surprise to learn that over 80% of new year resolutions fail. So why it make one that you san stock too and do it for YOU.

The start of a new year can sometimes be intimidating, or feel people with sadness. January is referred to as the highest rate for divorces, it is cold and gloomy and you have 12 full months ahead of you.

Here are some ideas:•

Start focusing on what you already have. It is easy to always want something more, it is human nature. More money, more friends, bugger house, better car are all normal desires but why not focus on what you do have. For example;- good friends, roof over your head, family.

•

Book a day off work and do something YOU enjoy, don’t book it off for a dr visit or for someone else. Just book it off and spend it how you want to.

•

Start ignoring what others are doing. I am sure many of us look at what others are doing, especially celebrities and we are sad because we aren’t doing it too. Don’t look at what others have or are doing, arrange something you will enjoy and can afford instead.

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Do something good for someone else. Bake a cake for a friend, go and have a drink with someone you keep promising, help out a neighbour. You get a good feeling when you know you have helped someone out.

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Start being really honest with yourself. This is a hard one, but sometimes it tells you why you want to change this to make you happy.

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Start acting like you care about yourself. We all say it but very rarely do it. This can be as simple as wearing something different, going to the doctors, eating healthily, going to bed at a good time.

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Start spending time with the right people. Easy, spend time with people’s you want to, who are nice and who you like,

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Start creating the life you want now. Do you have a dream – well work on it now. We have one life and we need to make the most of it.

In summary, why not do something you want and put yourself first for at least one day in the New Year.

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Meat eaters plan to reduce their meat consumption According to a recent survey conducted by vegan cheese alternative producer MozzaRisella, over 45% of meat eaters are planning to reduce their meat consumption over the course of next year. The survey completed by respondents of various eating preferences has revealed that in addition to this, 49% of flexitarians are intending to further reduce meat going forward.

The multi-generational survey has highlighted that whilst veganism is often seen as a generational trend, the opposite is true. According to the survey, Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1979), are leading the way in veganism, followed by Millennials and Baby Boomers.

The key driver for diet choices are health and environment, followed by price and convenience.

16% of non-vegans would be tempted to switch to a plantbased diet if there were more plant-based options in restaurants, 13% could be convinced by having more tasty meat alternatives and 11% would consider switching if there were more comfort food options available.

Those who are already plant-based eaters, however, often struggle to find what they are looking for, both in shops and when eating out. Vegan cheese alternatives are the most difficult to find, with 30% of respondents stating that they can’t find a healthy and tasty option, followed by the lack of vegan bakery products, fish and dessert alternatives.

Positively, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of where and how their food is being produced, with 39% fully and 45% somewhat aware.

Franco Vessio, Co-Founder of MozzaRisella said “More and more consumers are proactively avoiding certain ingredients, driven by medical reasons, healthier lifestyle choices, ethical or environmental concerns. Unfortunately, plant-based doesn’t always mean healthy, as some ingredients might be chemically extracted.”.

Please send in News, Events, features and articles.

Deadline for next issue: 10th January 2020

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Huge Snowdrifts – North Weald Christmas 1927

Epping train approaching North Weald Station 1963 must be the right kind of snow!

Photo by George Causley Epping 2020 nostalgic A4 Wall Calendars Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy 12 stunning photographs from Epping’s incredible History.

For sale at the Epping Christmas market on Friday 6th December 12 – 8pm or email Wendy myfamilyhistory1@virginmedia.com

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Wish somebody a happy birthday, or announce a birth, death, marriage, or special anniversary Just send these to me at June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Revised Christmas and New Year Recycling and Refuse collections Epping Forest District Council collect your food and garden waste in your green-lidded bin every week. They also collect small waste electrical items, low energy light bulbs, batteries and textiles every week. Put them in separate plastic carrier bags and leave them on top of your bin to be collected.

Your recycling sacks and blue box collections alternate on a weekly basis with your black bin collection. This system is known as alternate weekly collections (AWC).

Christmas and New Year collection changes Changes to your recycling and rubbish collections over the Christmas and New Year period.

Usual collection day New collection day

Wed 25/12/19

Friday 27/12/19

Thurs 26/12/19

Sat 28/12/19

Fri 27/12/19

Mon 30/12/19

Tues 31/12/19

Tues 31/12/19

Wed 01/01/2020

Thurs 02/01/20

Thurs 02/01/2020

Friday 03/01/2020

Friday 03/01/2020

Sat 04/01/2020

Your usual collections continue from Tuesday 7 January 2020.

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INTO 2020 WITH THE EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY Many of you will know the Epping Ongar Railway has its main operating base at North Weald Station. As we move into the new year it’s time for your local Railway to take a breather! Much of January, February and March is given over to maintenance of our rolling stock, track and buildings.

If you are looking for a new challenge why not join our volunteers and help to prepare the Railway for the 2020 season? The tasks we have on offer range from technical restoration to administration. You may have advanced technical knowledge, basic DIY skills, the ability to perform manual labour or be a wiz with the computer. We can find a role for you. Adult membership costs just £20 per year and you will receive complimentary copies of Mixed Traffic, our 44 page in-house quarterly magazine, which is packed with interesting railway related articles. You will also make new friends and become involved in a worthwhile hobby. To enquire about membership email: membership@eorailway.co.uk or by post to: EORVS Membership, Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN Alternatively, telephone: 01277 365200 during office hours.

London Country Buses at North Weald Station We will be running our popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ railway event between Wednesday 19 and Sunday 23 February. This will culminate on the Sunday with a special bus event: ‘50 Years of London Country Bus Services – Bus Running Day’. Based at North Weald Station, the day will feature new bus routes running to local towns and villages. It commemorates fifty years of London Country Bus Services Ltd. Our heritage trains will also be running and bus tickets can be combined with our rail tickets, please see the website: www.eorailway.co.uk for full details.

Robert Good Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society

Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest events Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife

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Was is it the season to be jolly?

It may be billed as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but for many UK employees the pressures of juggling family, health and care demands alongside work commitments are a cause of major stress, anxiety and unplanned absences from work, according to new research from Benenden Health.

Although 25% of employers said unapproved absences from work had been down to over indulgence and the aftermath of the Christmas party, sick days were more widely taken to manage a variety of childcare, personal health and family commitments over the yuletide period.

According to a survey of 1,000 employees and 1,000 UK SMEs undertaken by not-for-profit corporate healthcare provider, Benenden Health, 13% say they have taken unapproved leave at Christmas to manage personal health and family care commitments, and 20% lied to their employer about the reason for doing so.

The data revealed that the youngest generations were most likely to take unapproved leave at Christmas.

Health is a factor, 20% who have taken unauthorised leave did so as the only way to secure a GP appointment, 18% took days to look after an elderly parent and 16% resorted to sick days to look after their children during school closures.

More than one in seven (15%) of those absent took time off specifically to manage mental health and anxiety issues heightened by the pressures of Christmas, with Millennials suffering the most of all generations (19%).ax According to the survey, less than half of all workers (44%) have access to support and flexible working over Christmas to help them cope with the heightened demands of family, health and care commitments.

One in seven (15%) businesses confirmed they have experienced greater levels of unapproved absence at Christmas, with some of the most creative reasons given by employees including ‘eating too much Christmas pudding’, ‘thinking they had the week off after the Christmas party’ and ‘losing car keys in the snow’.

Helen Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at Benenden Health, said: “We associate Christmas with joy and celebration, but in reality, it can be a really stressful time at work, especially when employees have a significant amount on their plate both inside and outside the workplace.

“By listening to workers and catering for their unique needs – in this instance, offering flexible working over the festive period, especially for younger employees, or having a suitable healthcare policy in place to allow for easy access to medical appointments and GPs for all the family - can minimise stress, absenteeism and ultimately increase the productivity of a workforce and overall performance of a business.”

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Be part of the Epping Forest District Council team They currently have a vacancy for a co-opted member on our Audit and Governance Committee.

Their Audit and Governance Committee is the body that holds them to account on the way they work and the decisions we make.

A co-opted member provides an independent perspective in monitoring and reviewing the governance of Epping Forest District Council. This is an opportunity to get involved in many interesting challenges and become more engaged with your local community.

If you can answer yes to the following questions, this vacancy could be for you: •

Do you live or work in the Epping Forest district?

•

Are you looking for a new challenge and to help your local community?

•

Do you have skills relating to finance or auditing

•

Do you have some free time to help the council?

Appointments will be made following interviews by a panel of councillors. The selected candidate will be given appropriate training and will receive an annual allowance of £500.

Road traffic collision - one person trapped

Applications must be with us by Friday 31 January For general enquiries about the position: Email democraticservices@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

At 4.15pm on 17th December Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on the M11 Northbound between Junction 6 and Junction 7.

Telephone 01992 564180

For specific information about the Audit and Governance Committee contact Sarah Marsh, Chief Internal Auditor: Email smarsh@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

On arrival, crews reported that six vehicles had collided, and a woman was trapped in her car.

Telephone 01992 564446

Crews from Harlow, Loughton, Waltham Abbey and Epping attended the scene, Firefighters worked to release the casualty by 16:45 and she was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service

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January Gardening Hints Well folks, here I am writing the column for January 2020! I'd like to start by apologising for the mix up with December's column, now I'm not blaming our editor for printing one from the summer but we did send her the correct one for December! On the upside at least we know you take the time to read our column as many of you commented on it being wrong!

There's not really much happening in the garden at this time of year, you may find some early bulbs popping their heads through the soil if the weather permits.

If you feed the birds please keep doing so as they will rely on you for food. Also ensure that fresh clean water is available for the birds to drink and bathe in.

Keep your feeders clean to help stop bacteria and diseases from building up.

If you have time and want to get out in the garden now is the time to repair any damaged fence panels, trellis work and gates, if the weather is dry you can also give them a coat of preservative to help protect them against the elements.

January is a quiet time at the nursery so feel free to pop in and have a chat with Lisa or myself, we are always happy to try and help advise you with gardening ideas.

We hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and we wish you best for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

I'm sure you'll all join me in raising a glass to our editor June, who does a marvellous job putting this magazine together and getting it distributed to the residents of the village. Many thanks June, all the best to you, Andy and your daughters, we know you've had a tough 2019 and we hope that 2020 is better for you all.

I wont be out in my garden much this month so I'll raise a glass from the warmth indoors!

Thank you all for your support and custom during 2019 and we look forward to welcoming you in the new year.

Cheers Nigel & Lisa Editor’s comment: I must admit it was entirely my fault that the wrong column was used. I am so sorry for those of you who was disappointed when you went to read the December column. I will ensure this does not happen again.

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Citizens Advice: Claiming compensation for a personal injury If you want to take legal action to claim compensation for a personal injury, you will need to get advice from a solicitor specialising in these types of cases. This must be done as soon as possible as there are strict time limits on taking legal action.

The most common claim in a personal injury case is negligence. Court proceedings must be issued within three years of you first being aware that you have suffered an injury.

In some cases, a court may decide to extend a time limit, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Legal action for a compensation claim for a personal injury can be expensive. Legal aid is only available in very exceptional circumstances. You might be able to get help with legal costs from an insurance policy - many house contents policies, car insurance or travel insurance policies have legal expenses cover included, or as an optional extra.

If the injury is as a result of a traffic accident and you are a member of a motoring organisation you may be able to get specialist legal advice through that organisation.

If your injury resulted from an accident, unsafe working practices or discrimination at work, contact your trade union if you are a member. The union may instruct solicitors to take legal action on your behalf and you will not have to pay for this.

If you don’t have any of these options a solicitor may be willing to advise and represent you on a conditional fee agreement. This means that your solicitor will receive no fees if you lose your case. You may, however, have to pay the legal fees and expenses of the other side. Your solicitor will normally ask you to take out insurance to cover this situation. If you win your case, your solicitor's fees and expenses will normally be paid by the other side.

If you want to take legal action over a personal injury you should consult a solicitor who is a member of the Law Society’s personal injury accreditation scheme or clinical negligence accreditation scheme, depending on the nature of the injury. The Law Society can give details of solicitors on these accreditation schemes and can be contacted at: 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL Tel: 020 7242 1222 Fax: 020 7831 0344 Email: findasolicitor@LawSociety.org.uk Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk If the other side is found liable or admits liability the amount of money you receive will either be agreed between solicitors or decided by a judge.

If you have been the victim of a violent crime you may be able to make a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

This includes if you were injured, a close relative died, you saw the crime happen to a loved one (or were there immediately afterwards) or you paid for the funeral of a victim who died.

You usually have to claim within two years of the crime. The crime must be reported to the police before you apply. There are various restrictions on eligibility. The amount of compensation payable is on a fixed “tariff”. The scheme is funded and administered by the Government and it is free to apply.

You might also be able to claim compensation if you were injured taking a justified and exceptional risk to try to stop a crime.

For example somebody was in danger and it was not a situation that you were trained to deal with.

Source: Paul Stockton.

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CHURCH CHAT

ST ANDREWS CHURCH

#loveNorthWeald Hi – my name is Tom and about year ago I became the curate for the Church of England in Epping. Curate is a churcy word for a new Priest! I’m 37, married with two young boys and before I became a Vicar I used to work for the BBC producing Blue Peter and working as a journalist. Now, I work with the Epping Team of churches and I can usually be found on a Sunday in either Epping Town or Coopersale. I work with some excellent colleagues, one of whom is Rev Lee Batson who will be leading the congregation at St Andrew’s Church. During the week you’ll probably find me hard at work during the day drinking coffee in a local café, or maybe with a pint in the Kings Head of an evening!

Since September this year I’ve been enjoying working in North Weald and have really enjoyed meeting many of you. I’ve been taking weekly assemblies at the Primary School (the pupil’s are amazing!). I was also involved in the Remembrance Day events both at the Airfield and in the village. I’ve visited Cunningham House and am involved with the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance up at the airfield. It’s been a real joy to have conversations with lots of people who live or work in North Weald.

Many of those conversations have been about normal life and how most of us are just trying to navigate our way through it, whatever age or stage of life we are at. I’m often asked what a Vicar does when it’s not Sunday and I usually reply that it’s my job to tell people about love. That seems like a good place to start for my first column in the North Weald Village Life!

•

Kitchens and bedrooms supplied and fitted to your specification

•

A complete service from design to finish

•

Competitive prices guaranteed

•

High levels of expertise by a locally recommended craftsmen For a free estimate contact:Roger Linsdall Telephone: 01992 523277 Or mobile: 07980 555147

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The Christian faith is all about love! We’ve just celebrated Christmas and many of you will have been reminded of the nativity story – it’s the greatest love story there has ever been.

God so loved us that he came to earth as Jesus, the king of kings! But he loved us so much he didn’t just turn up as a fully grown king throwing his weight around; he came as a baby to live among us and do life together. He grew up and changed the world forever by love. That’s the job of the church today – to love people and to remind them that they are deeply loved.

We haven’t always got it right, and it doesn’t always feel like we’re loved (life is tough sometimes), but Christians believe that love is what life is all about.

Lots of you have finished the conversations we’ve had by saying that you’d like to know more about the Christian faith but aren’t sure whether church is for you. That’s OK! In January I’ll be hosting an Alpha course at St Andrew’s Primary School. The Alpha course has been done by over six million people worldwide and is a 9-week introduction to what Christian’s believe and a place to ask real questions about life. We’ll start in the school hall on Monday 13th January at 7.30pm – everyone is invited. Will you come? Don’t worry – there’s no expectation at the end of the course – what have you got to lose? I really hope to see you there.

Rev Tom x PS – We’ll have tea, coffee and cake at the Alpha course to keep us all going, email me at alpha@eppingteamministry.org to let me know you can come – I’ll make sure I have plenty of cake!

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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News update from St Andrews School As I write, we are speeding towards Christmas and the excitement in school is mounting. We have our very own St Andrew’s elves who have been getting up to all sorts of mischief and everyone rushes in each morning to see what they have done next.

It is a privilege to share our Christmas songs and performances with family and friends, from our tiniest Saplings who sang songs with fantastic actions, wonderful nativities from our Reception, Year 1 and 2 children to our children in Year 3 and 4 who got everyone into the Christmas mood with some wellknown songs and carols.

Our older choir members entertained the residents at Cunningham House with some Christmas Carols and songs. We really enjoy the opportunity to go out into our village community.

We were delighted to be able to offer our hall for the North Weald Hustings at the beginning of December. The candidates spoke in front of a big audience and it was a pleasure for us to be able to help this event to take place. .

As the New Year dawns, we are looking forward to some hard work in school. Our next big event, Musical Magic, is just before Easter when children have an opportunity to perform a song from the musicals in front of family and friends. Plans are also moving forward for the Reflection Garden we are hoping to create in our grounds as an opportunity for adults and children to have a quiet place in school.

Julie Lorkins

Essex Energy Switch Essex Energy Switch is a collective energy switching scheme for residents and businesses who want to cut their energy bills. It is run by Essex County Council in partnership with us. The more people who take part, the greater the chances of getting a competitive energy deal.

Anyone who pays an energy bill can take part. This includes homeowners, tenants and customers on pre-payment meters.

To register, you will need: •your name, address and contact details •the name of your current energy supplier and current tariff •your energy consumption in kWh or spend (see your energy bill) After you have registered, energy suppliers are invited to take part in an auction to bid against each other for the best deal. The winning supplier will be the one making the lowest offer.

Those who have registered will receive an email with an offer based on the usage information submitted but will be under no obligation to switch.

If you decide to switch, you just need to confirm you want to accept the offer before the deadline. Essex Energy Switch then takes care of the rest for you.

Registration opens on 3 December 2019 11 February 2020 – Auction 25 February 2020 – Offers 24 March 2020 – Closure For more information and to register. Essex.ichoose.com

St Andrew’s is our village school

Our next Open Morning is on Friday 10th January 2020 at 9am.

Please contact the office on 01992 522283 if you’d like to come along or if you’d like to book a separate visit.

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07932 724730

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BIRD REPORT - JANUARY 2020 Welcome to the article for January 2020.

The December / January period is of course a busy time for everyone and often there is little chance to just spend some leisurely time enjoying the simple pleasures of being out and about immersed in the local environment seeing what wildlife is to be seen. But when there has been some over indulgence a stroll in the fresh air can be just the thing to renew the batteries and focus the mind. Always with the prospect of turning up something fascinating and inspiring.

There have been continued sightings of Ring-necked Parakeets. Most of the sightings have been of just 2 or 3 birds but on one occasion I saw over 20 of them flying over the village, from by the village hall and on over the open space at Weald Common. It finally looks as though this species is gaining a foothold in our village area. The down side is that parakeets are able to out-compete other species for food and nesting sites (they favour holes in trees) and in several areas their presence has certainly divided opinion as to whether they should be allowed to flourish. I have to say that I feel it would be preferable for our local, native species not to end up suffering as a result of parakeets colonising the area, after all this is an invasive species that is only present due to escapes from captivity over recent decades.

There has been a mixed bag of weather over the last few weeks with some prolonged wet spells and a few cold, frosty days. The ground has remained largely wet and locations prone to standing water continue to be quite muddy. This can make it easier for some species to find food, with worms, grubs, beetles etc easier to get at in the softer conditions. Gulls are well known for foraging on sports fields, they are even known to sometimes land on pitches whilst games are going on, looking to take advantage of any prey items that have been stirred up by all the muddy players running around the field. Rooks and other members of the crow family will work their way across wet, grassy areas looking for prey. Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Redwings can all be seen doing this as well.

I finally got to spot a Little Egret the other day. I had heard of sightings around the village but so far this winter this species had eluded me. The one I saw flew to the flood defence meadow at Weald Common but very quickly moved off when a Grey Heron landed close by.

A Grey Wagtail was at Cripsey Brook close to the village hall and a couple of days later I spotted one at the brook where it runs towards the allotments. This is a handsome bird, grey (funnily enough) and yellowish, usually seen near water but at this time of year not unknown to turn up in gardens.

There have been good numbers of gulls flying over the village. The usual species are Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull and Black Headed Gull. The latter species is the most numerous and can often be seen quietly flying overhead in strung out lines or sometimes in distinct v-shaped formation. Being a bird of the open ocean gulls are very much at ease even in poor conditions and have a particularly skillful and light mode of flight. 2 or 3 times recently I have seen passages of small groups that in total must have topped 200 in numbers.

Finches are often to be seen in good numbers, with Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Goldfinches prominent. There are large numbers of Chaffinches that come to the UK from continental Europe during the winter and many will end up in local gardens that don't normally host the species. The Greenfinch seems to be recovering from a national drop in numbers. A year or two back there were very few to be seen around our area, even being seemingly absent for some months but gradually there are more in evidence.

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With the year coming to an end I have totalled up the number of different species that I have seen locally and the final figure is 71 which is slightly down on recent annual totals. The only "new" species this year was Honey Buzzard which I was fortunate to see fly over back in the summer.

Some locations and managed bird reserves have totals that even exceed the 200 mark. Of course the total number is determined by the range of the habitats so somewhere coastal with marshy areas, some woods and rough grassland will obviously host more species than our area which basically has farmland, some woods and residential areas with only limited bodies of water.

Locally, one of the prominent habitats for wildlife is the hedgerow. If you were to walk from the village hall car park and stroll up the private road the hedgerow on the right which forms the boundary with Weald Common is a classic example of how hedges can be a boon for wildlife. There is often a small flock of House Sparrows in the lower end of the hedge, in recent weeks there have been Wrens, Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Robins and tit species frequenting the hedge. During the breeding season you can see Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Song Thrushes there.

Hedges provide shelter from the elements, song perches, nesting sites, food such as insect prey or berries and protection from predators. Research has shown that hedges can host 1,500 species of insect, 600 plus types of plant, 65 bird species and 20 types of mammals. So these are essential for wildlife in the countryside and certainly the additional hedges that were planted at Weald Common will provide an absolute bonus for wildlife for many years to come as they grow and mature.

Various studies have shown that taller, thicker hedges with trees interspersed in them provide the best type of hedge for ecological diversity. Although there are some differences in the preferences shown by bird species with a few liking to nest in lower parts of the hedge, even on the ground, whilst other types will only nest higher up. One problem for the lower level nesters is predation by rats. The Weald Common boundary has the added bonus of trees and a ditch which adds an extra dimension for wildlife.

Many thousands of miles of hedgerow have been dug up over the decades to allow for larger fields but the environmental value of a suitable hedge has been clearly established and where possible various conservation projects have planted up brand new hedges or "renovated" previously established hedges. So next time you walk past a hedge, take a look and see if you can assess it for height, thickness and variety of plant species and ultimately the suitability for wildlife.

The bird that we will probably see the most of during the festive period is of course the Robin, either a wild bird in the garden or a picture on a Christmas card ! Robin numbers are massively boosted by incoming birds from colder parts of Europe and they will readily come to our gardens where they can become confident and tolerant of humans. Having access to a reliable source of food can make life much easier for birds. Small birds need to consume as much as 30% of their bodyweight to provide enough energy to survive the night during the winter and food supplied by us can give some birds an absolutely vital boost to their survival chances.

Have a great festive period and hopefully get to spend some time connecting with the local wildlife, you never know what might turn up.

Paul Corbet

IMPORTANT Defibrillators Recently I understand defibrillators from both Thornwood and North Weald have been needed to help people who have become unwell whilst awaiting emergency services.

So to ensure all residents are aware of the location of our defibrillators, here are the details. Once you ring emergency services to inform them of someone needing emergency assistance, they will give you the code required to access the defibrillator looked in coded cabinets.

North Weald:- Outside the Methodist Church Hall.

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Thornwood—Outside the Parish Hall.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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2020 Yet another year has gone and slipped away, Though to be very honest the thing’s that have happened. mean that for me that’s ok.

The year just was a sad one for my family as we lost so many so close,

Sparking off the old saying that we should all live life to the very most.

I know it’s the circle of life as we’ve lost so many friends and loved one’s in the past, But for some reason the last year especially, has left a sad taste that I think will last.

I’m sure that there are so many others that have had friends & family sadly ripped away,

Leaving memories of their faces and words in your head that will always be there to stay.

So, the year 2020 is here and by just its title it should be perfect, as if it was with regards to vision, Though coming straight off the back of such a sad year, for now I’ll reserve that decision.

Life teaches us many lessons, as we travel along its way, While grief & sadness go hand in hand leaving so many trapped in dismay.

I hope this new year & decade will bring us all a fresh view on life and just how precious it truly is, As the pain of loss will slowly ease the lives that we knew will always be so sadly missed.

Well then 2020 it’s up to you to restore our cheer and give us all something more to believe in, To put those smiles back on our faces while re-lifting our hearts and moods that have been sadly dwindling.

I know it’s a lot to ask of what is just a number, marking the time since the lord’s son was sent from above, Though maybe that’s what we all need to remember. as to get through all the hard time’s what we all need is to give more understanding & plenty of love.

Source: Andy – resident poet.

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Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society

01992 717676

North Weald Chemist

01992 523887

Cats Protection

0333 200 1484

North Weald Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Citizens Advice Bureau

03444 77 0808

North Weald Library

033301 32683

Crimestoppers

0800 555111

North Weald Village Hall Bookings

01992 523731 www.northwealdvillagehall.org/

Doctors High Street, Epping

01992 579270

North Weald Parish Council

01992 523825

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

Queens Community Hall Bookings

07522 473024

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

NHS Urgent help & advice

111

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

Essex Police

0300 333 4444

Epping Forest District Council

01992 564000

Police, Neighbourhood/local

101

Epping Town Council

01992 579444

Police, Emergency

999

EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris White-

01992 573557

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

MP Alex Burghart

0207 2191613

RSPCA

01279 306058

Samaritans 24 Hours a day

116 123

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

020 8508 8608

MP For Thornwood

Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

St Andrews Church

01992 577168

London & Essex Boarding Ken-

01992 522183

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

Traveline

0870 6082608

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers

North Weald Preservation Society

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 01992 524672

Tel: read 01992 522618/522630

Tel: 522910

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Cricket Club

Rapier Cycling Club

Tel: 01992 614415

Northweald.play-cricket.com

Tel: 524631

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Scouts Group

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 01277 365200

01992 524672

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Harlow Badger Group

Theydon Jazz Club

Tel: 07941 185171

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522196

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 522464

Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Rotary Club

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Tel: 522803

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)

Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522700

West Essex Flower Club

North Weald Angling Club

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 524631

Tel: 01992 524071

Tel: 523375 or 522052

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 36

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk