North Weald Village Life May 2021 issue

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine

Issue: 177 May 20 Page

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Astonishing April What a month April was and May is set to just as surprising.

April showers didn’t happen, in fact there was only 18% of rainfall experienced during the whole month and lower than average temperatures.

It was very sad to hear the news of the passing of Prince Philip, although he did reach a great age and what a life he appeared to have led. I have loved seeing some of the photos of him and the Queen taken when not carrying out their royal duties. I watched the funeral and found it moving and sad. It was nice not being focused on who was attending etc and focusing on the ceremony and the personal story and connections. However it was so sad to see the Queen on her own with no-one next to her to give her support, she looked desperately sad, small and lonely.

The shops have re-opened together with some pub gardens. I have yet to go shopping, for reasons that will be explained, but my daughters have. I have also yet to enjoy a drink or food in an a pub garden but I will do. It is a shame the Kings Head or Harvester Restaurant has not opened its outside area, but I understand this will happen this month if government lockdown plans continue to lift, so something to look forward to.

For those that may not be aware, I was rushed to hospital this month and had to stay for 9 days and have an emergency operation to remove my gall bladder. I came hone just over a week ago and doing well. I have had many good wishes for which I am very grateful. This is the reason I haven’t been shopping or out for lunch. I hope to be doing both soon.

I hope some of you have managed to catch up with friends and family (rule of 6 or 2 households) in your garden. We did over the Easter weekend, my sister, her husband and my twi nieces enjoyed a very nice sunny Easter Sunday in our garden.

I must admit it is nice to start writing dates and events on the calendar again. Over the last year, with the exception of the odd telephone call from the hospital and birthdays, the calendar has been quite empty.

Advance warning, I am going to have a moan! This moan is aimed to dog owners. Please keep your dog on a lead if you are in an area where other dogs, children or people may be.

My daughters were walking one of our dogs in the village recently and he was on a lead. A lady was walking and quite far away and her puppy was off the lead, on seeing our dog it ran initially wanting to play and then turned aggressive. Luckily my dog is small and my daughter picked it up but the dog continued to jump and clawing at my daughter. My daughter shouted at the owner to put her dog on the lead a d the response was ‘give it a kick – it needs to learn’, my daughters do not kick dogs so whilst trying to keep our dog away had to wait for the owner to eventually walk to where they were and took the dog away – no apology or anything. You will see there have been other dog attacks both on dogs and people in the village.

A lot of this can be avoided if owners take responsibility and control their dogs.

Enjoy May and fingers crossed June will be even better!

Kind regards

JUNE Editor Page 3

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Cover photo: It’s the time for Bluebells and this dog is so cute.

Contents May Issue Page No.

4. Brain Teaser 5. Epping Parking Changes Upate 7. Events 8. Planning applications 11. Broadband Survey 12. Objection to 200 London taxis storage 16. First mission for new airbase.

20. Looking back at North Weald.

23. Photo of the month 24. Church Chat 25. Citizen Advice 25. Happy 101st Birthday Doris 27. Gardening hints 29. Rockin Robin 30. Poem 32. The tip we live in 33. Birds.

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 deadline is 5th of each month.

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, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form electronically. Mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

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

Sunshine Warmth Friends Gatherings Relaxed Tan Lotion Water Garden Parks Walks Picnic Haircut Exercise Pubs Shops

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Thank you to J. Claydon who won last month’s brain teaser.

Just search and find the words, ring them and then send your completed wordsearch to me by 20th May. Please send it to:May Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, CM16 6HU. This month’s prize is a bottle of wine.

Don’t forget to include your name, telephone no and address.

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Epping Car Park Charges From 10th May 2021 you will be required to pay for car parking at 14 car parks in Epping Forest. These include all the car parks in Chingford (Bury Road, Barn Hoppitt, the Golf Club, Warren Pond, Connaught Water etc), High Beach, Leyton and Wanstead. If you are going on a Ramblers’ walk, or a walk on your own, and you use these car parks, it will cost you £4 for up to 4 hours or £6 for up to 6 hours parking. The charges apply all day, every day of the week.

You will also need to be aware that cash payment IS NOT an option. In Chingford, Leyton and Wanstead you will only be able to pay with mobile phone technology using RingGo (RingGo provide cashless, ticketless mobile phone payment schemes across the country for Council and hospital car parks. For more information please visit their website myringgo.co.uk). You have to download the RingGo app to your phone and set up an account with them, giving your mobile number, car registration and payment details. Once you have parked, you then register your arrival and intended length of stay at the car park via your mobile, and they charge your account ditect.

This is definitely worth looking at prior to planning to park at any of these sites. Sometimes it may take a little while to set this up.

High Beach does not have mobile phone coverage. Therefore, only at High Beach will there be pay and display machines.

Again, the system will be cashless and payment will be by card only.

COVID-19 self-test kits now easier to order COVID-19 self-test kits are available for collection from some local pharmacies, Epping Library or online from the NHS as part of the latest campaign to make testing even more accessible and convenient.

Residents, who do not have COVID-19 symptoms, can collect 2 boxes of 7 tests, so that they can do twice weekly tests at home to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The test is simple, and quick to carry out at home.

Alternatively you can pick one up from Epping Library is at St John’s Road, Epping,CM16 5D, from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

Essex County Council received an initial stock of 199,000 home test kits to kick off the scheme. Further tests, and potentially more libraries, will come online.

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A Warm Welcome Awaits You At Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club (Behind The Talbot Pub on the A414)

If you run a community event or charity event, don’t forget to let me know so I can share the details with readers—just email me June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Our Open Day is Saturday 29th May 12 -4pm Please come for an Informal game of Bowls for free Or any Thursday at 6 pm £5 for 4 Introductory Fun Lessons Indoor Bowls and Social Events Our Membership is £77 per year

Further information or an informal chat

St Clare Hospice’s Open Gardens returns This summer, St Clare Hospice’s perennially popular Open Gardens event is back for its 27th year and will be taking place safely in person, after last year’s event had to take place virtually.

This year the horticultural event, kindly sponsored by Land Sheriffs, will take place on weekends throughout June and July, giving green-fingered fans of the event more than a dozen gardens to explore in aid of the Hospice. Horticultural enthusiasts will get a chance to explore some of the bestkept green spaces in West Essex and East Hertfordshire – from the villages of Thornwood and Hastingwood, to the gardens of Harlow, Epping and Loughton.

Entry to participating gardens is payable on the gate and entry starts from £3 per garden, or group of gardens. Tea, cakes and lunches are available in many of the gardens.

For details call Dan Bailey on 01279 773738 or email dan.bailey@stclarehospice.org.uk

The Boys: Holocaust Survivors in the Epping Forest District .

Coming soon Epping Forest District Museum Free exhibition This exhibition will tell the story of holocaust survivors sent to Holmehurst Hostel in Loughton and the staff that supported them.

Showcasing video testimonies from the survivors and objects from the Jewish Museum and Imperial War Museum, London, the exhibition will explore the story of the concentration camps, and the Loughton boy’s liberation and survival.

Visit the free exhibition in the coming months to find out more about this important local story.

Page 7 Until 4thTel: 07814 863955 Open September 2021.

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Planning Applications Application No: EPF/0721/21 Officer: Caroline Brown Applicant Name: Mr M Chaffey Planning File No: 031127 Location: Hawthorns, 89 A Beamish Close, North Weald Bassett Epping CM16 6JW Proposal: First floor side extension over existing garage. Single storey front extension with pitched roof over to facilitate a new porch and garage.

Planning File No: 031081 Location: 34 Tempest Mead, North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6DY Proposal: Proposed single storey side / rear extension to study and kitchen Application No: EPF/0753/21 Officer: Sukhvinder Dhadwar Applicant Name: Mr Darren Goodey Planning File No: 000200 Location: North Weald Airfield, The Gate House Security Building, Merlin Way. North Weald Bassett Epping CM16 6HR Proposal: The proposal is to extend the current market operation to Sundays whereas it presently takes place every Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Any representations on applications should be made in writing, by Monday, 10th May, 2021 Epping Forest District Council www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk 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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Epping Market now fully open Epping Town Council's Monday Market was reopened on Monday 12th April for all its traders.

The market has operated for the last few months on an 'essentials only' basis, in line with government restrictions.

The market has now opened in full including non-essential retail shops.

Epping’s Monday Market is not only an important part of the character of our historic market town, but it supports the High Street businesses on a Monday, provides the opportunity for outdoor shopping and augments the enormous sense of community that Epping enjoys.

Please visit and support our loyal traders in a sociallydistanced way.

Town Clerk Beverley Rumsey said: “We are delighted to welcome all our traders back on Monday. Some of them have been with us for many years and know their customers personally. They have been sincerely missed.

"We are also delighted to see our High Street reopen more fully and would encourage people to observe all safety guidance as they enjoy the town.”

Now that Epping and North Weald markets are open and including all traders, it is a great way to locally enjoy the fresh air and do some retail therapy.

It’s time to Love Local!

Now our local high streets have reopened, it is a great time to show our support for local businesses.

Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation for local businesses in your community:-

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Enjoy a day of shopping on your local high street with a friend or partner– who knows what treasures you’ll find!

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Meet with up to five friends for a meal in a pub garden – take a brolly and soak up the atmosphere of your favourite venue

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Pop into a local shop you haven’t visited before – we bet you’ll be greeted by a friendly face

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Pick up some delicious fresh food from a local butcher, bakery, or fishmonger .

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Use a local business, especially one of those that advertise in this magazine. Without their support I could not publish this magazine so please support them.

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Book a staycation with your family.

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Order a food delivery from a local company to enjoy in your garden with your family.

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Benefits of choosing Ashbourne Day Nurseries for your childcare needs At Ashbourne Day Nurseries we understand how important it is to choose the best nursery for your child. That is why we have put together a list of just some of the benefits of choosing one of our nurseries to begin your child’s learning journey.

EVENTS

Fully inclusive package

Our fully inclusive fees mean that all food, nappies, wipes, and milk that your child requires while at nursery is included within the price.

This means that you only need to provide spare clothes and any comforters required.

Recommend a friend scheme We offer a recommend a friend scheme for existing families who refer a friend to us. As a thank you for the recommendation, we will offer the referring family up to 50% off one month’s childcare fees.

Flexible and temporary childcare We understand the difficulties that families can face with requiring flexible childcare in unforeseen circumstances, especially during the current situation. That is why we try to be as flexible as possible regarding our childcare offering.

We can offer temporary childcare for families who have seen their nurseries close or who require emergency childcare.

About our Epping nursery Ashbourne Day Nurseries was founded in 2008 and aims to provide high quality, great value childcare throughout the five counties it currently operates in.

Our Epping nursery is a fun, stimulating and spacious environment located close to Epping town centre. Conveniently located close to the M25, M11 and Epping tube station.

Our nursery offers a range of engaging and inclusive learning opportunities to ensure that your child’s day is fun, educational, and exciting.

We have three rooms tailored to the unique needs of children as they progress from crawling babies to inquisitive toddlers and finally to confident pre-schoolers. Each of our rooms has a variety of age-appropriate resources and equipment to spark the children’s curiosity and imagination.

Find out more about our Epping nursery: www.ashbournedaynurseries.co.uk/location/ashbourne-daynurseries-at-epping-essex/

Don’t forget to visit the website Www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Objection over storage area for 200plus London taxis A company's planning application to be allowed to continue to store more than 200 London taxis on Green Belt land in Thornwood has been unanimously opposed by the parish council.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council's planning committee has expressed strong views over the use of the land at Weald Park Farm, off Duck Lane, where the vehicles have already been parked for a year.

Documents submitted by GB Taxi Services to Epping Forest District Council as part of its retrospective planning application state that the company has some 212 vehicles on the land.

It adds that the taxis are not currently needed because of the downturn in the taxi trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company is seeking temporary permission, for one year from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022, to store the vehicles on the land.

However the parish council was told the vehicles have been on the site since April last year.

Councillor Terry Blanks said: "This is a totally inappropriate use of a farm, it's more like a field than a farm.

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"There are 200 older taxis parked there already. They started off (parked) relatively neat; some are clearly being repaired. This is not a place to park old cabs."

He added North Weald Airfield would be a "far more appropriate" place to park the vehicles than a farm.

Councillor Sheila Jackman called on the parish council to lodge a "strong" objection".

She said: "They (the taxis) have already been there for a year.

They've been breaking the regulations.

"If it was to be given permission it's effectively giving permission for two years and I really don't think that's on."

Councillor Anne Grigg said: "It's simply inappropriate development in the Green Belt."

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Local Hospice opens up to explain “we are more than you think” As part of this year’s Dying Matters Week – running 10-16 May, St Clare Hospice will be opening its virtual doors to local people to show them, ‘we are more than you think’.

The West Essex and East Hertfordshire charity will be sharing its news in two Open Hospice events, taking place on Tuesday 11th May at 1pm for health and social care professionals and Tuesday 11thMay at 7pm for supporters, via meeting platform Zoom.

Attendees will hear from a range of speakers who will demonstrate the wide-range of services and support available to local people, explaining how people can get involved, and hear about the Hospice’s future plans.

Sally Muylders, Community Engagement and Involvement Manager at St Clare Hospice, said: “When our community think of St Clare, they often associate us with caring for people in the last days or weeks of their life, on our Inpatient Unit in the Hastingwood hospice. At our Open Hospice events we want to open our doors, virtually, and show that we offer so much more than that.

Many people don’t realise that as well as our 8 beds in the Inpatient Unit, at any one time, we are also caring for around 100 people in their own beds, at home.”

“Not only that,” said Sally “but we care for people from the point of diagnosis of a life-limiting condition, offering support and therapies to empower people to remain independent and live their life to the full. Many people are known to St Clare for a number of years, and are supported in different ways to make the most of every moment. We are also here for the whole circle of family and friends, as well as the patient, and offer a holistic service that includes spiritual, social and emotional care – supporting the family through grief too.”

Commenting on her role as Community Engagement and Involvement Manager, Sally Muylders said: “Our aim is to be an open and welcoming place that sits at the heart of our community, and supports local people in the way that they want. It has been through listening to what local people need when facing death, dying and loss, that we have recently developed our new bereavement café groups and bereavement support helpline. Our Open Hospice events will offer a chance for that conversation with local people around what they need to continue, so that the future plans of the Hospice respond to the needs identified by our community.”

The Open Hospice events are free, and open to everyone. However, those looking to attend will need to first register on Eventbrite. They will then be sent the details so that they can join one of the two Zoom events.

To register for the event for local healthcare and voluntary sector professionals at 1pm on Tuesday 11th May visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/event/open-hospiceprofessionals

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Laptops for schools scheme open for donations Essex County Council has re-opened its appeal for old laptops to be donated to help children in need to study.

Since December 2020, the council has distributed 5,000 laptops, tablets and Chrome Books to schools and colleges to give to families whose children don’t have access to a device at home.

During lockdown, when schools and colleges were closed, the Closing the Digital Divide Scheme helped thousands of children and young people to join online lessons and continue learning. Now schools are back, more devices are needed for children who need to self-isolate suddenly or for homework or home-schooling. Access to online learning is also important for children in social care, with mental health issues or who cannot attend school for medical reasons.

Anyone with an old or unused laptop can drop it off at their local library during opening hours. Please adhere to social distancing.

They can take laptops of any age, make or condition but not other devices. All laptops received will be thoroughly cleaned inside and out with all data and programmes removed securely by our partners, EOL IT Services. No data on the device will be accessed during this process.

Any that can’t be re-used will be sold for parts and the income used to buy new devices.

Businesses upgrading their IT systems can also donate.

Interested business owners or residents who feel there is an opportunity to engage with their employer and would like to know how the scheme can work with businesses, can email TSLaptop.Donations@essex.gov.uk. They have already had some very generous donations from Essex businesses.

Nicole Wood, Essex County Council’s Executive Director for Finance and Technology said: “Online . By providing these devices we are closing the digital divide and helping all children and young people to have the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive.”

Closing the Digital Divide builds on the Department for Education’s ‘Get Help with Technology’ initiative which saw 2,000 laptops provided to disadvantaged pupils in Years 3 to 6 in Essex. The county council’s scheme widens availability to other families and ages where children and young people have no access to a device at home or, perhaps, have had to share a parent’s mobile phone or laptop.

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Dog attacks I have recently been informed that whilst two people were walking behind Bookers, one of them was attacked by a dog. The lady involved confirmed she did not provoke the dog, she did not kick out during the attack and remained calm but despite this she was bitten on both legs by the dog. The dog was a tan/ brown dog.

The incident has been reported to police, I have also been informed that in this particular area other people have come across the same dog. Please be cautious, particularly if you are walking in that area with children or dogs.

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Barriers at The Parish Hall, Thornwood Barriers are being installed at the entrance to The Parish Hall, Thornwood, by North Weald Bassett Parish Council, following an increase in anti-social behaviour surrounding the hall and in the car park.

Councillors have approved spending £5,463 on barriers and their installation.

I have also been informed of a dog being attacked by three boxer type dogs in the village. I don’t know any other details but the owner had to take the dog to the vets.

Keeping shoppers safe on the High Street A project to tidy up Epping High Street, while improving opportunities for social distancing is already underway..

The project, funded by Epping Forest District Council, will see the end of the wind-blown temporary orange barriers, with wider pavements, attractive planters, more bike racks and more outdoor seating.

Local contractor WH Construction has been appointed by the Council to undertake the works and replace the temporary pavement widening with a more professional and appropriate finish.

The work will be scheduled around the popular Monday market and is expected to last two to three weeks during which we will attempt to minimise disruption.

A Council spokesman said: There will inevitably be some disruption at times during the construction works, but we will aim to keep residents, shoppers and businesses informed throughout the process and minimise disruption.

Works will be completed between markets and we hope local people will bear with us as we work to remove the unsightly rows of orange barriers – a short-term solution to encourage social distancing at the beginning of lockdown – with proper, level-access pavements.

The changes are time limited and expected to last 12-18 months. There are three main sections to be widened, outside M&S, outside McColls/Post Office and outside Barclays bank.

A Council spokesman continued: These works will ensure the High Street can operate safely, restore local confidence and help keep our residents safe.

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Historic first mission from new airbase for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s (EHAAT) new airbase at North Weald became operational today, 28thApril 2021 when a critical care team based at North Weald, was tasked with its first mission by the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, to an incident in Bishop’s Stortford.

north-weald-airbase/.

It includes dedicated areas for training which will benefit not only EHAAT’s crews and the local pre-hospital care community along with an interactive visitor centre for supporters, who we look forward to welcoming to this incredible new building when such visits become possible again once government restrictions are fully lifted.

The new airbase includes a hangar which is capable of housing Cliff Gale, EHAAT’s Operations Director, said: “The first mission two helicopters when necessary, for aircraft maintenance and from our new airbase is a historic landmark for the charity and has underground heating beneath the helipad to keep it free of we would like to thank all of our amazing supporters who have snow and ice during the winter months. made this first-class facility possible”.

It has been designed with “green” issues very much to the “This first mission is the culmination of a great deal of commitfore. Photovoltaic panels on the roof means that the building ment, planning and hard work. We are delighted to see our generates more electricity than it uses with the excess sold to crews operational from the new base by helicopter and rapid the national grid. Electric vehicle charging points enable users of response vehicle. This building will give the charity a home for electric vehicles to charge them. decades to come with facilities that will allow us to continue There is bicycle parking for staff who wish to cycle to work and providing a world-class clinical service.” as much waste as possible will be recycled. The building has Stuart Elms, EHAAT’s Clinical Director, said: “After years of been well insulated in order to retain heat and reduce noise polplanning and preparation it is great to see this state-of-the-art lution and it makes as much use as possible of natural light in building being used as a base from which our highly skilled preorder to save on electricity. hospital care teams can attend critically ill and injured patients This exciting day really does mark an important milestone in the across Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas”. charity’s history and the whole team would like to thank every“I’m delighted for the charity, our supporters, our clinicians and one involved in this project. our patients as it will be central to how we deliver care and how For more information about EHAAT and its work, viswe continue to improve outstanding patient care.”

The new purpose-built airbase was completed in February 2021 and replaces a leased facility nearby. A time-lapse video showing the complete build can be viewed at https://www.ehaat.org/

it ehaat.org.

Norway House Donations Norway House has asked us to share their sincere thanks and gratitude to both the Parish Council and the local community for all the support shown to Norway House during these difficult times, with the donations received over the last 14 months really helping their families during what has to be the toughest of years in a very long time!

However, they have now come to a point whereby they are receiving random donations left either outside their storage unit or inside their main reception. Whilst Norway House has tried to reach out to organisations to stop this, they are still receiving lots of donations that cannot be used or stored.

Therefore, if you do wish to make a donation, please can you please only do this by arrangement, please contact this via email on norwayhousemanagers@eppingforestdc.gov.uk Page 16

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Revised plans for former North Weald Golf Club Epping Forest District Council has posted planning notices in the local area which relate to plans submitted to develop the disused North Weald Golf Course. The plans are for over 550 homes.

These are the only recent notification of this particular planning development.

This has been ongoing for a few years. This development will be in addition to developments outlined in the local plan for North Weald.

Many people have already submitted their comments on these proposals on previous occasions when the plans were originally submitted or revised. The notice in the image does invite people to comment within 21 days of this notice being posted, quoting the planning reference EPF/1494/18. The deadline now mentioned on Epping Forest District Council's planning pages is 1st May. Below I have put a link to the original planning application in the comments below. I have no idea if previous comments will be taken into account, whether in support or against this development.

Norway House Donations Norway House has asked us to share their sincere thanks and gratitude to both the Parish Council and the local community for all the support shown to Norway House during these difficult times, with the donations received over the last 14 months really helping their families during what has to be the toughest of years in a very long time!

If you have raised previous comments or objections, it may be worth submitting these again to the parties below quoting the planning reference to ensure they are taken into account. You may want to consult revised plans on the EFDC website.

Objections or comments to be sent via email to: ldfconsult@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or sdhadwar@eppingforestdc.gov.uk quoting the planning reference number EPF/1494/18 by 1st May. It is important we have our say, this time not much has been done to actively engage with residents and ask for our concerns or what we want for our village that we live in!

However, they have now come to a point whereby they are receiving random donations left either outside their storage unit or inside their main reception. Whilst Norway House has tried to reach out to organisations to stop this, they are still receiving lots of donations that cannot be used or stored.

Therefore, if you do wish to make a donation, please can you please only do this by arrangement, please contact them via email on norwayhousemanagers@eppingforest dc.gov.uk

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EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY – SERVICES RESUME 22 MAY The Epping Ongar Railway is delighted to announce that its heritage rail services will recommence on 22 May (subject to the Government’s road map remaining unchanged). Due to essential engineering work our initial service will be formed of a heritage diesel multipleunit operating between North Weald and Ongar. We expect steam services to operate from early summer. Visit www.eorailway.co.uk for the latest information.

During March and April our volunteers and staff have been busy taking part in ‘Shakedown 21’, designed to ensure all our rolling stock and personnel are ready for the reopening date.

We are actively seeking new working volunteers to assist with running our trains. On operating days, we need volunteers to work at our stations, check tickets on board the trains and to generally assist our customers to enjoy the experience. During the weekdays we need help to maintain our track, rolling stock and buildings. If you can help please get in touch. Adult membership costs just £20 per year and that includes four copies of our 44page in-house magazine Mixed Traffic, which is packed with interesting railway related articles. Our Membership Secretary will be pleased to hear from you, he can be contacted at membership@eorailway.co.uk Robert Good Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society

Photos: Top – DMU at Ongar (EOR Collection)

His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh North Weald Bassett Parish Council, in accordance with protocol, have opened a Book of Condolence following the sad passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Hall feasibility study North Weald Bassett Parish Council is to undertake a feasibility study on The Parish Hall at Thornwood Common as it starts to debate its future and maintenance requirements - and looks to attract new hirers into the building.

The Book of Condolence will be online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the public will be able to email their comments, thoughts and words to the parish council and the messages will be uploaded onto the parish council's website.

After the period set by protocol, the Book of Condolence will be closed, and a copy printed and retained for historic purposes, along with a copy passed to the Essex Records Office.

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More than 14,000 children offered parents' top pri- Fire Service urge Essex residents to Be Water Aware mary school preference Nearly 16,000 parents and carers in Essex discovered the outcome of their primary school applications today on 16th April, with those who applied online getting confirmation by email or via the Essex County Council (ECC) website.

Out of a total of 15,779 applications that were received on time, 14,161 pupils who are due to start in Reception Year in September 2021 have been offered their parent or carer's first preference of primary school.

This equates to 89.75% of the total eligible cohort and represents a slight increase on last year which saw 89.38%. Nearly 6% of children were offered their parent's second preference of school.

ECC’s school admissions team, alongside school organisation and place planning colleagues have worked closely together to deliver the admissions process again, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.

The county council continues to invest significantly in creating new school places to meet demand now and in the future. More information about school place planning in Essex is available here: https://www.essex.gov.uk/school-organisation-and -place-planning/school-organisation-and-place-planning-service

As the current Covid-19 restrictions ease it is anticipated many people will head to coastal locations and inland water beauty spots. Few people would think they might become a water incident statistic. But the fact is in the UK in 2019 more people died from accidental drowning than cyclists did on the road.

The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Be Water Aware’s recent campaign. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is taking part to encourage people not to be complacent when spending time in and around water. The aim is to encourage people to be safe by being aware of the risks.

Following simple advice will help reduce the 223 accidental drownings reported in 2019 and the many more injuries, which can be lifechanging, following water related incidents. The advice includes: • Never swim alone in case you need help • Don’t drink alcohol when undertaking water related activities, it impairs judgement and your ability to swim • Avoid walking routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol • Don’t dive or jump straight into open water, this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day • Actively supervise children in and around water - drowning can happen fast and silently

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• If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effect of cold water shock pass

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• Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland and the Coastguard if you are at the coast.

Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service

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Looking back at North Weald I have been lucky enough to have some photos given to me to share with readers looking back at North Weald.

These two photos were taken by Mr Rich and shows the flood in North Weald in 1987.

Can you help find a lost Family?

I have been contacted by Helena Mas who is representing Mr. Josep M. Noguer. For the past years, he has been trying to find a family from North Weald and she wondered if readers of the magazine could help.

The photo below was shared with me by Derek Tringham and is the Queens Room which is where the Queens Community Hall is.

The story started when he met the parents in 1961 during a holiday in Tossa de Mar, and they had a really good relationship over the next few years and they continued to visit each other both in England and Spain. Now, he has lost contact with them and he would really love to find them.

I have been told that the father’s name is Frank Reginald Ungley and the mother’s is Edith M. Teagle. They were divorced in 1967 and Josep M. thinks they have died. Their daughters are Jeannete, which lives in Australia with her mother, and Jennifer A. Ungley, who was married to Victor K. B. Frend and live near North Weald. Frank Reginald Ungley lived in North Weald with another women, and they were owners of the corner shop at 51 High Road.

If anybody does know this family or anything about them could you please get in touch with me. My details can be found at the bottom of every page of the magazine.

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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.

Thornwood—Outside the Parish Hall.

Flagpoles North Weald Bassett Parish Council is to purchase a flagpole for The Parish Hall at Thornwood Common and to offer to purchase one for Hastingwood Village Hall.

Bluebell time In the month of May Bluebells bloom and huge swathes of woodland come alive with carpets of beautiful blue flowers.

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Did you know that over half of the world's populations of Hyacinthoides nonscripta, Bluebells grow in the UK?

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The Bluebell spends most of the year as a bulb underground.

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It emerges and flowers in April and May before the tree canopy gets too dense to make the most of the sunlight.

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They grow well in ancient and dense woodland because of the lack of competing flora.

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The Bluebell attracts many pollinating insects and ants can help to spread them.

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Our beautiful British Bluebell is protected, so don’t dig up these flowers, you could be issued with a hefty fine! (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).

The Bluebell has a Spanish cousin, which was introduced by the Victorians as a garden plant. The Spanish Bluebell is much paler and has no scent.

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PHOTO GALLERY

I am often told how much people like seeing the photos sent in by readers. Please send in your photos to me at June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Photo: This photo was sent in by Jake and Jane. This friendly visitor comes to the garden year after year.

Photo: This photo was taken by Lisa Hyams-Prince. How lucky is she to have these regular visitors to her garden—I think she spoils them though.

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CHURCH CHAT Hello all!

It’s wonderful to be writing to you and to have begun to get to know some of you already.

This is my first time writing the “Church Chat” section, and I’m not sure that I’ll measure up to the wisdom of Rockin’ Robin, or what to say after the lovely words of poetry from Andy, the resident poet!

April is one of the most beautiful months of the year, when the weather is warm (mostly!) andthe blossoms begin to unfurl, and young animals and birds can be spied on country walks.

It’s a time of new life after a ‘still’ period in nature.

I’m sure you’re just as sick as me of hearing about lockdown, but, thank God, it looks like the end is finally in sight. Lots of Christians fast or give up something during Lent, the 40 days before Easter. Often, when we can finally break our fast, we enjoy what we eat so much more than we normally would. The time spent without makes the experience so much sweeter. I think it will be similar when we can finally visit our family and friends, go shopping, to the cinema, go to Church, and go about life outside of lockdown once more! We will enjoy it all the more for having missed it for so long. We also know that as a community, we have had the courage and compassion to draw together and help one another.

We’ve learned that we can get through this!

Life won’t be the same as before. Many of us have lost loved ones, or jobs, or the confidence to do the things we used to do all of the time. We won’t be jumping for joy right away because we need time to heal first. That’s okay. We won’t be doing it alone. If you are struggling, you can reach out to a friend or family member, call samaritans, get in contact with the church, or simply try talking to God and asking for some help.

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God isn’t there to judge you or anyone else. God will listen. You don’t always have to know the “right words” or be really wellspoken, or put your hands together in a certain way.

Kitchens and bedrooms supplied and fitted God loves us just as we are, so we can approach God in a way that makes us feel comfortable enough to open up and “be real” to your specification with God. After all, Christians believe that God was most fully present on earth in Jesus Christ; a poor person of colour, from a little A complete service from design to finish village in the Holy Land. Jesus wasn’t well educated, or rich or powerful in the usual ways. He called God “papa”, because their Competitive prices guaranteed relationship was deep and real.

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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Perhaps we don’t always realise how deeply and fully and widely and wholly God loves us, with all of our rough edges, too. That’s okay. Allowing ourselves to be loved and held is hard. It’s work in progress, like we are; it’s a journey. Let’s walk some of it together.

- Jaimee YOU ARE WELCOME TO: St Andrew’s Church: - 3pm Sundays - weekly Eucharist.

North Weald Sunday Morning Church: - 10am Sundays - informal worship service, in Thorowgood House, near St Andrew’s Church Wednesday 7.30: Bible Study over zoom. Please call or text Jaimee to get involved. 07761440450.

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Citizens Advice: Are you struggling financially?

As everyone knows, the coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on people’s incomes and that in turn has meant many more people are in debt and struggling financially. Here are some basic ideas to consider. There’s lots more on the Citizens Advice website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/ First and foremost: don’t panic! If you ignore debts they won’t go away but debts can be managed and solutions found. Secondly, don’t borrow more if you’re in debt, especially not from unauthorised lenders – or “loan sharks”, to give them their proper name. Thirdly, be systematic and prioritise - don’t give in to the creditor who shots the loudest. Some debts such as rent, mortgage, electricity and gas are more important and urgent than others. Fourthly, if you’re not sure what to do get advice, either from us or from organisations like StepChange https://www.stepchange.org/.

You should always try to negotiate with your creditors, before you do anything else. Most commercial creditors will consider changes to repayment arrangements, including, for instance, mortgage “holidays.” There are also charitable funds available to pay off or reduce fuel debts. If you owe income tax discuss what you can afford with HMRC and if you owe council tax speak to Epping Forest District Council. You may be entitled to a discount or reduction on your council tax, and they can write it off, or they may make a hardship payment. Get in touch promptly, otherwise there may be court proceedings which will run up further cost.

If you have lost your job or been furloughed, or if you’re self-employed and your business has been hit by the pandemic, you may be able to claim benefits or get more money on your current benefits, as well as the furlough scheme and the selfemployed income support scheme, both devised because of the pandemic. Universal Credit is the best-known benefit but if you are on benefits already it may not be to your advantage to switch. We can advise you on this. If you’re not eligible for Universal Credit, or you won’t get the full amount, perhaps because you have savings, you may still be eligible for so-called “new-style” benefits. These are based on your National Insurance record.

If you are not a UK citizen you may still be able to get help, depending on your precise immigration status. Some migrants have “no recourse to public funds” as a condition of their visa but if this applies to you it is possible that you will still be able to claim some benefits, for instance if you have a child.

If you are receiving benefits the Department for Work and Pensions can make deductions for loans, overpayments, fines, or rent arrears. If you’re struggling as a consequence, ask them to reduce the rate of deductions. It won’t remove the debt but will give you longer to pay.

Contacting Epping Forest Citizens Advice Call us on 0808 278 7855. Calls to this number are free. The service is available from 9.30 to 2.30, Tuesday to Thursday but we can arrange telephone appointments at other times. `If all our advisers are busy when you call you will be connected to an adviser elsewhere in the country, and if they can’t deal with the matter they will arrange for one of our staff or volunteers to phone you back.

As well as offering advice and assistance we can refer you to other free services such as foodbanks and specialist charities, and we can also arrange free advice sessions, again over the phone, with specialist housing law and family law solicitors.

Source: Paul Stockton

Happy 101st Birthday Doris During the last lockdown Doris Holden, a lady who is very important to North Weald turned 100 in April 2020. There had been lots of parties and events planned which had to be cancelled due to the lockdown.

We did however arrange for a local singer, Debbie Watts, to do a sing-along in the car park of Leonard Davis where some local friends stood 2 metres apart and wished Doris a Happy Birthday.

Doris has now turned 101 at the end of April and still no celebrations can be held.

So I would like to wish Doris a fabulous belated 101st birthday. I am sure many readers will join me in wishing Doreen a very special birthday.

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Gardening Hints for May Well after a very dry and very cold April with many frosty nights, lets hope May well bring warmer temperatures where gardening will be a bit more enjoyable. Be aware of late frosts where it will kill of tender bedding plants, basket plants, tomato and cucumber plants. It is too early unless you have a greenhouse, the earliest to plant out tender summer plants is mid May. You can harden off plants by putting them outside during the day and bringing them back in to a well ventilated greenhouse during the night.

May is a good time to sow cabbages, lettuces, carrots, peas, radishes, salad onions, spinach, turnips, winter cauliflowers and also plant brussels, early cabbage, cauliflower, shallots and onion sets.

The second week in May is a good time to plant your runner beans. Dig in well rotted manure or composted materials into your prepared soil, keep well watered and when the flowers appear feed with a high potash feed once a week.

Earth up early potatoes if they are showing through by covering the tender shoots with soil to prevent possible frost damage, it will also help to produce a heavier crop and prevent the top potatoes going green.

Now is the time to mulch well established trees and shrubs and top dress with a general feed. Also give the lawn a good rake over with a metal rake to remove all dead grass, this will aerate the lawn and allow it to thicken up. Use a weed-feed and moss-killer for a really healthy lawn.

If you fancy growing tomatoes and have limited space why not try tumbling cherry tomatoes, plant three in a hanging basket, just keep them watered and fed with tomato food once a week throughout the season you have no need to shake or pinch out the side shoots. Just let them grow and you will have plenty of sweet cherry tomatoes with very little effort.

Although May is a very busy month, still find time to sit back, relax and enjoy your efforts with a drink of choice (mine is still a cold beer).

Cheers Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre

Community events North Weald Bassett Parish Council is planning three community events - in North Weald, Hastingwood and Thornwood - to highlight the work of the council over the past year.

The events would replace the usual Annual Parish Assembly - which has been cancelled because of COVID-19 - and give the council the opportunity to highlight ongoing matters in the Parish such as North Weald Airfield and the Inland Border Facility.

The council is looking to hold the events, which could include its Citizen of the Year awards, in October.

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A baby bird out of the nest It is not uncommon to find a baby bird in your garden or on a walk fallen from a nest, here is some advice from the RSPCA on what to do.

Essex Library Services - Reading Friends Do you know someone who would benefit from having a Reading Friend to connect with over the phone or as part of an online group?

The Reading Friends scheme brings people together with trained volunteers to read, share stories, meet new friends and have fun. It’s been happening for some time elsewhere in the UK and has been highly effective in reducing social isolation. After taking part, 83% of participants reported feeling more connected to other people.

Together with participants Reading Friends will be checked to meets each person’s needs and matches their interests. You could be talking about books but it’s just as likely that you could be sharing recipes, solving a crossword puzzle together or chatting about something you’ve seen in a newspaper or magazine.

This could be viz one-to-one phone calls as well as virtual groups, which will use video call technology.

Eventually, in-person groups in libraries are planned when restrictions lift.

Cricket Season Returns Following it’s cancellation last year due to coronavirus, Dynamos Cricket will be launching this year for 8 to 11 year olds in the local area who want to participate in cricket. All Stars Cricket, for 4 to 8 year olds, will be continuing as in previous seasons, providing a pathway for juniors aged 4 to 11.

Interested in taking part? Please email - information.enquiry@essex.gov.uk or phone 0345 603 7628.

Both All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket have been developed by the ECB, the sport’s national governing body, in order to introduce children to the sport, teach and develop their skills, and make new friends. Junior training sessions will be running from the start of May until the end of August on Sunday mornings at the Memorial Playing Field.

The adult teams have an action-packed summer ahead, with 48 matches spread across a bumper season. The Saturday league side will take to the field in the Premier Division of the Herts and Essex Border League, including clashes with local rivals Matching Green, Hatfield Heath and Potter Street, while highlights of the Sunday season include visits to Ivanhoe, Stansted and Dunmow.

The club has had a successful winter on the fundraising front. Vice Chairman Bob Wood said “We are delighted to have received funding from the Magic Little Grants fund, and we continue to be grateful for the support shown by Co-op members through their ongoing contributions to the Local Community Fund.”

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May Wow! We are in May already and after wishing for all restrictions to move along, Suddenly reality hits and I discover that so much of the year has already gone.

We are now on the cusp of summer, a one for which we are in a much better shape, With life’s restraints lifting, allowing us much more freedom with all the decisions we can make.

Staycations proving popular, as to go abroad comes with many headaches as to where you can go, While our beloved country still offers beauty, though gorgeous weather can be amiss, a fact we all know.

With shops opening up causing so many to champ at the bit, as if it were a race waiting to start, With so many that I know all eager to head straight off ,to the wonderous place called Primark.

Booking slots again for an outside table at a pub, Longing to meet up again with your friends, chatting once more over some drinks and grub.

It’s not all normal or as things once used to be, but it’s a big step in the right direction to our new normality.

Sadly soon we’ll probably take everything for granted and try and forget what was a ‘hiccup’ to our plans, From having to work from home, and from each other to the complete muddle that took place over our children’s school exams.

Yes I guess I am so glad we are where we are. as given time everything mends, Though that will never bring back lost family members, loved ones or friends.

For that reason I hope everyone will keep a part of this pandemic in their minds, As we look forward once again united ,with a new welcomed thirst for happier times.

Source: Andy resident poet. Summarising the world as it is today.

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Library Lockdown Life How did you entertain yourself during lockdown? Did you make enough banana bread to build a fort? Knit matching outfits for all the family including the pets? Discover bits of your neighbourhood that noone except you knows about? If so, Essex libraries need you! We’d like to invite you to contribute your personal examples of life in lockdown to a new exhibition.

Many libraries are hosting a Life in Lockdown exhibition, including North Weald, which aims to make a one-of-a-kind collage from the examples you lend us, each one unique to the community served by that library. You can contribute anything that someone has spent time making, learning, or experiencing during lockdown.

It’s a celebration of creativity and ingenuity – all levels of expertise are accepted!

Some examples are • Knitted or crocheted objects

• • • •

Drawings or paintings Poems or songs Recipes

Town council opposes Station Road flats Plans to add a third storey to a building in Station Road, Epping, to enable a development of six one-bedroom flats are being opposed by the town council.

Councillors have objected saying the proposed development at Purlieu House at 11 Station Road is "overbearing" and "overdominant".

Photos of created items, painted stones; or photos of new walks • Photos of homework, gardening or decorating

A planning application submitted to Epping Forest District Council is seeking consent to add a third floor and turn existing office space on the ground floor to retail use.

To contribute, simply take your item, or an image of your chosen piece to your nearest participating library by 10th May, and place it in the box near the front door. The item needs to be something that can be pinned or stapled to a display board; it should be no larger than A3 and should not depict people, or anything that enables someone to recognise your address. Your contact details should also be on the back of each item or attached via a label that can be hidden when the item is on display.

Councillor Barbara Scruton told Tuesday's planning and general purposes committee: "It's the first building you see when you walk up Station Road. Another storey will be so dominant."

Existing parking for six vehicles would be retained with office space on the first floor and the flats on the second and newly-created third floor.

She added: "It's in the conservation area and I just think it will have such a negative impact on the street scene and will have a loss of amenity to the properties around it."

Councillor Mari-Louise Whitbread said: "It's very attractive but very over-bearing, over tall, and although it would be handy for people to stay (living) local, it's overdevelopment."

Town Mayor Grahame Scruton expressed concern over the increase in a "tunnelling effect" the additional storey would have along Station Road, and the impact the higher building would have on Honeysuckle Mews, on the opposite corner of Hemnall Street and Station Road.

Councillor Christine Burgess said: "When these buildings are put up, surely the underpinning and things like that are put in place to support the building that's going up at the time.

"If you plonk another storey on top, they are going to have to do something about that."

Councillor Cherry McCredie asked: "Is this actually needed? Is it just over-development and we can live without it?"

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BIRD FEATURE - MAY 2021 Welcome to my jottings for the merry month of May, a month that sees the dawn chorus at its peak and sees the breeding season in full flow with parent birds working unrelentingly, driven by the instinctive urge to bring up the next generation of their species. For many adult birds this will mean a daily toil that will impose a massive strain on their lives but that strain will be worth it if they succeed in raising enough chicks to sustain the overall numbers of their own species.

There are different elements to the breeding season. A few 'lucky' birds can breed all year round - the Woodpigeon is the most obvious species and some of our resident species start their own breeding season whilst winter still grips the UK - the Rook is a familiar example of this with rookeries full of activity even as the New Year is only ijn its infancy - but for most species spring and early summer are the periods that truly matter.

Get it right and there will be plenty of fledglings leaving the nest in a few weeks time. Get it wrong and all the efforts to find a mate, find a safe nesting site and then find enough food for any chicks that hatch will have been in vain. There are so many ways that it can all go wrong. Of course the weather can have a massive impact - a cold, wet spring can lead to a lack of food (most chicks need to be fed a constant supply of insects, caterpillars etc) and huge numbers of young birds will starve to death with the adult birds unable to provide sufficient nutrition for their young. Just a day or so of strong winds and heavy rain can damage nests and can wash away the nests of those species that construct nests on the ground or very low down in bushes, ditches etc.

Some birds will site their nests in positions that actually lack protection not only from the elements but from predators - crows and magpies are well known for their nest robbing activities but there are other species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker that will target nestlings, and of course animals such as stoats, weasels, squirrels and rats will supplement their diets with protein packed eggs and chicks. For some unlucky ground nesting birds there can even be the risk of accidental trampling of eggs and chicks - by humans, dogs, livestock, even deer (a herd of startled deer running across rough grass will devastate any nest they cross over, spelling doom for any eggs or chicks inside).

And of course even when young birds successfully flege from the nest there is the continued threat of predation and starvation, not to mention accidents such as flying into windows or misjudging the approach of cars etc. But for all the young that perish there should, in most years, be enough survivors to sustain or increase the population of each species. With some species able to have two or even three broods then the chances of success are better and the losses in one part of the breeding season can be offset by the gains from another brood. Overall it is survival of the fittest but with an element of luck playing a quite significant role too.

Some birds arrive in the UK in spring purely to take advantage of the advantageous conditions in which to raise their young. Familiar summer migrants such as Swallows, Swifts, House Martins and warblers will be much in evidence. And a welcome annual visitor to our area, the Cuckoo, should be heard around the village in the coming weeks. We still get them in this area and last year was a particularly 'good' year with many a day when they could be heard but of course this is not so good for the host species that end up with one giant Cuckoo fledgling in their nest instead of 3 or 4 of their own young. Cuckoo numbers have plummeted in the UK over recent decades so it is great that they have continued to be returning to our neck of the woods.

One summer arrival that we don't normally see in this area is the Wheatear but in the last week of March I was lucky enough to spot 5 of this lovely species at a local site. This was the first time I have ever spotted Wheatears locally, it is a bird that breeds further west or north of here and this group must have just been passing through on migration so I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time - something I have pointed out many times about nature watching. You have to have your eyes and ears open !!!

On the other side of the migration coin I saw Fieldfares and Redwings as late as mid April, there was a flock of about 100 or so birds foraging in a horse paddock, roughly split 80 - 20 with the majority being Fieldfares. This was a bit later than I would normally expect to see them, again I was in the right place at the right time to see this flock as they move through on their migration back to their breeding grounds in (mostly) Scandinavia.

One defence strategy used by the Fieldfare during the breeding season is to nest communally and if a predator threatens they fly up and basically splatter the intruder with their droppings. If you are a bird of prey for example you will get out of there pretty quick because those droppings will render their flight feathers useless and the predator will be the one at risk of either starving or being predated. Luckily we don't have Fieldfares nesting in the UK !!!

Anyway, the days are warmer and longer and there should be so many birds out there, the most obvious being those engaged in the dawn chorus. Some mornings (very EARLY mornings !!!) there is a crescendo of songs, calls and coos to be heard and species such as Robins and Blackbirds will still be going well into the evenings. If you are out and about then try to pick out the different songs and you might be surprised to learn that one of the very loudest is the song of the tiny Wren which belts out its tune with astonishing clarity and gusto.

Anyway, much as I have always enjoyed seeing our avian friends this time of year brings me one of my absolute highlights of the natural history year .... the Orange Tip butterfly which is on the wing over the next few weeks. It is basically a white butterfly but that has had its wing tips dipped in a delightfully bright shade of orange (funnily enough. It represents to me the most delightful butterfly of all, even more so than the stunning Peacock or Red Admiral. I think it is a combination of its simple beauty allied to its cheery, bright look early in the butterfly season - I will be on the look out for my first sighting of 2021.

Anyway. You do not need to know what bird that is singing from the top of a bush, you do not have to recognise that bird calling as it flies over, you do not have to be able to identify the exact species of warbler or finch that you see or hear in the tree - enjoy what you do see and hear. If you can have some extra knowledge then it will enhance any walks that you have in the countryside - which is very accessible around our village - but enjoy nature for its visual interest and its audio interest and treasure the fact that we can be witness to so much going on round and about the area.

If you hear a Cuckoo in the next few weeks then remind yourself that this is part of our local natural history - for a few short months anyway - and be aware of the need for us all to do our best to look after nature. We all benefit.

Paul Corbet.

Page 33

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Advertiser Directory New directory of advertisers with page numbers so you can find their details easily.

Car, MOT & Servicing

Glazing

Kings Head Garage

30

Home Glazing Repair

Matts Motorz

15

Kennels & Catteries London & Essex Kents Farm

Carpets & Flooring Little Carpet Co

12

2

Online Shopping Local Bodyshop consultant—Sparkle & Shine

Cleaning Maid in Essex

4

Painting & Decorating

Champion Car Wash & Valet

11

S I Painters & Decorators

Steve’s Window Cleaning

11

Pest Control G J B Pest Control

Computer Services Andrews Computers

13

North Weald Bassett Parish Council

31

Day Nurseries & Pre Schools Ashbourne Day Nursery

10

Electrical Services

14

5

16

Plastering G F Plastering

Council

5

19

Plumbing & Heating Robert Rayment

9

Pikes Plumbing & Heating

18

N Monk

15

A&P Electrical Services

30

Property Services

Scribbles Pre-School

4

Care & Repair

16

KLF Property Services

21

Handy Andy

24

Bassett Building

13

Estate & Letting Agents Montagues

36

Fitness Abfab Club

22

Abbeyfield Cunningham House

Flowers House of Flowers

Residential Home

31

Roofing R J S Roofing

Funeral Services

12

Stuart Poulton Ltd

17

Safecracker

Daniel Robinson & Sons

27

Safe-cracker Locksmith

Furniture

28

17

Sports

RSL Interiors—Kitchens & bedrooms

24

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club

7

CJA Upholstery

12

Mini Shooters

6

Garden Centre/Gardening Art Nursery Garden Centre

26

Ernest Doe

8

GMS Gardening Services Page 34 Tel: 07814 863955

14 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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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

0808 278 7855

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 Whitebread

01992 573557

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

MP Alex Burghart

0207 2191613

RSPCA

01279 306058

(MP for North Weald)

alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

020 8508 8608

Samaritans 24 Hours a day

116 123

MP For Thornwood

Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

St Andrews Church

01992 577168

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

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 522303

Tel: 523375 or 522052

Page 35 Tel: 07814 863955 www.nwdas.co,uk

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