North Weald Village Life May 2019 issue

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 153

May 2019

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Redbridge T 0208 989 8444 E redbridge@bluebirdcare.co.uk

May is really blooming this year, flowers etc seemed to have fully bloomed really early. Insects are everywhere . Birds are nesting. I really love listening to bird song, there are so many different types, some are shrill, some sound very tuneful, some are the same notes over and over again. I found it amazing that I can be out and about in the village and really take for granted the sounds of birds. We are so very lucky, I found it so hard to believe that many people who live in towns etc may not hear the bird song that we have right here in our gardens. Note to self—don’t take it for granted.

Now to a moan, I am fed up with how many people igorne the mini roundabouts on the High Road in the village. I know there have been many accidents at the one by the library but my particular hate is for the one I use many times a day which is at the junction of Wellington Road (not far from the Kings Head Garage).

I have had so many near misses, people just don’t look!

I have been indicating right and been on the roundabout and someone has come at speed from the left and had absolutely no intention of stopping but then had to emergency brake as they realise they are going to hit me!! Honestly I get so angry. Some people couldn’t care less and sometimes I look in my rear view mirror and I see them expressing sorry with their hands. One day, I know one day I am going to get hit on that roundabout. I feel like shouting—SLOW DOWN, GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT. Sorry rant over! But I know many people feel the same way and there have been accidents there.

My younger sister this month is at last going to be aged in the same decade as me. I have hated her being in her 40’s whilst I am in my 50’s. I know it shouldn't matter but it really does (and it has only been for a couple of years).

I enjoyed the recent Citizen Awards presented by North Weald Bassett Parish Council recently. It was lovely seeing local residents who I know do so much for our village and have done so for many years, for example Doreen Lodge who every year co-ordinates the poppy appeal including distributing all the poppies to local shops, co-ordinating all the road by road collections, distributing wreaths and then collecting all these in and banking etc, that is just a bit of what is involved every year. It was great to see Jack Rush be awarded Young Citizen of the Year, he is a great example of what local youth can do and really make a difference. Of course Dhruve and the Chemist staff were recognised, it goes without saying that they are so important to our community. There many others too, more of this can be found on Page 15. Well done everyone, we have so many local people that volunteer for many different societies, groups and charities and it is nice for these to be recognised.

I hope to see you around the village, enjoying the sun.

Cover photo: I chose this photo as it made my hungry and I loved the colours.

Contents May2019 issue Page No.

5. Restaurant Fire 5. North Weald Doctors Surgery 6—7. Events 10. Voting information 14. TV Licence Scam 15. Local Community Awards 23. Life Changing 24. Fire Safety Advice 27. Gardening Hints

30. Church Chat 29. New Chief of Trustee for St Clare 35. CAB—Universal Credit 36. Football Match 38. Birds Column 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.

Kind regards June Editor

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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

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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

May Blooming Gardening Nest Bank Holiday Flowers Buds Maypole Butterfly Spring Blossom Sunshine Laughter Birds Lambs

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Congratulations to Mrs R. Smith this month who will be celebrating with a box of wine. This month the lucky winner can celebrate with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to May Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th May 2019. 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.

THE EPPING TREE COMPANY TOTAL TREE MANAGEMENT Your local Tree Surgeons Approved by the Local Authority & established for over 25 years You can be assured of personal attention Fully Insured

FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS Total Tree Management All aspects of tree surgery Felling, Pruning & Shaping, Hedges Trimmed, Stump & Root Removal Specialist contractors for preserved and conservation work

Tel: 01206 384262 Mobile: 07850 390079 .Proprietor:

S. Dinsdale

www.eppingtreecompany.co.uk Email: info@eppingtreecompany.co.uk Page 4

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Restaurant in Thornwood catches fire On the evening of Saturday 16th March, just before 9pm, a restaurant in Duck Lane, Thornwood caught fire. Firefighters were called to reports of a fire affecting three buildings.

Firefighters from Harlow, Loughton, Waltham Abbey Brentwood and Hertfordshire attended.

On arrival, crews were advised that three single storey buildings were alight. One of the buildings, a restaurant measuring approximately 60 metres by 20 metres, was completely on fire.

The fire was also affecting two nearby domestic properties (a barn and a house), which were approximately 30% alight.

At 9.45pm, the officer in charge reported that firefighters had divided the incident into two sectors, to ensure they can surround and contain the fire as efficiently as possible.

At 10.10pm, the officer in charge confirmed the fire had been extinguished. Crews continued to dampen down the structures of the buildings and the surrounding areas to ensure there was no risk of reignition.

The cause of this fire has been recorded as accidental, after embers from a barbecue being used by the restaurant spread to a nearby barn and caused it to ignite.

The barn has been badly damaged, while the roof of the home has also been affected.

Luckily no animals or people were hurt.

North Weald Doctors Surgery due to open The doctors' surgery in Wheelers Farm Gardens, North Weald - which has been closed more than 18 months for refurbishment - was set to reopen with a 'soft opening' the week commencing 15th April, the parish council has been told. However no-one is sure if this actually happened.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council will ask The Limes, which runs the branch surgery, for more details about the future running of the surgery.

Councillor Sheila Jackman, speaking at the Parish Council meeting held on 1st April, asked whether information could be obtained regarding how the branch surgery will be manned, what is meant by a 'soft opening', and the hours of opening.

BASSETT BUSINESS CENTRE Hurricane Way

She said: "I'm afraid that they will take some doctors from The Limes and then The Limes will be inundated because there will be no doctors there (at The Limes)."

(opposite Bookers Cash & Carry)

Parking in Wheelers Farm Gardens has been an issue for the surgery and among Wheelers Farm Gardens residents.

We have secure units /offices to rent with broadband at competitive rates per week (includes phone line, parking, cctv, the staff in the reception can also do your typing, take in deliveries, etc). Or, if you are not ready for a unit you could have a mailbox/virtual office with a phone line for ÂŁ25 per week. We can also offer the use of a meeting room for up to 8/10 people for tenants and non-tenants.

Councillor Ann Grigg told the parish council meeting that four or five additional parking spaces are set to be provided with a residents' parking scheme being considered for the road.

We may be able to find out more about this and will cover this in next month’s issue.

Please ring 01992 524111 for more details.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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The A G M of the North Weald Village Hall Trustees’ will take place on Wednesday 8th May at 7.00 p.m. in the Derek Tringham Lounge.

All welcome

Epping Forest Baby Show

Race for Life

11th May 2019

Raising funds for Cancer Research UK

2 -5pm Epping Primary School Tickets £5 from eppingforestbabyshow.com

Men, women, boys and girls—all invited to take part this year.

Ideal for expectant parents & parents with young children.

Wednesday 10th July North Weald Airfield at 7.00pm

Exhibition: Man on the Moon

To register—raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Saturday 6 April – Saturday 20 July Epping Forest District Museum, 39 – 41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL Open: Mon – Wed & Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 5pm Free entry How do you have a wee in outer space? To mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, this exhibition looks at the why, the how and the wherefore of this historic event. Discover how “The Space Race” technology and design has influenced and inspired our lives today.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday

Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes

8.15pm & 9.15pm

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

Every Monday

Taoist Tai Chi

10.30am— 12.30

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 per family.

Every Thursday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time— starts again on Thursday 13th September

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

North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way

Every second Saturday of the month

Ploughmans Lunch

12 noon— 5pm 12noon

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 Free drop-in session

Saturday and every two weeks (starting March) Date to be confirmed.

Laughter Club

Am

North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Places are limited so to book a place or for further information contact Tim on 07956 670712 or email on friendlylaughteryoga@gmail.com friendlylaughteryoga@gmail.com

Wednesday 1st May

North Weald WI

1.45pm

North Weald Village Hall. AGM.

Thursday 2nd May

Free Trial lesson in Jive

Hastingw0od Village Hall. See page opposite.

Wednesday 8th May

North Weald Village Hall AGM

7.30— 10.00pm 7pm

Saturday 11th May

Epping Baby Show

5-7pm

Epping Primary School. See page opposite.

Sunday 12th May

Family Fun Day and Motorcycle Event

Monday 13th May

West Essex Flower Club

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

North Weald Village Hall

North Weald Airfield.

1.45pm

Thornwood Village Hall.Brenda Tubb is our demonstrator this month with arrangements entitled ‘Another Fine Mess’. Interested! Come along and find out more. All welcome. Visitors pay £5.00 on the door.

If you know of a local event, please let me know and I will include this in the events calendar on www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk.

There is also a Facebook Group— North Weald village Life events—events are posted by myself and members that are taking place throughout Essex, London and Hertfordshire.

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Planning Applications Planning File No: 000336 Application No: EPF/0355/19 Applicant Name: Laird Ian Leith Officer: Alastair Prince Location: Blakes Golf Club And Restaurant. Epping Road, North Weald Bassett . Epping CM16 6RZ Proposal: Creation of 18 Golf Tees, recovery of a reservoir, reinstatement of land at existing reservoir & creation of a copse & bluebell wood with the assistance of the Woodland Trust Planning File No: 013148 Application No: EPF/0567/19 Applicant Name: Mr Stephen Goodfellow Officer: Caroline Brown Location: 272 High Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6EF Proposal: Installation of sliding gate across shared driveway, 270 & 272 High Road.

Any representations on applications should be made in writing, by Monday 6th May 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

Planning File No: 021886 Application No: EPF/0568/19 Applicant Name: Mr Lewis Concadoro Officer: Caroline Brown Location: 270 High Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6EF Proposal: Installation of sliding gate within boundaries of shared driveway

T: 01992 564436 E: appcomment@eppingfores tdc.gov.uk

Planning File No: 012797 Application No: EPF/0905/19 Applicant Name: Mr & Mrs Mike Binstead Officer: Caroline Brown Location: 6 Rose Cottages, Mill Street, Hastingwood, Essex CM17 9JQ Proposal: Outline planning application with all matters reserved for erection of 2 no. pairs of semidetached 3 bedroom houses (Revised application to EPF/1427/18)

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St Clare Open Gardens event returns for its 25th year This summer, St Clare Hospice are holding their Open Gardens event is back for its 25th year.

This year the horticultural event will take place throughout the summer season giving greenfingered fans of the event many opportunities to explore the beautiful gardens that will be opening for the Hospice. From mid-May until the middle of September, lovers of flora and fauna will be able to explore some of the best-kept green spaces in our catchment area – from the villages of Thornwood and Hastingwood, to the gardens of Harlow, Loughton and Epping.

More than 25 venues will be opening their gates to the public in aid of St Clare Hospice during their 25th annual Open Gardens event, including Willingale Road Allotments, hosted by Loughton Borough Council.

Open Gardens event organisers are hoping to raise more than £5,000 for the Hospice across the summer season. Entry to participating gardens is payable on the gate and is from £3 per garden, or £5 per group of gardens. Tea, cakes and lunches are available in many of the gardens.

A free guidebook, which includes details of each of the participating gardens or groups of gardens, and the cost of entry, can be picked up in any of the nine St Clare Hospice charity shops, or at the Hospice Reception.

For more information call Dani on 01279 773738 or email dani@stclarehospice.org.uk For a full list of the participating gardens and their opening dates, visit: www.stclarehospice.org.uk/events

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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Voting for District Councillor for North Weald This month will see the election of a District Councillor for North Weald Bassett.

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as a District Councillor for North Weald Bassett:-

The voting will take place at North Weald Village Hall

Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Week Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Week will take place this year during week 4th – 12th May. Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Week is about helping everyone in the United Kingdom understand the impact of a cleft – and the difference that the right support can make. With your help, they hope to create a kinder world for the 90,000 people living with a cleft in the UK today.

Public ignorance about cleft lip and palate is a huge challenge facing thousands of new families each year. Awareness Week is a chance to make ignorance of cleft a thing of the past.

Help them spread the word, share your story with #mycleftstory this May, and remember – the smallest act like clicking ‘share’ or even liking a post can have a big impact! You can find out more by visiting www.clapa.com.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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The Epping Forest Community Policing Team would like to invite you to the following community engagement event:

Coffee with Cops Monday May 12, 2019 10am to 11am at North Weald Deli, High Road, North Weald Coffee with Cops is an opportunity to speak to an officer from Epping Forest Community Policing Team, at an informal location where you can discuss any concerns you may have or to ask questions. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

For more information about these events, please check out the webpage: https://www.essex.police.uk/your-area/brentwood-epping-forest

or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EPBrentwoodandEppingForest

Planning Desk Now Closed Pease be aware that Epping Forest District Council have closed their the planning reception desk on the second floor of the Civic Offices in Epping. f you need to see the Duty Planning Officer, please go to the main reception desk and ask for the Duty Planning Officer, you will then be asked to take a seat and the Duty Planning Officer will come and take you to a meeting room in the Reception area. You will not be able to book an appointment, you simply need to turn up. There is also a change to the availability of the Duty Planning Officer, the opening hours are now as follows:

•

Monday – Friday 9am -11:30am

Please remember to mention to Advertisers that you found their details in North Weald village Life Magazine or website Page 11

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S. I. Painters and Decorators Established 1980

Rubbish from the City, Laindon and Basildon was among 45 tonnes fly-tipped in the Epping Forest District by a rogue waste collector in February.

Quality Painting & Decorating Service • • • • • • • •

Interior & Exterior Specialist Domestic & Commercial Plastering Professional & Reliable No job too small or too large Locally based in North Weald Free Estimates All work is guaranteed Telephone: 01992 524 560 or 07860 494095 Email: stephaniesinteriorsltd@live.co.uk

www.stephaniesinteriorsltd.co.uk Check out our customer references at www.yell.com/S.I.Painting and Decorating Ltd

Counting the cost of ignoring duty of care on waste disposal

This month a skip hire boss who employed the rogue collector was ordered to pay nearly £25,000 for failing in his duty of care in checking the authenticity of the waste disposal firm.

The fly tip was reported to Epping Forest District Council on 26th February and investigated by one of our Environment and Neighbourhood Officers who found it consisted of builders’ and household waste and paperwork belonging to a City firm and people in Laindon and Basildon.

As this was a large scale fly tip in excess of 25 tonnes, we reported it to the Environment Agency who traced the waste back to a skip company in Basildon.

Removing the waste cost the Council £4,500 and some of that will be refunded from the money paid by the defendant.

Owner/operator Robert Walker of Bob’s Skips in Basildon, Essex, failed to check the legitimacy of a haulier who claimed to be working for a genuine haulage company.

Sarah Dunne, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, told magistrates that Walker arranged four disposals. The waste was later found fly tipped in four Essex locations, including North Weald.

She told the court that Walker had asked for waste transfer notices but made no further enquiries about the legitimacy of the company and failed to notice the forms were not completed properly.

He also had no idea where the waste was being taken nor did he check that it had arrived at its destination – all part of his duty of care.

Due to the inaccurate nature of the paperwork, it was not possible to trace the vehicle used to deposit the waste or the driver.

Mrs Dunne said : “This unlawful waste disposal could have been prevented if the code of practice had been followed.

“By breaching his duty of care, he avoided the costs and taxes involved in sending waste to a permitted site.”

A spokesman for Epping Forest District Council said: “The duty of care rules are there to protect the environment and legitimate traders who want to do a good job of disposing of waste properly.

“We take fly tipping in our district very seriously and will diligently pursue all avenues to bring the culprits to justice.”

THE GARDEN HELP Care for your Outdoor Room Garden Maintenance/Tidies,Garden Design Mowing, Pruning, Weeding, Trimming, Holiday Plant Care,

Walker was fined £10,000, ordered to pay £8,300 towards the costs of the clean-up of the fly-tipped rubbish and £6,532 in costs.

Call Kay to discuss your requirements on 07763 775330 Email; kayhewitt@rocketmail.com Page 12

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New van for the Voluntary Action Epping Forest Handyman Service When Chris Bullock from the VAEF Handyman Service needed a new van, the Housing Repairs Team (in partnership with Mears Direct) stepped in to help provide the funding. Without this support the VAEF Handyman service would have had difficulties in continuing to offer this much needed service.

Local resident and service user, Julie Blackham says “I really can’t fault Chris at the Handyman Service. He is reliable and does a great job. I wouldn’t let just anyone in to my house but he is loyal and trustworthy.”

The Handyman Service is a partnership between Epping Forest District Council and Voluntary Action Epping Forest which launched in October 2012. The service is funded by Epping Forest District Council and provides a handyman service to tenants of EFDC properties, provided they are over 60 and or disabled and have no one else who can assist them. The service is provided for free with tenants only having to pay for any materials used.

The type of work the VAEF Handyman scheme covers includes: • Replacing tap washers • Replacing toilet seats • Replacing bath and sink plugs • Replacing light bulbs • Minor repairs to gates, locks and handles • Hanging pictures • Flat pack assembly • Fitting curtain rails and hanging curtains • Tightening cupboard doors • Fitting draft excluders • Replacing batteries in TV remotes and clocks……. and much more Are you an EFDC tenant wishing to use the service? Contact the EFDC Housing Repairs team on 01992 564199.

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More Churches than pubs Latest figures show that there is no shortage of churches in which many people recently celebrated one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendars, this is of course Easter.

In fact, the UK now has more churches than pubs, new data published by the National Churches Trust shows.

There are around 39,000 pubs in the UK, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, with more than 11,000 pubs having closed in the UK in the last decade – a fall of almost a quarter (23%).

However, there are around 40,300 church buildings in the UK open to the public and being used for worship, according to research carried out for the National Churches Trust by the Brierley Consultancy.

The number of church buildings is also substantially higher than other key public buildings in the UK. There are currently around 14,300 supermarkets operated by grocery retailers, 11,500 post office branches, 7,500 bank branches and 3,600 public libraries.

In addition to being used for worship, an increasing number of churches in the UK are becoming local ‘community hubs’, hosting children’s nurseries, senior citizen lunch clubs, concerts and exhibition venues. Some even house post-offices, GP surgeries and farmer’s markets.

Nearly 1 in 5 of the places where people cast their vote are church buildings, with around 6,000 of the UK’s approximately 32,000 polling places – the physical locations of polling stations – located in church buildings, representing some 19% of the total.

Beware of TV Licence Scam Residents have been reporting receiving emails about their TV licenses, which have turned out to be scams!

It’s called a phishing scam and is designed to steal personal and financial information. It was first identified by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) in September 2018 and they have received over 900 crime reports since then, with victim loses totalling more than £830,000.

In order to protect ourselves the advice is: •

Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

•

Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic, even if someone knows your basic details (such as your name or address). Criminals can spoof phone numbers and emails to appear as companies you know and trust, such as TV Licensing.

•

Your bank will never call and ask for your PIN, full banking password, or ask you to transfer money out of your account.

If you are unlucky enough to fall victim: Let your bank know as soon as possible and monitor your bank statements regularly for any usual activity.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud by emailing actionfraud.polic.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Local Community Awards On Monday 25th March, the North Weald Bassett Parish Council presented awards to nominated residents recognising their hard work, dedication and commitment to the local community.

There were many worthwhile winners and highly comended prizes awarded.

Citizen of the Year was presented to two outstanding people. This award was present to Mary West, who created the Thornwood Open Gardens event launched last year and which will take place again this year. The event last year raised a fantastic ÂŁ3,700 for St Clare Hospice. Mary is also the Treasurer for Thornwood Seniors Association. Roger Smith was also presented with the same award, Roger will be known by many as the long standing treasurer for the North Weald Village Hall Trustees, having done this for 10 years together with having been involved with the North Weald Horticultural Society annual show and also their treasurer for 15 years in addition to helping light our Christmas Tree every year.

The Community Award was presented to Dhruve Vasani who I am sure everybody knows from North Weald Chemist. Dhruve is a valued member of our community and is always there for a helpful hand with medication, a listening ear and advice, always kind and works so incredibly hard. The North Weald Chemist Staff were also awarded highly commended. Both very well deserved awards.

Jack Rush was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for his role as Explorer with 3rd North Weald Scout Group, and goes above and beyond to help neighbours, undertakes hard work in Church Lane clearing brambles etc.

The Lifetime Contribution Award was of course awarded Doreen Lodge for her hard work every year for the annual Poppy Appeal, there is so much work involved and goes on many months prior to Remembrance Sunday and after. With all her hard work she raises lots of money every year.

Other awards include:Group Award: Jacky Kelly, Lynn Austin and Jackie Blayney for their hard work in the refurbishment of Hastingwood Village Hall.

Group Community Award: Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group for their hard work and commitment.

Well done everyone.

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BREAKING NEWS It is with great pleasure to announce the launch of DanceXcess new wings in our area .

Called (DanceXcess Essex) they are based in Harlow, the primary team are all from the local area, and are local dancers to the Harlow area.

Mandy & her husband Colin will be teaching the classes on a regular basis, with their son (Mr DJ) who will be playing the music for them, I’m Chris, and come from Sawbridgeworth and will be supporting them and as the club’s principle teacher may be doing some of the classes & DJing too.

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They will be running a FREE introduction to Modern Jive, with an open day on Thursday evening 2nd May 2019 and you are all invited. The venue is Hastingwood Village Hall. The doors will open at 7.30pm with 4x 30 minuet introduction classes starting at 8pm

Following the introduction lessons, they are starting normal classes. These will start on Thursday 9th May 2019 and then every Thursday and thereafter. This new DanceXcess Essex class night will take place at Hastingwood Village Hall, Glovers Lane, North Weald Basset, Hastingwood, Harlow, CM17 9LF. Class Info: Doors open at 7.30pm Beginner class will start at 7.45pm. Free tea and coffee, No Bar so BYO, soft drinks on sale.

Price for May / June is only £6 per person On club evenings the teachers will offer their unique styles and abilities to ensure you get the most from your lesson and they are on hand for individual help and tuition during freestyle sessions.

They hope you can join them in welcoming Mandy and Colin and crew into the DanceXcess family and maybe come along to support them on their opening night at Harlow DanceXcess is a fusion of Jive and salsa, and is fun and easy to learn.

You don’t need to book, you can just turn up any night and you don’t need to bring a partner; you are welcome on your own or if you prefer you can bring friends.

New Beginners are Welcome every week

Old mattress nets hefty find for Loughton man Fly tipping a mattress led to a Loughton man having to pay £952 in fines and costs.

Neil Smith, of The Croft, Loughton pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates Court to fly-tipping at Oakley Court, Loughton.

Evidence was gathered by Epping Forest District Council after it became aware, on 4 January 2018, of a mattress on the grass area adjacent to the bin store that services properties in Oakley Court, Loughton, CCTV evidence of the incident showed two people with a van depositing the mattress at about 9.pm on 21st December 2017 and in court Mr Smith admitted fly-tipping a mattress in Oakley Court on that date.

Magistrates agreed that it was a negligent act and ordered Mr Smith to pay a fine of £320. He was also ordered to make a contribution towards the council’s prosecution costs of £600 together with a victim surcharge of £32.

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Annual Assembly North Weald Bassett Parish Council held their annual assembly meeting during the evening on Monday 25th March.

Alan Buckley, Chairman, updated all present with priorities that had taken place over the last 12 months and upcoming issues that they will be focusing on.

One of the issues that is being considered is a new crossing outside Norway House, this is further to a recent request from a local girl who was involved in an accident recently at this spot that occurred when she was trying to cross the road.

North Weald allotments will be having some new raised beds added to enable people with disabilities, bad backs etc to be able to enjoy their own allotment which would normally not be possible.

A number of District Councillors were also in attendance.

Holly Whitbread, whose area includes Thornwood, provided an update om various issues including Council House programme which supports local people as these are only available to people who have lived in the District for over 7 years.

Holly also made reference to St John Project that is planning a sports centre including a swimming pool at the former Nursery School site opposite St Johns Church.

Richard Morgan, for Hastingwood, mentioned fly-tipping. This is a problem everywhere in the parish. He urged that you do report it.

Chris Whitebread, Epping Forest District Council and Essex County Councillor mentioned forthcoming plans for the Civic Offices. He also referred to pot holes, and speeding problems. Chris also reiterated Hollys comments about the plans for St Johns Road.

The subject of fly-tipping was discussed in the meeting encouraging comments and questions from the audience. It was urged that flytipping was reported, Councillor Nigel Bedford confirmed that fly-tipping was a serious matter and those found guilty were being punished accordingly.

It was urged that nobody touches any fly-tipping prior to reporting it, representatives from environmental health would attend and they would search through the waste to search for clues prior to it being removed.

It was confirmed that fly-tipping on private land was unfortunately down to the land owner to arrange removal.

The Parish Council confirmed that a new petition had been launched and will be at the Library for anyone to sign to fight the closure of North Weald Library.

June Peachey, provided a brief update on the status of the Neighbourhood Plan, and thanked everyone for taking the tine to complete the questionnaire last year. She confirmed that the next steps were evidence gathering and using the questionnaire results to produce draft policies that will of course be discussed with residents at a later date.

This year there were representatives from local groups with stands available before and after the meeting to answer any questions or provide further information.

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Gardening as a skill is being forgotten It's proven that a childhood spent outdoors helps children grow up healthier and happier, but new research from skincare brand Sudocrem shows that gardening has become a pastime as antiquated as hopscotch.

Whilst 87% of British households have a garden, it’s clear that planting and growing vegetables isn’t something it’s used for; with over half of British children between 4 and 8 unable to name 5 vegetables or fruits grown in this country.

Many of those couldn’t identify basic gardening tools, with only 8% able to identify a trowel, 80% never having seen a rake before and, worryingly, 79% believing worms are bad for plants.

73% of those asked said they’d never grown a sunflower, while only 8% had ever picked an apple. Less than 10% had dug up a vegetable and only 6% had ever eaten a fresh pea from the pod.

Perhaps gardening should be taught in schools? Although under half of the children surveyed had access to a garden at school, over 90% of them said that they would like one. At one primary school in Lincolnshire, run by innovative headmaster Sam Coy, a school garden has transformed pupil’s behaviour. Coy insists: “One child recently told me that he loves going to the forest school on a Tuesday afternoon so much as it helps him to behave all week

Musical Magic at St Andrew’s Early in the school year, St Andrew’s children were asked to volunteer to practise and perform a song from a Musical at a fundraising event this April.

Around twenty-five children bravely took this on and spent the following weeks getting performance ready.

Quality furniture – Made to last a lifetime

The big night was on Thursday 4th April. FOStAS, our enthusiastic band of parents who work tirelessly to raise funds for our school, took on the organising of the event. Tickets were sold, programmes printed, decorations put up and a raffle organised.

The children put on an amazing show to a packed and lively audience. Our youngest performer at five years old, sang an amazing version of Tomorrow from Annie. Other performances ranged from a lively version of I Just Can’t Wait to be King to songs from The Greatest Showman, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and much more. Our Singing Club joined together to perform Consider Yourself and our Choir put together a medley of songs from many different Musicals.

Everyone agreed that the evening was a huge success and an amazing £600 was raised to help us provide a reflection garden as a quiet space for our children.

We love to share our events with the community and would like to give you advance notice of our Summer Fayre, to be held on Saturday 13th July.

Julie Lorkins Head Teacher, St Andrews Primary School Page

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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)

Tuesday at 5.30pm or 7.30pm Call Mandy on 07778117128

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Life changing I know what you’re thinking; Another before and after picture. I bet he lives on lettuce and water and runs a hundred miles a week. That’s if you notice these stories at all.

Before I started my journey, they just didn’t register with me. I thought the folk involved starved themselves and the second they ate anything “nice” again, they’d put on the weight they’d lost with interest. All diets are like that, right? Well, there is a grain of truth in that, but I don’t consider myself on a diet, never have. In fact I eat more now than I ever did when I was big. But more about that later.

So, me at the start. 23 stone with a 46” waist, size 3XL, a 21” neck, a BMI of 41+;the bare statistics look serious enough Add in though, that I suffered from gout, serious joint pain, sleep apnoea, {which meant I was never rested and fell asleep, basically whenever I sat on a comfy chair,) I was unable to walk any distance, or climb stairs without getting out of breath, the fact that a warm day would turn me into a hot and flustered puddle and now you can see where I was.

The odd thing is that I didn’t really see it as a problem. These changes happen gradually over time and you get used to them. I thought I was doing okay, I was a survivor. Nothing could really hurt me.

Then everything changed, My twin brother passed away. I don’t really want to expand on it much, suffice to say it was unrelated to the issues I was suffering from and it was comparatively sudden. So I was mortal. People My sister Jane had lost my age could die. That hadn’t really occurred one brother, the idea of losing another was some- to me, or at least it hadn’t preoccupied me, but now it was in sharp focus and not just to thing she couldn’t bear to think about. She was going me. to Slimming World, because she wanted to lose a few pounds, and suggested I go along. Of course I flat out refused. I was fine wasn’t I? Apart from the gout, (man alive, its painful!) But she is nothing if not determined and she wore me down over a period of a month or so, dismantling my feeble excuses until I was hiding behind one: There would be all women there and no men. I would not fit in, “Of course there are men there!" She told me so I reluctantly agreed to go and see what was what. “Just for one week, okay?”

I don’t really know what I was expecting, but the welcome at North Weald group was warm, everybody was friendly and they made me feel welcome. The new member talk surprised me. There was more talk about what you COULD eat than what you couldn’t! Were there any men? No not for months, (although we have a lot more men coming along now,) .but after losing 5lb in my first week and thinking to myself,” there might be something to this,” I never really looked back.

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Fire Safety in the home Last year, 248 people lost their lives due to a fire at home. Many of these could have been prevented.

Everyday fire risks are present in our homes. Well-known risks include candles and cooking left unattended, covered electrical heaters, overloaded plugs, and cigarettes.

Here are a few ways to keep you and your family, friends and neighbours safe: • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and make sure you can hear them throughout your home • Test your smoke alarms monthly – they could save your life, but only if they are working • Offer to test the smoke alarms of an older family member, neighbour or friend who needs help • Plan and practise how you’d escape in a fire and have a plan B • Most accidental fires start in the kitchen, so take care and never leave cooking unattended • Don’t overload plug sockets and adapters – watch out for loose wiring, scorch marks, and hot plugs and sockets • Keep heaters clear from curtains and furniture and never use them to dry clothes • Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully – put it out, right out By following these quick and simple steps, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by accidental fires.

Did you know?

• You are over 7 times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there are no working smoke alarms • Smoke alarms only take a moment to test but they give you and your family the best chance of surviving a fire

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A message from Epping Forest Community Policing Team It is great to be able to feature in this magazine and we hope that this will be the first article of many from us here at Epping Forest Community Policing Team.

The Community Policing team comprise of police officers and police community support officers as well as active citizens and special constables. We look at longer term problem solving investigations in the community including dealing with all Hate Crime.

The CPT also lead on public engagement so will be the officers you meet if you attend our Coffee with Cops events or Local Community Meetings.

You can find the details of these events online.

The Officer who is responsible for the North Weald area is PC Andy Cook. He is supported by PCSO’s Norma Harrison and Andy Flett. You can contact them on EppingForestCPT@essex.pnn.police.uk with any concerns you may have.

Always report non-emergency crime by calling 101 and 999 for emergencies.

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Gardening Hints for May Now the clocks have gone forward the nights are getting lighter and we can finally start spending more time in our gardens. Don’t be fooled by some of the warm days that we’ve had recently as the nights are still cold and the risk of frost will last right up until the end of May, so don’t be tempted to plant out any soft plants just yet.

Try to keep in top of the weeds in flower beds either by using a hoe to remove the tops or using a systemic weed killer, taking care that any chemical drift doesn’t make contact with wanted plants. You can now start to use weed, feed and moss killer on your lawns. If it doesn’t rain within a couple of days after applying then water it in, if you have pets or children we’d recommend you watering it in as soon as you apply it, then once dry it’s safe for your pets and children to walk on again. You’ll find that the weeds will suddenly start to grow very fast, which is normal. You can just go over them with the mower as you cut your lawn, Moss will turn black and will then require raking out, if you find you have bald patches after removing moss you can use grass seed to patch the areas, just don’t allow the seed to dry out. This year at the nursery we are stocking Grow-Sure grass seed which is guaranteed to grow so long as you follow the instructions on the packaging. It’s proving to be popular with our customers and has a good write up in Which?

At the end of May you can plant out soft vegetables like tomatoes, keep them staked up and remove and side shoots as they appear. If you prefer to to grow the basket varieties then 3 plants in one 18” basket is enough, you don’t need to remove side shoots from the basket/tumbling varieties. Don’t allow the compost to dry out and feed regularly. 3 plants should provide enough fruit for you and your family.

Again this year we have a nice selection of roses available, we recommend spaying roses once a month with Rose Clear to help keep your plants healthy and prevent black spot. Black spot is not curable but is preventable, if any leaves do have black spot then remove them and dispose of in your wheelie bin not in the compost heap.

Rhubarb will soon be growing well, the new soft stalks can be chopped and used in salads rather than the usual crumbles! Keep rhubarb well watered and feed regularly with tomato food and if possible add some well rotted manure around the base of the plant.

The secondweek of May is a good time to plant out your runner bean plants, just keep an eye on the temperature as if it’s to cold when you plant them out runner beans will never reach their full potential. They are very hungry plants so feed them well with tomato food and again they also benefit from some well rotted manure. Established trees, bushes and fruit trees can have a top dressing of Growmore or blood, fish & bone, a mulch around the top with some bark will also help to get the moisture in during the summer months.

Although we will have bedding plants on sale soon we don’t recommend planting them out until the risk of frost has passed, usually by the end of May. Well, after writing that lot I definitely need a drink now, so I’ll be found in the garden with a nice cold beer! Cheers.

Nigel, (Art Nursery Garden Centre) P.S Lisa said don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Art Nursery Garden Centre (don’t ask me about fb though, I know it works but not how it works!)

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07932 724730

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Update from the Ongar Flower Club

The first meeting of the Ongar Flower Club with the benefit of a lighter evening was their April meeting. They welcomed Anne Bell as our demonstrator, who had travelled to us from Dunmow.

The club now meets in the Ongar Sports Pavilion as you probably Ann had some floral treats, her theme "From Me to You" was a very wide one, and her designs were certainly varied, and used very good quality flowers.

Ann's designs throughout the evening were quite delightful, and she showed how new plant material is becoming available at the wholesalers. The freshness of all the different flowers, flown in from around the world, is quite amazing.

Using a formium leaf that had Ann split, she had then woven back and forth a thinner strip to create a very modern vertical line. In the flower arranging world, this is called leaf manipulation.

Throughout the evening, Ann created some beautiful designs, and clutching our raffle tickets at the end, six lucky ladies went home with the arrangements Ann had so beautifully made.

Why not join them next time - you may be one of the lucky ones.

The next meeting is Tuesday 7 May, when Jack Bell from our every own high street florist Bloomin Jacks will be centre stage, his theme is Surprise Surprise!! Visitors fee is ÂŁ5: a great floral raffle, tea/coffee/bix, a very warm welcome....all the ingredients for a lovely evening. Hope to see you!

Moreton & District WI Update

Source: Jenny Stone

Our speaker at the February 14th meeting was Jane Gregory, an Alexander Technique Practitioner. Jane advised us on the importance of correct posture whilst standing and sitting to avoid back pain. She helped us to adjust our positions to the correct alignment and even advised how to rise from a sitting position.

We met again on March 14th and welcomed Elaine Pye plus three other members of Dolphin WI. Elaine's sister, who lives in Sandridge, wanted to mark the nine hundredth anniversary of her village church. She had the idea of knitting a model of the church. Her WI members joined her in the project and the model church was joined by a cricket match and twenty other models, these were all displayed at a coffee morning, the proceeds raised being donated to the church funds.

Now the ladies are giving talks to raise money to buy glass or Perspex covers for the models to protect them for the future. Viewing is open to the public and a visit can be arranged by contacting 01376 326784.

Future meeting dates: April 11th Ray Clarke - the truth about the boat that rocked - Radio Caroline May 9th AGM - Jane Bird, chair of the advisory committee will speak to us and a representative of St Clare's Hospice will discuss their " Friendship Appeal Scheme" June 13th - Len Little - training and use of specialist search dogs part two.

All meetings held at Magdalan Laver Village Hall at 2pm. All Welcome.

BASSETT BUSINESS CENTRE Hurricane Way (opposite Bookers Cash & Carry) We are looking for flexible reception staff to cover holidays and sickness only. No regular hours, no specific days - just on an ad hoc basis.

Please pop in or ring Pip or Chris 01992 524111 for a chat.

Source: Marianne Binder Moreton WI Page 29

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It’s very encouraging for us to be receiving more requests for infants to be baptised at St Andrew’s church. Particularly at a time when we are without a vicar and when the modernists have no time for it. A recurring problem arises because although we recognise that an integral part of a Christening service is that it is a time when the local church family’ receive and welcome a child into the universal church of Christ, the early start of our Parish Mass on Sundays places impossible burdens on relatives travelling from some distance away. Sadly and inevitably this means that these baptisms will take place later in the day in an empty church.

Come the day that we actually have our own incumbent vicar again it will be an easy matter to move our morning worship to say ten or tenthirty but currently we are dependent on visiting clergy who can then move on to take another service elsewhere later in the same morning.

The Church of England, being a National church, one would expect that there would be some understanding on the part of the state of what the state-related church is and how it does it. But recent efforts being made by both sectors of our nation to introduce rules relating to the safeguarding of both children and adults from the attention of predators have revealed that there is no such understanding.

Some time last year the Chelmsford Diocesan authorities advised me that my licence to function as a legitimate Lay Minister, which I have held for almost thirty years and which was due to be reissued this month, could not happen unless I agreed to attend a full day’s training in safeguarding and complete two sets of detailed ‘disclosure’ documents.

Having done all this I was then surprised to hear that it was a necessary part of this procedure that I presented myself at the office of the Archdeacon of Harlow complete with driving licence, passport and recent utility bill! This then led to a query from a remote government body as to how I could be employed as a Lay Minister whilst apparently working from home. One would have thought that because Lay Ministers have been part of the National Church of England for the past 153 years the government officials involved with all this would not be asking questions about my status. Not mine nor the other ten thousand of us.

At the risk of boring you to death I would like to share an experience in connection with all the above. The five-hour training session on Safeguarding, held at the Diocesan training centre in Chelmsford consisted mainly of a presenter scrolling through dozens of pages of closelytyped text being projected on to a projection screen. The presenter’s commentary, which was almost non-stop , was not always synonymous with the visible wads of text. What the organisers didn’t know and what I wasn’t going to mention was that my life’s work was with cinematography and Audio-visual. In pre-video days I used to give presentations on ‘Audio-Visual in Worship’ which was to assist those churches where the AV was generally of a poor standard and not always necessary. When I mentioned this Safeguarding ordeal at Chelmsford to members of my family the sympathetic response I received from two of them who are in business was ‘We know what you mean. We call it ‘death by Power Point’ I seem to have been focussed on practical matters this month but this situation of being both in the church and in the world is one that I am comfortable with and next month I shall swing my remarks in the spiritual direction. Prepare to be surprised!

Telephone: 01992 522351

Edwyn Gilmour

Tylers Green, 284 High Road, North Weald CM16 6EG Page 30

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LETTER

Dear Editor,

Some of your more sceptical readers may think a bird such as myself is not avianly capable of an opinion or have the ability to take photographs – how wrong they are!

Here I am, about to take a shot after the human has lined the camera for me.

And below is the result of my latest offering entitled, ‘Twisting by the Pool’ - a take on the 1984 Dire Straits hit.

Me checking the shot before jumping on the shutter button.

I feel that the local humans need educating with regard to all the other non-human inhabitants in what they call the village. One of the problems we all face is a lack of surface water now the humans have built their huge nests over our ponds!

I suggest that all humans dig a small hole in the ground about 6 mealworms, (6inches, or 150mm) deep by 36 mealworms, (3 ft, or 1m) long and 24 mealworms, (2 ft, or 610mm) wide with gently sloping sides.

Line it with a watertight membrane and cover with pebbles. Then fill with rainwater, not the stuff that comes from a tap!

‘Twisting by the Pool’ or ‘Why do the boys always have to show-off?’

By Rockin’ Robin.

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NEW Fresh hot Coffee Canine capers as St ONGAR WILDLIFE SOCIETY (OWLS) MOT’S, Services Repairs Tyres & Exhausts Oil

In March, we welcomed to OWLS local wildlife photographer, Lynn Rix who delighted the audience with a talk accompanied by beautiful photography entitled Alaska – Wildlife and More.

Lynn presented a personal account of her wildlife trip to Alaska and told of both the ups and the downs of travelling by boat, light aircraft and on foot over hundreds of miles with fairly basic accommodation. Travelling alone in a party she soon made friends with other wildlife enthusiasts and saw bears, moose, wolves and a whole variety of birds, including bald eagles, at close range. Her camera was always at the ready and she captured great action shots and close-ups.. One of her many photographs which shows a brown (grizzly) bear catching a salmon is shown here. The original is in beautiful colour and ultra sharp, but this picture gives you some impression of her photographic skills.

OWLS Meetings in 2019: 20 May Lichens in Essex John Skinner; 16 Sept Climate Change Brian Eversham; 21 Oct Insect Trends. Is it all bad news? Rosie Earwaker; 18 Nov Wildlife and Landscape Photography Andrew Bailey; 9 Dec Christmas Corals Brian Rosen.

All meetings are held at 8pm at Jubilee Park Pavilion, Love Lane (off High Street), Ongar CM5 9BL You may wish to join OWLS and learn more about other aspects of the natural world. Visitors pay £5, but why not join - only £20 a year for nine talks, a garden party and a New Year party. It’s great value and an opportunity to learn about wildlife and the environment.

For more information, please take a look at our website: www.ongarwildlifesociety.org.uk

Keith Snow

Bus Fare Increase Essex County Council has confirmed that some bus passengers will notice a small increase in bus fares on some Essex services.

From 1st April 2019 fares increased by 2.1% in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), which is set by the Government.

The increase is rounded up to the nearest 10p and will help to bring fares on taxpayer-supported services in line with fares on commercial services.

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Broken Down/Misted Sealed Units Replaced Locks/Hinges Renewed

Nominate your Community Hero Do you know somebody in your community who goes the extra mile to support vulnerable people, prevent crime and make their communities safer? If so, then why not nominate them for a Community Safety Award, organised by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. The process is simple to complete with the winners recognised at the PFCC Annual Conference. This event takes place on Friday, June 7th at Colchester United Football Stadium.

The winner will receive £500 to go towards their work in the community and two runners’ up or highly commended winners will also receive £300. There will also be a chance for the people of Essex to vote for the winner of a People’s Choice category from a shortlist of entrants selected by the judging panel. The People’s Choice winner will receive £100.

Conservatories Cleaned/Repaired Cat & Dog Flaps Fitted Front Door Panels Renewed Handles Replaced

This year we have a new category for young people open to anybody aged up to and including 24-years-old. The winner of this award will receive £300 to go towards their work in the community.

Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium

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To win an award, you have to demonstrate that the nominee is an exceptional person or group that have gone above and beyond to keep their community safe. They also have to have delivered a project or scheme that has improved the safety of those around them.

Nominees can be volunteers or those who work in a professional capacity, delivering a service to the public to keep people safe, prevent crime and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Find out more here: https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/news/pfcccommunity-safety-awards/

Wish somebody a happy birthday, or announce a birth, death, marriage, or special anniversary

Beware Dangerous Dyson Hairdryers

Just send these to me via

Trading Standards Officers who regularly examine goods imported through Stansted Airport recently confirmed that they had detained a number of Dyson Supersonic hairdryers.

email and I will include these in a future issue

Although the hairdryers initially looked convincing the cost to the importer was $8 approximately £6 per unit. The hairdryer normally retails for a minimum of £300 which is fifty times the price. An inspection of the packaging, consideration to where the products had been imported from and dialogue with the brand holders gives our officers the expertise to make decisions about the authenticity of these types of product.

Hairdryers like this have not been subjected to the stringent safety testing and it serves to show the dangers of buying cheap copies and the risks associated in doing so.

These hairdryers are now been held and are awaiting destruction. All our seized items are disposed of with the environment in mind.

Page 34

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

M. P. Warren Painting & Decorating Established for over 30 years Local, Trusted and Professional Service Interior and Exterior All Aspects of Decorating Undertaken Reliable and Tidy

Telephone

0772 2343564

Citizens Advice: a new service for people applying for Universal Credit Universal Credit became available in this area in December 2018 and will in time replace six income-related benefits: housing benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income=-based Job Seekers Allowance, income support, working tax credits and child tax credits. If you are already on any of these income-related benefits or on tax credits you do not have to claim Universal Credit unless you have certain changes of circumstances. If you have been told you should claim Universal Credit feel free to check with us first whether that is right.

At the beginning of April we launched a new service called “Help to Claim” for those who need help to apply for Universal Credit. Claims generally have to be made online, although there are special arrangements for people who cannot handle online claims. This new service can support you to make a new claim, from opening your account to receiving your first full payment.

To get your claim under way you’ll need:

▢ your national insurance number ▢ your postcode ▢ your type of accommodation (for example private rental, council tenancy or housing association tenancy) ▢ how much rent or mortgage you pay each month ▢ any service charges you pay ▢ your landlord’s address and phone number ▢ your bank, building society, credit union or Post Office card account details ▢ how much you earn from work (such as recent payslips, or accounts or receipts if you’re self-employed)

▢ any income that’s not from work (for example a pension or insurance plan) ▢ any savings or other capital you have (for example shares or property) ▢ how much you pay for childcare (if you want to claim childcare costs) ▢ child benefit reference numbers (you can find these on letters to you about child benefit - they start with ‘CHB’) ▢ details of any other benefits you’re getting

You’ll also need an email account and if possible some way of verifying your identity such as a passport.

Our trained advisers can help you to set up your Universal Credit account and complete your to-do list for your claim. We can help you to verify your identity, make sure you’re providing the right evidence to the Jobcentre, and help you to understand the implications of becoming a Universal Credit “customer.”

If you’re not sure what help you need just get in touch and we can work out how we can support you. We have regular sessions at three locations. We are at Loughton Job Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 3pm, at our Epping office on Tuesdays between 10am and 1pm, and at our office in Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton on Thursdays between 9.30am and 1pm. It’s first come, first served.

You can also call our “Help to Claim” Freephone 0800 144 8 444.

You can find more information on Universal Credit on our advice pages. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/ If you have more general enquiries about benefits or if you are already on Universal Credit and are having problems you can c ome to one of our ordinary drop-in sessions instead. They are at 50A Hemnall Street Epping between 10am and 2pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, at Loughton Library from 9.30 to 1pm Monday to Thursday, and at Waltham Abbey Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm.

Source: P. Stockton Page 35

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Hospice calls on local businesses to compete for football trophy West Essex and East Herts charity, St Clare Hospice, is calling on local businesses from across the area to battle it out on the pitch at their annual Business Football Tournament this summer.

Hosted at Harlow Town FC Arena, the tournament will take place on Thursday 20th June 2019 from 5pm – 11pm. So far, five local businesses have signed up to compete for the St Clare trophy, entering seven teams between them. However, organiser Amy Jacobs from St Clare is hoping to beat last year’s total of 14 business competitors, who between them entered 20 teams into the competition.

“We’re on the lookout for businesses to come and show off their ball skills on the pitch at our annual footie fundraiser!” says Amy, Corporate Fundraising Manager at the Hastingwood-based Hospice.

“Everyone who works locally is welcome to take part. All you have to do is round up your team at work and get in touch to sign up.

This round-robin 5-a-side tournament always offers an excellent night out for everyone, and is such a great teambuilding opportunity to get involved in.

“Last year, the event raised around £5,000 in total, so we’re hoping to top that this year to raise even more for the Hospice. Although the event is such good fun and a real laugh, the difference it really makes goes far beyond a simple football match. The vital funds we raise go towards making a difference to the lives of local people who are living with a life-limiting illness “.

“So if you think you have what it takes to win the highly-coveted St Clare football trophy, sign up today! Registration to take part is now open and we would love to see you there!” Amy added.

Up to 8 per team can enter the St Clare Business Football Tournament, with a roll on/roll off sub system. It is £250 per team to enter and each player is encouraged to try to fundraise on top.

Register your business team online at: https://stclarehospice.org.uk/event/business-football-tournament/ Alternatively, call St Clare Corporate Fundraising Manager, Amy Jacobs, on 01279 773758 or amy.jacobs@stclarehospice.org.uk

HAYDEN LANDSCAPES LTD DRIVEWAY AND PATIO SPECIALISTS Elvis in Thornwood The recent event held at Thornwood Village Hall on 16th March at which Elvis Tribute was the main attraction was a great success.

Many attended and enjoyed the evening, and raised a total of £863.00 for St Clare Hospice.

Well done Shirley Hawkins, Elaine Davis and everybody else involved, who will be the next starring attraction I wonder?

Page 36

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or 01277412522

For a free no obligation quotation WEBSITE: www.haydenlandscapes.co.uk EMAIL: haydenlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

A Break From Brexit What an absolutely fabulous Easter Bank Holiday, We’ve been so truly fortunate enough to have had.

Blessed with warm gorgeous sunshine with longer days, Simply putting back people’s smiles as the combined mood is one that’s so glad.

With the country’s politics simply going down the river As careers of politicians are also doing the same.

The beautiful weather was a distraction that we all so desperately needed, while the Government play a losing game.

I think that everyone is now so sick of Brexit, That they just wish it had never begun.

While the true fallout of what will actually happen to us all Is still unknown to anyone.

I know that I’m sick and tired of all the lies and back stabbing That’s going on while they all feed us nonsense and treat us like a fool.

To be quite honest they’re all like silly children Behaving badly with each other as if they were back at school.

With the distraction of the warm sumptuous days diverting attention from what they are so sadly trying to achieve, There is such a feeling of discontentment That people really don’t now seem to care whether we stay or leave.

Thank the heavens for such wonderful weather That allows for some form of resemblance to return to the people as a whole, Allowing us all to smile again and unify As the Government seem hell bent upon scoring a huge own goal.

What will happen next? I don’t think anyone truly knows, Sadly, a far too common factor that’s set to just carry on unresolved I suppose.

So please stay with us sunshine, For the beauty you reveal makes us all smile, Allowing the country, although still confused, To at least be happy for a while.

Source: Andy – Resident Poet. A political theme this month.

Page 37

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BIRD FEATURE - MAY 2019 Greetings ... here is the report for the May 2019 edition. This covers the latter part of April through to mid May. There has been quite a bit going on since the entry for last month. I suggested that we had seen the last of the winter thrushes but during the last week of March there were two sightings - firstly there were over 30 Fieldfares and Redwings in trees and bushes near the derelict communications centre and then on the Sunday (31st) there were another dozen or so at Weald Common. Not quite sure where they popped up from although I would speculate that they were 'stragglers' moving from further west in the UK prior to migrating back to breeding grounds in Scandinavia. One interesting behaviour practised by Fieldfares when their nests / chicks are threatened by predators is to fly up and basically poop on the offender. This is very effective as any predator that gets its feathers messed up will have its ability to fly seriously impaired - threatening its own survival. We of course don't see this in this country as they don't breed in the UK. Another interesting sighting was a Red Kite over Weald Common on Saturday 6th April with a second sighting the following afternoon. On both occasions the bird drifted over the village and I wonder if any of you spotted it - maybe without actually realising it was a Red Kite. They have a more angular wing than the Buzzard and have a distinctive forked tail. There are scattered populations at a small number of locations in the UK and this may have been an individual bird that is dispersing to another area. It would be great to see more of this species as it is an impressive sight. Keep an eye out, you just never know.

There have been plenty of summer warblers in evidence, especially Chiffchaffs which I have heard calling from bushes and trees at various locations.

There have also been Blackcaps singing away - they have a beautiful, melodic song whereas the Chiffchaff is more likely to be noticed through its repetitive two syllable call. I have also heard / seen a small number of Willow Warblers. These very small birds have reached the UK after demanding migrations from mostly Africa. A massive effort to reach the UK to take advantage of the surge in insect numbers during our spring and summer. And of course there is the return journey in the autumn. Remarkable endurance, remarkable survival.

I have yet to see the first Swallows or House Martins but there should be some here within the next couple of weeks. Swifts arrive later (and leave earlier) but before you know it we should have all 3 of these species flying around in pursuit of flying insects. Over the years we have had fewer and fewer of these birds spending the summer in the UK and various research projects are trying to confirm whether the problems are here in their breeding grounds or elsewhere in their wintering areas. Of course there are fewer insects than in days gone by and if you go to countryside where livestock predominate then you will see how many more Swallows etc are about - because cow pats provide an excellent attraction for insects !!! Whereas modern arable fields tend to provide poor pickings for insects and this is reflected in the lower numbers of birds.

One summer visitor that is an annual sighting around here is the Cuckoo. This species is in serious decline in the UK but we have continued to get a few around the area, hopefully this will be the case once again this spring. Their distinctive call is far carrying and this is one bird that will be noticed by people who wouldn't normally show any interest in our birdlife. They represent bad news for the host species that get lumbered with the Cuckoo chick.

As I stated in last month's report the birds are particularly obvious during the breeding season. All the singing, displaying and fetching and carrying food for chicks means birds are on the go from dusk to dawn. The dawn chorus is at its peak although the down side is hearing Collared Doves coo-cooing over and over at first light. Even a bird lover like myself can find that pretty irritating at 4 in the morning.

If you notice birds nesting in your garden or see signs of nesting when walking around the area then try not to do anything to give away the nest to predators, in days gone by bird nesting was an activity practised by many a child or even adults but it is now illegal to disturb nesting birds. Just loitering near a nest can unwittingly result in the adult bird abandoning the nest or being unable to feed or tend to the chick which can threaten the chick's survival. Unfortunately one of the biggest threats to young birds is the domestic cat with suggestions that tens of millions fall victim to cats each year.

As so many birds nest in residential areas this is a problem that is not easy to resolve.

The number of gulls to be seen should drop away as many of them go to their breeding grounds in colonies elsewhere in the UK. There will be more chance of seeing Buzzards as warmer days will often lead to sightings of them soaring upwards on thermals. Those gulls that are about will do the same. With the Buzzards they are not always obvious overhead until they utter their piercing meowing calls. If you track one it is surprising how quickly they can climb to dizzying heights and they can also cover a long way when they 'dive' at a shallow angle when they spot potential prey such as a rabbit.

There have been several Song Thrushes singing around the village, on one occasion I could clearly hear 4 individuals singing around Weald Common.

This is a species that seems to be doing well locally. Another bird seemingly doing well is the Greenfinch. A year or two back I reported that this species was really struggling and that I had hardly seen any for months on end. In recent months however there has been an upturn in numbers and a couple of weeks ago I saw one flock of over 15 birds. They were suffering losses due to disease but it looks like numbers are recovering. In contrast latest research shows that several of our smaller species declined in numbers during the last year or so - with that event we all know as the Beast from the East seen as the most likely reason.

There are Little Owls in evidence around Weald Common. I've been hearing one on several quiet evenings and on one occasion there were clearly 2 individuals calling.

On some of the better days there have been a small number of bees flying around and in the first week of April a beautiful pale yellow butterfly wafted by. Soon we should see plenty more butterflies and the one species I am most looking forward to see is the Orange Tip - a white butterfly with a splosh of orange on each wing tip, hence the name !!! Different species are on the wing at different times and the Orange Tip is one of the earlier flies. Not sure why but since my childhood this has always been my favourite.

Other wildlife is about. There continue to be more sightings of deer around Weald Common, even in broad daylight with dog walkers and cars about.

There were over 15 in the scrub area adjacent to the flood relief meadow on one morning. I have twice seen stoats, again at Weald Common. They are bad news for nesting birds and are ferocious predators. Any sightings tend to just be a quick glimpse as they scuttle off into the undergrowth.

Although we don't get the variety of species that some areas get - mainly because the habitats in our area are not that varied, for instance we have little in the way of bodies of water, no heathland, no uplands etc - we are lucky to have such ease of access to the countryside. There are areas of the country that have incredible scenery but limited access to the land, or you have to be a dedicated walker to traverse the landscape. Here you can be in open space within a couple of minutes of the High Road with plenty of scope to follow public footpaths.

If you do get a chance to get out and about, keep an eye (and ear) out, there will be birds singing, summer visitors rushing about after insects and Buzzards soaring overhead. Enjoy. Take care.

Paul Corbet Page 38

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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 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

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Theydon Jazz Club

Tel: 07941 185171 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

01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir