North Weald Village Life February 2021 issue

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Issue: 174 February 2021 Page

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Love is all around I am not sure what month, year or day we are on to be truthful, so let me remind myself – oh yes it’s February 2021.

I looked at the new calendar hanging up in the kitchen and with the exception of some birthdays there really isn’t much on it – lots of blank days.

Looking on the bright side, there is hope. Lots of local people in their 80’s, 70’s and clinically vulnerable have now had their vaccination or are due to get theirs. Both my dad and my mother-in-law have had their first ones which is such a relief to our family. I know it isn’t instant but just knowing that something has happened that, in time, will help protect them from the virus or from dying from the virus. I know strong words – but that’s the truth.

I have met so many people in the village who have had Covid 19 over Christmas or in January. Honestly, it is surprising how many people have had it in the village, luckily most have come through it but have been very poorly.

With this in mind, I was upset to learn that some customers have hurled abuse at staff at our local Co-op shop when asked by staff to where a mask. I am disgusted to learn this. The staff there have worked tirelessly during the pandemic in difficult circumstances, putting themselves at risk. With so many people dying every day and people being so ill, wearing a mask whilst shopping is the very least you can do. I know some people are exempt which is fair enough. Please think of others – if this pandemic has proven one thing it is to look after each other.

On my walks out, it is great to see so many people enjoying our area. The other day, after walking to the post box I decided to take a walk to the forest at Kiln Road, ignored the mud as I had totally the wrong footwear on and decided to walk into the forest. I love this part of the forest. I walked off the path and just stood in amongst the trees, listening to the birds singing, enjoying the fresh air and the surroundings. I must have stood there for about 20 minutes. The pandemic, the lockdown, the worries, stresses and everything just melted away – it felt so natural and normal.

On the subject of home schooling, luckily I have not really been affected by this. However as my eldest daughter is now a primary school teacher and is teaching online I see it from a different angle. She works hard setting the work, uploading it every day either late at night or early in the morning ready for the children, marking all the pieces submitted during the day and evening as some children do their work in the evening once the laptop is not being used by the parent for their work during the day. She rings parents and children to say well done or to ask why they have not done the work, she holds two zoom calls a week with her children. She misses the children in her class so much. She goes into school once or twice a week to undertake some bits and spends time with the key worker or vulnerable children who are in school usually at break time so the staff on duty can have a break and then comes home to catch up on the work she has missed.

Home schooling is not easy for parents, teachers or children. But I admire every parent or teacher who has got involved to ensure the children don’t suffer.

By the way Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone.

JUNE

Cover photo: Chosen to share a bit of valentine goodies with everyone. No I didn't bake these, mine would not have looked this good.

Contents February Issue Page No.

4. Brain Teaser 44. Grants awarding to residents self isolating 6. Planning applications 7. Covid testing 13. Need help with food 14. Clean Air Zone 16. Parish Council say No to increase in precept 17. Training & Support for dementia carers 23. Church Chat 24. Avoiding dog theft 25. Herts & Essex Ambulance helps transport Covid patients 27. Garden Hints 31. Citizen Advice 33. Bird 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.

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

Valentine Chocolate Flowers Lovers Embarrassed Prosecco Letters Films Entwined Courage Patience Texts Surprise Hearts Friend Introduction

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Thank you to Mr R. Lewis 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 February. Please send it to: - February 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.

Grants available to help Essex residents self-isolate Epping Forest District Council have received extra funding from Essex County Council to reopen the scheme to provide one-off support payments to those who have to self-isolate.

Residents who must self-isolate because they or a household member has tested positive for COVID-19, could get a £500 grant – whether or not they qualify for a Test and Trace Support Payment from the Government.

The £500 discretionary grant per resident will be a one-off payment to cover the 2-week period of self-isolation. The funding is a per-head share of £3m distributed to councils across Essex.

Cllr Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council welcomed the new grant saying: “More and more people are taking tests and finding they need to self isolate. This one-off grant will go a little way towards helping support them while they cannot work. It is intended for those residents who don’t qualify for any of the other Government grants available.”

The funds ECC has been able to access come from the Government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) which is aimed at supporting city, borough and district councils with their test and trace isolation payments schemes.

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Code word scheme to offer ‘lifeline’ to domestic abuse victims Victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK, backed by the government.

The Ask for ANI scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access support. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services such as a national or local domestic abuse helplines.

As an essential retailer based on high streets across the country, and with specifically trained staff, pharmacies can provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and unable to get help in another way.

The scheme will be initially available through the 2,300 Boots stores across the UK

Have you lost a phone?

A mobile phone was found on Monday 25th January in Queens Road. It was frozen solid but is working but is pin secured. If you think it may be yours, please get in touch with me.

Monday Market to close temporarily The Epping Monday Market will be closed for the remainder of January and possibly February, Epping Town Council has announced.

The market has been open for ‘essentials’ traders in line with Government guidance to enable people to buy their vital goods outdoors.

The council has decided to close the market until midFebruary or the beginning of March, depending on the health situation and Government guidance at the time.

The decision has been made by Epping Town Council and the 'essential' traders together.

A town council spokesman said: "We will miss our Monday Market while it is closed, but we hope to be able to welcome our traders back safely as soon as possible."

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Planning Applications Application No: EPF/0001/21 Officer: Zara Seelig Applicant Name: Mr Ian Lofthouse Planning File No: 007022 Location: 20 Upland Road, Epping Upland, Epping CM16 6NL Proposal: Single storey side extension & first floor rear extension with new pitched roof.

Application No: EPF/3077/20 Officer: Alastair Prince Applicant Name: Mr & Mrs Phillips Phillips Planning File No: 030567 Location: 33 Princes Close, North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6EW Proposal: Two storey side extension single storey front extension loft conversion with rear dormer.

Any representations on applications should be made in writing, by Saturday 13th February 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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COVID testing

A courier collects completed tests each day from Lindsey Street Community Association in Epping. Tests must not be put in the In January a fast testing centre is up and running for Epping post.

Forest district residents who do not have symptoms of COVIDThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is available to any19. one living or working in a highest alert area, who do not have The test centre is at Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, COVID-19 symptoms.

Theydon Bois,CM16 7ER. It was the 5th of its kind to be set up Tests cannot be taken on site. They must be collected, done at in Essex. home and returned to the site, correctly packaged as instructEpping Forest District Council Leader Chris Whited. bread welcomed the new testing centre saying: “It’s great news that we have another resource in the district to help us beat the The collect and drop off testing site is at Lindsey Street Comspread of this dreadful virus. The tests are quick to do, with munity Association, 28 Frampton Road, Epping CM16 6RP. results in around 30 minutes. The rate at which this new strain The site is open: is spreading in our communities is frightening. Whereas in the • Monday to Wednesday 9.30am to 4.30pm first wave it seemed that we did not know many family, friends • Thursday 9.30am to midday or colleagues who were infected, now there are dozens and • Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday some are very poorly indeed.

Test results are managed by the NHS test and trace sysThese Lateral flow tests (LFT) are by appointment for anyone tem and results are usually back within 24 to 48 hours via living in the Epping Forest district who does not have any email, text message or telephone. symptoms.

There is no testing on site and anyone with symptoms must not You must book your test first, you can do this online at attend and should book a COVID test online. www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19/if-you-dont-havesymptoms or if you’re not able to book online you can call 0333 The site is for people who are not showing symptoms 772 6144 to arrange an appointment. Lines are open from 8am (asymptomatic) and those attending the site should always follow national COVID safety guidance. to 8pm, every day including Saturday and Sunday.

You can also email booking.confirmation@nhs.net and a mem- It is advised not to take a test if you have previously tested positive via a PCR test in the last 12-weeks as this could give a ber of staff will contact you to arrange an appointment. false result.

A centre offering home-testing kits for people without symptoms is at the Lindsey Street Community Association in Frampton Onsite employees are not able to interact with people returning completed tests and attendees are responsible for securely Road, Epping, CM16 6RP. packaging their own completed tests.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are not conducted on site, They must be taken away and returned for despatch to the laboratory. Results are normally available within 24-48 hours.

You must not have symptoms when taking the test and you don’t need to book online. Just turn up and collect a kit.

EVENTS

When you have your kit: • Take it home • Register a home test kit at GOV.UK • Do the test • Drop it back at Lindsey Street Community Association

Please don’t forget to tell Advertisers where you saw their advert

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Talk to us Day is part of Time to Change’s campaign Time to Change is a growing social movement working to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems.

Lots of us have felt worried about the coronavirus pandemic, and everyone will feel differently about the constant changes to lockdown restrictions.

If someone is feeling anxious or worried, Time to Campaign have reminded us that you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to support them.

Here are some of their tips: Check in – just a phone call or video call or maybe a text message just asking how they are and being there to listen and reminding them if they want to talk about anything you are there to listen.

Listen and reflect – Even if you have never had a mental health problem before this is challenging time for our mental health and wellbeing. If someone opens up to you, remember that you don't need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening, and showing you take them seriously, can help someone to manage.

Ask questions - Ask how people are managing, and ask again if you're worried they aren't sharing the full picture. Asking again, with interest, can help someone to open up and explore what they're feeling. Listen to what they are saying and ask questions based on what they have said to show you are listening to them.

You can find out more advice by visiting www.time-to-change.org.uk/

Deadline for the next issue is 10th February

Epping Town Council sets 2021-22 budget Epping Town Council is to increase its share of council tax bills by £4.97 for a band D equivalent property for the next financial year.

Town clerk Beverley Rumsey told Thursday's council meeting the council had seen a £50,000 loss in income for its halls and an additional loss in income from the weekly Monday market during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Town Mayor Grahame Scruton said: "Really we are faced with this increase... I don't see what else we can do."

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Supporting youth clubs Grants to help children’s clubs and youth groups in the Epping Forest district reopen in a COVID safe way are available.

The grants of up to £500 are designed to support small, local not for profit voluntary groups by covering costs associated with reopening. These could be:

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Uniformed organisations

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Sports or physical activity groups

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Musical theatre groups

And many more!

There is also telephone support available on how to run COVID safe activities and advice on writing risk assessments and training volunteer staff.

The county-wide initiative is provided by Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services (ECVYS) and is intended to benefit small, clubs who do not have any support through affiliated bodies.

Applications are open until Monday 22nd February and can be made by visiting ecvys.org.uk/funding-news/

Horse rescue Firefighters rescued an elderly horse on18th January 2021 after it collapsed and was trapped in High Ongar.

On arrival at just before 10am, fire crews from Great Baddow and Chelmsford and Chelmsford Animal Rescue Unit and found that the 32-year-old horse had collapsed and was trapped between an exercise area and fences.

Firefighters worked together to move the horse - who weighed approximately 500 kgs - using a glide and were able to move it to a safe area.

Crews then rotated the horse as it had been on its side for a prolonged time. The horse was unharmed and left in the care of its owner who had owned the horse for 28 years.

Source: Essex Fire County and Rescue Services

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

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Free food still available Recently Queens Hall Charity Board of Trustees have sadly had to make the decision that the hall can no longer be used by 3food4u due to a Covid 19 guideline not being adhered to.

This difficult decision had to be made after considering Government Covid 19 regulations to ensure that no visitors to the hall were put at risk.

The nearest location where local individuals and families can continue to make use of the 3food4u free food and support is the Zinc Arts in High Street, Chipping Ongar on Thursday afternoon between 1.00pm and 2.30pm.

There is an Epping Forest Food Bank. If you are unsure if you qualify for this or need a referral you can call the Epping Forest Citizens Advice on 0300 330 2107 or phone the Food bank directly on 07402 032 313.

If you are in a difficult situation and not sure where to turn, please give any of the North Weald Volunteer Co-ordinators a call and we will do our best to help.

At this difficult time, there will be someone to help you.

Dog Fouling Problems Did you know the Council has Public Spaces Protection Orders in place which have the following requirements for dogs: 1)

Pick up any dog fouling

2) No more than 4 dogs to be exercised by anyone at any one time 3) To put dog on lead when requested to by an authorised officer Failure to comply can result in a ÂŁ75 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

Enforcement is carried out by Environmental Enforcement Officers in the Community Resilience Team. We can carry out proactive patrols if we are made aware of any particular time dogs are exercised and not cleared up afterwards, however we do not currently have the resources to carry out ad-hoc visits without any intelligence.

If members of the public are aware of who the people responsible are, they can provide us with the information, and we can write to the alleged perpetrators. If they have evidence of the fouling (CCTV, photos/video footage) and are willing to provide us with a statement, we can look to issue an FPN. To report dog fouling, please visit our website (EFDC) or telephone (01992) 564000. This can also be used to report dog fouling which needs to be cleared, which will be dealt with by the Waste Team. Please note that the Council is only responsible for clearance of dog fouling on the highway and Council owned land.

Source: Epping Forest Neighbourhood Watch Page 13

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Clean Air Zone Recently it was confirmed at a recent cabinet meeting, Epping Forest District Council have made the decision to adopt the Interim Air Pollution Mitigation Strategy for Epping Forest. It was confirmed in a statement that this would allow careful and considered developments in the district to proceed with the appropriate measures to mitigate the impacts on air quality in the Epping Forest of any development and the current backlog of planning decisions to be released in the coming months and a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is being considered for implementation in 2025.

Now whilst we all want to live in area with clean air, the concern is that this may lead to the approval of some developments that are currently being considered in the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation and there has been a mention of potential charges for cars using roads in Epping Forest, similar to the London ULEZ. With this in mind, many residents in Epping Forest want to find out more about this decision, past and future consultations and how this decision has been made and the affect it will have for residents and small businesses in Epping Forest. Many residents have lobbied District Councillors and it has been agreed to hold an Extraordinary Meeting on 8th February at which this subject will be the focus. This will be available to be seen on webcast.

I have been informed that there will be a consultation on CAZ and future air quality and traffic modelling will be undertaken prior to any decision being made in the coming years.

This news has caused a lot of controversy and no-one wants to have to pay to use the roads in and around Epping Forest, although there are concerns that with new developments, new commercial premises (Next Warehouse in Loughton) and the Lorry Park in North Weald that air quality must be a high priority. With crucial decisions such as these, it is important that residents ask questions and get involved with any consultations.

If you would like to find out more about this, or have any questions, please visit the Epping Forest District Council website, contact your local Councillor. There is a facebook group that has a lot of information on it - Say no to – EFDC – CAZ (Clean Air Zone).

Road traffic collision - man trapped in car Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on Epping Road, Epping just after 6pm on 9th January.

On arrival, crews reported that two vehicles had been involved in a collision and a man was trapped in his car.

Firefighters worked to rescue the man by 7:24pm and he was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Source: Essex Fire County and Rescue Services Page 14

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Mobile: 07885 871508 www.nmonkplumbingandheating.co.uk

9 year old Hector’s Lockdown running honour of Grandad Bobby

every day to do his kilometre.”

“We don’t know how long this lockdown will be, it could be four weeks or four months! But Hector is determined to keep it going throughout. He loved his Grandad so much and St Clare’s is A 9 year old boy from Ongar, Hector Bodiam, is undertaking a such an incredible place and a great local cause who need our running challenge for the whole of Lockdown 3.0 to raise funds support through the pandemic more than ever.” for St Clare Hospice, who cared for his Grandad Bobby.

Commenting on the care St Clare Hospice provided her father, Hector began his challenge on 6th January 2021 when his primaClaire said: “My dad, Bob, had cancer of the oesophagus and ry school was shut due to the COVID pandemic and his family came in to be cared for on the Inpatient Unit at St Clare in April wanted to find a way to keep physically active during the winter 2017 at the age of 74 years. My mum and I had been caring for lockdown. Hector has committed to running 1km every day on him at home but the level of care he needed was beyond us and the family’s running machine for the whole of lockdown – and we were just muddling through.” decided to use the opportunity to fundraise for St Clare Hos“When I thought of the word ‘hospice’ it seemed so scary to me, pice. because I didn’t know what to expect. But it honestly was the Hector’s grandfather, Bob Bowers, was cared for on the Hospice most incredible place. It may sound like an exaggeration but St charity’s Inpatient Unit for two weeks before his death from oeClare’s saved mine and my Mum’s lives! Everyone there was so sophageal cancer on 21st April 2017, when Hector was just 6 lovely and kind, and it was such a relief that Dad was being years old. cared for properly in such a calm environment and a special Hector’s fundraising target was set at £100 – an amount which place.” he smashed in just three days, reaching over £1,000. His fund“We hope Hector’s Lockdown Kilometre Challenge inspires othraising page is currently on more than £1,500 which is enough er people to take on fundraising challenges too. We just want to to fund more than thirty 90-minute home visits by one of the raise awareness of how amazing St Clare’s is and to help raise charity’s Hospice at Home healthcare assistants. funds to support them through the pandemic which has had Hector’s mother, Claire Bodiam, said: “The idea for Hector’s such a negative impact on their ability to fundraise.” fundraising challenge came about because of Lockdown 3.0 and Hector is running 1km his school shutting once again. As a family we’ve been trying to every day for the whole keep active during the winter lockdown, when we can barely of Lockdown 3.0 and is leave the house and the weather is gloomy. Luckily we have a fundraising for St Clare running machine which we’ve all been using. Hector and his Hospice. You can dobrothers are missing their PE lessons and football practice, so nate to his fundraiser they’ve all been having a go on the running machine.” here: https:// “Hector decided that to keep himself motivated, and to make a www.justgiving.com/ difference to help others, he would raise sponsorship whilst do- f u n d r a i s i n g / c l a i r e ing his 1km every day. St Clare Hospice cared for his Grandad bodiam1 Bobby and we felt it was the perfect charity to support as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to the Hospice. We were bowled away that he raised over £1,000 in just three days, and it’s a fantastic motivator for Hector – he is so eager to get on the running machine Page 15

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Parish council decides NO increase to precept North Weald Bassett Parish Council has voted NOT to increase its share of council tax bills for 2021-2022.

On Monday, January 11, North Weald Bassett Parish Council agreed the precept figure for 2021-2022 of £220,376.

Additional items for the next financial year will include: •

£2,000 towards a Play Area Emergency Repairs Fund

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£5,000 into a rolling programme fund to replace older street lights when necessary

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£2,500 for a parish council-run handyman scheme which is the final tranche towards that match-funded by the Essex Association of Local Councils' Local Services Fund

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£7,500 various works on Weald Common, including addressing the drainage issues

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£1,500 towards barriers for the car park at the Parish Hall at Thornwood

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£1,500 initial start-up for various projects at Hastingwood including an Everything Council public event

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£2,500 towards perimeter fencing and new gate at the Queens Road allotments

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£2,000 towards a remedy for new surface at Wheelers Farm Gardens allotments car park

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£5,490 towards electronic storage of historic council records

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£600 towards after-care of new tree planting

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£181 towards additional CCTV at the Memorial Playing Fields play area and basketball court (additional funds will be sourced from earmarked reserves)

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Vandalism in the parish – due to the amount of anti-social behaviour, funds will be taken from earmarked reserves and replaced in next year's precept if they cannot be recovered from the perpetrators.

Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.c o.uk To find out news updates, initiatives or Coronavirus updates Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife Also on Instagram and Twitter

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Training and support for dementia carers in West Essex and East Hertfordshire

taste) to help people with dementia connect and engage with others. The word ‘Namaste’ is a Hindi greeting that means to ‘honour the spirit within,’ and is the guiding principle of Namaste Care. Multi-sensory activities can involve music, food St Clare Hospice is running an introductory course in Namaste and drink and can also include therapeutic touch and massage.

Dementia care for unpaid carers, who are caring for people living These basic principles are simple to learn and easy to put into with advanced dementia. The Introduction to Namaste Dementia practice when caring for someone with dementia.

Care for carers is running, via Zoom, on two dates in FebruThe Introduction to Namaste Care course offers: ary: Wednesday 10th February 2021, 10am - 12noon and Tuesday 23rd February, 7pm-9pm (carers only need to at- • Insight into how to support people with advanced dementia to live well, and with dignity, until the end of life tend one of these).

• Techniques to help carers offer and provide Namaste Care The Namaste Care Dementia Support project, which has been to the people they support made possible thanks to funding from the Essex Community Fund, is a pilot project which aims to train and empower carers • An opportunity to meet and connect with other carers to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to local people living • Ongoing support, and monthly meetings with Namaste Champions and peers from the training course with advanced dementia.

• Advice and guidance from trained Namaste Champions at The free online training will also help carers to build a peer supSt Clare Hospice port network, so they can share their experiences with other carers in West Essex and East Hertfordshire. Current figures sug- Following on from this introductory course, attendees will be ingest a rise in dementia cases in both Essex and Hertfordshire*, vited to join a Namaste Network Group, where they will be able meaning more carers will be looking for advice and support in to share their experiences, and successes from putting Namaste care into practice. the coming months and years.

Part of the training course will include providing attendees with a Namaste Care box of resources, to enable them to practice Namaste Care techniques with the person they care for. One of those items will be a ‘Twiddlemuff’ – a knitted, handheld comforter that offers a special way to engage and comfort a person with dementia, who often have restless hands. Twiddlemuffs provide a great source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation, whilst “This pilot project will be delivered virtually because of COVID, keeping the hands busy, as well as warm. but we see this is an advantage because we know that those caring for people with dementia are some of the most isolated in St Clare Hospice is appealing for local people to knit and donate our communities, and this will offer an opportunity to bring them Twiddlemuffs to be distributed through the Namaste Care protogether and offer support – at a time when we’ve had to stay gramme. You can find more details, and download a free knitting pattern, on their website: stclarehospice.org.uk/Namaste-careapart.” dementia-support Namaste Care is an internationally-recognised care programme which teaches you to use simple activities that include sensory stimulation of our five senses (touch, hearing, sight, smell and Community Engagement Manager at St Clare Hospice, Sally Muylders, is leading the project and said: “The Introduction to Namaste Dementia Care training course will give carers information about Namaste Care, inspiration to get started and tools to do it at home to the person they care for. Most importantly, it will connect them with others in a similar caring situation.”

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For more information and to book a place on the course, visit the Eventbrite booking pages: Wednesday 10th February (daytime), 10am12noon): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ introduction-to-namaste-dementia-care-forcarers-tickets-133686659397 Tuesday 23rd February (evening, 79pm): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ introduction-to-namaste-dementia-care-forcarers-tickets-137300811423

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Based in North Weald

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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.

ECFRS praised for Covid-19 response by HMICFRS Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has praised the way Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has continued to keep its public and residents safe while supporting partners through the pandemic.

ECFRS was inspected by HMICFRS in October 2020 as part of an inspection into how fire and rescue services were responding to Covid-19, as they continued to face challenges during a difficult period.

In an official letter received on Friday 22nd January the inspectors praised ECFRS for being well prepared, the support it offered to partners, maintenance of its core services and putting the welfare of its staff at the heart of decisions and activities.

Supermarket Distraction You are in a supermarket car park, someone comes up to talk to you, or they tap on your car window to tell you that your car is damaged . You jump out to speak to them but when you get back in your car, your bag, purse, wallet and / or phone has been stolen.

It is happening locally and it keeps on happening!

This is called distraction theft, while one person is talking to you another is stealing your possessions.

If anyone tries to talk to you, or if you have to get out of your car, please remember to automatically lock your car door and keep your key in your hand.

Be aware, help others do the same, and beat the thieves!

Circulated by Epping Forest Neighbourhood Watch UK. Page 19

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PHOTO GALLERY—Your photos

Thank you to Keith Jones for sending these photos to share with readers of wildlife that regularly visit his garden in the village.

Thank you to Steve Miller for this fantastic photo taken whilst he was out walking. How lovely and thank you for sharing.

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Thank you to Lisa Hyams-Price for sending these photos to share with readers of wildlife that regularly visit her garden in the village.

Funding to reduce fuel bills and help fight climate change A Government green energy grant scheme is currently open for local homeowners and landlords to help them improve the efficiency of low income, and low energy performance homes.

To qualify homes must have an energy performance certificate rating of E, F or G and a household income of less than £30,000 per year – or with a household member in receipt of an eligible benefit.

Low income owner occupiers could receive up to £10,000 to cover the costs of approved works and there is no financial deposit/ contribution to pay for most homes. Landlords can apply for up to £5,000 with a 33% landlord contribution.

Epping Forest District Council is part of an Essex County Council-led group that secured £813,000 of grant funding from the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme, established by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Funding covers things like cavity and solid wall insulation, loft insulation, room in roof insulation and heat pumps.

Aran Insulation is the strategic partner in the project, so for further information visit the www.arangroup.co.uk and search Essex County Council Green Homes Grant Funding.

Applications are open until 31 stMarch 2021 and must be made through strategic partner Aran Insulation. You can check your eligibility for the funding and if applicable apply for the grant by contacting Aran Insulation: Visit the Aran Insulation website Email info@arangroup.co.uk Call 0800 587 7795

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LETTER To the residents of Brentwood and Epping Forest, My name is Ant Alcock and I am the district commander for Brentwood and Epping Forest with Essex Police.

The strength of our county is in our communities and I’m reaching out to you to ask for your voice. It’s important that you have a say in the way we police your area, and that’s why I’d like to invite you to become a member of our Independent Advisory Group (IAG).

An IAG is a group of people from a diverse range of communities who come together four times a year to give us feedback on a range of local policing issues and live incidents so we can improve our understanding of the communities’ needs, expectations and concerns. In response, we'll show you how we work, how we respond to incidents, and how we protect and serve Brentwood and Epping Forest, which can then be shared back to the communities.

We are looking for individuals who are under-represented in the usual decision-making processes within the police and who may not ordinarily have a voice in conversations that will affect their communities.

The IAG will discuss hate crime, significant local incidents, procedural changes and any other policing matters that are important to you. Any number of decisions made within policing can have unforeseen impacts on the community and as a member of the IAG you will be able to help us understand these issues and find ways to address them.

I promise that Essex Police will listen to your views, deliver tangible responses to those views wherever appropriate and explain the reason when a response cannot be supported. I will encourage honesty and challenge from the group, especially where it is critical of the police, so we can learn and deliver the very best service to everyone.

We want to hear from as broad a range of people as possible, irrespective of who they are, and irrespective of their personal characteristics, whether that be: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership status; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; or sexual orientation I'm eager to hear from those who represent, or form part of these groups, but these are certainly not limitations as to who can apply. I need help from you to either volunteer as a representative of your community or to volunteer another individual – with their consent – who you feel would best represent your views.

For more information on how to apply visit https:// www.essex.police.uk/iag.

If you want to make a real difference and improve policing for you and your communities, I urge you to apply. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully, Ch Insp Ant Alcock District Commander, Epping Forest and Brentwood

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CHURCH CHAT The Hill We Climb

From Rev Tom Like millions of other people around the world I watched President Joe Biden’s inauguration last month. In his speech, he referenced both the Bible and the 5th century Christian Teacher St Augustine as he acknowledged the pain many are feeling and as he spoke of his desire to bring Americans together around common values such as opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honour and truth.

He quoted from Augustine saying, “a people are a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.” Augustine shared this in his works ‘City of God’, where he presented love, not law, as the thing that binds a society together. He wrote, “the soul takes on the character of what it loves” and “to see what a people is like, we should look at what they love.” This is fundamental to what Christians believe and I, for one, was pleased that Joe Biden was reaffirming this, as it’s not always been clear in recent years.

Biden clearly recognised the challenge he has before him. The poem, written and read by Amanda Gorman, the US national youth poet laureate, was entitled ‘The Hill We Climb’ and she quoted the Bible too. I think Amanda rather stole the show to be honest! Everything about the poem she offered spoke into our moment and yet it will live beyond this moment and be long remembered.

She ended the poem with these words,

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“We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover in every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.

When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid.

The new dawn blooms as we free it.

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

That is the hope we have. God is light and his Spirit rests in each of us; in our hearts and in our souls. We carry that light wherever we go, if only we would realise it… if only we would be brave enough to be that light. If we were then, yes, we would see our own battle scars, but we would also see ourselves emerge far more beautiful than we ever dared hope.

Love will always win!

God bless, Rev Tom x North Weald Sunday Morning Church continues to meet online. We’re meeting on Zoom at the moment and you’re so welcome to join us. Meeting ID: 814 3041 3492. Password: 848805. Find more info at facebook.com/northwealdchurch

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Spot the signs of domestic abuse Coronavirus has prompted a huge surge in domestic abuse, yet victims of abuse are reporting difficulty in accessing help and support.

Many of us are spending more time at home and may be concerned about neighbours or friends. We might be volunteering and visiting people in their homes, where we are the only people they see, but would we know how to recognise and respond to domestic abuse?

Training sessions to help spot signs of domestic abuse and support those affected are available through the J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative.

Avoiding Dog theft You may have seen on the news about the increase in dog thefts nationally and locally. During the pandemic dog ownership has increased as many people are at home and decided now is the time to get a dog. As a result of this the price of dogs has increased significantly and dog thefts are on the increase as they can be sold.

It has been reported that whilst out walking dogs, people have had their dogs stolen away from them with cases of dog owners being beaten.

Dogs have been stolen from gardens or homes.

All of us dog owners know how much they mean to use and how devastated we would be if this happened to us.

Here is some advice on how to prevent or help if you see this happen.

• •

• • •

•

• • •

Do not leave your dog tied up outside a shop or alone in a car even for a few minutes.

Add some security to your back garden for instance sensor lighting or CCTV cameras. Ensure your garden is secure. You could always put a ball on your gate so that you can hear if the gate is opened.

If you walk your dog in a regular pattern, consider alternating your routine walk to avoid becoming predictable.

Invest in a personal alarm that will draw attention especially if you are in a public place.

Make sure your dog is microchipped and your contact details are up to date. Dogs and puppies must be microchipped by law by 8 weeks of age.

Make sure your dog wears a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it. This is a legal requirement when your dog is in a public place. Having a mobile number on it is also a good idea but do not include the dog’s name.

Make sure you have up to date photos of your dog including any distinguishing marks.

Keep your dog in view when in the garden, do not leave them unsupervised.

Beware of strangers stopping you and asking about your dog.

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In the UK, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and 2 women a week are killed by a partner/ex-partner. During the pandemic, numbers have soared even further with police recording 64 domestic homicides between January and June 2020.

J9 training is open to professionals and anyone working in the community helping them to recognise domestic abuse and respond to survivors.

The free, hour-long awareness raising sessions will equip attendees with the tools to recognise abuse, respond appropriately and help people access the support they need.

Following the training attendees are given a badge, lanyard and/or stickers to identify themselves or their workplace as a J9 champion. They also receive access to a J9 information pack that they can make available to anyone who might need it.

The pack has a wealth of information on local and national support services, and what help people are entitled to.

Abusers isolate their victims making it difficult, if not impossible, to seek help. By empowering members of the community to know how to react we can ensure that more people have access to the help they need.

The J9 initiative is named in memory of Janine Mundy, who was killed by her estranged husband whilst he was on Police bail. It was started by her family and the local police in Cambourne, Cornwall, where she lived and aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and assist victims to access help and support. We remain in contact with her family who give their full support.

If you would like to attend a J9 training session or would like more information email j9community@outlook.com.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance helps transfer COVID-19 patients

facing challenges due to the unprecedented number of patients they are seeing, to those with capacity. The aim is to help level the load and redistribute this huge demand.

Following the busiest year ever for its critical care teams, Essex “We are doing everything we can to keep our patients, staff, vol& Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is now helping with the transfer unteers and supporters safe at the moment and East of England of some COVID-19 patients between hospitals.

Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) are helping us by vacWhen required, the team based at the charity’s North Weald Air- cinating all our frontline patient-facing staff.” base travel by helicopter or Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) to “Please help us and our NHS partners by following the guidethe relevant hospital, and accompany the patient in a designated lines, staying COVID secure and doing everything you can to land ambulance to the receiving hospital. The EHAAT team is ensure friends and family are doing the same.” able to provide the advanced level of care that allows a safe Last year was the charity’s busiest ever year, despite a brief fall transfer of this group of patients. At present this is happening in the number of incidents its teams were sent to during the first once or twice a day. When not engaged with transfers this the lockdown. Between January and December EHAAT’s crews atteam continues providing its normal response to pre-hospital tended 1,626 patients, up 6% on the 2019 figure of 1,526. One emergencies. reason for the increase was that 2020 was the first full year A second team based at EHAAT’s Earls Colne Airbase is contin- of 24/7 operations (see editor’s notes), which began in October uing to respond to the charity’s normal workload of medical 2019. A total of 480 patients were attended at night, who would emergencies, cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions, serious inju- have previously been in need outside of our operational hours. ries etc.

2020 was also the first full year in which the charity’s helicopters Stuart Elms, Clinical Director at EHAAT said: “As soon as we and RRVs carried blood supplies on board, enabling potentially identified there was a need, we put plans in place in early Janu- life-saving blood transfusions to be given on-scene before a paary to help with these transfers with the same outstanding level tient reaches hospital. A total of 72 patients received blood transof care and clinical governance that we apply to our usual case- fusions at the scene or in the air last year. load. The first request came in within a few days, and we were For more information about the work of the charity and how you happy to help. This is not affecting our ability to respond to emercan support it, visit ehaat.org/donate gencies in the normal way, but we will continue to review this.

“The system is currently incredibly busy, and we are helping to move COVID-19 patients from hospitals in our region which are

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Gardening Hints for February Hi Readers, Welcome to February—a month of continued hibernation of sorts. But towards the end of the month with the days getting noticeably longer, it’s time to plan your seed sowing and planning on your allotments.

Although at the time of writing, the ground is absolutely sodden after continuous rainfall and planning is about all you can achieve.

Towards the end of the month, early sowings of broad beans, carrots and onions can be started under cloches. It’s a good month to buy seed potatoes and begin the process of chitting. This is achieved by placing the seed potatoes on a tray or in egg boxes and siting them in a cool light position avoiding direct sunlight, this will encourage the growth of good strong shoots on the spuds.

If you are new to this gardening business, say you have just taken over an allotment or moved into a new house with a garden or just started to become interested because of Covid and you have got more time on your hands, please feel free to come into the Garden Centre and I will endeavour to give you advice where I can.

Don’t be intimidated by all articles written and TV programmes about gardening, most of the basics are easy and just a few easy pointers will get you started. Just remember the old saying—there are no mistakes in gardening just experiments.

If it is still too cold and wet to venture outside, sit down with a drink of your choice and dream about warmer Spring/Summer days ahead and what you will plant where in the garden etc.

Mines a homemade sloe gin while its cold.

Cheers.

Nigel.

Nigel (Art Nursery Garden Centre)

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Valentines “Covid-style” Its that time of year once again, when romance is supposed to bloom, A feat that’s made even harder, as unless you’re in the same bubble, you can’t even be in the same room.

Though love, they say, can conquer all that’s stacked up in its way, A very refreshing concept with all of the additional hurdles we face today.

We must be inventive to show the one we love how much we do care, It’s not quite as easy as a box of chocolates or flowers to remind them when we are not there.

For a time they say is a healer, but it can form barriers when we can’t even meet, Forcing people to stay strangers, living on different sides of a street.

Maybe this is a good thing, as you must work harder to show how you feel, Proving to that special one, how much they mean and that you are truly the real deal.

Taking things slower, as you fight to connect in ways you’d never thought, Doing special things to impress the one, with new ways which have never been taught.

Yes this horrid virus has caused so much pain, sadness and tears, But when it comes to showing how you feel and care, maybe it’s the shake up we’ve needed for years.

So if you do have feelings for someone, or even if you have been together for a while, Re-invent the concept of love and attack it “covid-style”.

Source: Andy—resident poet. Putting into writing just how different valentine’s day will be this year.

Valentine’s Day in Lockdown This year during lockdown, Valentine’s Day will be hard for people to celebrate, especially if you cannot see your boyfriend or girlfriend this year.

However, you can still make the day special. Here are some ideas: If you cannot see each other – •

You can still send a card or a love letter. Many supermarkets sell them, or you can order one online. It doesn’t have to be serious there are many funny ones out there

•

Watch the same film together at the same time and discuss over FaceTime.

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Buy a few sweets or treats they like and parcel them up and send them to enjoy on valentine’s day.

•

How are your skills? You could select your best photos and make a video and add some music and comments

•

You could agree a recipe and both buy the ingredients and cook it together while on Zoom or similar.

If you can be with the one you love – •

You could both agree a menu, one person decide on the starter and the other decide on the main and both agree on the pudding and you could either cook it together or cook your chosen part and enjoy a romantic meal. You will have to share the washing up though!

•

Decorate a room with balloons to make it feel special.

•

Make a valentine promise to do something special when lockdown is over.

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Order a takeaway from a local pub or restaurant.

Whatever you do—have a lovely Valentine’s Day. Page 28

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Bobbin with the Robin

Ahhhh! Aren’t they little sweeties?

When we were nesting in the small conifer tree last year (our 3rd site in one season) these two appeared over the fence next to us. They are the product of the summer brood of our near Sparrow neighbours who actually built a secure nest hidden deep inside some Ivy. The chicks are pictured taking in the new, big wide world from their favourite position on top of the fence.

tion – line-poles and house walls make good attachment points for boxes, though try to avoid constant direct sunlight – you don’t want to cook those inside! Old large wooden cable drums have been utilised (the birds used the centre void for the nest and entered through the hole in the middle of the drum) and I’ve even seen one nest box on a BT telegraph pole – though you probably have to ask permission for that? Send your ideas and photos into the nice Editor Lady!

The humans’ own large nest provides accommodation for So, we have our home but it needs to be furnished. In the most of the local sparrows around here as well as an acrolong past before you humans began to take over the counbatic Blue Tit. tryside, we could just collect what materials we needed Which brings me to the subject of our nesting sites for off the forest floor. Now you have to fly a fair distance to find suitable material – all because the humans do ‘Tidy’! this year.

Remember – ‘Messy is Good’! As far as wildlife is conIf you don’t have any trees or dense shrubbery or maybe cerned anyway. Try to leave an area of your garden you don’t even have a garden but wish to provide a nest- messy for us – it’s a good source of food as well! ing site for us birds, consider visiting the local Garden I know the nice Editor Lady wanted ‘cute’ for this ediCentres tion. Well I’ve decided to include my favourite meal for There you can buy a you all to enjoy at this time of year. selection of nest boxes suitable for the birds in your area.

We prefer the ‘bare wood’ type over those painted and also if they come with a metal plate, either as part of or encircling the front entrance hole – so much the better.

Those Squirrels or Aren’t they just Yummy?

Jays can cause havoc if they get the chance to open up the hole and get at our little ones!

Continue to Stay Safe!

When our humans first arrived here and before they planned their garden for the benefit of wildlife, they placed a nest box on their washing line pole with the result that eight Blue Tit chicks fledged that season!

So just use your imaginaPage 29

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Rockin’ Robin

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EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY – SERVICES CUT SHORT AGAIN DUE TO COVID-19

St Clare celebrates 7th birthday of Hospice at Home team

As we all know by now the pandemic situation escalated during December and our planned services had to be cancelled in accordance with government regulations. As I write this piece, in early January, the Prime Minister has just made another announcement, further tightening the restrictions.

Whilst this is frustrating for all concerned, we must continue to act in the best interests of our customers, volunteers and staff. You can obtain up to-date information on the Railways activities by visiting www.eorailway.co.uk

The team of registered nurses and nursing assistants provide free, short-term, compassionate care for people with lifelimiting illnesses in the comfort of their own home, across West Essex, and have cared for more than 3,500 patients and their families over the past seven years.

A number of our volunteers continue to work from home where they can and we make good use of technology for keeping our training and competencies up to date. In my own case, as Editor of our quarterly magazine Mixed Traffic, I continue to gather stories and photographs ready for the next issue. If you have a railway related story to tell, please contact me at mixedtraffic@eorailway.co.uk I will be pleased to hear from you.

As reported last month, the appeal to restore our Brake Composite Corridor Coach (BCK) continues. If you feel able to support this project by making a monetary contribution you can do this direct to the Society’s account: ‘Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society’ Sort Code: 60-03-23 Account Number 76521184 Reference ‘BCK (and your name)’. You can also send a cheque, made payable to ‘Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society’, please write ‘BCK Restoration Fund’ on the back and post to The EORVS Treasurer, Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN. We will be grateful for whatever you can afford.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Railway again later in 2021.

Robert Good Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society

St Clare Hospice is celebrating the seventh birthday of its Hospice at Home service which was launched in January 2014.

In 2019/20 the Hospice at Home team provided support for over 780 families, spending approximately 1,400 hours each month ensuring that patients, families and their carers received compassionate care, at the right time and in the right place.

The team have been working harder than ever during the COVID pandemic as the need for Hospice at Home services has, and continues, to grow.

Hospice at Home Manager, Sonia Haigh, said: “Our team has worked so hard over the past seven years but the last ten months, as we have continued to care on the frontline through the COVID pandemic, have been one of the most challenging times in the history of our team. Our service has never been more needed, as we support patients to discharge as quickly from hospital to relieve the pressure on the NHS, and to care for as many people as possible in the place of their choice – which is so often their own home.

Referrals can be made by all health, social and voluntary care professionals, including GPs, District Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists, social care or hospital teams. Also, patients, their family, or carer can refer themselves directly. The team will then need to discuss the referral with the patient’s GP. For more information visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/hospice-home .

St Clare Hospice at Home team leaders work from 8am to 8pm and aim to respond to any telephone, faxed or electronic referral on the same day. Please note, Night Service referrals are assessed and allocated on a daily basis by team leaders.

If you’re not sure if the person you are referring is eligible for Hospice at Home care, just call.

01279 773716 Hospice at Home team (8am-8pm) 01279 773773 24 Hour Advice Line

DEADLINES Please send News, Events, features, letters articles to me via post or email (see below) to reach me on or before the deadline Deadline for next issue: - 15th January 2021 Deadline for March issue: - 10th February 2021

07926987207 Call for a free quotation

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Citizens Advice says: do you need help with health costs?

The NHS is famous for being free at the point of use but there are some charges, most notably for prescriptions, dentistry, and sight tests. But there are exemptions, and there are ways of reducing the costs. This article is just an outline: if you’re incurring a lot of cost for healthcare it’s as well to check if there is help.

You may get help just because of who you are: for instance, if you’re 16 or under, 60 or over, pregnant, or have given birth in the last 12 months, you get free prescriptions. These are the main groups but there are others. Likewise, if you have a long-term condition such as diabetes you may be exempt.

If you receiving certain state benefits you may be exempt from charges. These are income-related benefits – income support, income-related jobseekers’ allowance, and income-related employment and support allowance. Tax credits may entitle you to exemption, but that depends on your income. If you are on Universal Credit you will be exempt if, in your last assessment period, you either had no earnings or had net earnings of £435 or less. That figure goes up to £935 if your award includes an element for a child or you were considered to have limited capability for work.

If you're part of a couple on Universal Credit, the net earning threshold applies to your combined net earnings.

You should present a copy of your Universal Credit award notice to prove your entitlement. You'll need to have met the eligibility criteria in the last completed Universal Credit assessment period before your health costs arose.

Not all help with health costs claim forms have a tick box for Universal Credit. If that's the case, you should tick the box for incomebased Jobseeker's Allowance instead.

If you are exempt you should get help with: prescription charges, certain flu drugs obtained via the National Pandemic Flu Service, NHS dental charges, including check-ups, sight tests, vouchers towards the cost of glasses and contact lenses, travel costs to a place where you receive NHS treatment, travel costs if travelling abroad for treatment, and wigs and fabric supports.

It is important to remember that if you are receiving benefits which are based on your National Insurance contributions, such as “new-style” jobseekers’ allowance and employment and support allowance you are not exempt from charges. But if your income and capital are still low you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme is also available to people who are not eligible for benefits, such as university students. To apply you go to the NHS Business Services Authority website www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Depending on your situation you apply online or by downloading and sending a form HC1.

What if you’re not eligible for exemptions or the low income scheme? If you are likely to need four or more items in three months, or more than 14 items in twelve months, you may well may save money by buying a pre-payment certificate. Ask Dhruve (or any other pharmacist, but why would you go anywhere else?) about this.

Contacting us We have a telephone service available from 9.30 to 2.30, Tuesday to Thursday. If we are busy you will be connected to a backup service elsewhere in the country and if they can’t deal with your issue they will arrange for one of our advisers to phone you back.

The number is 0300 330 2107. It costs no more than a local call.

Winter Walkies Postponement Please be aware that due to the new covid restrictions St Clare Hospice have decided to hold our 5k Winter Walkies walk later in the spring.

At the moment the date is still to be confirmed, but people can register for an update on the event by visiting: stclarehospice.org.uk/event/ winterwalkies/

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BIRD FEATURE - FEBRUARY 2021 Greetings. These notes are being written in mid January so any details of sightings are as of that time, with a few suggestions regarding things to look out for during the late January through to mid February period.

Obviously these are challenging times and we have to be aware of the guidance and restrictions which currently impact on our ability to be out and about ... but combining your daily exercise with some nature watching can be a boost to your wellbeing. A recurring theme during the last ten months or so has been the recognition that getting in touch with nature has real benefits for our mental health with the added bonus that an interest in natural history leads to an appreciation of environmental issues. If you enjoy seeing birds and animals in the wild then you are not going to be wilfully littering or polluting the countryside.

Over the festive period I noted a few things of interest. Earlier in 2020 I mentioned that I had started seeing an increase in Redlegged Partridges, and this trend has continued. In recent weeks I have seen this species at various locations in the general area of North Weald, Epping and Ongar with small flocks in fields. They are almost dumpy looking when you see them quietly grouped together and closer views will reveal their handsome plumage and markings.

With damper, colder weather I have noted more Little Egrets, there were 2 near Church Lane flood meadow on one occasion with other sightings from time to time at other locations.

As previously mentioned the winter sees more gulls in our area and there have been some good flocks to be seen. A Common Gull spent a few days on its own loafing about at Weald Common but generally you see gulls in quite big flocks.

Flocks of winter thrushes continue to 'show' locally and I have seen 50 or more on occasion, they will look to feed on good sources of berries such as Hawthorn and will target a tree or hedgerow until the fruits are gone.

There has been plenty of activity in the crow world - Jackdaws are regularly seen and certainly heard as they fly to and fro between roosting sites and feeding areas. Rooks start nesting earlier than most birds and can be seen in courtship mode even on cold, frosty mornings. They nest communally in rookeries and there are 3 or 4 dotted about our area ranging from a handful of nests to bigger groupings in more wooded areas. All the members of the crow family (Rooks, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Jay and Magpie) remain active at this time of year and are amongst the few bird species that can be seen later in the hours of daylight and are often up and about earlier in the day at first light.

There have been a few finch flocks about, on one recent day I saw over 30 Chaffinches foraging in an area of hedging interspersed with a few trees. Smaller groups of Goldfinches and Greenfinches can also be noted.

Roving tit flocks are of course a feature of the countryside and rural gardens. The most common tits are Blue Tits and Great Tits with the occasional Coal Tit especially in an area with some conifers, plus the distinctive Long tailed Tit which form noisy groups and will readily visit bird feeders. More scarce is the Marsh Tit, there are some about but in the last month I have only seen one, that was with a small flock of Blue and Great Tits. On another occasion there was a small tit flock that was accompanied by a single Goldcrest, which is a tiny bird that is very vulnerable to the effects of prolonged cold spells.

In areas of rough grass and particularly fields that have livestock you can see lots of birds foraging for grubs, beetles, insects etc.

Skylarks, Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits will quietly walk about looking for food and it is sometimes only when they fly off that you realise they are there. Grey Wagtails like wetter areas and will turn up from time to time at various locations along Cripsey Brook. Many of the Skylarks and Meadow Pipits will have come to our area from more upland areas, they spread out into areas such as ours that have milder winters and a greater availability of food.

Of course the days of huge flocks of finches frequenting farmland are largely gone. As a child in the early 1960s I lived on RAF bases in Norfolk and I remember seeing hundreds of small birds foraging in nearby stubble fields or fields where beetroot tops had been left in situ. With the advent of more winter growing crops there are no longer fields left over-winter with stubble so the spilt seeds and grains are no longer available to foraging birds. Hence a dramatic fall in the number of birds to be seen. But as I said earlier, livestock / horses provide an environment more favourable to birds in winter, although the numbers are much smaller than in years gone by.

There are a few Parakeets about and I understand that small numbers are regularly seen in Epping. I have seen Red Kites on a couple of occasions in the first week of January. There have been a couple of Mute Swans in the area although not always about.

Other large, obvious birds to be seen from time to time are Cormorants (usually when seen flying quite high over the village) and Canada Geese which are normally heard making their trumpeting calls long before you catch sight of them.

Little Owl is a bird I normally see from time to time but in the last year or so I don't think I have noted any on more than a couple of occasions.

Four of the species I have mentioned - Little Owl, Canada Goose, Ring-necked Parakeet and Red-legged Partridge - are all birds that are not actually native to the UK but were introduced by the influence of us humans. Generally speaking they are doing quite well here.

For most of us we are more likely to see birds as a result of them coming into our gardens looking for food. One of the most familiar species is of course the Robin. But the Robin you see in your garden may not be a local bird but a visitor from continental Europe. Many birds such as Robins, Blackbirds and Chaffinches come to the UK in huge numbers to escape parts of the continent that have harsher winters. Having lived in Germany as a child I can vouch for the fact that the winters are that bit colder and snowier. Your garden Robin is as likely to speak German as English ... come the spring they will make the return trip.

There have been small numbers of Lapwings about although I believe a larger flock of approximately 40 or so has been sighted in the Church Lane area.

If you are able to get out and about, just enjoy the natural world around you and be inquisitive, look out for birds, for animals and even insects / beetles etc. You can quickly build up your knowledge of what you are spotting and this can enhance your enjoyment of nature watching.

Source: 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

Halls & Venues

Crownlands Garage

6

North Weald Village Hall

Kings Head Garage

22

Kennels & Catteries

Matts Motorz

28

London & Essex Kents Farm

Carpets & Flooring Little Carpet Co

5

Landscape Gardeners 2

Computer Services Andrews Computers

32

Hayden Landscape

7

Online Shopping 21

Council

Local Bodyshop consultant—Sparkle & Shine

14

Painting & Decorating

North Weald Bassett Parish Council

24

Day Nurseries & Pre Schools

S I Painters & Decorators

Pest Control

Ashbourne Day Nursery

9

G J B Pest Control

St Andrews Preschool

10

Plumbing & Heating

Electrical Services A&P Electrical Services

27

Estate & Letting Agents Montagues

36

Financial Planning & Advice Continuum

18

Flowers House of Flowers

14

Food Just Like Nanas/Red Double Decker Bus Cafe

13

12

5

Robert Rayment

13

Pikes Plumbing & Heating

14

N Monk

15

Property Services Care & Repair

4

KLF Property Services

19

Handy Andy

23

Bassett Building

31

D & D Developments

9

Residential Home Abbeyfield Cunningham House

Funeral Services Stuart Poulton Ltd

20

Roofing

Daniel Robinson & Sons

16

R J S Roofing

Furniture

27

30

Window Cleaner

RSL Interiors—Kitchens & bedrooms

19

Steve’s Window Cleaner

16

CJA Upholstery

21

Weston Exterior Cleaning

11

Garden Centre Art Nursery Garden Centre

22

Glazing Home Glazing Repair Page 34

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22 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 White-

01992 573557

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

MP Alex Burghart

0207 2191613

RSPCA

01279 306058

Samaritans 24 Hours a day

116 123

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

020 8508 8608

MP For Thornwood

Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

St Andrews Church

01992 577168

London & Essex Boarding Ken-

01992 522183

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

Traveline

0870 6082608

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers

North Weald Preservation Society

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 01992 524672

Tel: read 01992 522618/522630

Tel: 522910

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Cricket Club

Rapier Cycling Club

Tel: 01992 614415

Northweald.play-cricket.com

Tel: 524631

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Scouts Group

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 01277 365200

01992 524672

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Harlow Badger Group

Theydon Jazz Club

Tel: 07941 185171

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522196

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 522464

Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Rotary Club

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Tel: 522803

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)

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

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522700

West Essex Flower Club

North Weald Angling Club

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 524631

Tel: 01992 522303

Tel: 523375 or 522052

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01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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