North Weald Village Life

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

Happy New Year FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 149

January 2019

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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

NORTH WEALD VILLAGE LIFE About North Weald Village Life North Weald Village Life is an independent magazine and website, owned and published by a local resident who is dedicated to strengthening the local community, improving communication and promoting local businesses and suppliers to local residents.

Circulation The magazine is available free of charge monthly and is distributed from 20th of each month.

Copies can be collected from: • • • .

• • • •

News Shop, High Road Kings Head Garage, High Road North Weald Library Art Nursery, Vicarage Lane Newsagents, Coopersale Davis Estate Agents, High Road North Weald Chemist Farm Shop, Thornwood

What do I hope for in 2019? On a personal level—Andy’s health to improve of course that goes without saying, I also want my girls to be safe, healthy and happy. A lottery win would also be welcomed.

I also want for the village for less burglaries and car/bike theft. It really is unfair that we all work hard to pay for these things and our home and safety is threatened.

One thing I know for sure that will happen in 2019 is a bit sad personally but obviously totally understandable. The Kings Head Garage, or Peachey Garages, as you know is my husband’s family garage and was built and set up over 40 years ago by his dad, Nick Peachey, which many of the older residents will remember. It has over the years been supported by many generations of families.

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. Please email me, download a copy of the form from the website or write to me at the address below.

Advertisers Advertising rates start at £19.00 for quarter page, £36.50 for half a page and £68 for a full page. Colour advertising rates are now available and there are some premium positions available at this current time. Please contact us for more information. The deadline for booking is the 5th of each month.

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 at the address below or via email.

Contact Details Telephone: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Address: 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU

Welcome to 2019. New Year Resolutions—shall I bother? I don’t think so, not this year. The good old, eat and drink less is not going to happen, exercise more—yes please but I need more time for that. I love to walk especially in the village, in the forest etc but I just don’t have the time—maybe in 2019 I will try and do this more. The thought of one walk a month, with no phones, on my own, not with the dogs, just enjoying the sounds and smells—everything we take for granted. Sounds fantastic.

Epping,

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

However, because of pressure to compete on the price of fuel which the Garage just cannot do, it is not surprising with the cost of fuel over the last few months, that it is so much cheaper to go to other garages for fuel. Driving can be very expensive.

On Christmas Eve, this will be the last day of serving fuel at this garage.

It has been a hard decision but one that cannot be avoided any longer.

It was wonderful not only to have this in the village on our doorstep but also to have attended service, so you can wave your £10.00 out of the window and not have to leave the car with your child in it or brave the elements of bad weather.

All other elements will continue namely MOTs, services, puncture repairs and general motoring assistance and checks.

I won’t go on any longer, I would like to just wish you all a very merry Christmas if you read this over Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.

Look forward to seeing you in 2019.

Kind regards June Editor

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.

Page 3

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

NEW YEAR BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Resolution New Year Champagne Party Happy Games Music Celebrate Midnight Horns Dancing Clock Countdown Balloons

E

L

E

C

C

E

L

E

H

O

E

A

H

C

C

R

C

O

U

N

T

D

O

W

N

M

I

R

D A

A H

E L

C S

C E

E S

R S

S R

O E

H S

G U

S U

R A

E S

N

A

E

N

O

E

C

L

Y

M

R

S

P

O

C

P

B

E

R

L

B

E

E

H

A

P

P

Y

I

T

R

K

S

B

U

N

A

B

E

G

H

M

N

H

A

C

N

Y

A

T

Y

E

Y

M

C

U

G

G

T

O

R

T

A

P

I

G

W

U

E

S

C A

I N

E A

L C

O H

R A

L M

A P

A A

O G

E N

S E

E C

H O

A

D

D

I

M

P

A

A

G

D

A

H

G

N

G

I

N

B

A

L

L

O

O

N

S

A

A

A

I

M

I

C

O

U

C

H

A

M

P

B

A

G

Congratulations this month B. Bradley to who won last months prize and will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. This month the lucky winner can also celebrate with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to New Year Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th January 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

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Farm house fire in Epping On 13th December just after 6pm, crews were called to a fire at a farm house in Epping Road, Epping, after a neighbour heard the smoke alarm and called 999.

On arrival firefighters reported that there was a fire on the first floor of the property which had spread to the roof space, and the whole house was heavily smoke logged.

Firefighters from Harlow, Ongar, Old Harlow and Epping worked hard to stop the fire spreading any further and extinguished it by 7.40pm.

Crews then stayed on site for some time to dampen down hotspots and ensure the area was safe.

A large section of the first floor and roof have been completely destroyed by the fire.

An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.

Source: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Poppy Appeal Results A total of £7,028.47 was raised for this year’s North Weald Poppy Appeal.

Included in this amount was £648.90 from Thornwood Common and £572.71 from Hastingwood.

The remainder were from collections at the Airfield Market, Harlow Garden Centre and donations for wreaths etc.

Doreen Lodge, the local Appeal organiser, would like to express appreciation on behalf of the Royal British Legion, to everyone who gave so generously and to all the collectors who knocked on doors, collected at the Airfield Market and the Harlow Garden Centre.

Also to those who had tins on their premises.

Thank you for all your support which will ensure the Royal British Legion can continue helping British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

Page 5

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 6

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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

Zinc Arts Centre, High Road, Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £4.50 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

12 noon— 5pm

North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way

Every second Saturday of the month

Ploughmans Lunch

12noon

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

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

Tuesday 25th December

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tuesday 1st January

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wednesday 9th January

North Weald WI

1.45pm

North Weald Village Hall.Our speaker this month is Brian Carline entertaining us with the title ‘Tripe and Trotters’. Visitors welcome £3.00.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.

Page 7

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Don't let fire ruin Christmas Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, decorating your home – there’s lots to think about this Christmas. But one thing Essex Fire and Rescue Service are are urging Essex residents to put top of their Christmas lists this year is fire safety.

While fire safety is vital throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season. This is why we are asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy Christmas safely:

•

Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. Working alarms can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries.

• Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.

• Put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.

• Never use heaters to dry clothes. Heaters can start fires when things are placed too close to them. Keep them well away from curtains, clothing and furniture.

• Don’t overload sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.

• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use.

• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.

• Do something good this Christmas. Test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety as they are at greater risk from fire.

• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should get out, stay out and call 999 Source: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Page 8

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

George Fairall

Please don’t forget to mention to any advertisers That you found their details in the

Epping

07714 264 312

North Weald Village Life magazine

01992 522950 Www.ratedpeople.com/profile/gf-plastering

Safe Christmas Greetings Essex Trading Standards is wishing residents and businesses across Essex a happy and safe Christmas, please take care when purchasing goods online to be sure that you are purchasing from legitimate reputable websites - also be aware of the return policy before you buy.

Take extra care this year when purchasing electrical goods online especially if you can see the trader is based outside the EU – as there are often instances of safety issues particularly around plugs and chargers. You can find some handy shopping tips on electrical goods here.

St John’s Road Cinema, Homes and Leisure Centre At a recent cabinet meeting held on 10th December, Epping Forest District Council discussed St Johns Road.

As the Civic Offices evolve, the Council will also be transforming the southern end of Epping with a new leisure centre, cinema, homes, businesses and parking. Subject to detailed negotiation and agreement, Epping Forest District Council proposes to work in partnership with Epping Town Council and leisure provider Places Leisure (also known as Places for People) to deliver the development.

The existing sports centre in Epping will be redeveloped for housing following completion of the new St John’s facility, allowing the Council Offices, St John’s Road and Hemnall Street to make a substantial contribution to housing demand identified in the emerging Local Plan.

Council staff working from the current housing depot off Epping High Street will move to new facilities already built at Oakwood Hill, Loughton.

Page 9

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New home in North Weald for Council staff Amongst the decisions taken at the recent meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet, at the Civic Offices on 10th December.

Epping Forest District Council is keen to explore partnership opportunities with Epping Town Council and North Weald Bassett Parish Council. Epping Town Council is already considering potential office sharing.

At the end of November, Councillor Whitbread had said: “This is also very good news for North Weald. Building offices on land we already own next to the airfield will bring new business and employment opportunities to the village. Rationalising our office needs also presents opportunities to talk to North Weald Bassett Parish Council.”

Potentially only needing the ground floor of the Civic Offices in Epping, the district council is in the early stages of informal talks with other prospective partners to lease other parts of the Civic Offices. There will be further opportunities for commercial leases to small businesses on the top floor

“We are already discussing office sharing possibilities with Epping Town Council at the Civic Offices that will cut everyone’s costs, particularly good news for our Council Tax payers. We will be keen to explore similar opportunities at North Weald.”

At the meeting, Councillors agreed in principle to relocate staff to North Weald. While customer services, civic and democratic functions will remain at the Civic Offices in Epping, new purpose-built offices will provide space for up to 380 staff at Blenheim Way, North Weald within three years.

New partners will join remaining council staff in Epping, ensuring the northern end of the town retains a strong employment focus and economic footfall for High Street shops and businesses.

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

Demolition of the 1960s Conder Building attached to the Civic Offices will clear the way for a mix of new homes behind the Civic Offices.

Page 10

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Cat travels from Paris to Basildon Although this does not strictly apply to North Weald, I thought I would share it as I know we are a village of pet owners and there are lots of cat owners in the village.

A very frightened stowaway cat was found in a container which had arrived from France to an industrial estate in Basildon. Luckily the workers were able to contain the cat and place it into a secure area. As the cat had entered the UK 'illegally', officers had no alternative other than placing her in quarantine where she will remain for 28 days.

This is to ensure that the cat can be fully vaccinated including the rabies vaccination to protect the UK so it remains a rabies free country.

A member of staff at the industrial estate who first found the cat has offered to adopt her once she's released from quarantine and so she'll have a new home just in time for Christmas.

Page 11

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Grant aid for local groups in Epping Forest Local groups across Epping Forest District have been awarded a share of nearly £50,000 from Epping Forest District Council’s Grant Aid Scheme for 2018/19.

The grants, awarded on a one-off basis, have gone to: The Bridge Club XL Youth

Epping Town Football Club CanalAbility Open Door The Lopping Endowment Ongar United Reformed Church Epping Forest Sunflower Group

Ongar & District Twinning Association Loughton Methodist Church Voluntary Action Epping Forest Youth Employment Services Partnership Spark Loughton Voluntary Care

Epping Forest Neighbourhood Watch Epping Forest Singers Leonard Cheshire Disability Hastingwood Village Hall Cunningham Can Do

Cllr Helen Kane, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Community Services said: “We considered grant applications from lots of worthy organisations across the district so it was a difficult task making the final decisions.

“I would urge any groups who were unsuccessful this year not to be disheartened, but to apply again next year.”

To apply online visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/index.php/out-and-about/our-activities/grants-for-sports-arts-leisure-and-communitygroups

Please remember To mention to Advertisers That you found their details in

North Weald village Life Magazine or website

Page 12

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

To all readers, advertisers & contributors

Wishing everybody a healthy and happy 2019 June Editor North Weald Village Life

Page

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Christmas comes to Epping Despite the torrential rain during the night and the morning of Friday 7th December, the weather improved for the Christmas market held in Epping High Street.

A varied range of Christmas decorations, gifts and food were on display.

Visitors were entertained by carol singers, a town crier and even Christmas deer came to the High Street.

The Christmas lights shone on families as they walked around the market.

One man said to a stall holder he had visited the market for many years but felt this was the best because of the varied stalls.

The atmosphere was very friendly and cheerful and really is a date to put in the calendar to kick start the local Christmas festivities.

Well down to everybody at Epping Town Council for all their hard work. Looking forward to next years event already.

Page 14

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Keep well this Christmas and New Year.

With the festive season ahead and the expectation of colder weather, it’s useful for everyone to remind themselves of some key tips to look after themselves and stay healthy. It’s also an important time to give an extra look out for elderly relatives and neighbours to check they are okay.

Cabinet Member for Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, Richard Roberts, said: “Cold and wintry conditions, combined with shorter days, can make many of us feel poorly. However, with a few simple precautions, most people can be ready for the really cold weather and avoid much of the misery associated with it.

“That’s why we are keen to remind people of a few tips to stay well this winter and would encourage everyone to share these with friends, family and neighbours.”

Top 10 tips for staying healthy this winter: 1. Have the flu vaccine: it’s free to the over 65s, those with serious medical conditions, carers and pregnant women. Contact your GP or practice nurse or pharmacist (most pharmacies offer jabs free on the NHS). The nasal spray is offered free for young children, visit www.nhs.uk/flu for details. If you are not in one of these groups you can get one for around £10 at many supermarkets.

2. Heat your home to at least 18C/65F, it can help minimise health risks. If heating your whole home is a problem, heat your living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go up to sleep.

3. If you can, get up and move around. If your mobility is limited, do some chair exercises to help you stay warm and active.

4. Good grips: if you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.

5. Hot food and warm drinks: Keep well fed and hydrated. Soup and fruit are useful and drink lots of water as well as warm drinks.

6. Stock up on basics like soup, tinned fish, long life milk and medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen in case you can’t get out of your home for a couple of days.

7. Undertake energy efficiency improvements to your home - or encourage your landlord to do so.

8. Keep a list of useful and emergency contacts by your phone – also add local organisations and charities who support older people.

9. Look out for friends and neighbours, particularly the elderly, those with existing health conditions

North Weald

and young children.

10. Keep tissues with you and use them to catch coughs or sneezes - then bin them and kill the germs.

Dr Amik Aneja, Clinical Lead for Urgent Care, NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group commented: “Pharmacists can provide advice on how to treat many common health conditions so your local pharmacy is a grat place to seek early help.

NHS 111 is a one stop shop that can offer selfcare advice, as well as onward referrals if these are needed so you get to the most appropriate service.”

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club (Behind the Talbot)

Meets every Tuesday At 5.30pm or 7.30pm Saturday 8.30am Call Mandy on 07778117128

Page 15

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Have your say on a new Fire and Rescue Plan There is still time for people who live or work in Essex to have their say on the proposed priorities in the county’s first ever Fire and Rescue Plan.

Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, is developing a Fire and Rescue Plan that sets out his vision and priorities for the delivery of fire and rescue services in Essex. The plan will run from 2019 to 2024 and will be the basis on which Mr Hirst holds Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to account for its performance. The document mirrors the Police and Crime Plan which sets the priorities for policing in Essex.

Over the summer, Mr Hirst has been working with fire and rescue service employees, Essex partners, representatives from local authorities and other blue light organisations, such as the ambulance service and the police, to develop the themes and priorities the draft plan includes.

He now wants to know what the public thinks and is urging people to complete an online survey at www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/ FireRescuePlan The survey is open until January 15th so have your say now.

Page 16

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

West Ham players bring joy to local hospice at Christmas On Monday 17th December footballers from West Ham’s under 23 team paid a visit to the Hastingwood-based hospice to bring some festive cheer to the patients on St Clare Hospice’s Inpatient Unit and those visiting the Day Centre. They also brought a £1,000 donation to the Hospice, which they had raised throughout the year.

In total, 20 members of the West Ham F.C. team visited, which also included five members of staff. Four footballers visited the hospice’s charity shop in Harlow where they helped sort out donated clothes. The others, who stayed at the Hospice, took part in a carol service on the Inpatient Unit, and got stuck in helping to spruce up the Hospice by sweeping the patio.

Sarah Thompson, Chief Executive of St Clare Hospice, said: “We’re very grateful for the support of the West Ham team and it was wonderful to see them bringing some festive cheer to our patients.

“The generous donation of £1,000 to the Hospice could run our 24 hour advice line for more than the 12 days of Christmas. As all of our services are free of charge, and most of our funding comes from voluntary donations, we rely on our local community to help us raise money each year so we can continue being there for local families facing one of the most difficult journeys in life.”

Liam Manning, Under 23 coach at West Ham F.C., said: “It was a humbling experience for our footballers to come and help today; seeing the strength and courage of the patients and the dedication of all the staff we met has been a profound experience that will hopefully stay with them. It was also a lot of fun singing and joining in with the hard work that goes on here.

“At West Ham football club we are committed to making a difference to people in our community and raising awareness of the important work that local charities, such as St Clare Hospice, are doing to help people when they need it most. Hopefully our visit today has done exactly that.”

Page 17

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Avoid the unwanted gift of food poisoning this Christmas There are an estimated one million cases of food poisoning in the UK every year, and without attention to food hygiene, this doesn’t stop during the festive season. To save your loved ones from a nasty bout of food poisoning over the holidays, follow these Food Standards Agency top tips from Epping Forest District Council to keep your festive season truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Top tips 1. When Christmas food shopping, take sufficient bags to separate raw and ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination 2. Check the guidance on your turkey to ensure you have enough time to fully defrost it – it could take as much as four days 3. Don’t wash a raw turkey – it splashes germs onto your hands, clothes, utensils and worktops 4. To work out the cooking time for your bird, check the instructions on the packaging Check that the meat is steaming hot throughout; there is no pink meat visible when you cut into the thickest part, and the meat juices run clear 5. Whether you cooked your turkey from frozen or fresh, your turkey leftovers can be used to make a new meal (such as a turkey curry). This new meal can then be frozen, but make sure you only reheat it once Councillor Anne Grigg, Portfolio Holder for Commercial and Regulatory Services said: “Cooking a Christmas roast for a large gathering can be a challenge. It is vital that the turkey, and other meat, is stored, defrosted and cooked correctly. Likewise, leftovers from Christmas need to be reheated and eaten within specific timeframes in order to avoid food poisoning.

C. J. A. Upholstery Stylish and contemporary pieces of furniture, individually crafted to fit perfectly to any space & lifetime guaranteed.

Complement your furniture with stunning Fabric, 1000’s of fabric to choose from.

Quality furniture – Made to last a lifetime 28 years at Omega Furniture Why buy new furniture when we can re-upholster your existing piece?

“This is why Epping Forest District Council is supporting the Food Standards Agency in helping to relieve some of the stress of preparing the Christmas meal and to keep your family safe during the festive period.”

Adam Hardgrave, Head of Foodborne Disease Control at the Food Standards Agency, said: “The four Cs of food hygiene – chilling, cleaning, cooking and avoiding cross-contamination are important throughout the year, but especially at Christmas.

“In the flurry of preparing the Christmas meal, it’s important to remember to plan ahead and allow plenty of time. Remember that an average-sized turkey can take four days to fully thaw in the fridge, and it is vital to thoroughly cook it so that the meat is steaming hot, there is no pink meat visible, and the meat juices run clear.”

For more information visit: www.food.gov.uk/seasons-eatings or follow @foodgov #SeasonsEatings on Twitter for tips and advice throughout the festive period.

With more than 35 years' experience, CJA Upholstery is a small, friendly business who provide a comprehensive range of upholstery services to clients in Essex and Hertfordshire.

Contact Us 01992 893 964 / 07904 359 333 Northam, 45 North Street, Nazeing, Essex EN9 2NH

www.cjaupholstery.co.uk Page 18

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Floods Destroy - Are you at Risk?

With the onset of winter, the Environment Agency has launched its annual Flood Action Campaign.

This year it’s titled Prepare, Act, Survive and is aimed at young people who are most at risk in a flood because18-24’s are least aware of dangers of flooding in their area and more than half would not know what to do in an emergency. The Environment Agency and British Red Cross are urging young people to learn how to protect themselves and help their communities when flooding hits.

“We are all individually responsible for the safety of ourselves, and our homes in the event of a flood,” said Cllr Nigel Avey, Cabinet Member for the Environment.

“For instance flood doors and boards are available to hold back the water if you live in an area that is in danger of flooding, or you can buy self-inflating ‘sandbags’ that only take up a fraction of the space of traditional sandbags and can be deployed rapidly. We must all be prepared to help ourselves should the worst happen.”

The Environment Agency’s advice in their latest campaign is to:

Page 19

Tel: 07814 863955

•

Prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents

•

Act, turn off gas, water and electricity. Move things upstairs or to safety. Move family, pets and car to safety

•

Survive Call 999 if in immediate danger, follow advice from emergency services, keep yourself and your family safe.

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Winter Walkies is coming!

Puppy love is in the air at St Clare Hospice as registration officially opens for the charity’s annual Winter Walkies event. The 5k pooch parade will be taking place at the Hastingwood-based hospice on Sunday 24th February 2019 and more than 200 walkers and their furry friends are expected to support the fundraiser.

St Clare Hospice’s Events Fundraiser, Emma Broadbent, is organising the event and said: “This year marks the 13th time the Hospice has hosted the event and it is as popular as ever! The 2018 walk saw 250 walkers and their dogs take part, and we are hoping even more people register for 2019.”

Emma continued: “Anyone is welcome to join us on this rural route across the beautiful Essex countryside – whether you are a dog owner or not. Just remember your wellies as it is likely there will be plenty of muddy feet and paws. It is such a great event – you’d be barking mad to miss it!”

As part of the event’s launch the hospice is once again hosting their ever-popular ‘Cutest Canine Competition’ – and the charity is calling on local pet-owners to enter their favourite photograph of their pet to win a hamper of doggy goodies and the chance to officially start the Winter Walkies event.

Voting for the St Clare ‘Cutest Canine Competition’ will run from Monday 21st to Friday 25th January 2019 on the charity’s Facebook page. All entries are due by 12noon on Friday 18th January and entrants must have registered for Winter Walkies 2019 in order to be eligible for the competition.

Registration costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, which includes a free soup, dog rosette and certificates for children. Walkers can also sign up on the day. Please be aware that the route is not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

This year’s event is kindly sponsored by Epping-based vets, Forest Veterinary Centre.

For more information and to register, call Emma Broadbent on 01279 773754, email emma.broadbent@stclarehospice.org.uk

or see https://stclarehospice.org.uk/event/ winter- walkies/

Page 20

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Christmas fun for charities Epping Forest District Council would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to all our big-hearted residents who dropped Christmas gifts into the Civic Offices for mums and children in refuges across Essex.

Collecting gifts for families in refuges has been a tradition amongst Epping Forest District Council staff for many years, but this year we decided to open it up to residents to help bring a little Christmas cheer to those who find themselves in refuges over the festive season….and you didn’t disappoint.

They managed to collect many gifts including books, toys and toiletries, which will be delivered in time for Christmas.

On Friday – Christmas Jumper Day – staff got into the festive spirit with music and mince pies while wrapping all the donated gifts, ready for distribution. They’d all paid £2 to wear their Christmas Jumpers to work, with the cash going to Save the Children.

“We’re so grateful to the local people who have supported our collection this year,” said Cllr Sam Kane, Portfolio Holder for Community and Partnerships.

“Christmas is a tough time for families in refuges and we’re glad to be able to spread a little Christmas joy on the big day.”

Page 21

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 22

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Gardening Hints Merry Christmas to you all from all of us at Art Nursery, we hope you’ve had a successful year in your gardens.

There’s not much happening in the garden during January, although if you have hanging baskets, pots or potted shrubs they will still require some watering. If you have a real Christmas tree keep the stand topped up with water, although the trees have been cut they will still continue to soak up lots of water.

We don’t sell poinsettias as we don’t have heating in the nursery and as you may know it gets very cold in here. Poinsettias don’t like it to hot or to cold, they like to be kept at about 54 degrees, and away from radiators, doors and windows. If the leaves start to drop then they’ve probably got a chill.

If you feed the birds then continue to keep your feeders topped up with fresh seed/peanuts/fat balls. It is just as important to Keep bird baths topped up with fresh water, especially when all other water sources are frozen.

For those of you who have a green house, it’s not to late to get out there and give it a good clean, disinfect all areas including pots, seed trays and tools. Use a mild solution of Jeyes Fluid.

January is a good month to sit back and read through last years gardening magazines, maybe exchange different mags with friends and neighbours, give yourself an idea of what you want to do in the garden next spring & make notes of what worked in the garden and what didn’t.

Myself, Irene & Lisa would like to thank you all for your continued custom and support, we are now the only family run garden centre in the local area, since Harlow Garden Centre was sold to a chain and then Happy Grow closing down earlier this year. Your custom means a lot to us.

Don’t forget to sit back with a drink of your choice, mine through January will be a nice hot, strong cup of TEA! I try to lay off the booze during January and challenge June to see if she can resist the Bacardi & Coke during January! Our thanks to June for another year of Village Life Magazines, I know you all enjoy browsing through them as much as we do.

Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page to see what’s new at Art, Lisa tries to update it frequently and is online to help answer any queries you may have, if you’re like me and don’t do Facebook then do it the old fashioned way and pop into the nursery to see us! We wish you all the best for 2019. Regards Nigel, Irene & Lisa P.S We are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the 27th. Open as normal from the 28th. Closed 1st January Source: Nigel Art Nursery Garden Centre

Page 23

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 24

Tel: 07814 863955

Email:june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Are you doing Dry January?

Dry January is as it says it is—the same time of year which millions of people give up alcohol for the month of January. It is run by the charity Alcohol Change UK. There are no rules, it is just no alcohol from when you wake up on New Year's Day until 1st February and that’s all. Simple!

If you decide to have a drink, that's totally up to you. A drier January is still something to be proud of, and your body will thank you!

But if you can make it through the month alcohol-free, you'll get bigger benefits. The biggest benefit of all is that you'll see you don't need alcohol to have fun, go out, stay in, relax or do anything else you might associate with drinking. And knowing that will help you take control of your drinking year-round.

So apparently it really does work. 72% of people who do Dry January are still drinking less riskily six months later (according to the alcohol AUDIT, a World Health Organisation measure of risky drinking). Giving your body a break from booze for January is pretty good for it, but Dry January helps people cut down longer term too, and that has so many more benefits Dry January is run by the charity Alcohol Change UK. We started Dry January because:

•

S. I. Painters and Decorators Established 1980

• •

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

A month off is a great chance to get us all thinking about our drinking, so we can make healthier and happier decisions when it comes to alcohol year-round.

Dry January is an opportunity to make not drinking, whether for an evening, a month or longer, feel more normal. Because many of us feel under pressure to drink, or to drink more than we want to, and we think it would be better if everyone had more choice.

• Lots of people who do Dry January find that they save money by not drinking, and you might decide to donate some of what you save to Alcohol Change UK, to support their work to reduce the harm caused by alcohol in the UK. Every day 20 people in the UK die as a result of their drinking, and the impact of alcohol doesn't stop there - it affects families, communities, and in fact our whole society.

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

Page 25

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church

•

Kitchens and bedrooms supplied and fitted to your specification

•

A complete service from design to finish

•

Competitive prices guaranteed

•

High levels of expertise by a locally recommended craftsmen

You could be forgiven for thinking that running a parish church is just a matter of opening the doors on Sunday and choosing a few hymns. In fact for any church council in an interregnum the requirements have often and accurately been described as ‘running the church plant’ which includes everything from maintaining the heating and lighting to fulfilling all the legal requirements in the way of bookkeeping. In this last category our Churchwardens were recently requested to complete a fairly detailed survey by Barclay’s Bank, one question of which was ‘When was your organisation formed?’ It led to a discussion as to whether the answer was AD33 or At the Reformation. Either way it was a good few hundred years before Barclays was formed.

One of Churchwardens has lately been exchanging emails with the Archdeacon in connection with a serious matter that surfaced towards the end of 2018 and to seek advice on how to deal with it. This was not a problem to do with a forthcoming marriage or form of service we were using but literally much more down to earth; St Andrew’s is a country church and therefore not on a main drainage system. The Septic tank buried somewhere in the churchyard for the last hundred years or so was life-expired. Help!

For a free estimate contact:-

Roger Linsdall Telephone: 01992 523277 Or mobile: 07980 555147

As well as dealing with the day-to-day running of ‘the church plant’, the church council has also, in an interregnum to be taking the appropriate steps to find a new Vicar. With smaller numbers of people now attending the church regularly this presents a new problem. Can we afford the cost of having one? To which the answer has to be ‘No’.

In some rural areas these days it is not uncommon for a priest to have charge of at least eight churches, which for each church in the circuit this can be only marginally better than being totally without. But at North Weald we have what Baldrick would describe as ‘A Cunning Plan’. This goes under the title of ‘House For Duty’ in which a self-supporting (nonstipendary) priest moves into a diocesan- owned property, pays no rent, but fulfils all the functions of a Vicar for several days a week including Sunday.It’s a tried and tested system.

W . J. CRUMP Crash Repairs Established local company High quality car repairs Body Repairs Approved Insurance Repairer

And where, you might ask, would we hope to find such a property? Answer: The former vicarage.

Our special day of celebration when we honour St Andrew our Patron Saint on November 30th went off well with the Bishop of Richborough present and leading the worship. The church was well-filled, there were numerous altar servers and rich chords from the organ being played on this occasion by Gillian from Danbury. We were happy to welcome our friends from St Mary Magadalen’s church, Potter Street, who assisted our own folk in providing very enjoyable refreshments after the service.

There was an amusing discovery I made when about to enjoy a glass of white wine. The label on the bottle was ‘ Cassillero Del Diablo’ - wine from the devil’s cellar!

Two last things for this month.

One. Everyone is welcome to St Andrew’s church and we would be particularly happy to see those friendly faces again which we have loved but lost awhile.

Telephone: 01992 522351 Tylers Green, 284 High Road, North Weald CM16 6EG Page 26

Tel: 07814 863955

Two. From January the Parish Mass on Sunday starts at the slightly later time of 9.30am.

Source: Edwyn Gilmour edwyngilmour@gmail.com

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Information Hub offers support to people affected by dementia Navigating support through the health and social care system can now be a little easier for people affected by dementia in the North Weald area.

Alzheimer’s Society in Essex has launched a dozen Information Hubs across the county, with the aim of providing a place for people living with dementia and their carers to socialise in an informal environment while also having access to external organisations.

From health professionals to organisations in the social care industry, the Hubs offer a one-stop shop where Alzheimer’s Society brings services to people rather than them having to find out what help is available themselves.

Residents in North Weald my like to attend the Ongar Information Hub which takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month, at the Zinc Centre from 10am to 1pm.

Marion Howell, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager in Essex, said: “There are more than 20,000 people living with dementia in Essex, yet too many face the condition alone without adequate support. If people are worried about their memory or following a diagnosis of dementia many people are unsure where they can turn to, often missing out on the advice and support they need as well as any benefits to help them to live well with the condition. “ “Our Information Hubs aim to make this a smoother process by inviting a few external organisations to each session, as well as having staff and volunteers from Alzheimer’s Society on hand. “

“So far the Hub has had visits from local fire and police services, social workers, specialist dementia nurses, Carers First, finance and legal aid agencies, fall preventions, Community Agents and more. “ The Hubs are open to anyone living with dementia, their families or carers. We would also like organisations to get in touch if they support people living with dementia in any way. It not only helps organisations to gain recognition but for people affected by dementia to take away information that they might not have realised was available.”

Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes. To find out about your nearest Information Hub in Essex, call the Family Navigator Service on 01245 260911.

Page 27

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Update on Queens Short Mat Bowls Club Friday, 30th. November 2018 was finals day for the clubs competitions. Two closely contended matches were played.

The singles competition was between Jean Reeves and Diane Archer with Jean winning by just 2 shots.

The pairs competition was won by Pam Green and Anne Wingwirth after another good game against Sylvia Kitchener and Ken Knight. Trophies were presented by Club President, Doris Holden. Tea and cakes were enjoyed by competitiors and spectators and there was even time for a short roll up before the session ended at 4pm.

Many thanks to the ladies who made the cakes. The sessions continue until 21st. December when we shall be holding a target bowls session before closing for our Christmas break.

We start again on Wednesday January 9th. from 1pm til 4pm guests are always welcome whether they are beginners or experienced bowlers.

Source: Diane Archer

Sadly due to economic reasons, we will no longer be selling fuel at the end of 2018.

If you want to include an announcement for a birth, death, marriage, anniversary or birthday of a local person

All other services will remain as usual.

We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause our

—please send these to me via email and I will include it in a future issue

Page 28

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

•

Robert Rayment

HOME GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE LTD

Plumbing—Heating—Gas

The Local Company You Can Really Trust!

All aspects of plumbing-heating and gas works - from a dripping tap to a full central heating installation.

•

Local with a very good reputation.

•

Professional service.

•

Over 20 years experience in the industry.

•

Free estimates and no call out fee.

•

No job too small.

We specialise in the repairs to all makes of windows and doors

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

07853 878895 robertraymentplumber@gmail.com

A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

You can check my reviews at:-

CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794 Or VISIT US AT www.homeglazingrepairservice.co.uk

Page 29

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Citizens Advice asks: do you need extra help?

If you need extra help with everyday tasks or getting around because of an illness, disability or mental health condition, and you’re between 16 and 65, you could get Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The help you need may be from a person, an aid (such as a walking stick) or an adaptation to your home or car. You must have needed this help for 3 months and expect it to need it for at least another 9 months. You don’t need to have paid National Insurance, and it doesn’t matter what your income is, if you have any savings or if you’re working.

PIP is not based on the condition you have or the medication you take. It is based on the level of help you need because of how your condition affects you.

You’re assessed in relation to specified activities. If you get or need help with any of the following, because of your condition, you should consider applying: preparing and cooking food; eating and drinking; managing your treatments; washing and bathing; managing toilet needs or incontinence; dressing and undressing; communicating with other people; reading and understanding written information; mixing with others; making decisions about money; planning a journey or following a route; moving around.

To get PIP you make a claim to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The first stage is to phone them on 0800 917 2222.

They will help you complete a form over the phone. This usually takes about 20 minutes. They then send you a much more detailed paper form in which you have to describe how your medical condition affects you. It can take up to 2 weeks for the DWP to send you the form. While you wait, it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll fill it in and if you need any supporting evidence.

You need to get the form back to DWP within a month, otherwise the DWP will end your claim and you'll have to start again. If you can't return the form on time ask the DWP for more time.

The third stage is to go to a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional. Most people have to do this. The DWP then makes a decision.

Making a claim for PIP can often take up to 4 months from starting the application to getting your money, but payments will be backdated to when you started your claim. If you’re not happy with the decision you can appeal.

Awards are usually for a fixed period so if your condition persists you will have to reapply.

There are some different rules and procedures if you’re terminally ill, in the armed forces or are already receiving Disability Living Allowance.

If you’re caring for someone who gets PIP (or Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance) for 35 hours a week or more you may be able to get Carer’s Allowance. You have to be over 16, not in full-time education, and not earning more than £120 per week, after deductions such as tax, National Insurance and childcare costs. However, the rules are complicated so it is as well to check whether claiming would have any effect on any other benefits you or the disabled person receive.

At Citizens Advice we’re very willing and able to help with queries about all benefits, and to help with form-filling. The nearest branch is at 50A Hemnall Street in Epping. We are open for dropin from 10.00 to 2.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Or try our website: www.citizensadviceefd.org.uk.

Source: Paul Stockton

Page 30

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

A view from above Another year has gone by so very very fast , in fact it simply flew.

Yet again not allowing me to do all the things I so wanted to do.

Though the summer we had was truly fantastic, Which seemed to throw everybody off guard, As usually the summer is always so wet and cold, Trying to plan anything is so very very hard.

Although this year seemed to be a throwback to days I remember, Lasting for so many months until suddenly you find you’re in December.

I’m most definitely not moaning, As it’s the kind of weather we all dream we’re going to get, It’s just been so long in coming that quite what to do with it, Is something we’ve seemed to forget.

Now none of us know whether next year will be just as good, Hoping that the seasons have finally returned back to where they all should.

Which causes a dilemma that affects us all in the same way, As do we book another holiday abroad or make the most of this beautiful country and stay?

I guess that winter will be the telling time if we should actually get proper snow that takes your breath away, as suddenly everything is painted white.

Or will it just be like for so many years now, wet and windy with gloom from morning to night.

Well as usual we’ll just have to wait and see, Though to return back to those good old days, would mean so much to me.

For we could go in the summer to all those places my parents took me as a kid, Making the most of this beautiful country that for so long was something you never did.

With barbecues all summer long and paddling pools laid out upon everyone’s lawn.

While trips to all our seaside towns was once again somewhere to which we were all drawn.

With a white Christmas lasting for a whole two weeks, While kids and parents all play and sledge in the snow All glowing with red cheeks.

I so wish that this is just the start of returning To how things use to be, As to show my kids a taste of what holidays Our parents showed us, would mean such a lot To hopefully not just me.

Then should my father and so many other loved ones And friends get the chance to look down, It would be with a beaming smile rather than a Disgruntled and sad frown.

Source: Andy—resident poet.

Feeling reflective because of the weather.

Page 31

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Letter

Dear Editor,

North Weald & District Preservation Society

NEW Fresh hot Coffee Available now

Most local people are aware of the number of deer that are on the forest, especially round the Coopersale area and slow down accordingly. There are some DEER signs but these are fairly small and inadequate for the number of deer that graze on the road side verges. At this time of year this is one of the only areas of vegetation left to feed on.

Recently there have been a number of incidents on the B181 road to Epping involving deer fatalities and extensive damage to vehicles. So far no-one has been seriously injured but due to the frequency of these collisions it is only a matter of time before a nasty accident happens.

We as a Society, have been campaigning for some time for more signage to be provided in this area and have written several letters to the authorities concerned and have been assured that the problem is being looked at.

HAYDEN LANDSCAPES LTD DRIVEWAY AND PATIO SPECIALISTS DRIVEWAYS ARTIFICAL GRASS PATIOS BESPOKE OUTBUILDINGS FENCING TREE SURGERY DECKING SHED BASES BRICKWORK TURFING GATES GARDEN DESIGN AND MUCH MORE

Call: 07877496903

In the meantime if you are unfortunate enough to hit one and it is either dead or injured on the road, contact the EFDC on 01992 564000 or www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk and they will do what’s necessary. If it is out of hours the call will be put through to the emergency team. Should the deer still be alive but injured a cover should be put over it’s head to calm it.

Ken Knight Chairman

or 01277412522

For a free no obligation quotation WEBSITE: www.haydenlandscapes.co.uk EMAIL: haydenlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Page 32

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

A New Dementia-Friendly Short-Mat Bowls Group Proves to be a Great Success

Formed in August last year and designed to run for just a few weeks a new DementiaFriendly Bowls Group that meets in North Weald has been so successful that it is now a regular event in the village .People with dementia and carers have reported that in some sporting activities such as bowling, people without dementia are not very patient and understanding towards them, especially in a competitive situation. Understandably therefore people suffering from dementia have welcomed the opportunity to participate in Short-Mat bowling in a safe environment where it doesn’t matter if they make a mistake or are unsure of the rules.

Meeting at the Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club in North Weald this new group began initially with seventeen people but as the news has begun to spread so more people have joined. It was set up by the Alzheimer’s Society to run just for ten weeks but because of its popularity helpful nature the group were unanimous in their view that they should ‘go it alone’.

Meetings take place every Tuesday morning from 10am to Midday and the charge is a modest £2 per person and a committee of five people has been set up with Terry Banks as chairman and Jim Heppel as treasurer. Marian Howell, Services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society said ‘This group has done so much to break down barriers and increase the confidence of people affected by dementia. Those participating appreciated the opportunity to be active again and part of their community’.

One of the carers confirmed this by saying ‘It has been unbelievable. There has been real bonding between everyone in attendance, but most importantly people have enjoyed themselves and had fun. A big Thank You is extended to the volunteers who help at this group. They have been very supportive and we couldn’t do without them’ The group have also received generous support from the Ongar Jazz Club and has secured a grant of £200 from the Ongar Town Council.

The first meeting in 2019 will be on Tuesday January 8th but if anyone would like further details or with to make enquiries they should contact Dorreen on 01277 363202.

Report by Edwyn Gilmour

Page 33

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

BIRD FEATURE - JANUARY 2019 Welcome to the first bird feature of 2019. I am scribbling this in mid December so 2018 isn't quite done and dusted but the annual species total that I have seen in our village and immediate vicinity is in the mid 70s which is on a par with other years. The list includes 40 odd species that can pretty well be seen on a regular basis with the extras made up of birds that are more occasional and then a few more species that are sighted on just the very odd occasion or maybe even just the once.

One bird that fits the 'one-off' category for 2018 is the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that was at Weald Common on a damp Saturday in late April. This is a sparrow sized woodpecker that has suffered a massive decline in numbers over the last 3 or 4 decades, maybe as much as 90% down. It is certainly the only sighting of this species that I have made in our area and it was a case of being in the right place at the right time to see that particular bird. If I was to award a 'Sighting of the Year' trophy then that would be the winner 2018.

Looking at latest trends for bird populations in the UK there are several species that have more than halved in numbers over the last few decades and of the 26 species highlighted nationally, 17 are actually able to be seen locally. You may be surprised to know that these declining species include Starlings and House Sparrows which although still fairly numerous are of concern because of rapid and sustained falls. Other species include Little Owl, Cuckoo (still an annual summer visitor to North Weald), Greenfinch and Linnet as well as Skylark which has been much less in evidence in the last 2 or 3 years.

Of course there are some birds doing better and there are 23 species that have doubled in numbers over the corresponding periods.

Again a good number of this list are to be seen around here. In fact some of them can pretty well be seen on a daily basis - Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Wren, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Buzzard and Collared Dove are familiar sights locally.

It is only by various monitoring schemes taking place throughout the UK that a true picture of what is happening to our birds and other wildlife can be obtained and I doubt if people taking part in these surveys back in the 1960s would have ever expected Starlings to decline so rapidly as to become a cause for concern in the UK. One bird that has increased rapidly in the UK is the Little Egret and happily this species has been frequenting our area for several years now. As recently as the early 1990s it would have been inconceivable that you could walk through the village and see an egret perched in a tree overlooking the main road but that is now possible. As someone who recently saw one remarked, it initially looked like a stork sat in a tree and certainly this is a very striking pure white member of the heron family which is more conspicuous around the village once the weather gets damper and colder. As well as being by streams and lakes they will happily search for prey in damp fields and can sometimes just be seen loafing in grassy areas, looking very obvious.

So there is an egret or two to be seen - what else is likely to be about? Well another bird we mostly see at this time of year is the Grey Wagtail which is a handsome yellow and grey bird that likes damp areas but will frequent gardens when the weather gets a bit iffy. And of course the winter thrushes - Fieldfares and Redwings - are increasingly obvious as they roam the area looking for berries or foraging for worms etc in fields and other grassy areas.

More birds will visit gardens when the weather bites. Coal Tits have been in relatively good numbers and a fairly regular flock of 15 or so Goldfinches have been turning up in my garden of late. Blue and Great Tits can add a splash of colour at this time of year. If you watch the birds in your garden you could think it is the same few birds coming to the feeders throughout the day and Robins etc are site faithful but tits etc tend to roam in small flocks and visit several gardens in succession. In fact over the course of the day you could have 50 or 60 individual birds using your garden but you only see a handful at a time.

I have mentioned Waxwings on previous occasions, really hoping for a flock of this delightful bird to turn up in our area. This winter it looks as though there are not that many about and the bulk of the sightings are in Scotland and the north. It really doesn't look likely that this gem of a bird will be appearing locally any time soon. There's always next winter.

There is still a handful of Meadow Pipits to be seen with a few Linnets about. Now we finally have some damp weather I have had a couple of sightings of Snipe - a brown wader with a very long beak - at Weald Common so that is worth looking out for. They frequent damp grassy areas and if flushed they fly up and away and look very obvious.

If feeding the birds don't forget to keep feeders, bird tables etc clean and don't allow a build up of uneaten food. Also be aware that accumulated droppings can actually present a health risk both for the birds and for us humans so try to practice good hygiene. Moving feeders can help prevent these problems. In icy spells the provision of clean, fresh water is a great bonus for birds. Please do not use any sort of chemical to 'de-ice' bird baths, if the water has become frozen then either put on a little warm water to melt it or break the top ice layer.

Although it is winter there is breeding activity going on with some species and Rooks are probably the most obvious during the first few weeks of the New Year, there are a few small Rookeries in our area, even by the primary school and the squawking activity going on can be very obvious.

Anyway, seasonal greetings to you all and over the festive period take the opportunity to have a walk or two and see what wildlife is about. We are quite lucky around here as there are various places you can go for walks, be it Weald Common, through woods or along footpaths. Indeed you can go to some very rural farming areas in other parts of the country and yet have very few sites with any realistic public access for walking, so having a few options literally on our doorstep is a real bonus for us around here. If the opportunity presents itself then take a stroll and you never know what you might see.

Enjoy. Source: Paul Corbet.

Page 34

Tel: 07814 863955

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 Direct

0845 4647

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

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

MP For Thornwood

Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

24 Hour

01992 572607

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

St Andrews Church

01279 451065

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

Traveline

0870 6082608

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

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