North Weald Village Life May 2016 Issue

Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 117 May 2016

www.northwealdvillagelife.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:     .

    

North Weald Post Office News Shop, High Road Kings Head Garage, High Road North Weald Library Art Nursery, Vicarage Lane Newsagents, Coopersale Party Package Thornwood Happy Grow Nursery, Thornwood Davis Estate Agents, High Road North Weald Chemist

We are nearly half way through 2016 ,which is the bad news but the good news is that we are so close to summer we are experiencing some nice weather already and what a difference it makes, blue skies and warm weather along with the longer, lighter evenings really does make the day longer and brings a smile to your face.

The village will see a big change in a few weeks with Roy retiring from the post office. He will be missed by many who relied on his help and patience but I am sure his family will love having him home and seeing more of him, apparently he has a list of jobs that need doing and the list continues to grow. The good news is that our village gets to keep a post office and in addition to this it will be open longer hours and will of course be based in the News Shop.

The village is experiencing a few problems particularly with damage to car wing mirrors and burglaries from cars and homes, there is now an online reporting method for reporting crime etc to the police and you can read more about this in the magazine.

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 £18.00 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.

As a family we recently spent a great afternoon at Hyland”s House in Chelmsford, which we had not visited before. We didn't take the dogs with us but we could have and will do another time, as there was plenty of places for them to run and walk, there were a lot of dogs and families in the grounds but there was a lot of grounds so everybody seemed to have there own space. The gardens were very pretty with spring flowers on show and the outside of the house was very impressive. You could walk around the gardens and have a picnic or if you have younger children there was quite a big play area – all for free which is fantastic, not even a fee to mark your car, so a fantastic place to go that is quite local, it only took us about 20 minutes to get there.

If anybody else has recommendations for places to go (or not to go), please drop me an email with the information so I can share this with readers.

We are also lucky to have lovely places to walk on our doorstep, last week whilst walking the dogs in Roughtally’s wood, we came face to face with a tiny deer which was lovely, it quickly. I have shared some photographs taken during one of our walks in the magazine.

Hopefully I will see you around the village enjoying the sunshine.

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

Road,

North Weald,

Epping,

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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

MAY BRAIN                 

Wren Peacock Thrush Blackbird Pigeon Robin Starling Sparrow Hawk Raven Crow Pheasant Kingfisher Woodpecker Kestrel Owl Hummingbird

P

H

E

A

S

A

N

T

O

W

W

O

R

O

E

A

L

S

T

G

N

I

L

R

A

T

S

O

P

W

R

E

N

S

P

A

S

L

D

R

F

R

O

K

C

O

C

A

E

P

B

R

P

A

D

E

D

T

H

E

H

P

A

B

I

A

E

T

O

K

R

H

C

C

R

R

C

B

A

G

A

S

O

C

I

P

H

E

R

L

E

R

T

S

E

K

W

E

B

F

W

O

R

C

W

R

N

I

B

O

R

P

K

I

W

S

T

R

E

E

O

K

I

N

N

D

C

H

A

I

W

K

V

C

B

I

W

A

C

O

A

C

T

K

C

A

L

B

O

N

P

W

R

O

L

R

T

H

R

U

S

H

R

S

W

O

O

W

B

R

I

R

E

H

S

I

F

G

N

I

K

K

D

R

I

B

G

N

I

M

M

U

H

L

O

W

Congratulations to Mrs Watts won last months prize and will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. This month the lucky winner can celebrate with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to May Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU’. Entries need to be received by 10th May 2016. 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

SEASONED LOGS AVAILABLE 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: 01992 522437 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

Car Vandalism

London & Essex Kent’s Farm

Over the last few weeks, I have received reports that many parked cars in the village has been subject to criminal damage particularly to wing mirrors.

Boarding Kennels and Catteries

This is not only criminal, but it causes inconvenience and costs a lot to rectify. Some people have missed going to work in order to repair the damage.

Some have seen two individuals responsible and they are believed to live in the village, and evidence has been provided to the police.

However, although there are many reports of the damage, there have not been many people who have notified the Police. It is important that if anyone sees or knows anything they inform the Police or Crimestoppers or if you have suffered from any damage to your vehicle, again please notify the Police via 101 or online. If the Police are aware that the reports they have received are not isolated cases and this is a much larger problem, they can assign resources in order to investigate this matter.

There are always seems to be a discrepancy between the number of criminal incidents in the village and the number of reports Police receive. As I have said before, it is imperative that incidents are reported so that the Police an ensue policing resources are made available to our village and they will use statistics to aid in this decision, they will look at the number and type of incidents reported. If you think about it logically, unless you tell them—they will not know what is happening. I know it can be frustrating as they may not act immediately or at all, and this is of course due mostly to lack of resources, but when Police representatives have been questioned in the past about policing of North Weald, we are always told we have such low numbers of incidents on record that we are not a priority and make sure you always get an incident number, as this way you will know it has been recorded and documented accordingly and you can always follow up a later date by quoting the incident number.

Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 12 Noon & 2pm - 4.30pm Sun 9.30am - 12 Noon Closed to the public on Bank Holidays Family run business since 1970.

Professional caring staff Extra large kennels, heating Door to Door collection and delivery service Export worldwide. Imports worldwide Quarantine Kennels & Cattery Pet accessories (www.dapperpets.co.uk) Grooming Parlour Kent’s Lane, North Weald, Essex CM16 6AX Tel No: 01992 522183/523499 Fax: 01992 522705

Parish council bans bouncy castles North Weald Bassett Parish Council is banning bouncy castles at The Parish Hall, Thornwood Common, until the inquiry into the death of a seven-year-old on an inflatable in Harlow has been finalised.

Councillors agreed recently to suspend its policy which had seen the council allow bouncy castles at events at The Parish Hall with the council having to approve the operator having seen their Public Liability Insurance cover.

Bouncy castles have been used at events at the hall about five times a year, Monday's parish council meeting was told. The decision means there will be no bouncy castle at this year's Thornwood Village Day. North Weald district and parish councillor Dave Stallan proposed that the parish council suspended approval of bouncy castles until a report has been published into the Harlow Town Park incident in which seven year-old Summer Grant died.

Gift Vouchers can be provided Please see website for block booking rates

He told the parish council meeting: "I would like to put on hold our procedure until the results of the inquiry into what happened in Harlow, in case any recommendations come out."

Parish council clerk Sue DeLuca said: "I'm really uncomfortable with the use of bouncy castles at the moment."

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. If you love flowers, why not come along?

Every 3rd Wednesday

Crib Evening

7.45pm

North Weald Village Hall Lounge.£3.00 entrance includes snacks, and the bar facility.

Every Thursday

Bingo

7.30pm

Wheelers Farm Gardens, 9 games for £4.00, Good money prizes available. All welcome (over the age of 18 years)

Saturday 23rd April

FREE Coffee morning to celebrate the Queens Birthday

10am— 2pm

North Weald Methodist Church

Friday 22nd April 2016

Sausage & Mash

7.00— 7.30pm

North Weald Village Hall.

Saturday 30th April

Roy’s retirement event

1—3pm

North Weald Village Hall. Come along and wish Roy from the Post Office well in his retirement. Time tbc.

Monday 2nd May

Bank Holiday

Monday 2nd May

May Day

12—5pm

The Fox, Matching Tye. Stalls, May queen, fancy dress competition, dog show, and more

Wednesday 4th May

WI Meeting—AGM

7.30pm

North Weald Village Hall

Saturday 7th May

Open Gardens

12.00pm

Haven House Childrens Hospice, High Road, Woodford Green IG8 9LB. Tickets £2, unders 16’s free.

Tour, refreshments etc.

Saturday 21st May

Jack Free Show

12.30pm

North Weald Village Hall. Tickets £8 on the door.

Tuesday 14th June

Southend Coach Trip

9.30am

Wheelers Farm Garden. Returns from Southend at 4.30pm. Tickets £10. 00. Limited places so book early. To book and pay see Steve, Flat 14 Wheelers Farm Gardens or ring Sylvia on 01992 525465.

Saturday 18th June

Cancer Charity Fundraising Day

2pm and onwards

Merry Fiddlers Pub, Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping

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

Page 7

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Duke of Edinburgh students are gold St Clare volunteers

“What is really nice is that some of them have already asked if they can stay on and volunteer with us after their three months ends because they enjoy it so much.”

St Clare Hospice is supported in caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses by over 500 dedicated volunteers, with more than 250 kind-hearted individuals supporting the Hospice’s retail department. These committed volunteers are vital in helping to run the charity’s eight local shops which bring in a combined total income of more than £1.2 million every year – enabling the Hospice to deliver their services free of charge to our local community.

One of the students who has asked to stay on as a permanent volunteer is Gabriela, who attends Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green. Gabriela said: “I really love volunteering in the St Clare shop and giving something back to my community.

I enjoy helping the customers and working with the other volunteers.”

In Loughton, a group of local students have really stepped up to the mark in dedicating their time to St Clare. The Loughton shop has a team of eight young people, aged from 13 to 16 years old, who give up part of their weekend to support the shop.

Jo Leal, the Loughton shop manager, said: “The students who volunteer with us are fantastic. We are very lucky to have eight young people here on their Bronze level Duke of Edinburgh award, which means they spend an hour volunteering every Saturday with us for three months.”

“They do an amazing job in the shop – from tidying the shop floor, putting stock out and hanging clothes, to counting puzzles and checking all the games are complete. They all work so hard and have really connected with the other volunteers in the team. It is lovely to see different generations of people working together and learning from each other. I’ve learnt a lot from them myself – from which bands are popular, to keeping me up-to-date on the new trends!”

Page 8

Tel: 07814 863955

“It’s great to get experience and skills for the work place and will look good on my CV as well. I really recommend it to other young people as it is enjoyable, great work experience, and helping other people makes you feel good!”

St Clare’s Loughton Shop is always happy to take on new volunteers. If you are looking for work experience or want to give something back to your community, why not pop into the shop which is located at 271 High Road, Loughton, IG10 1AH. Alternatively you can contact them on 020 8508 0766 or email loughton.shop@stclarehospice.org.uk

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Council pioneers drone use Recently Epping Forest District Council confirmed that they had bought two aerial camera systems also known as drones.

The purchase was agreed earlier this year at an Epping Forest District Council cabinet meeting on 11th January. it was agreed to purchase two drones for £5,000. This includes Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved training for staff.

This money came out of their ‘invest to save scheme’.

The drones purchased are DJI Phantom 3 and will be operated by their GIS team once trained. (GIS = Geographic Information System).

They have confirmed that they have been buying commercial photographs and videos for site surveys for over 50 years. This has included the hire of drones. Purchasing drones has many benefits that will save the council money and time.

These include  Real-time surveys for planning purposes saving the need to purchase aerial photography for new planning developments and landscaping enforcement  Surveying roofs and guttering on council owned estates saving money and time on scaffolding and surveys  Identifying illegal waste transfer sites and previously unidentified unauthorised caravan encampments They are hoping the drones could generate the council income and will be exploring the opportunities of shared use with other local authorities and public bodies. This will help to ensure them to remain a low council tax authority.

They are reassuring residents that the drones will not be used for snooping on residents but used as a valuable tool in the fight against environmental and planning abuses. They will not be looking into peoples back gardens.

They have commented that this innovative use of new technology helps to save the taxpayer money and helps them to look after the environment in the Epping Forest district.

Page 9

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Newly-wed daughter to open Midnight Walk in memory of dad St Clare Hospice’s Midnight Walk, the largest event in the charity’s calendar, will be hitting the streets of Harlow on the evening of Saturday 2nd July. The neon-themed event will ‘light up the night’ for St Clare and walkers will be stepping out in memory of loved ones who have been supported by the Hastingwoodbased Hospice.

At the start line for this year’s event, officially launching the walk, will be three people who have been very close to St Clare over the past year. Sue Barclay and her daughters, Emma (31) and Sophie (25), will be walking in memory of their husband and father, Steve, who passed away at St Clare hospice on New Year’s Day 2016, aged 63 years.

For most girls, the dream of their father walking them down the aisle on their wedding day is a long-held one. But for Sophie it was something she had never really thought about until the day her father was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Sophie and her fiancé Grant Betts had been engaged for 3 years before Steve first became unwell, but as soon as they heard the news they booked their wedding for October 2016.

However, Steve’s condition suddenly deteriorated in October 2015 and Sophie, unable to imagine getting married without her dad by her side, brought the wedding forward – setting a date just six weeks away.

When Steve was admitted to St Clare a week before the big day there was only one thing on his mind – “I’m going to my daughter’s wedding” – he told everyone who asked. And the staff at St Clare made sure his dream would become a reality.

A specially designed wheelchair was arranged to enable Steve to be at Sophie’s side as she walked down the aisle. Zoe Almond, a nursing assistant on the Inpatient Unit at St Clare, volunteered to accompany Steve to the wedding on her day off.

A member of the Hospice at Home team even blow-dried Sue’s hair on the day of the wedding to make sure the mother of the bride looked beautiful.

For Sophie it was all worth it to see her dad arrive on the morning of the wedding: “Zoe turned up with dad and as soon as I saw him there I thought ‘my day is already perfect’ just because he was there. I just couldn’t imagine him not being there.”

Sophie and Grant Barclay-Betts were married at Gaynes Park in Epping on Monday November 23, 2015 with close friends and family. As Sue and Steve walked Sophie down the aisle, “there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

If you are taking part in the Midnight Walk and would like to share your experience of St Clare Hospice, please get in touch with their Communications Team on 01279 773752 To register for the Midnight Walk go to: http://stclarehospice.org.uk/ event/midnight-walk-2016/ or call the St Clare Challenge and Events Fundraiser, Jade Clarke, on 01279 773756 or email jade.clarke@stclarehospice.org.uk.

07432 843128 Page 10

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Approval given for Heart of Epping project Ambitious plans for a community centre building adjoining St John’s Church in Epping have received full planning approval from Epping Forest District Council.

The ‘Heart of Epping’ project will see the demolition of St John's House which will be replaced by an attractive and well-equipped two -storey building with meeting rooms, community hall, cafe, toilets and kitchen.

The Bishop of Barking, the Right Reverend Peter Hill, said: “Epping is a great place to live. I am delighted that the council recently gave final approval to the plans for a new 'Heart of Epping' centre alongside St John’s Parish Church. “This will greatly enhance the church’s capacity to offer comfortable and modern facilities for the benefit of the community in which it is already a hub of life and activity as well as a place of Christian worship.”

He added: “We are thrilled that this important step is complete and we are motivated to see the building work begin as soon as we reach our £1m target for Phase One - the construction of the Building. Phase 2 will be the fitting out and equipping of the centre).

“Industrious work continues with local people, charitable trusts and our fundraiser to achieve this goal.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us this far, and we ask for your on-going support and prayers that this vision for our community becomes a reality.”

Rector of St John’s, the Rev’d Canon Geoffrey Connor, said: ““We have a vision of working together with other groups in our community and our local authorities to provide a Community Hub centred on the St John’s Road area which will truly become the ‘Heart of Epping’ offering first class facilities for the communal and spiritual life of our town.”

To make a donation visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/ stjohnthebaptistchurchepping or for more information about the ‘Heart of Epping’ project and to speak to someone about donations, email geoffrey_connor@priest.com.

Distinguished councillor passes away Epping Forest District councillors and staff are mourning the loss of one of the district’s most distinguished councillors.

Ken Angold-Stephens passed away with his family at his side. He had been unwell for some time.

Councillor Angold-Stephens was first elected to the Council in 2004. He represented the ward of Loughton Roding and held some of the most important and prestigious roles for Epping Forest District Council.

At various times he was the Leader of Loughton Residents’ Association, Chairman of the Licensing Committee and Vice -Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He was Vice-Chairman and then Chairman of Council from 2010 to 2012.

He also held long and distinguished careers with the BBC and Loughton Town Council.

Page 11

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 12

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Editor’s Comment: If anybody would like to donate a raffle prize or have any questions about getting involved with this event, please drop me an email to: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk and I will pass it onto Dean

Garden work to start You may have recently noticed changes in the grassed area in front of the parade of shops in High Road, North Weald, this is going to be made into a garden North Weald Bassett Parish Council is still open to ideas for sponsors for the garden.

Any sponsors supporting the scheme will have their name featured on plaques which will be installed around the area with the sponsorship money used to meet the maintenance cost throughout the year.

Hopefully you will see the different for yourself.

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 13

Page 14

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

You are invited to Roy’s Retirement Do As I confirmed in last month’s issue, Roy will be retiring on Thursday 28th April from the Post Office. The Post Office will re-open at it’s new location in the News Shop in the High Road and will be managed by Dave and Sue Stallan. It will reopen officially at 1pm on Friday 29th April.

It goes without saying, that everybody wants to thank Roy for his hard work and dedication as North Wealds Post Master for many years, and to wish him a happy retirement.

So everybody is invited to drop in between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday 30th April at the North Weald Village Hall, for an informal gathering to wish Roy well. Roy and his family will be attending and Roy has said he wans to thank all of his customers and friends for their support over the years. I am sure we will be sad to say goodbye to Roy and he will be missed but he will not be bored as he a long list of decorating and house duties that have accumulated.

The Village Hall is being provided free of charge for this event, I am delighted that I have a number of volunteers who are making some snacks and cakes for the event, volunteers will run a licensed bar at the Hall and Party Package, Fancy Dress company based in Thornwood have kindly provided the decorations for the event free of charge.

So come along, wish Roy well, enjoy a complimentary snack, purchase a cup of tea or coffee, soft drink or alcoholic drink from the bar and enjoy the informal local gathering.

If anybody would like to contribute something for the event or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or telephone.

Driving Licence Revoked An 86-year-old driver had his licence revoked after failing an eyesight test during a road safety operation in Loughton and Epping recently.

Officers used the VLA's fast track procedure to apply for the man’s licence to be revoked because they believed he would present a severe risk on the roads.

The man will be able to apply for his licence back once he has had his eyesight tested and corrected.

Sgt Dave Rudd from the Casualty Reduction Unit said: “Having their licence revoked can be devastating for many people as it comes with a loss of independence. However we have a duty to protect these drivers as well as the thousands of other people who use the roads of Essex.

“When a licence is revoked at the roadside our officers do all they can to safeguard the driver’s welfare. This often involves giving them a lift home and speaking to their family and friends to ensure they are aware of the situation and are able to support the driver particularly if a decision needs to be made as to whether they should apply for their licence to be returned.”

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 15

Make a Will Fortnight When it comes to looking after our family, there isn’t much we wouldn’t do to take care of the ones we love. It may come as a surprise then, that when it comes to stating our wishes for after we’ve gone, more than half of adults living in the UK admit that they do not have a Will. To mark St Clare’s Make a Will Fortnight 2016 the Hospice is reminding people that it is never too soon to start thinking about. .

On the importance of making a Will, the Law Society states: “Everyone should have a Will, but it is even more important if you have children, you own property or have savings, investments, insurance policies or you own a business.”

From 6th to 17th June, seven solicitors’ offices local to Epping Forest are volunteering their time to enable you to make your Will. All they request is that you kindly make the suggested minimum donation of £180 to St Clare Hospice, which is the standard cost of a Will, but will pay for an hour of the vital care that St Clare’s Community Service offers free of charge to local families.

The participating solicitors in the Epping Forest area are: Epping: Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head LLP, 181 High Street, 01992 578642 Buckhurst Hill: Diamonds, Queen’s Mews, Queen’s Road, 020 8559 0778 Woodford: Thirsk Winton, Swan House, Johnston Rd, Woodford Green, 020 8505 4777 Enfield: Barnes & Partners, 90 Silver Street, 020 3324 058501799 522636 Loughton: Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head LLP, 106-108 High Road, 01992 578642 , Stapley & Co, 141A High Rd, 020 8502 1934 Or Attwaters Jameson Hill, 147 High Rd, 020 8508 2111 Appointments are limited so please contact your chosen solicitor today. For more information about Make a Will Fortnight please contact St Clare Corporate Partnerships Manager, Amy Jacobs on 01279 773758 or amy.jacobs@stclarehospice.org.uk.

100 Years of North Weald Airfield—we need your pictures North Weald Bassett Parish Council is looking to create a stand at North Weald Airfield Community Day (Sunday, 17th July 2016) depicting 100 years of the Parish of North Weald Bassett.

They are looking for old photographs of North Weald, Thornwood Common and Hastingwood – they could be of buildings, people, street scenes, etc.

So now is a good chance to look through your photo albums and share the history of North Weald and celebrate 100 years.

If you think you can help, please contact the Parish Office on 01992 523825 or email clerk@northweald-pc.gov.uk.

Page 16

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Spring is blooming in North Weald With the fantastic mix of sunshine and rain showers, the flowers and trees are enjoying ideal conditions to blossom.

Whilst walking recently in Roughtallys Wood, I took some photographs to share with readers of the joy of Spring. Here they are.

AMG Warehousing Limited North Weald Airfield Essex CM16 6HR

Detached Office Building Available to Rent    

6.8m x 18.1m = 123.08m2 (1,325ft2) Four offices Kitchen/washroom facilities Direct electricity supply with EON

For more information: 01992 522034 / sales@amgnorthweald.com Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 17

North Weald Citizen of the Year 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?

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

At the Annual Assembly of the North Weald Bassett Parish Council which was held on Monday 21st March, the Citizen of the Year award was presented.

The worthy winner was retiring postmaster Roy Sudra who received the Year award.

Mr Sudra is about to retire after 25-plus years' service to the local community His nomination described him "highly regarded, extremely knowledgable, police and courteous - who will be missed by all".

In addition to this, the Individual Award for Voluntary Services to the Community was jointly awarded to Thornwood Seniors Association secretary Iris Smith and Lisa Harman, Allotment Warden for the Wheelers Farm Gardens and Queens Road sites in North Weald.

The Group Award was jointly awarded to Hastingwood Village Hall Committee secretary Jacky Kelly, bookings secretary Lynn Austin and treasurer Jackie Blaney for their involvement with the refurbishment and building the extension to the hall and to the Thornwood Common Parish Hall Management Committee which has been active over last year raising money to ensure that the hall goes some way towards being self-funding. Events such as quiz nights, Sunday ploughmans lunches and a carol service have been held.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman Cyril Hawkins said: "The council is delighted to once again present its Citizen of the Year awards to community-minded local people whose commitment to the parish of North Weald enable the village to continue to be a vibrant and pleasant place to live and work."

The event was held at the Thornwood Village Hall.

Well done everybody.

BLOCK PAVING PATIOS FENCING WALLS

Page 18

Tel: 07814 863955

CRAZY PAVING FENCING CONCRETING SLABS

BRICKWORK TARMACADAM GRAVEL

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New life-saving and enforcement vehicles The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) has funded the purchase of two new partnership vehicles. The Essex Air Ambulance received a new Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) and Essex Police has received a new unmarked covert motorbike

.

.

The Air Ambulance’s Skoda Scout is a dedicated 4 x 4 vehicle which brings their fleet of RRVs to four, giving the life-saving Charity greater ability to reach more patients across Essex, whatever the weather or time of day.

It also enables the Air Ambulance to mobilise extra teams should a major incident occur.

Essex Police has received another unmarked high powered motorcycle with the latest video recording technology. This will help combat unsafe riding and driving behaviours on Essex Roads. We have hidden the motorcycle in the picture above to keep the vehicle as covert as possible .

Adam Pipe, Casualty Reduction Manager for Essex Police said: “The bike allows Essex Police to detect and video incidents of dangerous driving and riding behaviour and enhances our ability to detect offences such as the use of a mobile phone whilst driving.

The on board video evidence also provides comprehensive footage of any offence thereby reducing potential court time.”

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 20

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Loughton bar licence suspended After an assault during the early hours on 10th April 2016, Nu Bar in Loughton High Road has had its licence temporarily suspended by councillors.

A council spokesperson said: ‘Following the incident, Essex Police submitted an application for a review of Nu Bar’s alcohol licence to the District Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee. Their application called for either the temporary suspension of the licence or the enforcement of stringent conditions in the interim period between now and a full hearing.’

Councillors rejected the appeal by Greene King to lift the temporary suspension. They said that the suspension is ‘appropriate and proportionate’ given the evidence submitted. The suspension will continue until the full hearing on 3rd May 2016.

Essex Police Superintendent Trevor Roe said: We are happy to support the night time economy in the Epping Forest district but when public safety, crime and disorder become an issue, robust steps will be taken to enforce the law around licensing by the licensing officers and the new community policing team based at Loughton.

Tel: 07814 863955

Student to abseil off Avon Gorge for charity A university student from Epping will be taking part in a 200m abseil from the top of Avon Gorge in Somerset to raise money for a charity which has supported her family for 21 years.

Sophie Turrell, 19, of James Street, Epping, hopes to raise £200 when she takes the plunge to support the charity bibic, which supports children and young adults, on Saturday,7th May. Sophie said: “Bibic has this wonderful ability to welcome beautiful children, desperate parents and everyone inbetween in the family, provide them with the support and comfort they need, for them to leave smiling and hopeful.

“There is a rising population of children with disabilities nationally and I hope that through events like this, not only will they help fundraising for the charity, but also promote and expand the reach of the charity, so they are able to help even more children such as my brother.” Sophie’s family have been involved with bibic since her older brother, Charles, was eight months old. Charles will be 21 in August.

Sophie, who is in her first year studying law at the University of Winchester, said: “Before we found bibic, we were in a hopeless situation with the hospitals not offering any new information or help about Charles' condition. Bibic not only offered us help and answers, they offered us support as a family, not just for Charles. I can guarantee that without bibic, none of us would be where we are today.”

She said: “This is going to be a massive challenge and I hope I remember the right techniques! When I agreed to take part I thought it would only be about 50m, or a little climbing wall. When I found out it was closer to 200m I almost fell off my chair! I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when I'm at the top but I guarantee I'll feel much better once I get to the bottom on solid ground again!”

Anyone who wants to support Sophie’s fundraising effort can do so via her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Sophie-Anne-Turrell.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 21

New Community Team

Policing

Seen a pothole—Report it!

You can now report potholes online to the Essex Highways.

Epping Forest's new “Community Policing Team” has been launched by Essex Police as part of a renewed commitment to local policing that puts partnerships with councils and other organisations at the heart of community safety.

The new teams will work in community safety hubs with partners like councils, other Emergency Services, Health providers, charities, Neighbourhood Watch and community groups. Their main focus will be on community safety priorities, solving local problems like high risk anti-social behaviour, local “hot spot” crimes, repeat victims or keeping the night time economy safe.

You can also report a street lighting problem and review previously reported issues.

If you visit www.essexhighways.org you can log one problem at a time and you will be issued a reference number.

You can only report one problem at a time, ie., one pothole at a time, if you want to report two potholes you have to report these separately and you will be provided with two unique reference numbers.

So as you repeatedly avoid those potholes, of which there are many, remember to report it when you next get home.

Assistant Chief Constable Maurice Mason says: “Our renewed commitment to local policing means new teams will work as one with our partners to protect people from harm, talk and listen to communities about their concerns, gather information and help find answers to local problems. Our ambition is for a seamless link with Community Safety Partnership teams across Essex, working together to tackle locally-agreed priorities.

Working alongside those teams will be all the other parts of Essex Police which keeps people safe. That’s three thousand officers working for a safer Essex, including specialist domestic abuse teams, emergency crews responding to 999 calls, detectives investigating serious crime, and our countywide roads policing teams, firearms and police dog teams and officers and staff dealing with cyber-crime and fraud.”

Chief Inspector Denise Morrissey, district commander of Epping Forest and Brentwood, adds: “My Community Policing Team will focus on protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities and problem solving around emerging crime and ASB issues.

"These may be issues such as dwelling burglary or the risks posed by street gangs.

"The Community Policing Team, along with partners, will also focus on reducing reoffending."

Page 22

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New Micro Chipping of Dogs Act As you should be aware, from Wednesday 6th April 2016, all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be micro chipped and registered with their keepers’ contact details.

All keepers, including breeders, must keep these details up to date. The only exemption from the requirement is where a vet has certified in writing that a dog is unfit to be micro chipped.

Under the Micro chipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, a dog is micro chipped when the chip and keeper details are registered on an approved database. The registration forms will be provided by the company that chips the dog.

Failure to comply will result in a notice being served requiring the keeper to microchip and register the dog within 21 days. Failure to comply with the notice could result in a fine of £500.

Anyone breeding dogs will be responsible for micro chipping their puppies before selling or giving them to new keepers. All imported dogs will need to have a microchip.

Breeders will be required to register their own details and these will be recorded against the microchip for the life of the dog. Microchip implanters must be trained and competent.

So don’t forget, if you are concerned about the cost, if you go to Jolleyes Pet Shop in Harlow on Tuesday between 3pm and 7pm, they hold a walk in veterinary clinic and microchipping costs £10.00 per dog, this is properly registered and you receive a certificate in the post a few days later. Of course you can also book an appointment at your local veterinary surgery.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 23

x

ART NURSERY GARDEN CENTRE North Weald ‘s Hidden Secret Family Run Business

Your local Garden Centre Bring in your Hanging baskets & tubs Ready for planting

Fruit trees, shrubs & perennials Large selection of vegetable plants & seeds Trees Fruit tubs & shrubs Terracotta & glazed pots Rockery stone & gravel Seed potatoes Onion sets

Home made snacks, cakes & soups Wide range of coffees always available (Open weds to Sun 10.30am—4pm)

Art Nursery Garden Centre Your local garden Centre

TELEPHONE 01992 523346 Vicarage Lane West, North Weald CM16 6AL (On the same road as St Andrews Church)

Page 24

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Gardening Hints and Tips for May We are now entering the merry month of May, the month of the year when everything in the garden comes to life.

Although daytime temperatures are on the rise with the days getting longer, there is a very good chance of late frosts, so be aware if you are tempted to buy tender bedding; basket plants, tomatoes, cucumber, plants and plant them outside, a frost will kill them off.

Don’t be tempted to plant geraniums and bedding plants such as Bizzie Lizzies in the ground until at least the 2nd week of May. Planted in the cold ground these plants will sulk and just sit there without making much growth.

May is the month to get your runner beans set, you can prepare the ground by digging in well-rotted manure or composted material.

Also a good time to sow cabbages, lettuce, peas, raddish, salad onions, spinach, turnips, cauliflowers, carrots, beetroot and Brussel sprouts.

Early potatoes should be showing through, so it’s important to earth up. This means covering the tender shoots with soil to possible frost damage and later on prevent a green sun damaged potato crop.

prevent

It’s time to mulch well established trees and shrubs in the garden, at the same time top dress with a general feed, I suggest Growmore as a good all round balanced fertilizer.

Rose’s will now be susceptible to aphid greenfly attack. If you use sprays I suggest Roseclear, this product eradicates aphi used early on new shoots, black spot. If you don’t use sprays just rub your thumb and forefinger gently up the shoots infested with greenfly to remove them.

ds and if

Give the lawn and good hard rake with a metal grass rake to remove all dead grass. This will aerate the lawn and allow it to thicken up. Use a weed feed and moss-killer now for a really healthy green lawn.

If you have any empty pots, hanging baskets or troughs, that you want me to refill now is the time to bring them in. If you are a beginner attempting to plant your own hanging basket for the first time, pop into the Garden Centre and I will help you to create a stunning basket by helping you choose the right mix of plants.

Although May is the busiest month as always, still find time to sit back in your garden and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds on a warm sunny evening with a nice drink of your choice. Mine as always is a nice cold beer! Cheers!

Source:Nigel—Art Garden Centre, Vicarage Lane, North Weald

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club For outdoor and short mat bowling Bowling Membership £60 per annum

We are holding open days (10am to 4pm) on Sunday 15th May and Thursday 16th June, where apart from seeing what's on offer, visitors can sign up for a short 4 session introductory fun bowling course run by one of our 3 qualified coaches.

Admission is free and refreshments will be available.

Other activities on offer at the club include table tennis, yoga, bridge, cribbage and whist. No membership is required for these activities, but sessional charges apply.

The club also holds a social night every Thursday evening at 6pm from April through to September which is open to anyone wishing to give bowls a try. During the rest of the year (October to March) there is an open evening for short-mat bowls on Monday evenings at 7 pm.

If you would like to try your hand at playing bowls please come along. The club is fully accessible for those with disabilities and everyone will be welcome.

We can be found behind The Talbot public house in Wealdbridge Road, Tylers Green, North Weald, CM16 6GP. If you would like any further information please contact Jim Heppel – 01277 362631 or jimheppel571@gmail.com Page 25

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

CHURCH CHAT- May 2016 St Andrews Church Do you pray? If so, how – and for whom?

For Christians (and, of course, those of many other religions, most notably Jews and Muslims) prayer is an essential part of our faith. Prayer is, at its most basic, nothing to do with believing but everything to do with doing. To pray isn’t an intellectual proposition, we might say, but the act of communicating with God, even – we might also say – trying to place ourselves in God’s very presence. But of course the idea and act of praying not only includes a huge variety of practices but is also embraced by many who wouldn’t even consider themselves religious. How many of us, even if we never go anywhere near a church (or a synagogue, or a mosque) will offer up a prayer for someone who’s ill, or when we’re in a difficult situation, or even (and, yes, I’ve done this too!) when we urgently need a parking space?

To pray is, in fact, a very human need. Christians say that the desire to pray comes from the fact that God made human beings “in his own image” (as the book of Genesis says) and that, in the man called Jesus, we got our closest glimpse of what God is like. But Jesus was, as I’ve said before in this column, as human as you or I, and he did a lot of praying. He also taught his friends how to pray in the prayer that many of us know, the one called “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

If you’ve not said this prayer since childhood, why not have a look at it again? (there is a version in “modern” English which you can find online). And why not join in with a special week of praying that’s been announced by the Archbishop of Canterbury? From 8th to 15th May, he wants as many people as possible to offer this prayer, and use it to open their hearts and minds to God’s love.

And one final thought - remember the big argument last year, when the Church was told they couldn’t show the Lord’s Prayer in cinemas? This prayer isn’t just something you teach to little children – it has the power to change our lives. Give it a try!

Fr James.

451065) Page 26

Tel: 07814 863955

(contact me on jwerodley@yahoo.co.uk or 01279

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Little Red Riding Hood comes to North Weald

Report Crime Online

The children were treated to a very special performance of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, performed by Booster Cushion Theatre; professional theatre performers for children. They work with children to encourage them to take a greater interest in books and bring these books to life.

For the first time you can report a non-emergency crime to us online.

The children loved the performance with plenty of laughter and child participation. They sat happily and engaged throughout with some children even getting up on stage.

At Scribbles we encourage our children to be interested in books from an early age, so bringing these books to life for all the children at Scribbles was a truly magical experience.

The new 'do it online' service launched by Essex Police lets you report non-emergency crime, road traffic collisions and access a range of information and advice easily and conveniently. Online reporting for lost or found property will be added during April.

Essex Police has also subscribed to the national ‘knowledge bank’ Ask The Police, also accessible at www.essex.police.uk/ doitonline. Ask the Police contains answers to hundreds of often-asked questions about policing from abandoned vehicles to youth issues. Your burning question may already have an answer waiting for you!

Remember though, we still need you to dial 999 in an emergency and you can still call o u r n o n emergency number 101.

Page 27

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Volunteering for Victim Support in Essex Victim Support is the charity for victims of crime in England and Wales. In Essex they need more volunteers to help us offer our service.

As a Victim Support Volunteer you can help support victims of crime by phone or face-to-face, listening to their concerns and helping them to move on with their lives. You will get a rewarding sense of having made a positive difference to people’s lives.

No experience is necessary, just the willingness to help and between 4-6 hours a week to spare.

HOME GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE LTD The Local Company You Can Really Trust!

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

Training is given and expenses incurred when working for us are reimbursed.

If you are interested in finding out more about what is involved in becoming a Victim Support Volunteer, please visit http:// www.victimsupport.org.uk/ or email essexvolunteering@victimsupport.org.uk or call 01277 357557.

Correction

Front Door Panels Renewed Handles Replaced Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium

A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors

In last month’s issue of the magazine, a news report containing information regarding development by Countryside Properties had been copied from Everythingeppingforest website and submitted to me for inclusion in the North Weald Village Life magazine. I was not aware that this was taken from this source without prior consent and I would like to acknowledge the source of this information and apologise for any confusion.

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794 Or VISIT US AT

National Share-A-Story Month 2016 In May it is National Share-A-Story Month and their theme for 2016 is ‘A Place for Stories’.

The idea is to encourage the telling and sharing of stories in unusual (but safe) places. Anywhere from under a tree to aboard a canal boat or a cross channel ferry, in the depths of a castle, on a bridge or under a bridge, under the bed, in a café, at a stately home, in the depths of a forest, a tent, at the bottom of the garden, in a bird hide, on an island, at a museum, at a fairground, on the bus, on a park bench…the ideas are endless.

You can share with them if you are taking part, by emailing them at nssm@fcbg.org.uk.

Who needs a better reason to enjoy a story?

Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest new & events Page 28

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

A child of the forties A child of ‘The forties’, born of the war, Never known freedom, or laughter before, A child from the rubble and the mud of the fight, Who never pretended to squeal with delight.

A child of starvation and wanting for food, Of life’s depravation, where no greed dare intrude, Not wanting, not wasting, we hadn’t a lot, Just grateful for living, and for what little we’d got.

A child of dark houses, with mud riddened street, Poor lighting, thin clothing, not much on our feet, But a fire burning brightly, cast a blanketing glow, To warm a dark household where love only did flow.

A child of ‘The Forties’, a child of the war, Who clung to existence on Britain’s fair shore, Whose fighting men bravely, resisted the foe, With rifle and cannon, face to face, toe to toe.

A child of ‘The Forties’ is seventy years on, And that child’s depravation is over and gone, But still in his mind, in his ‘old fashioned’ way, That ‘child of the forties’ will not go away.

New bus pass number The telephone number to report lost concessionary bus passes changed on Monday 18th April.

Essex County Council is changing the bus pass number from an 0845 to an 0345 number, making it cheaper for customers to use. The new number is 0345 200 0388. Use this number to report address changes or lost bus basses. Calls will be charged at a local rate.

Essex County Council manages the concessionary bus pass scheme in the county, which gives free bus travel to people of pensionable age and eligible disabled people. For more information visit www.essex.gov.uk/buspass.

Perhaps it’s the thought of the hunger he had, That makes him feel so bitter, and secretly sad, To see all the squander and waste of today, And still all of the world, – in a mad disarray Mick (Copyright Michael Westwood 2014) Source: Thank you Adrienne Burns for sending this poem in and sharing with readers

Epping Forest Community Transport launches two new routes

Two new services are being introduced by Epping Forest Community Transport, with routes being launched between Dobbs Weir and Epping and Churchgate Street and Harlow town centre.

Some slight changes have been made to existing services and the new timetable was implanted from 11th April.

VILLAGE FEET Mrs Rita Smith DipCFHP MPSPract

07464 698273 Professional Qualified Foot Care Home Visits for: Toenail cutting & treatment for corns, Callus, verruca, ingrown toenail & other foot conditions

Page 29

Tel: 07814 863955

Passengers do not need to be a member of Community Transport to use the shopper bus services which are available for anyone to use.

Fares are £3.50 for a single journey (£5 for a return journey). Children aged five-16 travel half price (under-fives free ).

Concessionary passes must be shown to receive free transport.

The new timetables will be available on the Epping Forest Community Transport website - http:// www.efcommunitytransport.co.uk or ring the office Epping Forest 01992 579556 or Harlow 01279 446855 - for more details.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 30

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Garden Maintenance Services Lawn Mowing Hedge Trimming

For a FREE Quotation please call

Garden Decking Outdoor Lighting Fence Erecting / Repairs

07984 162221

General Household DIY Garden Furniture Cleaning Jetwash-Driveways-Decking

Suppliers of All Garden Equipment and Power Tools Visit our Online Store - WWW. FTISUPPLIES.CO.UK

The CAB encourages you to get to grips with your pension early – and to watch out for the scams It’s now 12 months since rules around pensions changed. For the first time people in defined contribution pension schemes wer e able to decide whether to buy an annuity, cash in their whole pension pot, take a lump sum, or to go for a mixture of these options.

For many people these are vital and difficult decisions, which can make all the difference to someone’s retirement. There is help available – but there are also fraudsters about.

Fraudsters have always used offers of unusually high returns and lucrative overseas investments as a way to fool victims, but nowadays more people are being approached with offers of free pension reviews or financial advice. These sound harmless or even helpful but they are the first step towards tricking you out of your pension savings. Our advice is to ignore any contact you receive out of the blue about your pension, whether it’s in person, online, on the phone or in the post.

If you are interested in an offer of some kind you shouldn’t feel pressured to make a decision. Take your time and make sure the offer is genuine. If it’s offering returns of over 8% you should be suspicious. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s proba bly a scam.

Before considering any kind of pension review or investment, you should check the Financial Conduct Authority’s website to ma ke sure the company is legitimate.

To help people, Citizens Advice and the Government are running a scheme called PensionWise. This is a free, impartial, expert service which will help you sort out your options and advise you what to look for. It won’t tell you exactly what to do and it won’t try to sell you anything. It will also advise you on how to spot and avoid the scams. It gives advice over the phone or in person, at local, face to face meetings.

The average age of PensionWise clients over the past year was 61. But its advice is available to anyone in a defined contribution pension scheme who is over 50. Even if retirement is a long way away it may be worth talking to PensionWise so you have a clear view of your options for a financially secure retirement.

To book a face to face or telephone Pension Wise appointment call 0800 138 8292.

CAB Open Day—Would you like to know more about what Citizens Advice does in this area? Perhaps you’re thinking about volunteering but you aren’t sure whether the CAB is the place for you. If so, or even if you’re just curious about what we do, why not come along to our Open Day in our new premises in Loughton Library? It’s on Thursday 28 April between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. There will be staff and volunteers to talk to (including me!) and home-made cakes to try.

Drop-in sessions—A reminder of where we are and when we are open: at Loughton Library on Mondays to Wednesdays, and on Fridays, from 9.30 to 1.00, and at Waltham Abbey Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We hope to reopen in Epping in May. You can also get advice via the Citizens Advice website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or our new Essex CAB Adviceline – 03444 77 0808.

Source: Paul Stockton Page 31

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Upon Reflection What a horrific year it’s already been with so many celebrities, Friends and family loosing their fights to survive, Leaving so many of us lost and bereft Finding it so hard to come to terms as to why others are still alive.

It plainly goes to show how fickle life can be, No matter what path you choose, As sadly it makes no different how rich or powerful you are, Ultimately you lose.

Though unfortunately to me it seems it’s all the good ones That bear what seems to be unjust, Whilst the cruel and vile seem to be spared these horrific diseases, Destroying any belief in which I try to trust.

I know no one can live forever and each individual journey we take Can never be the same, As I try to make sense of all those we’ve lost I guess I just need someone to blame.

Bowl Cancer Awareness In April, NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) supported the national Bowel Cancer Awareness campaign to encourage those who are eligible for the screening to make an appointment with their GP. People who are aged between 60 and 74 years old are automatically invited to a screening every two years.

Those who have a higher risk of getting bowel cancer can have the test at a younger age and are advised to speak to their GP if they have any of the symptoms or are worried about bowel cancer.

Figures show that bowel cancer incidence rates have increased by 14% in Great Britain since the late 1970s.

Although upon reflection maybe it’s just me that makes it seem It’s only the good ones that I hold dear, Whilst to others the reasoning is still So very sad and unclear.

Dr Rob Gerlis, chair of West Essex CCG and a Harlow GP said: “Bowel cancer is very treatable if caught in the early stages.

All I know is that for me there has to be something more To just this life we all live, Something greater that upon our death It’ more than just our bodies that we give.

The main symptoms to look for are:  Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your pooh. This can often be explained by haemorrhoids but can indicate a blockage caused by a tumour

I have to believe that all whom I’ve lost I will one day see again, That this life we have Is just a small part of a much bigger game.

For it’s that belief that still allows me to talk to my dad and others That to me still mean so much, As without that I’d be so very lost And sadly so suddenly alone and out of touch.

So with that belief I have to accept That for whatever reason we’re all playing a part, While it makes absolutely no sense I have to believe that our time on earth is only just the start.

Source: Andy – resident poet. Andy in quite a reflective mood after losing his Aunt a few weeks ago and subsequently a lovely l ady and friend loosing her fight with Motor Neurone Disease.



*Changes in bowel habits lasting three weeks or more



*Unexplained weight loss*



Extreme, unexplained tiredness



A pain or lump in your tummy.

The earlier bowel cancer is diagnosed, the higher the survival rate is. The outlook for patients with bowel cancer has improved a lot in the last 40 years with regular bowel screening being shown to reduce the risk of dying from bowel cancer by 16% in the population offered screening.

Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables for May Rhubarb—Rhubarb is a great British favourite, versatile enough to both form classic ‘comfort food’ puddings and work extremely well with meat. Rhubarb and ginger makes a lovely crumble.

Asparagus—This is in season in Britain for just a few short weeks, very good for you, providing lots of vitamins.

Page 32

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Celebrating the return of the Steam Engine Train On the 24th April 1865, a single-track steam engine railway extension was opened from Loughton to Chipping Ongar, with stations also at Epping, Theydon Bois, Blake Hall and North Weald.

The event was a very grand occasion with everyone wearing his or her ‘Sunday Best’ for the celebrations. Unfortunately, the last train departure from Ongar was derailed at North Weald due to a point’s failure. By luck, no one was seriously hurt, but all the passengers had to find their own way home, while the engine driver walked down the track to Loughton to inform his bosses that ‘there has been a little problem’.

Later, following a 1947 Act of Parliament the line was electrified and became a part of London Underground’s Central Line. Unfortunately, the service beyond Epping was closed down in 1994. Following which the line and stations were sold to the Pilot Development Company, who after building houses on part of the land at Ongar, in 2007 sold the track and Ongar/ North Weald stations to the current owners Epping Ongar Railway (EOR). Who as members of the Heritage Railways Association, sole aim was the restoration of the buildings and to once again have trains running between Ongar and Epping as part of a local Heritage Attraction.

To celebrate the fact that Epping Ongar Railway is now up and running with both Steam and Diesel trains and various vintage buses providing a shuttle service from Epping, North Weald and Ongar stations during the summer months (plus other special occasions). I thought it would be appropriate to tell readers once again about an updated lovely summer’s walk around Chipping Ongar that w as a feature of L.N.E.R’s Walks in the Countryside promoting the original Steam Train service.

We start at the car park next to the library nearly opposite Budworth Hall clock tower. Walk up behind the library and find the footpath in the corner. This will lead you pass the Motte mound of the old Norman Castle. Most of the banks and ditches can still be seen but as the Castle buildings were made of wood, these are sadly long gone. There is a very good notice board at the start telling you all the history. Follow the footpath signs all the way around the rear of what was the Castles Outer Bailey and you will come back into the High Street. Turn left here and walk along road. Look for Livingstone Cottages - one of the ground floors was removed to form an arched passageway through to the United Reform Church built in 1833. Above this arch is a plaque to the explorer Dr. David Livingstone who lived here prior to going to Africa and discovering Victoria Falls as one of his many achievements.

We now head back along the High Street to the Library car park. You will notice that the road narrows dramatically and swings to the right, this is because it is the site of where a Guarded Gatehouse once stood, as part of the Castle complex. On your right you will also be passing Ongar’s oldest surviving building St. Martins Church. Built in the 11th century (It’s tucked behind the shops).

At the car park walk across the High Street and straight ahead down the side of Budworth Hall. At the end of the road you will come to the Essex Way footpath that will lead you to Greensted Church, the oldest timber church in the world that was erected in about 1060 AD. As the path narrows, walk between dwarf oaks, over the cross path and through the kissing gate and keep straight ahead.

Go past the pond of Greensted Hall on your right.

Walk through the gate, passing the Church Lodge on your left, Greensted Church is on your right. It is open to visitors every day of the week until six o’clock and there is a very good handbook available – well worth the donation.

After you have enjoyed your visit to the church, it’s a case of retracing your steps back to Budworth Hall and returning back home by whichever way that you came. If you fancy a bite to eat while in Ongar, I thoroughly recommend the Cock Tavern. It’s self -owned, so it’s very much a choice of home cooking. (Be prepared for a very sad eyed little dog sitting quietly by your feet, watching every mouthful of food you take – no matter how often you think ‘I don’t feed animals from the table’ – I bet he wins).

The Happy Wanderer.

Page 33

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

BIRD FEATURE - MAY 2016 Welcome to the report for May. This is the time of year when many of our resident species have already begun their breeding season and when many of our familiar summer visitors are much in evidence.

These notes are being written in mid April and the bonus is that only yesterday (12th) I saw and then heard a Cuckoo which flew over Thornhill and then started calling from the top of Weald Common. I believe a Cuckoo was heard the week before in the Greensted area, possibly the same bird. This iconic species is suffering a decline in numbers so we are lucky that we get them in our area every summer., They can be heard on and off between April and maybe June / July. There is an ongoing project where a small number of Cuckoos have been tagged and are being monitored every day. This shows they mostly winter in Africa and some have been tracked back to the Iberian peninsula as recently as last week. Hopefully many of you will at least hear a Cuckoo this spring.

Of the more familiar summer visitors it is only Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps that I have noted so far. By now I would have expected to have seen some Swallows and House Martins but thus far they have proved elusive. I was in Dorset a couple of weeks ago and there a few to be seen but our area seems to be lagging at the moment.

A Little Egret is still about, sightings in the usual places about the village. The most recent sighting was a couple of days ago by the pond at the Weald Common nature reserve. It flew off, circled a couple of times and then landed in a nearby small tree. I've said it before but with their pure white plumage they look a fine sight when flying. Whether one stays in our area over the summer remains to be seen.

A couple of weeks ago there were 6 Buzzards over the village and there have been plenty of sightings of 2s and 3s over the last few days.

Gull numbers around the local area have started to drop. During the winter there are usually flocks near the M11 bridge and at the airfield but they seem to be dispersing now. I don't know if any of you sometimes travel via Harlow Common but that is normally a very good area for seeing gulls, but they too have reduced in numbers. A lot of them will head to coastal breeding areas. Mind you I did see four Lesser Black-backed Gulls wheeling and calling low over the village a couple of days ago, an impressive sized bird with a typical loud gull call.

One other species that has been in evidence over the winter is the Grey Wagtail with at least 3 resident in our area during the colder months. I'm not sure if there will be any during the summer, generally speaking we don't have the faster flowing streams that they favour as breeding areas.

Of course the merry month of May sees the peak of the dawn chorus. This can mean interrupted sleep in the early morning especially when those pesky pigeons start their monotonous coo-coo calls. There was a programme on BBC2 last year which featured a variety of common species singing during the dawn chorus, I don't know if there are plans to repeat this or even film a new edition but such features can certainly help you to identify some birds through their calls. This can be particularly useful now the foliage is thickening on trees, bushes and hedges. Even a loud Chiffchaff can be elusive, you can hear it, you know it's there but unless it breaks cover you just cannot see it.

In the late summer last year I noted a pair of Spotted Flycatchers at the top of Weald Common. I will look out again this year but I don't know if last year's pair had been breeding around that area or if they were just passing through our area on their migration southwards.

They perch on exposed branches etc and fly out to snap at passing insects before returning to their perch.

There is other wildlife to see at various places in our area. Within the boundaries of North Weald there could be newts in ponds, also larger animals such as foxes, stoats, weasels etc. I have seen grass snakes in damp, grassy areas of Weald Common and there are occasional sightings of basking lizards.

So if you are out and about, keep an eye open, you never know what you might spot, either on the ground or flying over.

All the best, 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 Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Cats Protection

0333 200 1484

North Weald Library

01992 522896

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 257 1909

North Weald Village Hall Bookings

07870 465129 northwealdvillagehall.org/

Crimestoppers

0800 555111

North Weald Parish Council

01992 523825

Doctors High Street, Epping

01992 579270

Queens Community Centre Hall Bookings

01992 522910

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

Police, Epping Station

0300 333 4444

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

Police, Neighbourhood/local

101

Epping Forest District Council

01992 564000

Police, Emergency

999

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

RSPCA

01279 306058

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Chemist

01992 523887

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 522955

Northweald.play-cricket.com

Tel: 524631

Dance Factory

North Weald Kickboxing

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 07976 786404

Tel: 07433 2843128

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Scouts Group

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 01277 365200

01992 524672

Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Badger Group

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

Tel: 576038 Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522196

Tel: 522464 Epping Forest Rotary Club

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Tel: 522803

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

North Weald Women’s Institute (Evg)

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522258

North Weald Angling Club

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 01992 524071

Tel: 523375 or 522052

Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk West Essex Flower Club Tel: 524631

Inside this Issue: Local Events New Policing Resources North Weald Citizen Awards Local Fundraising Events Update on the Microchip Law Drones to take Aerial photographs

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk