North Weald Village Life May 2018 Magazine

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 141

May 208

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: • • • .

• • • •

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

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.

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

Epping,

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

The sun has got his hat on hip hip hooray!!

The sun is shining and it is very welcomed and it really does make you feel happier doesn't it? The sun has some warmth in it and I have even seen a few people looking a bit red with sun burn—in April.

The trees, bushes and bulbs are blossoming and there is just a general feel of things growing and improving.

I love Spring, defiantly my favourite season, I know I have said this many times before, but it is so true.

Thank you to everybody who asked about Andy, he came home just before Easter weekend, went in again last week for some blood transfusions but came home again.

Unfortunately nothing is resolved so he has been referred to a specialist centre in Mile End so fingers crossed they will have some ideas.

He is back home, under my feet now as usual, continuing to drive me mad, doing things he shouldn't be doing, he is so stubborn and I am having to second guess him all the time. I am not the patient type which I am sure does not come as any surprise.

The village really has been through some hard times over the last few weeks, with so many burglaries in the village, taking place during day and night awith so many vehicles being stolen.

Many homes now have CCTV installed, so if you have been targeted it is always worth having a word with neighbours to see if their CCTV picked up anything.

I know on the North Weald Facebook Group many people have offered to check their CCTV and some have found evidence of cars being driven away or unknown vehicles in the area. This demonstrates how our community will work together.

Also fly tipping has been on the increase, on Weald common, Church road and in Thornwood and this has been by no means on a small scale. I have included a feature entitled ‘Your rubbish—your problem’ in this issue and it is so important to make sure you use licensed refuse collectors etc. Also there is a feature from Jimmy Waters who shows just how a particular fly tipping area grew from nothing to a huge problem.

It may feel that the village is suffering form an increase in crime and declining overall but we are not alone, these problems are suffered by many villages throughout the UK. The one thing we have to remember is we do have a strong community, neighbours and local people will help out in many different ways.

We have an active North Weald Neighbourhood Group, many roads are covered but there are some areas that are not, but these volunteers are very active and communicate to others of potential problems, concerns, things to watch out and of course reporting problems.

I have heard that in some areas, I think Chigwell is one of them, the community have decided to work closely together, to patrol roads and to take ownership in dealing with crime, it is sad that times have come to this as this is the role for the police does not have the same community priorities and with budget cuts, reduced number of police, loss of local police stations and of course increased problems with terrorism, stabbings, gangs etc, they just cannot provide the service that we need or hope for.

This is the reason behind the increase in the Council Tax we are told to pay for the three local police personnel employed by Epping Forest District Council but as yet I have not heard anything about who these are, the particular role they are playing etc, lets hope we find out more about how these are being deployed and the benefits to residents.

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.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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

Bucks Fizz Martini Pink Gin Mojito Daiquiri Manhattan Sangria Bellini Kir Margarita Screwdriver Sidecar

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Congratulations this month to Mrs S Folkes who won last months prize and will be celebrating with a box of chocolates. 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. Please ensure you put your name, address and telephone number on your entry so that I can telephone you if you are the lucky winner. Good Luck.

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

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

Tel: 01206 384262 Mobile: 07850 390079 .Proprietor:

S. Dinsdale

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

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Burglaries in the village Over the last few weeks, many local homes and businesses have been the target for burglaries.

Houses have been broken into and cars have been taken at all times of the day and night.

At least three business in Theydon Bois have been broken into and the Chinese Take-away in North Weald High Road was also targeted in the last few days.

If you have been a victim or if you now of someone who has, it is useful to have a word with neighbours as many homes have CCTV. Please make sure you report anything that you may see that is suspicious. We do have active Neighbourhood Watch groups that cover many of the roads but there are some that do need covering.

Please look out for your neighbours.

Our homes should be a safe place, where all our belongings including cars, for which we have worked hard to buy, should be safe.

Local homes and businesses are not alone, this happens in many areas The difference is we have a great community to support each other.

Free Compost Like in previous years Epping Forest District Council feel it is right to give back to Essex residents, who have recycled their garden and food waste at their kerbside and local recycling centres.

This comes in the form of free compost, limited to three bags per vehicle. Please bring your own spade and bags, and talk to one of the knowledgeable people on hand to support with your home composting.

The details of this year’s compost giveaways in Epping is Cottis Lane car park, Epping – 10am-2pm Tuesday 8th May.

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

To find out details of the latest events Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

07432 843128 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

Every Monday

Taoist Tai Chi

10.30am —12.30

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

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

Every Tuesday

Baby & Toddler Group

1.15pm— 2.45pm

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

Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 per family.

Every Thursday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time

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 Saturday and Sunday

North Weald Airfield Museum

North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way

Every second Saturday of the month Every second and Fourth Wednesday

Ploughmans Lunch

12 noon— 5pm 12noon

Theydon & Abridge Jazz

8pm

First Tuesday of the month

Ongar Flower Club

7.30pm

Every Tuesday

Board Games Session

2.30— 4.30pm

Sunday 29th April

Preservation Society Bluebell Walk

Wednesday 3rd May

North Weald WI

Wednesday 3rd May

Local Elections

Sunday 12th May

Messy Play

10am— 1pm

St Andrews School. (see details on opposite page)

Monday 14th May

West Essex Flower Club

1.45pm

Thornwood Village Hall. Demonstrator Dulcie Lofting’s demonstration ‘The Darling Buds of May’ . All Welcome. Visitors pay £5.00 on the door

Friday 18th May

NW Preservation Society AGM

7.30pm

North Weald Methodist Hall. AGM followed by a talk at 8pm on ‘Ancient Buildings’

1.45pm

North Weald Village Hall. In aid of NWSS. All welcome Abridge village hall. Enquires davedyer24@gmail.com or phone 07903 879209 Zinc Arts Centre, Ongar High Road. friendly group who enjoy a varied programme of flower demonstrations, in a social atmosphere. Tea, coffee and all the floral designs raffled at the end of the evening! Visitors always welcome, £4.50.

01277.365441 North Weald Library. Learn new games. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm. All ages welcome Free drop-in session Meet at New Farm Road, Abridge (at village turn left in 2nd on right) 2 mile stroll through bluebell words. Dogs Welcome. Could be muddy. Contact Doreen 523568.

North Weald Village Hall. N.W.W.I. have their AGM

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

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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St Clare Open Gardens event set to return for its 24th year More than 30 venues will be opening their gates to the public in aid of St Clare Hospice during their 24th annual Open Gardens event.

New for 2018, the perennially popular horticultural event will take place across the summer season – from May through to July – rather than over a single weekend. This means that green-fingered fans of the event will have even longer to explore the dozens of gardens that will be opening for the hospice charity.

Starting in May and continuing throughout the summer season, lovers of flora and fauna will be able to explore some of the best kept green spaces in the hospice’s catchment area – from the villages of Thornwood and Epping Upland to the gardens and allotment spaces of Harlow. Open Gardens event organisers are hoping to raise more than £5,000 for the Hospice across the summer season.

St Clare Patron and BBC One Show gardener, Christine Walkden, will once again be supporting the fundraising campaign and will be attending one of the Open Gardens events held at Goosebury Hall in Epping Upland on Sunday 27th May 2018.

Christine Walkden said: “I am delighted to be supporting St Clare’s 24th annual Open Gardens event and to be welcoming members of the public to Michael Chapman’s stunning garden at Goosebury Hall in Epping Upland. One of the things our patients tell us again and again is how much they appreciate having access to our beautifully maintained grounds, so it is wonderful to host an event which shares so many glorious gardens with our community. I would encourage everyone with a passion for beautiful gardens to take part and visit the magnificent gardens of the St Clare catchment area.”

The 2018 St Clare Open Gardens event is being held on various weekends starting on Saturday 19th May and continuing until Sunday 1st July at venues around Harlow, Thornwood and Epping.

Entry to participating gardens is payable on the gate and entry costs from £3 per garden, or group of gardens. Tea, cakes and lunches are available in many of the gardens. A free guidebook which includes details of each of the participating gardens or groups of gardens, and the cost of entry, can be picked up in any of the 8 St Clare Hospice charity shops, or at the Hospice Reception.

For a full list of the participating gardens and their opening dates, visit: www.stclarehospice.org.uk/events

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Ideal Home Winners Well done to three people who were drawn out from all of the entries in the competition run on the North Weald Village Life Facebook Group.

Three lucky people won complimentary tickets to the Ideal Home Show.

Well done, I understand everybody enjoyed the show.

If you want to include an announcement for a birth, death, marriage, anniversary or birthday of a local person —please send these to me via email and I will include it in a future issue

For Sale Two single 3 foot-wide canvas camp beds. They collapse down, roll-up and weigh about 8lbs (4kg) each. ÂŁ12 for the pair.

Phone 01992 575950

Salt bin to be purchased for school North Weald Bassett Parish Council is to purchase a salt bin and the first delivery of salt to try and ensure that St Andrew's Primary School in the village can open in wintry weather.

Councillors have received a guarantee that the bin will be housed within the school grounds.

Monday's parish council meeting heard the school would look to raise funds for future supplies of salt.

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LETTER Dear Editor, I have reliably been informed that there has recently been a fare increase for travelling on the Trustybus service 420/420A and journeys between Ongar, North Weald, Epping and Harlow, equivalent to approximately a 30% increase on a single journey.

There does appear to be poor communication about the fare increase and why it has been increased by this amount. I am aware that at least one resident had telephoned the Trustybus office prior to this fare increase and was informed incorrectly of a lower amount and was shocked to have discovered just how much the fare had increased.

The service 419 was discontinued at the end of 2017. The reasoning behind this was that it would improve the frequency of buses running but is this causing more mileage and increasing fuel consumption by the bus company, could this be the reason for the increase in fare?

Obviously as this is the only bus company providing a bus service which is relied on by many for shopping, commuting to work, college etc, I assume that any fare could be charged as it is a necessity and not a luxury.

However, this must be monitored to ensure that a realistic and affordable fare is to be charged to passengers, I am assuming this is the responsibility of Essex County Council.

I know of at least one resident who has written to express their concerns over this fare increase, they have written directly to Trustybus head office.

Does anybody else have views on this, or maybe can explain the reason behind the fare increase, I would be pleased to hear from you.

The saying goes ‘if you don’t use it – you will lose it’ and I know this has happened in other areas, with of course other bus companies, but is it becoming to expensive that local people cannot afford to use the bus service regularly?

North Weald Resident.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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HOME GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE LTD

Lifetime Contribution' Award Presented

The Local Company You Can Really Trust!

A 'Lifetime Contribution' Award has been presented by North Weald Bassett Parish Council to Derek Tringham in recognition of his years of service to the Parish.

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

Broken Down/Misted Sealed Units Replaced Locks/Hinges Renewed Conservatories Cleaned/Repaired

Mr Tringham is president of the North Weald branch of the Royal British Legion and has been involved with, and supported, numerous groups within the community over many years.

Cat & Dog Flaps Fitted Front Door Panels Renewed Handles Replaced Letter Plates Replaced

Mr Tringham was elected a parish councillor in 1992 and during his time as a councillor served on various committees including planning and the Queens Hall and Memorial Playing Fields Committees.

Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium

A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794 Or VISIT US AT www.homeglazingrepairservice.co.uk

He is also a past chairman of North Weald Village Hall and is president of the North Weald Radio Station Bowls Club.

Mr Tringham was also instrumental, as chairman of 3rd North Weald Scouts, in getting the scout headquarters hut built.

Every year he makes a special appearance as ‘Father Christmas’ at the Norway House Christmas Party.

The presentation was made by parish council chairman Alan Buckley at Monday's parish council meeting.

Mr Buckley said: "On behalf of North Weald and the parish council we owe you a great debt of gratitude."

WE ARE HIRING! Blakes Golf Club is currently looking for a cook, this is a 5 day a week role, primarily morning based with excellent opportunities to use a multitude of skills and lots of opportunities for additional hours.

This can split into two part time roles for right people.

The role is varied, fast paced and new to the business as it focuses on the expansion of our bar menu and is ongoing customer service based role.

The salary is dependent on experience but a high standard of customer service is essential.

Want to find out more?

Email info@blakesgolfclub.com with your CV and a brief paragraph showcasing why you would be suitable for the role and we will be in touch!

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Candidates for 3 May elections announced Candidates for the local elections on 3 May 2018 have been announced.

Name of Candidate

Home Address

Description (if any)

Name of Proposer

BLACK

19 Stewards Green Road, Epping, CM16 7DA

Liberal Democrats

Archer Diane M

163 High Road, North Weald, Epping, CM16

The Conservative Party Candidate

Stallan David J

Ingrid Lesley BOLTON Peter John

Reason why no longer nominated*

On Thursday 3rd May some parts of the Epping Forest district will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a loc level.

Poll cards for the areas with elections were delivered between 23 and 29 March. If you haven’t receive one but think you should have, please contact the Electoral Services Office at Epping Forest District Council on 01992 564411.

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North Weald Bassett Parish Council presents Citizen of the Year awards On Monday 26th March, North Weald Bassett Parish Council has presented its Citizen of the Year awards for 2017-18 after their annual Assembly which was held at Thornwood Village Hall, the awards were presented by Chairman Alan Buckley.

The 'Group' Award was presented to North Weald Healing Centre - New Beginnings, a non-profit making group which meets once a week at North Weald Village Hall. The group has been raising money from those attending the Healing Centre to purchase a defibrillator for the village. The group offers a ‘Befriend Service'.

The 'Young Citizen of the Year' Award was presented to Mitchell Tassie, Head Cadet for the Epping Forest Volunteer Police Cadets.

Mitchell was recognised for "giving back to the community through conservation work and his support of local projects".

An 'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty' Award was presented to Paul Keens, the street cleaning operative for North Weald village. The parish council said Mr Keens "always ensures the High Road throughout North Weald is kept exceptionally clean and tidy". His citation added: "He is always pleasant and friendly regardless of the weather conditions".

The 'Good Neighbour' Award was presented to Kenneth King who was nominated by his neighbours who said he takes a keen interest in the surroundings, for example putting back fences which have fallen on neighbours' properties following stormy weather. He also keeps an eye on neighbouring properties when the owners are away, helping to keep the area safe, as well as clearing footpaths and cutting grass.

The 'Voluntary Work' Award was presented to retired police officer Kate Collin for voluntary work carried out at The Box in Epping offering assistance to young people requiring counselling and providing help to those escaping abusive relationships. Mrs Collin has volunteered her services to North Weald Village Hall on a number of occasions. Mrs Collin has lived in North Weald for more than 30 years.

A bouquet of flowers was awarded to Margaret Mulliner to say thank you on behalf of the Council.

An extra special award was presented at the end of the evening, this was the naming of the main function room at the Parish Hall at Thornwood has been named after former North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman Cyril Hawkins. The room is now known as 'The Cyril Hawkins Room'.

There will also be a bench on the green behind the Parish Hall with a plaque commemorating Mr Hawkins who was known as 'Mr Thornwood' for his years of dedicated work in the Thornwood ward, and throughout the North Weald Bassett Parish.

A plaque and framed picture of Mr Hawkins was unveiled by his wife Shirley.

Very well deserved winners and I would like to congratulate them all.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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RAF Freedom of District motion to be put to Council On the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF in April 1918, a motion to confer the Freedom of Epping Forest District on 56 Squadron is to be put to a special meeting of Epping Forest District Council at 7pm on Tuesday 24 April.

56 Squadron operated from North Weald Airfield between 1927 and the Battle of Britain in 1941. They are the longest of any squadron to be based at the airfield which is now owned by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC). The motion to confer the Freedom of the whole district is a reflection of the wider local role played by the RAF. This includes other airfields and facilities at:•

Ongar

•

Willingale

•

Stapleford Abbots

•

Chigwell

•

Nazeing

Representatives from the RAF will attend the meeting where a council majority of at least two thirds will be required to confer the honour.

National celebrations are being held during 2018 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Air Force. North Weald Airfield opened 2 years before the founding of the Royal Air Force. The first operational flight of the Royal Flying Corps at North Weald took place in June 1916.

56 Squadron is one of the most distinguished units of the RAF. By the outbreak of war in 1939, it was equipped with the new Hawker Hurricane fighters with which North Weald was to become most closely associated. The Hurricanes of 56 Squadron covered the retreat from Dunkirk and were among the first committed to what became known as the Battle of Britain. When 56 Squadron finally transferred to RAF Duxford via Martlesham Heath in June 1941 it had been based in North Weald for 14 years.

Should the motion to grant the Freedom of the District to 56 Squadron be passed by Full Council, a local commemorative celebration at North Weald is being planned for Sunday 10 June. A parade and community music event are being organised with 56 Squadron and local organisations.

The special meeting on 24 April, starts at 7pm and is open to the public. More information about this event will be available nearer the time.

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Look after the ones you love, and St Clare, this Wills Month When it comes to looking after our family, there isn’t much we wouldn’t do to take care of them. 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 Wills Month 2018 the Hospice is reminding people that writing your Will is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your family is cared for – and that it is never too soon to start thinking about it.

Throughout the month of June, 7 solicitors’ offices across West Essex and East Herts, the catchment area of the Hospice, have kindly volunteered their time to enable you to make your Will. From Bishop’s Stortford to Buckhurst Hill, and from Woodford to Saffron Walden, you are certain to find a participating solicitor near you.

Making a Will is something which St Clare Voluntary Services Manager, Rob Wallace, admits that he and his wife, Emma, had never really thought about until they had their second baby. The 33 year old father of two lives in Haverhill with his 3 month old daughter Alicia and 3 year old son Jack.

Rob Wallace said: “Now that my lovely, little family is growing, I feel a huge amount of responsibility to ensure that our new baby Alicia, and our son Jack, are protected should anything happen to me or Emma. Working at St Clare makes me so aware of how precious our families are and how fragile life can be. No one ever expects to need somewhere like St Clare, but you just never know when something could happen to those you love, or to yourself. That’s why I think making a Will is just so vital.”

Rob said: “Making a Will is an assured way to take steps to make sure everything is sorted and organised for your family and loved ones – just in case. A Will is an essential thing for anyone to have, no matter their age, background, or marital status. It’s a safety-net to make sure your loved ones are cared for, and that a bit of the stress is taken off their shoulders.”

Commenting on St Clare’s Wills Month Rob said: “Taking part in St Clare’s Wills Month is just a no-brainer for me: I am taking care of my family, I am able to support a charity close to my heart, and I know I will be working with great solicitors who I can trust. I really encourage others to take part in Wills Month this June. If there is a right time to write or amend your Will, for me it had to be in support of St Clare!”

From 1st to 30th June, over a dozen local solicitors are volunteering their time to enable you to make your Will. All that they request is that you kindly make the suggested minimum donation to St Clare Hospice of £180 for a Single Will and £250 for a Double Will.

The participating solicitors are: Epping: Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head LLP, 181 High Street, CM16 4BQ. 01992 578642 , Whiskers Solicitors LLP, 265 High Street, Epping CM16 4BS. 01992 561111 and Harlow: Harris Cuffaro & Nichols, Lion Court, 8-10 Market Street, CM17 0AH. 01279 444456

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Creative workshops for adults Want to learn something new, improve your creative skills and make new friends in the community? Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) are running lots of great creative workshops for adults in 2018. All our workshops cost £10 per person and are for ages 16+.

Creative workshops for adults include:Cupcake making Tuesday 24 April 2018 7-9pm

Cup cake decorating with a creative difference. Come along and learn how to make interesting cup cake with a creative difference.

Springtime floral art arrangements Tuesday 22 May 2018 7-9pm Learn how to make springtime floral art arrangements. You will gain the confidence to bring lovely floral bloom arrangements indoors.

Fruit & veg art Tuesday 26 June 2018 7-9pm Get creative with your fruit & veg. Turn it into art for summer picnics & BBQ garnishes and serving baskets.

Learn to crochet Monday 17 September 2018 7-9pm Learn the crochet basics of how to crochet, starting at the very beginning. If you’re brand new to crochet this workshop will be perfect for you.

Pumpkin art Tuesday 30 October 2018 7-9pm Adult Pumpkin art making workshop. Learn how to carve a pumpkin with a creative different.

Bath bomb making Tuesday 20 November 2018 7-9pm Bath bomb making workshop. Learn to make bath bombs using natural ingredients. These will make great gifts for Christmas.

Book your place now—All the workshops take place at Epping Forest District Council Community Services, 25 Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4LU. The cost of each workshop is £10 per person and are for ages 16+ only. Booking is essential for all workshops. You can book online— eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com

North Weald Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club (Behind the Talbot)

Meets every Tuesday at 5.30pm or 7.30pm Phone Cara: 0779 2778225

Saturday—8.30am Call Mandy on 07778117128

or call 01992 564226 to book a place.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Call for action over traffic speed through Thornwood Calls are being made for action to be taken over traffic speed through Thornwood, between the M11 and Epping.

Residents and North Weald Bassett Parish Council want something done after it was highlighted that there are five different speed limits on the stretch of road between the M11 roundabout at Hastingwood and Epping.

One resident told Monday's parish council meeting residents are "taking their life into their own hands" when they cross the road.

He said: "Cars aren't doing 60mph they are doing 70mph and God knows what."

Another said the current situation is "an accident waiting to happen."

Councillor Terry Blanks said: "We are aware of the problems but we are not the ones who make the decisions. Enforcement comes down basically to cameras or police, and you won't get police.

"There should be one speed limit (from Woodford to the M11)."

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Councillor Baden Clegg said: "On each occasion this parish council has objected to things like Screwfix (at Popplewells on High Road, Thornwood) and the intensification of the Camp at the bottom of Woodside, Essex County Council highways have said they have no concern.

"We

don't

believe

it

but

we

get

it

all

time."

Residents were told they need to write individual letters and send it to their district and county councillors to highlight the issue which the parish council is to raise with the Local Highways Panel.

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

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

www.cjaupholstery.co.uk Tel: 07814 863955

the

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Gardening Hints—May May! The month where the gardens and gardeners really get going. At Art Nursery May is our busiest time of year and actually my favourite time of year for being busy in the garden and the greenhouse.

At the time of writing after a dreadful spring we are hoping for some warmer weather, which will hopefully bring you all into the nursery, people are already buying geraniums and fuchsias, but please remember to protect them from frosts, although the days will be warmer the nights will still be very cold until around the 3rd week of May. Around the second week of May is a good time to set your runner beans, however if it remains cold then hold off for a week or so. Mid May is also a good time to sow cabbages, lettuces, peas, radishes, salad onions, spinach, turnips, cauliflower, carrots and plant out beetroot and Brussel sprouts.

If you have got potatoes in the ground and growing make sure the new green shoots are continually earthed up as they grow to prevent them from being hit by a late frost, this will also encourage a heavier crop and stop any potatoes near the top from turning green.

Many people come into the nursery and ask us if ‘this plant’ can be grown in a pot, the answer is generally yes, as most shrubs or climbers will grow in a pot. It is however important to remember that plants that are grown in a pot will have their roots restricted and as such may not reach their full potential, it is also important to remember to make sure your pots have drainage and to water your pots and feed regularly ideally with a slow release feed.

Also repot shrubs every couple of years into larger pots and top dress annually, most plants will then remain healthy. If you have empty hanging baskets, pots, troughs etc that you want refilling with summer plants now is the time to bring them into us if you haven’t already and we will endeavour to help you create a stunning hanging basket (PLEASE ensure you empty all your pots/baskets etc before bringing them into us) we are aware that some of you are in competition with your neighbours to see who can have the best hanging baskets...... we look forward to seeing your photos, please share them to our Facebook page; Art Nursery Garden Centre.

With established shrubs, trees, fruit bushes & fruit trees now is a good time to top dress with growmore fertiliser or fish, blood & bone and also mulch around the base to help maintain moisture in the soil.

Give your lawn a good hard rake to remove all old dead grass (thatch) this will help to aerate the grass and allow it to thicken up. You can now also start to use a lawn feed, weed and moss killer, creating yourself a really healthy lawn for summer. I f you haven’t already please check out our Facebook page; Art Nursery Garden Centre (@ArtNGC) Lisa is forever taking photos and updating the page, please also let us know if you are buying a particular item after seeing it on Facebook, although we do get a lot of ‘likes’ we are trying to see how well the page is working for us, so please mention it when you come in next.

Although May is a very busy time in the gardening calendar make sure you still find time to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of your garden with a drink of your choice, as you’ll a know by now mines a nice cold beer on a nice ‘warm’ spring evening. Cheers.

Source:- Nigel, Art Nursery Garden Centre, Vicarage Lane West.

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S. I. Painters and Decorators

Village Hall AGM

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

www.stephaniesinteriorsltd.co.uk

Wednesday 11th April saw 20 members of the public attend the Annual General Meeting of the North Weald Village.

The following were elected to the committee:George Mulliner (Chairman), Helen Gould (Minutes Secretary), Roger Smith (Treasurer,) Jacqueline Bees (Booking Secretary), Dianne Archer, Margaret Mulliner, Richard Clements, Jacquie Mathews, Rhoda Phillips, Ele Fox, Nina Roby, Vera Prowse and Wynn Martin.

All the reports were accepted without question and I am glad to report that the finances remain healthy. The web site has been updated and continues to be the main source of information.

Please remember Check out our customer references at www.yell.com/S.I.Painting and Decorating Ltd

To mention to Advertisers That you found their details in North Weald village Life

Chairman’s report This has been my first year as Chairman of the Village Hall Trustees’.

Magazine or website

It has been a productive year, A new kitchen has been installed, the hall floor and stage have been refurbished, the old round and square tables have been replaced and a new manhole has been built with one of the old ones being repaired. We also promoted a highly successful Pantomime, an event that is to be repeated this year. We stopped organising the Saturday Jazz at the end of 2017 but we took over the cribbage evening when the Bowls club were unable to continue with it, it remains a very popular event.

2017 was the year when our hall celebrated its’ 50th anniversary, a large crowd filled the hall for an afternoons tea party. Derek Tringham was invited to unveil a plaque to mark the occasion. To his great surprise the plaque revealed that the lounge bar was to be renamed “The Derek Tringham Lounge”. This was in recognition of the unselfish work he had undertaken on behalf of the Village Hall and the community of North Weald over many many years. My thanks go to all the ladies who provided the refreshments.

After many months and visits by Thames water, the leaking sewage pipe was repaired, at no cost to us. I thank Richard for his continued help in clearing the blocked drains. The old problems of regular blockages seems to have lessened.

For the coming year the committee have decided that initially money will only be spent on essential and running repairs. Already our annual electrics inspection has thrown up some problems that require immediate attention, an estimate is expected in the very near future. Also the glasswasher has given up the ghost and a replacement is to be purchased, NOT a cheap item.

We are lucky to have a database of tradesman that we are able to call on with confidence.

The roof is most likely to be our next big project.

My thanks to all the trustees’ who continue to work hard to keep our Village Hall at the heart of the community.

Source. George Mulliner

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NORTH WEALD BASSETT PARISH COUNCIL Parish Office, North Weald Library, 138 High Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6BZ Tel: 01992 523825 Fax: 01992 524756 email: clerk@northweald-pc.gov.uk www.northweald-pc.gov.uk Clerk to the Council: Mrs Susan De Luca

The Parish Office is located in North Weald Library and is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 9.15am to 1.15pm.

Details of Parish Council and Planning Committee Meetings can be found on the Parish Council’s website SERVICES AVAILABLE:CEMETERY: Purchase of plots for Burials, Cremated Remains, Garden of Remembrance ALLOTMENTS: A limited number of plots are available to rent in North Weald, and Hastingwood PARISH HALL FOR HIRE: The Parish Hall is located in Weald Hall Lane, Thornwood Common. Please contact Mrs Janet Abbott on 01992 571128 for further details.

PARISH MAINTENANCE: Play areas; open spaces; check street furniture, bus stops, bins; street lighting and much, much more ......

DID YOU KNOW WE RUN THE LIBRARY 3 DAYS A WEEK? Services include: Taking out/bringing back books; Photocopying/Fax Machine available; Internet COUNCILLOR DETAILS: Hastingwood Ward: Brian Bartram – 01992 614415 Thornwood Common Ward: Baden Clegg – 01992 575636 Brian Eldridge – 01279 428622 Richard Spearman – 01992 573283 North Weald (Village) Ward: Nigel Bedford (contact via Parish Office) Elaine Godwin-Brown – 01992 570316 George Mulliner – 01992 523535 Terry Blanks – 01992 522216 Anne Grigg – annegrigg@live.co.uk Dave Stallan – 01992 523859 Alan Buckley 01992 522158 Sheila Jackman MBE (contact via Parish Office) Andrew Tyler – 07935 224573

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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National recognition for parish council

Do you look after a family member or a friend?

North Weald Bassett Parish Council's involvement with the local community has earned it the National Association of Local Councils' monthly Council Spotlight Award.

There are over 6.5 million carers across the UK and 3 in 5 of us will be carers in our lifetime.

The parish council has been recognised for its links with the local community, and for providing the village's library service three days a week.

NALC said: "The council prides itself on the high-level of service it gives to local residents, which is evidenced by the fact that local residents choose to visit the library (in which the parish office is located) specifically on the days the council runs the library service due to the exceptional service they receive."

Then you are a carer and you are not alone.

Essex County Council is committed to supporting those who look after a family member or friend and have recently commissioned a new provider, Carers First.

Carers First have a wealth of experience across the country working with families and individuals and we are delighted to be working with them.

For information, advice and support please call them on 0300 303 1555

The national body for local councils added: "There were many conversations over Facebook between the clerk (Sue de Luca) and local residents regarding exactly who had completed the community garden (by the parade of shops) with many people surprised to learn it was the council’s initiative, and shocked at the action needed to make it happen.

"The clerk is extremely active and supportive of partnership working, the main success story being that the council runs the local library three days a week, and has done for the past five years.

"The garden involved co-operation with local residents, local businesses, county council, district council, and two separate statutory undertakers.

"There are only three office staff, who collectively ensure the council's legal obligations are met, that the council is proactive with the local community, and that the council is continuously evolving with the ever increasing electronic times we live in."

Parish council chairman Alan Buckley said: "Congratulations and well done to everyone concerned especially to our office team of Sue, Adriana and Jo in achieving this well deserved recognition.

"As visitors to the library will know, the team are always happy to help out and go that extra mile."

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Spiritual Thoughts Fr James is taking a break from his Spiritual Reflections column this month, but you are welcome to contact him on

NEW

jwerodley@yahoo.co.uk or 01279 451065

Fresh hot Coffee Available now

North Weald Parish Council Assembly On 26th March, North Weald Parish Council held their annual assembly meeting at Thornwood Village Hall.

Chairman Alan Buckley introduced all the Parish Councillors and referred to his Annual Report, a copy of which was provided to everybody who attended

Also in attendance with a number of Epping Forest District Councillors and Essex County Councillors who also gave a brief overview of issues they were involved in.

Items mentioned included Local Plan and the new council houses that have just been completed in Bluemans and confirmed these were for local people as you would only be eligible for one of these if you have lived in the local area for at least 7 1/2 years and the refusal of planning permission for the proposed cafĂŠ at the original Post office building in the High Road.

Questions from the audience included asking for help to reduce the speed through Thornwood for safety purposes, the increase in council tax precept, street lights in Thornwood that were still not repaired and a request for more signage warning of deer.

Councillor Tyler did a short presentation on the North Weald Bassett Neighbourhood Plan followed by June Peachey (me) who highlighted the importance of everybody getting involved this plan by completing the questionnaire which will be coming out in June and reminded everybody that this plan is their plan and will rely on confirmation of all residents views, likes, dislikes etc.

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Your rubbish, your responsibility If you give your rubbish to a rogue trader who dumps your rubbish illegally, you could end up with a criminal record and face an unlimited fine. Fly-tipping drains more than £1 million of taxpayers’ money each year in Essex.

Your rubbish is your responsibility and it’s a #CrimeNotToCare.

Don’t fall foul of the law, here’s some tips to help you dispose of your waste correctly. Ask to see a waste carrier registration number If you use a trader to remove your waste ask to see their waste carrier registration number issued by the Environment Agency. It is illegal for them to take your waste if they don’t have a licence.

Get a receipt Make sure you get a receipt or transfer notice before your waste is taken away. Businesses that produce commercial waste must keep records for 2 years.

Ask where your waste is going Don’t be afraid to ask where your waste is going and request paperwork that shows where it will be disposed. A legitimate waste carrier will not object to this questioning.

Be careful with your waste Protect yourself by being careful with your waste and always keep a record of who you give your waste to. Never leave rubbish, such as old washing machines or scrap metal on your drive or in the street as it could end up in the wrong hands. You can donate working items to reuse organisations or charity shops.

Fly tipping is the illegal deposit of any waste onto land with no permit to accept it. Waste includes: general household rubbish; larger domestic items including fridges and mattresses; garden refuse; and commercial waste such as builders' rubble, clinical waste and tyres.

The Council will remove fly tipped material as soon as possible from the public highway or other land the Council is responsible for maintaining.

The Council will not clear waste deposited on private land,this is the landowner's responsibility. However, it is still worth reporting a fly-tipping incident on private land,so that we can investigate who may be responsible for the incident and clearance of the waste.

Fly tipping on forest land managed by the City of London Corporation can be reported directly to the City of London Corporation.

Email epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk Tel. 020 8532 1010 If you witness a fly-tipping crime in action, please report this to the police on 101.

You can see photos of recent local flytipping in an article in this magazine.

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Volunteers join Hospice’s project to tackle loneliness St Clare Hospice has recruited and trained their first cohort of supporters to join their new community-led project aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation across West Essex and East Herts.

A total of 11 people completed the two-day training course on 20th and 23rd March and graduated as trained Compassionate Neighbours.

Compassionate Neighbours is an award winning, community-led project for people living with a lifelimiting illness, or who are experiencing frailty, loneliness or social isolation. The project was founded by St Joseph’s Hospice in East London in 2011 and received national recognition when it won the Charity Times Community Award in 2017.

Compassionate Neighbours projects have now been established in a total of eight hospices.

St Clare Hospice’s project is being led by Stacey Towler, Compassionate Neighbours Project Manager. Commenting on recruiting her first Compassionate Neighbours, Stacey said: “The response from the public to the launch of our new community-led project has been phenomenal. People are aware that loneliness and isolation amongst older people is an issue in their community, and so they feel motivated to be part of a social movement that is addressing this very real issue. “ St Clare Hospice aims to recruit a total of 50 Compassionate Neighbours in the first year of the project. They will be running a second round of volunteer training in April 2018.

To find out more about the St Clare Compassionate Neighbours project, including how to become a volunteer and how to refer a person who could benefit from the project, contact the Compassionate Neighbours Project Manager, Stacey Towler, on 01279 773279 or visit stclarehospice.org.uk/care/compassionate-neighbours/

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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 or 01277412522 For a free no obligation quotation WEBSITE: www.haydenlandscapes.co.uk EMAIL: haydenlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk

New Chief Signs in at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Jo Turton started work today as the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive for Essex, taking over from Adam Eckley who retires after 33 years in the Fire and Rescue Service.

Her experience managing complex organisations, and expertise in delivering organisational and cultural change in a challenging financial environment, means Jo is perfectly placed to build on recent progress as ECFRS continues its journey to becoming one of the best performing Services in Britain.

Jo’s priorities with regards to County-wide improved fire prevention and emergency response will be supported by the prevention, protection and response model, and aim to make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel.

With an energetic and straightforward approach to her role, Jo will be an accessible and visible leader. Commenting on the task ahead she said: “I am delighted and thrilled to start work as the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive for ECFRS. This is a challenging and exciting time for ECFRS and I’m looking forward to leading a Service that I believe has the capacity to be the best in Britain.

W . J. CRUMP Crash Repairs Established local company

High quality car repairs Body Repairs Approved Insurance Repairer

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

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Citizens Advice: dialling down debt, and volunteers wanted!

Citizens Advice nationally has been campaigning for the last couple of years to improve the debt collection practices of mobile phone providers. Mobile phones are now a central part of life. Approximately 95% of households own one and an increasing number of people only have a mobile phone. Certainly in this area, most of the clients who come to us have a mobile but no landline or broadband.

Despite these changes, the mobile phone industry has lagged behind other essential markets - such as energy and water - when it comes to working with customers who have fallen into debt.

Citizens Advice has been working with the main UK mobile phone providers to improve their practices by signing up to our debt collection charter. It’s based on best practice across other regulated markets, and contains 5 commitments to help customers in debt.

We want mobile phone companies to:

1. Direct their customers to sources of free debt advice and collaborate with debt advisers acting on behalf of their customers.

2. Proactively make contact with customers who are experiencing payment difficulties.

3. Make it easier for customers to contact companies about their bill and negotiate repayment rates which reflect their ability to pay.

4. Suspend collection action when the customer reasonably disputes the debt.

5. Help customers avoid debt by allowing them to set a cap on the monthly cost of their bills.

Key Provider

Advice

Contact

Repayme nts

Disputes

Monthly cap

EE

Agreed

Agreed

Met

Met

Agreed

O2

Partial

Partial

Partial

Partial

Agreed

Tesco Mobile

Partial

Agreed

No

Met

Met

Three Mobile

Partial

Met

Met

Met

Agreed

Virgin Mobile

Partial

Partial

No

No

Agreed

Vodafone

Agreed

Met

Agreed

Met

Agreed

Met

Mobile provider has informed us that it already fulfils this section of the charter.

Agreed

Mobile provider has informed us that it will implement this section of the charter. This will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Partial

Mobile provider has informed us that it already fulfils some aspects of this section of the charter, or has agreed to fulfil some aspects.

No

Mobile provider either: does not meet or agree to fulfil this section of the charter, or has not provided enough clarity on its position.

Persuading companies to put a monthly cap on bills proved to be the most difficult part of the campaign but we worked with MPs and Peers to get the law changed. So from October 2108 all mobile phone companies must give you the option of having a monthly cap on your bill.

Interested in volunteering with Citizens Advice?

We are currently recruiting volunteers. There are all kinds of role: advisers, receptionists, trustees, researchers, and people interested in campaigning. Full training is provided and no particular qualifications are required. If you’re interested fill in the form on our website www.citizensadviceefd.org.uk - or if you come to a drop-in session, and we’re not too busy, we’d be happy to chat to you about what’s involved.

Contacting Citizens Advice - If you need our assistance or advice the nearest branch to North Weald is at 50A Hemnall Street in Epping. We are open for drop-in from 10.00 to 2.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Elsewhere, the branch in Loughton Library is open between 9.30 and 1.00, Monday to Thursday and the branch in Waltham Abbey Town Hall is open between 9.30 and 1.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We also have drop-in sessions in Ongar Library, between 10.00 and 12.00 on the third Tuesday each month. Or you can ring the Essex Adviceline on 03444 770 808 or go to our website: www.citizensadviceefd.org.uk.

Source: Paul Stockton Page 32

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Don’t let them rubbish our Parish!

A quiet country lane in North Weald Bassett.

Oh dear! Someone seems to have dropped some litter.

I think it could be more than just ‘some’ litter.

Careful, it’s growing!

Help!

Hope you are all sickened by this sight as much as I am. I assume we all live here in North Weald Bassett because it is green and pleasant, away from the pressures of city life. A safe place to bring up families and enjoy the precious countryside and what it has to offer?

Unfortunately there are those in society who are out to make easy money regardless of whom they impact upon. The driver of the HGV that deposited this has obviously left its brain somewhere amongst the rubbish. It has no respect for you or your family. It certainly has no respect for the airfield or the brave men and women who served there by dumping this pile next to it.

I use the term ‘it’ to describe a driver that has no consideration and is obviously jealous of our way of life and wants to rubbish it!

This incident has been reported to EFDC. Please, please for all our sakes, if you see fly tipping in action, try to get the vehicle registration number and call 999. If you, like me, come across an unsightly mess then ring (see essential local numbers in the inside back cover) or email the District Council.

Protect yourself against possible prosecution by never using an unregistered waste carrier to remove your rubbish. Unfortunately clearing this up will cost you money. Matey is laughing at you as it has made some easy money. Hopefully this clown will be caught and dealt with.

Jimmy Waters.

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BIRD FEATURE Last month I compiled the bird report for the April edition with the threat of a an approaching mid March blast of icy weather. In contrast this month I am typing the May report with temperatures on the verge of the low to mid 20s. As the spring progresses we will see various summer migrants arriving to join our resident species in breeding. Of course those birds that were here during the winter will have had to survive 2 or 3 spells of unusually severe weather and many individual birds will have perished over the last few months.

The Wren seems to have been particularly hard hit, really struggling in cold, icy conditions. Some years this can be the UK's most numerous species but the population can fluctuate from year to year and based on how few I have noted at the start of spring then I feel this is one of the real losers this winter. For such a small bird it can't half belt out a loud song but sadly I haven't heard as many as I would normally expect.

Blackcaps are a summer visitor although there has been a steady rise in the numbers that remain in the UK all year round. It is a member of the warbler family and the male has a very obvious black 'cap' - the female's is a brown cap - and it has adapted to winter life in this country by taking advantage of food put out by people in their gardens. The bulk of the birds here during the summer will be migrants and during the first week of April I have started seeing them at various places around the village and it is normally their lovely song that makes you aware of their presence. Once the foliage thickens up they can be really hard to spot so the best time to see them is by the end of May. They will frequent garden areas but mostly in places with trees and bushes and good cover. As I say they are at various sites around the village so you could well see and/or hear one.

During the second week of April I saw my first Swallows of the summer and the numbers should start building up over the next few weeks, especially with the warm spell that has been forecast. There should also be House Martins here in the next week or two with Swifts winging their way in by the end of the month.

As mentioned last month, one summer arrival that has been quick off the mark is the Chiffchaff, in evidence since the third week of March. There's no mistaking the loud, repetitive call "chiff - chaff" which can be heard in a variety of habitats including larger blocks of gardens. Listen out for the call then try to spot the bird in the foliage, not always an easy task.

If we are lucky we will once again hear a Cuckoo or two in our area, certainly Weald Common has been a reliable annual site for quite a few years. That's not to say they are there throughout the summer but they pass through looking to lay their eggs in the nests of a variety of host species which raise the Cuckoo chick at the expense of their own young. Whilst bthey are about they roam the area regularly calling. There is an ongoing study of Cuckoos which is declining in the UK at an alarming rate. If the decline continues there could come a time when vast swathes of the UK will no longer hear that iconic cuckoo call which has so often been cited as the herald of the spring.

Another call that is oft heard during the spring is that of the Collared Dove, indeed the repetitive 'coo coo' can be somewhat annoying when uttered at first light in the summer. This species was once unknown in western Europe but during the 50s it expanded its range at a remarkable rate and gradually spread through the UK to become a familiar species. I remember as a child in the 60s hearing about this new UK species and yet within a few short years it was quite common. It is regarded as one of the most remarkable natural expansions of its range by any species.

There have been good numbers of Buzzards to be seen and particularly on warm days they can be noted soaring on thermals uttering their obvious harsh call. Over the last 20 or so years Buzzards have become the most numerous bird of prey in UK, more numerous than Kestrels. They were restricted mostly to western areas but have increasingly spread eastwards.

The breeding season is in full swing and the efforts of courtship, nesting and raising chicks will impose a massive stress on the birds involved. Some birds will fail to raise any young at all but some will succeed in raising a second or even a third brood of chicks. Over the last few days I have noted nesting Pied Wagtails, Rooks, Blue Tits, Robins, Blackbirds, Starlings and Dunnocks but that is all I do, note them. If you are lucky enough to see an active bird nest then don't forget it is an offence to disturb the birds. The days of people taking an egg from a bird nest are happily long gone, and don't do anything that could result in predators being able to locate the nest.

There is also other wildlife to see. Pretty soon there will be plenty of butterflies on the wing with my favourite the Orange Tip being one of the earlier species to see. Already there are plenty of bees about and gradually more and more insects will be evident so keep an eye out and try and identify some of them.

If you continue to feed the birds then don't forget to supply fresh items and don't let uneaten food bulld up, if necessary reduce the amount you supply. And the provision of fresh water can be a life saver, you don't need an elaborate bird bath, even an upturned dustbin lid (if anyone still has them !!!???) can suffice.

Anyway, the dawn chorus will be at its peak in early May and if you are out and about - keep your eyes and ears open and enjoy.

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 Chemist

01992 523887

Cats Protection

0333 200 1484

North Weald Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Citizens Advice Bureau

03444 77 0808

North Weald Library

01992 522896

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

EFDC Will Breare-Hall

01992 575843

RSPCA

01279 306058

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

020 8508 8608

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

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

Epping Forest Badger Group

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Theydon Jazz Club

Tel: 576038 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: 523731

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