North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community
FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Issue: 164 April 2020 Page
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What’s happening? What can I say? We are now facing a challenge that we could never have guessed we would experience namely the Coronavirus. It has changed our lives, closing schools, making people stay at home, ridiculous panic buying and of course being unwell. Cover photo: Chosen tc cheer us all up.
The positives are that it can affect people in different ways and for those that are vulnerable because of existing health issues, age, etc it can be very worrying but for the majority of people they will survive and some will only suffer from a minor illness and come out the other side but life may still take time to get back to normal – if it ever does. We are relying on some fantastic people who are Doctors, Nurses, retail workers, pharmacists, Carers, delivery drivers, postal workers – I could go on and on – but I would just like to say thank you to everyone. Words aren’t enough really. However as a village we will come together. You will see later in the magazine details of how you can get support or help and if anybody wants to get involved there is now a North Weald Face book volunteer group. I am working on the website (northwealdvillagelife.co.uk) and I will be ensuring that I put regular chatty blogs, feature s, ideas and competitions we can get involved in for everybody— old and young. We can remain in contact online. If you are not online, perhaps family or friends can help with advice on how to get online.
Contents April 2020 Issue Page No.
5. Burglar arrested 7. Events 14. Pre-school closure
15. Fire service ready to help 19. Wettest February 21. April Gardening Hints 22. A pawfect activity 23. Charity ball raises funds
On a positive note, nature continues, trees are blossoming, birds are chirping, even the weather is nice. At night I like to stand in the garden and look at the stars and breathe in a sense of calm and normality.
25. Coronavirus Scam
Also, maybe things can heal a little in the world with less pollution on roads and in the air. Seems a shame as this would be an ideal time to repair the potholes and roads but that’s not fair on those that would have to do the work.
30. Poem
On another positive note, Eurovision has been cancelled – the UK will not come last this year. I don’t want to go on about the Coronavirus but as it affects all our lives it is hard not too. We will remember year 2020 in history. We must stick together, reach out when we need help or are lonely and know we will all get through this.
Kind regards
26. Church Chat 31. Round Robin 33. Citizens Advice
34. Bird Column Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk 07814 863955 Write to: 49 York Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6HU www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Subscription: If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £25.00 for 12 issues. Contributions & Editorial: If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us via letter or email. Advertisers: Please email or telephone us for full advertising rates and sizes. Booking deadline is 5th of each month. Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure any data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported,
June Editor
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25. Coronavirus Telephone number
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APRIL BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Prank Joke Fool Baffled Stupidity Funny Spirited Laughter Happiness Juvenile Teased Remember Distraction Banter Smile Silly
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Congratulations to Mr R. Brown this month who will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to April Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th April-][[— 2020. 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
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www.eppingtreecompany.co.uk Email: info@eppingtreecompany.co.uk Page 4
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Named and Shamed Essex Police have confirmed a burglar, who carried out three break-ins in nine days, has been jailed for nearly four years. Items including jewellery, worth a four-figure sum, were taken from an address in Sunnyside Epping on 7th January. CCTV from the area showed two men walking from the area the burglary took place and officers identified one of them as Tre Lewis. Then, on 16th January, addresses in Graylands, Theydon Bois and York Road, North Weald, were broken into and thousands of pounds in cash, as well as watches taken. When officers were called to the break-in in North Weald they searched the area and, when they came across Lewis, he ran off from them. He was later found and arrested. Officers also identified him as being inside the address in Theydon Bois from CCTV at the scene. Source: Essex Police
Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Old building caught fire Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a three-storey building in Harlow on 3rd March.
On arrival crews confirmed that the roof of the building, which is more than two centuries old and made up of three separate flats, was alight. Control teams had been alerted after a lady who lives in the building smelled smoke. Gavin Ellis, Watch Manager at Harlow Fire Station, said: "The lady's response to the smell of smoke was exactly what we always advise: get out, stay out and call the fire service out. "Firefighters have done a brilliant, efficient job of containing the damage here this afternoon and have largely prevented it from spreading to the flats below." The fire was extinguished by 3.07pm. One man in his sixties was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and left in the care of the Ambulance Service. They believe this fire was caused accidentally during construction work.
Source: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
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LOCAL EVENTS DIARY
Every Friday—Medium doing Clairvoyance
Please check with the organisers prior to these events in light of the Coronavirus outbreak they may be cancelled.
3.15—4.15pm North Weald Village Hall. £3 per entrance. With free raffle ticket.
April 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 Tuesday—Baby & Toddler Group 1.15pm—2.45pm Queens Hall, School Green Lane. £2 per family. Term time only.
Every Wednesday & Friday—Queens Hall Short Mat Bowls Queens Hall at the top of School Green Lane 9.30-12.00 Thornwood Village Hall, Term time only. Social friendly group providing range of toys, crafts and singing £4 per session
12noonNorth Weald Village Hall. In aid of NWSS. All welcome
Every Saturday and Sunday—North Weald Airfield Museum
Saturday 17th April
12 noon—5pm North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way
Trad Jazz 12 noon—14.30
Every second and Fourth Tuesday— Theydon & Abridge Jazz 1.30pm Abridge village hall. Enquires davedyer24@gmail.com or phone 07903 879209
Every Tuesday - Board Games Session 2.30—4.30pm North Weald Library. Learn new games. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm. All ages welcome.
Wednesday 1st April - North Weald W.I. North Weald Village Hall
Starting at 1.45pm
1pm—4pm
Saturday 11th April Ploughman’s Lunch
North Weald Village Hall. £10 per person. Free tea and coffee, people can bring their own soft or alcoholic drinks. Features top musicians.
Monday 20th April—West Essex Flower Club Thornwood Village Hall Starting at 1.45 Our demonstrator this month is Morag Bennett entertaining us with 6 arrangements plus a Spring Plant Stall. All Welcome . Visitors pay£6.00 on the door.
We have a nautical theme this month with our speaker telling us about The History of Lighthouses and Lighthouse Keeping. All welcome. Visitors pay £3.00 on the door
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 Friday—Reiki Healing/Hands on Healing 1pm—3pm North Weald Village Hall. The healing is free with donation.
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Planning Advice
The price of Sanitisers
Epping Forest District Council duty planning officers can offer planning advice by phone as their drop-in planning surgeries are currently unavailable.
Despite the price of hand sanitisers, they are out of stock everywhere. Some recent research confirmed that retailers own brand hand sanitisers are being sold online for up to 5000% more than their original price thanks to the coronavirus outbreak.
To contact a duty planning officer:
The research analysed the UK’s biggest supermarkets and health stores to see how much more own brand hand sanitisers are being sold for on eBay than in store.
• •
Phone 01992 564477 Between 9am and 11.30am
From Monday to Friday, except bank holidays Their advice is to also check the Planning Portal website to see if you can find your answer there. The website has advice on extensions, outbuildings, greener homes, loft conversions, basement conversions, self-build homes and includes interactive guides to help you with your projects. This website can be found at:- https:// www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200244/ project_advice
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The research found that eBay users who are selling Lidl’s own brand hand sanitisers, Cien Antibacterial Hand Gel (50ml), are benefiting the most, listing the product for £29.99, a 5000% increase in comparison to the RRP of 49p. However, those that are listing Tesco’s own hand sanitisers are still making a 1100% profit, despite it being the lowest percentage increase out of them all. The Tesco Health Antibacterial Hand Gel (50ml) is just 75p in store and is now selling at £9 on eBay. Other supermarkets included in the research include Asda with a 2629% increase and Morrisons with a 1400% increase, while Sainsbury’s did not sell their own brand. However, health and beauty retailers were also analysed including Savers with a percentage increase of 2525%, Boots with an increase of 1899% and Superdrug with an increase of 1538%. Of course on top of this you have the horrific situation where people are stealing sanitiser from hospitals which leave health staff and patients at risk. This is obviously due to the Coronavirus outbreak. You can make your own— the recipe can be found online.
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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HOME GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE LTD The Local Company You Can Really Trust! We specialise in the repairs to all makes of windows and doors
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Epping Forest District Council Coronavirus Update On the 11th March the Epping Forest District Council confirmed that In the light of the recent coronavirus outbreak the council have taken precautions to ensure that essential services will continue to be provided. These include extra cleaning regimes at our offices and updated information about hand washing to their staff. Many of our staff can work from home and the council is encouraging this. They are cancelling/deferring all non-essential meetings and we ask that you keep visits to our offices to a minimum and instead to contact us via their website or phone.
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North Weald Market Cancelled
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Until further notice, Epping Forest District Council have decided to cancel North Weald Market, in light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak.
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When you get cash out be careful
S. I. Painters and Decorators Established 1980
Advice from Essex Police suggests you look around you at cash point machines before you use them. Be aware of anyone standing nearby and always check to make sure the machine has not been tampered with - if in doubt it is best to avoid it, if the bank is open you can go inside where it will be safer. Try to avoid being distracted whilst checking your balance or getting cash out. If someone taps you on the shoulder or calls to you, just ignore them. Make sure you cover your PIN no and keep an eye on your card at all times. Please make sure you put your card and cash away as soon as possible.
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Launch of a new local business It’s not often that you meet someone with as much passion and energy for a project as Colin McDaniels. Colin loves people and property and therefore he could not be more proud about launching his own independent estate agency this month and see his dream come true. Local man Colin has lived in North Weald village for the past 7 years with his family and he absolutely loves the semi-rural community and feel of the place. You will often see him in the surrounding fields where he walks his beloved dogs Buzz and Minnie each day. A keen interest in keeping fit and healthy, Colin’s days start early - around dawn which he says is the best time of day. “There’s a special feeling being out in the fields as the day ahead dawns and you can pack so much in with an early start!” Alongside his 16-year career as an estate agent, Colin has also had his own design and refurbishment company giving him unique skills and knowledge about how to achieve the best in a property – whether that’s a modern day or a period home. Colin is looking forward to meeting lots more local people in both North Weald and Epping villages during the weeks and months ahead. What comes across with McDaniels is the sense of a highly personalised approach to the business. Colin’s commitment to his clients is to go above and beyond, providing a bespoke service and to build trustworthy relationships with his neighbours and surrounding communities. If you would like any advice, guidance or estate agency services, Colin would be delighted to hear from you on 01992- 522306.
No door unlocked I have been made aware that during different times of the day and night, thieves are trying door handles to see if a front or back door opens. Whilst entry may not be gained, people are being recorded on CCTV or Ring doorbells of walking up drives and trying the handle of front door. So please make sure you look your door, double lock your door and of a night - if you have a chain - please use it.
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PHOTO OF THE MONTH This month we feature a photo taken whilst one resident was enjoying a cycle ride.
Please send your photos to me— June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk and I can share these with readers.
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This beautiful photo was sent by Georgina Levy and features the Airfield.
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Bag Snatch in Epping Earlier in March, a bag was snatched during the evening in Epping. A stolen bank card was used in one shop. Police were called and a man was located, he was searched and he was found with the stolen property on him. He was arrested. Please be careful. Well done Essex Police.
Parish council suspends meetings for the rest of March North Weald Bassett Parish Council is suspending council meetings - including the Annual Parish Assembly - after Essex's first case of Coronavirus was diagnosed at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. District and parish councillor Nigel Bedford told tonight's parish council meeting that Government advice following today's COBRA meeting - which is expected to be disseminated to local authorities tomorrow - could include that council meetings are suspended. Epping Forest District Council is considering cancelling an awards ceremony for grant recipients this week, Mr Bedford added. The North Weald Bassett Parish Council meetings that are currently being suspended are the Annual Allotments meeting on Sunday, March 22, and the Annual Parish Assembly at The Parish Hall, Thornwood Common, on Monday, March 23. However the council will keep the matter under review. Mr Bedford said: "The speed at which this (Coronaviru ) has spread is quite outstanding. "We all go to other meetings. If this (suspending parish council meetings) cuts out one meeting it just minimises the risk of spreading this (the virus) unnecessarily." Parish clerk Sue DeLuca told the meeting: "What we don't want to do is be too late in doing it (suspending meetings). "Obviously we don't want to be scaremongering but we want to make sure that what we are doing is correct." The parish council is awaiting guidance from both the Government and Epping Forest District Council before taking further decisions. Page 13
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Pre-School closes It was announced that Wendy wise the owner of the popular preschool which she ran from the North Weald Village Hall has decided to retire and will close at the end of March. Wendy and her team have provided a great start for many of the pre-school children in the North Weald Village Hall.
There was confusion and speculation on whether the Pre-School would be reopening, the Village Hall Trustees would like to confirm the following:The present pre-school owner has had 20 years of running a successful business run from our hall and has now chosen to retire and advised The Chairman she would cease trading on 3rd April 2020. She subsequently forwarded the Chairman’s telephone number to an interested party to take over her business. Trustee’s meet with the interested party, an established preschool with over 10 year’s experience of running a pre-school wanting to expand their business. A contract was negotiated for hire from the end of August to suit the new company’s requirements to enable them to set up their new registration. The Village Pre-school were then written to and given the opportunity to remain open until the end of the school year (July 2020) to keep their staff in employment and the children their preschool places. This offer has not been taken up and the preschool has chosen to still close on 3rd April. We would appreciate some understanding for the position the Committee were put in and hope you will all welcome the new pre-school owners who will be joining our village from September. I would like to thank Wendy and her team for their support of families and for the great start they provided for many of the local young children.
Essex Libraries are being modernised Essex County Council have confirmed The£1.9 million investment for modernising libraries promised in the Future Library Services Strategy 2019-2024 has begun. Libraries that meet an agreed set of principles will be prioritised for refurbishment to create modern, flexible and attractive spaces that are fit for the future. User groups of these libraries will be invited to comment on plans. The first library will be chosen soon, and work on it is due to be completed early in 2021. This refurbishment programme complements work already being undertaken: upgrading the public computers to Windows 10, upgrading self-service facilities, and installing energy-saving LED lighting. I am not sure if there any plans to modernise North Weald Library but I will keep you posted.
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Pancakes come to North Weald This year, young and old residents enjoyed complimentary pancakes in North Weald Village Hall. This community event was organised by Revd Tom and his volunteers, with the hope it will become annual event in the village.
There were a range of toppings and the pink and white marshmallows proved a big hit. I am sure I saw on boy have 5 in total. I must admit as the sugar hit and the children were feeling the full force, I did make a hasty exit but it was lovely to see residents, some of whom have never met, enjoying some free pancakes and toppings taking the pressure of families having to make them later in the day.
Fire service ready to respond
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has been putting plans in place to ensure residents across the County will get an emergency response when they need it during the current pandemic.
Rick Hylton, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: “We want to assure residents that we are taking the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic very seriously. “We have been working closely with our emergency service and local authority partners for the last few weeks and are continually monitoring the latest government advice. “Staff are exercising good hygiene with washing and sanitising hands at locations across our County. We will continue to do this to ensure we are able to offer the highest level of service and to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible. “Over the coming weeks and months we will continue look at how we provide our Service to the public, to ensure we minimise the risk to the public and our staff, while taking a proportionate response to the latest emerging information about the coronavirus." If you are expecting a visit from us and think you may be suffering from coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating please let us know in advance by calling 0300 303 0088.. Alternatively, the service will always be available for home safety advice over the phone - please call 0300 303 0088 to access this. To stay up to date with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service coronavirus related updates www.essex-fire.gov.uk. Page 15
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EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY – START OF THE NEW SEASON
After a busy winter period carrying out essential maintenance and repairs, we are now ready for our 2020 season. Regular services start again in early April. Please see our website at www.eorailway.co.uk and follow the link for ‘events’ for full details. At the time of writing the Coronavirus (COVID-19), is still developing and the railway is closely monitoring the UK Government’s advice on the subject to ensure that we take all necessary measures. Many people may be reluctant to travel longer distances and a local attraction may be the answer? Our regular Easter Egg Hunt will take place with Bertie Bunny on 10, 11, 12 and 13 April. This will be closely followed by the Spring Diesel Gala on 18 and 19 April. This is a great event for both enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, with several different diesel locomotives expected to be in operation, including: Classes 20, 31, 37 and 47. Our Class 03 diesel shunter, now outshopped in a new BR green livery and bearing the number of D.2170, is scheduled to carry out brake van rides and other activities throughout the event.* *All locomotives subject to availability.
Pictures show D.2170 under refurbishment Left: photo unknown. Right: photo Michael Drew Ale Trains Starting on April 18, the Railway will host our ever-popular ale trains again this year. With beer and cider served from the Flag and Whistle bar, drinkers will be able to join the train via heritage bus connections from either Epping or Shenfield. As in previous years, a hot supper of Fish and Chips is served on the train so you can enjoy your supper and a pint whilst travelling back to North Weald from Ongar. Tickets start at £10 when booked more than 2 weeks in advance, with a large portion of fish and chips costing a supplementary £10. Trains are planned to run on four Saturday evenings: 18 April, 23 May, 27 June and 12 September. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit our website as shown above. We are still seeking volunteers to help us run our Railway. Opportunities are available in all departments; no particular skills are necessary. Full training will be given and you will have the opportunity to meet like minded people providing a friendly, local service. Contact our Membership Secretary at: membership@eorailway.co.uk or telephone 01277 365200 during office hours. We look forward to hearing from you. Robert Good Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society
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Please send News, Events, features, letters articles to me via post or email (details on page 3.) to reach me on or before the deadline
Deadline for next issue: 10th April 2020 Deadline for June issue: 10th May 2020
Forget Coronavirus—let’s communicate I know it is hard to forget, but we can put behind us what we can’t do and focus on what we can do. For this reason, I am going to focus on ensuring my website is updated daily with ideas, ways to interact, chatty column type blog, photos, stories shared from others with the aim of continuing communication locally. There could be a good few months ahead of us where we cannot go on holiday, go shopping, visit our family and so many things. But I am sure there will many ideas coming forward online. Please visit northwealdvillagelife.co.uk to find out all the local news and chats. If you go on Facebook there is a group with a lot of local members. Help, advice, photos, recipes, suggestions can all be shared— https://www.facebook.com/groups/Northwealdvillagelife
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Did you see this accident? Officers from our Roads Policing Team are appealing for witness following a collision on Friday 27th February on the M25. A Black VW Golf and another vehicle were in collision just after the Bell Common Tunnel, Epping. The unknown vehicle failed to stop. No injuries were reported.
If you have any information about what happened, or dash cam footage please contact PC Tom Gower at Chigwell Roads Policing Unit on 101 and quote the incident number 0128 of 27th February or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Healthy drinks and snacks One in ten people aged 65 or older are officially classed as ‘malnourished’ or at risk of becoming malnourished. That’s why during the recent Nutrition and Hydration Week which took place in March, local health experts were keen to raise awareness of the importance of eating and drinking well in order to stay fit and healthy. Many older people or people with long term health conditions are at risk of malnutrition because they can’t or don’t eat enough food to meet their body’s needs. It’s also important that people have enough to drink. Dr Rachel Joyce, Clinical and Professional Director of the Hertfordshire and West Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership said: “If you don’t get the nourishment you need, you are more likely to get ill and it’s harder for your body to fight infection and heal itself. Being undernourished can also reduce your energy levels, muscle strength and mobility.” “Many people who are losing weight worry that if they eat more high fat foods, they will increase their risk of having a heart attack. However, malnutrition itself is a big risk to heart health, so if you are underweight, eating more can strengthen your heart. When someone becomes underweight, ‘normal’ healthy eating guidelines – such as eating a diet low in fat and sugar or avoiding snacking between meals - do not apply.” Good hydration is important because it can help prevent constipation, urine infections, falls and confusion; as we get older our sense of thirst may reduce so it’s especially important to drink regularly throughout the day. Older people should aim to drink 10 - 13 cups or 3-4 pints of fluid every day; this includes tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and water. If you know an elderly person with a reduced appetite or is losing weight without trying, they should contact their doctor or nurse. However, you should also encourage them to: • try to eat three small meals and three small snacks each day • include meals, snacks and drinks containing protein • eat nourishing foods such as full fat milk, nuts, hot chocolate made with full fat milk, crackers with butter or cheese, full fat yoghurts, rice puddings, and custards • monitor their weight weekly and visit their GP if they continue to lose weight.
Please send in News, Events, features and articles.
Deadline for next issue: 10th April 2020
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Robert Rayment
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Wettest February on record and 5th wettest Winter. The Met Office has confirmed that February 2020 has been the wettest February on record for UK, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the second wettest (behind February 1990) for Scotland.
It has also been the fifth wettest of any calendar month in a series from 1862 behind only October 1903 (227mm), December 2015 (217mm), November 2009 (215mm), and December 1929 (213mm). This winter (December, January, February) has been the 5th wettest winter on record (data back to 1862) for the UK as a whole as well as the 5th mildest.
December was slightly wetter than average for the UK overall, just 16% above average, particularly for southern England and East Anglia, which was 30-50% above average. While January was wetter than average across north west Scotland and drier than average for north east England and eastern Scotland, and average for the UK overall. Source: Met Office
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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April Gardening Hints We've had a very wet start to 2020 so many of us have put off doing jobs in the garden, how ever we really should be making a start! In the vegetable garden you can now start preparing your runner bean trench, dig a nice big hole and fill with veg peelings (not potato peelings though) add some well rotted manure, it's also worth adding some scrunched up newspaper as this will help to retain some moisture during the summer months. Don't be tempted to plant your runner beans out just yet though, as it's still to cold, you may find they'll grow but they wont produce many beans. Leave it till the end of May or early June.
Some vegetable seeds can be sown now these include beetroot, carrots, swiss chard, onions, lettuce, radish, garlic and peas. If you havent got them already get your seed potatoes and start chitting them, ready to be planted mid-late April. Daffodils and other bulbs will be starting to die back now, it's best to leave the leaves on, as they start to die the goodness will go back into the bulb giving you a stronger bulb for the next year. Keep on top of weeds as they start to pop up in the veg garden as well as the flower beds. Rake over lawns to remove dead grass and thatch, you can now give your lawns an application of feed, weed & moss killer. As Roses start to produce new leaves give them a spray with rose clear, this will prevent black spot and kill any bugs, spray them every 4-6 weeks from now till September. Flamingo trees should now be cut back quite hard, this will keep them nice and compact, some people like to cut them back every year but personally I find every second year is just fine. Lift and divide perennials to improve vigour, if you have hostas then divide them now before they start to produce leaves Nigel (Art Nursery Garden Centre) Facebook - @ArtNGC Instagram – artnurserynw
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A Pawfect Activity If you are looking to stay fit and active in retirement? The solution could have four paws and a waggy tail! With scientific studies showing that the company of a dog can reduce stress and increase physical activity and social interaction, there’s a lot to be said for spending time with a canine. However, dog ownership is a huge longterm commitment, both emotionally and financially. With the average lifespan of a dog being approximately twelve years, many people are discouraged from taking on such a responsibility. Barking Mad offers a parttime alternative to dog ownership, where you can experience all the benefits without the full-time responsibility. ‘Host families’ become temporary companions for dogs whose owners are on holiday. Below, you can see the benefits they can experience: Get fit with Fido - Dogs are great personal trainers, encouraging us to exercise and get out more. There is no greater motivator than a dog who’s eager to go for a walk. A healthier life with a dog - As well as helping lower blood pressure by encouraging us to exercise more, dogs can also help in another way and it’s all down to science! Patting, stroking and walking dogs can help people to feel more relaxed and less anxious. Dogs also have a huge capacity for unconditional love which can’t fail to make you feel happier! No matter how bad your day has been, a dog will always greet you with a waggy tail and a non-judgmental attitude. Caring for canines can ease social isolation - Dogs can be a real catalyst for social relationships in neighborhood settings. When you’re walking a dog, it really does break the ice with fellow dog carers /owners, as well as getting you out of the house in the first place. Retired Financial Adviser, Helen, and retired Engineer/Gas Fitter, Steve, have hosted for Barking Mad since 2015, they said: “Using Barking Mad gives us all the pleasure of having a dog with none of the cost, worries or being tied to home. We also feel that as we get older, we don’t want to leave a dog that might have to be placed in a rescue centre if we were no longer fit to look after it. It’s amazing how much pleasure you can get from these four-legged bundles of fun!” Mandy Joy of Barking Mad Enfield and Harlow explains how you can get involved:- “Our hosts are generally active retired people or home workers, who enjoy having a dog to stay occasionally. We carefully match each dog to the host’s environment and circumstances to make it a great experience for everyone. Friendly dogs arrive to stay for a week or two with everything they need, such as food, bedding and toys, all provided. Transport, insurance and administration are taken care of by us. We are on call 24/7 and provide full support and guidance.
If you have a secure outside space, plenty of time to spare (when it’s convenient for you) and are a real dog lover, we’d love to hear from you.” f you would like to find out more about becoming a Barking Mad host, you can call Mandy Joy on 01992 350191 email mandy.joy@barkingmad.uk.com or visit www.barkingmad.uk.com/local/Essex/Enfield/
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Charity Ball raises funds A grand total of £35,000 was raised at St Clare Hospice’s annual Spring Ball on Saturday 7th March, which this year sported a pearly theme in line with the charity’s 30th anniversary since it was founded in 1990. St Clare’s Spring Ball takes place every March at Weston Homes’ Business Centre in Takeley. Inviting local businesses throughout West Essex and East Hertfordshire to attend, this years’ Ball saw more than 120 individuals make a show to support their local Hospice charity. On the night, glamorous attendees placed their bids on the Spring Ball auction, which this year was also preceded by an online silent auction running for a week prior to the Ball. Once all donations were counted after the weekend’s celebrations came to a close, St Clare Hospice announced the total of £35,000 – which could be enough to fund over three weeks of the Hospice’s entire Community Services department, which provides specialist care and support to local people in their own homes. “What a way to celebrate St Clare’s 30th Birthday!” said Corporate Fundraising Manager, Amy Jacobs, who organised the pearly Spring Ball alongside team member Charlotte Durham. “Once again, we’re absolutely swept off our feet by the generosity and kindness of our local, charity business partners. Everyone in the room on the night helped to make a difference on Saturday – in supporting St Clare to raise the vital income that goes towards our care for local people living with a life-limiting illness. We had a wonderful time on the night; we hope everyone else did, too. Now, we’d just like to say a big, proud, pearly thank you to everyone who made our Spring Ball 2020 possible – you are all hospice heroes!”
Royal British Legion North Weald Branch The R B L North Weald has a new Chairman, Jon Schlanker, a serving officer in the Army reserve. Meetings take place in the “Derek Tringham Lounge” (licenced) at the Village Hall on the third Friday of each month. Four of these meetings will be formal with a social gathering afterwards all the others will be fully social. All start @7.30 for 8.00.Everbody welcome.
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Coronavirus Scam In addition to everybody worrying about getting the Coronavirus, now unbelievably there have been reports of fraud where victims are losing thousands of pounds and people being targeted with offering fake testing for Covid-19 tests.
Essex Trading Standards that across the Country there are doorstep rogues claiming to be from the NHS providing Covid-19 testing. Scammers will take advantage of the situation, to extort money, or to gain access to your home. People have also ordered large quantities of masks and these have never been delivered. The fraud also includes emails purporting to be from research organisations, claiming to provide a list of infected people in the area with a link to click on which in turn leads to a malicious website. Please do not click on attachments in suspicious emails and never provide your financial details to unsolicited phone calls or email messages.
Coronavirus Help Line Epping Forest District Council have set up a helpline for residents and local businesses. There is a helpline number— 01992 564088 or you can visit their website to view the FAQ section—www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Chris Whitbread said: “In light of the Government’s recent advice regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve set up a team dedicated to answering questions or signposting customers to where more information is available.” If your question does not appear on the FAQ page, please call their helpline on 01992 564088 to talk to our team. Councillor Whitbread added: “This is not a health service and it’s still important to call the NHS on 111 if you have any concerns about symptoms. However, if it’s about the council or our community, this new service will try to help our residents and local businesses deal with the effects of the coronavirus.”
“We will keep our website up to date as the situation evolves and advice from the Government changes. We understand everyone has their concerns over health, finance and family and we will help where possible.”
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CHURCH CHAT #LoveNorthWeald Easter Life! It was wonderful to make new friends at our Pancake Party last month in the village hall. Thanks to all who came, and to everyone who helped out! We’re planning more community events in the future – read on for details of the next one, especially for Primary School aged children and their grown-ups! I’ve just spent a week working in St Andrew’s Primary School – usually I get to go in once a week to deliver an assembly and so this was a brilliant experience. I saw first hand the love and care all the staff give to all the pupils – it’s a real family where everyone is loved and accepted for who they are, and encouraged and equipped to grow to become the person God created them to be.
The children were just beginning to think about Easter. It was inspiring to hear them think about how Jesus taught us, through his life and death, to be fully ourselves – not just the self that we think we should be – but the self we were designed to be. One pupil told me “The world wont ever be the same because of each of us can make difference to the world that will last forever.” Through Jesus’ death we’ve been given life for all eternity. The children taught me about love and hope, through their infectious energy and enthusiasm for life. A small group of people from across North Weald have started meeting weekly at the Library on Wednesday evenings (during term time) from 7.30-8.30pm. You’re really welcome to join us. It’s simply a chance to meet others over coffee or tea and think about life. We’ll look at what Christians believe but you don’t need to be a Christian to come – many of those who come aren’t, we’re just a bunch of people asking questions. It’s a fun hour and we’re hoping to grow in number to fill the library, so please pop in and say hello. The next time we meet will be Wednesday April 22nd. •
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Now for details of our next big community event…. On Thursday April 16th, in the Village Hall, we’re hosting a free Messy Church – this used to happen in the school hall occasionally. We’re bringing it back to North Weald (due to popular demand!). We’ll run from 10am till 1pm, there will be Easter-themed craft activities for Primary School aged children and their grown ups (grown ups need to stay) and we will finish with a free lunch for all. You are really welcome to join us. On Easter Sunday (12th April) I’ll be covering the service at St Andrew’s Church in North Weald, which starts at 9.30am. If that’s too early, I’ll then be going on to take the service at St Alban’s Church in Coopersale at 11.10am. You’re welcome to join me and to celebrate the Good News of Easter. Happy Easter to you all. Rev Tom. Rev Tom x tomwarmit@gmail.com
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Key milestone at St John's Road Epping Forest District Council have stated that exciting times are ahead as they prepare to develop its St John’s site through the newly established, wholly-owned, development company Qualis Commercial Ltd (part of Qualis Group). Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council at St John’s Road, Epping. Hoarding has been installed at the site to mark a key milestone in the much-anticipated development of a new leisure centre, cinema, food, retail and public space, along with much needed quality housing. Council Leader Chris Whitbread commented: “I am delighted to announce the impending transfer of the St John’s site to Qualis. We are moving into a new and exciting phase that will eventually see the whole of Epping benefit.
“The St John’s site is part of a larger project including residential redevelopment of the old leisure centre in Hemnall Street, and what is currently the Condor building of the current Civic Offices at the other end of the High Street. It will totally rejuvenate Epping. “Our Council is changing to meet the needs of the future. Overall, we are looking at a gross investment of around £100m in the next five years, delivering a minimum net 3% return to the Council across the portfolio. This is a brand new and dynamic approach to redeveloping council owned land which will bring a fantastic new vibrancy to the area. Residents will benefit with new quality amenities and ongoing income will be provided to support council services for generations to come.” Chris Whitbread added: “We are a public service. It’s our duty to provide the best services we can to our residents, but we can learn a lot from the private sector. We are becoming smarter and more efficient in all we do. The development of commercial opportunities by the Council will make us the envy of neighbouring areas as we become ever more financially independent. “This is the start of a fantastic new era at Epping Forest District Council.” Page 27
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North Weald Cricket Club Launch Dynamos Cricket Following 3 years of expansion, North Weald Cricket Club will be continuing to grow participation in junior cricket in the village in 2020. The Club’s junior section has gone from less than 10 kids in 2017 to over 50 kids in 2019, built on the success of the All Stars programme, an entry level participation programme for 4 to 8 year olds designed by the ECB, the sport’s national governing body. This year the ECB has launched Dynamos Cricket, a follow up programme to All Stars, aimed at 8 to 11 year olds who want to take up the sport while at the same time providing an avenue for kids who already play cricket to develop their skills. North Weald Cricket Club will be running both Dynamos Cricket and All Stars in 2020, offering a pathway for juniors aged 4 to 11. In addition, the Club will be entering junior teams in Under 9 festivals, as well as Under 10 and Under 11 leagues, providing multiple opportunities for kids to play competitive matches. Last season the Club played more games than any other team in the leagues they entered, and the Club is seeking to replicate this in 2020.
Junior training sessions will be running from the start of May until the end of August on Sunday mornings from 10.00am to 12noon on the Memorial Playing Field at The Queen’s Hall. If you know any kids interested in taking up cricket, please visit our website northweald.play-cricket.com or pop up to the ground on a Sunday morning and introduce yourselves.
Wish somebody a happy birthday, or announce a birth, death, marriage, or special anniversary Just send these to me via email and I will include these in a future issue Page 28
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Ongar Wildlife Society (OWLS) At the February meeting, badgers were the subject of Bob Reed’s talk to our wildlife group. We are all familiar with these black and white striped mammals which are our largest land predators. The painting shown here is taken from the children’s book I am a Badger by Keith Snow and Ferelith Eccles Williams. In this area they are frequently seen in woodlands, farmlands, grasslands and gardens. Badgers are protected in the UK under the Protection of Badgers Act, 1992, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Bob told us that they are members of the Mustelid family, so are related to stoats, weasels and otters. They are as common as foxes, but more nocturnal and elusive in their habits. Badgers live in large family groups in an underground system known as a sett. Mother badgers are called sows and father badgers are known as boars. An occupied sett can be recognised by the tidy entrances, marked with piles of used bedding (bracken, grass and leaves), and by nearby latrine pits where the occupants leave their droppings. Bob explained that badgers feed on small mammals, ground -nesting birds' eggs, slugs, snails and fruit together with earthworms, roots and bulbs which they unearth using their sharp claws. Badgers can eat several hundred earthworms a night! They are also one of the only predators of Hedgehogs - their thick skin and long claws help them to get past the vicious spines. If food is in short supply, Badgers will forage during the day, as well as at night. If there are Badgers nearby, you can tempt them into your garden with peanuts which Two or three cubs are born in early spring; spend the first two or three months underground, emerging to stay with their parents for a further year. The topic of the suggested transmission of tuberculosis to cattle by badgers was touched upon. The Wildlife Trusts believe that the scientific evidence available does not support a cull as it would not decrease the incidences of bovine TB transmission from badgers to cattle, but would simply disperse badger populations to the detriment of the countryside. Instead, a vaccination programme against TB is advocated. On Monday 20th April, Tim Sparks will discuss climate change in a talk entitled Spring Forwards, Fall Backwards; Are the Seasons Changing? The meeting will be held at 8pm at Budworth Hall, High Street, Chipping Ongar CM5 9JG. You may wish to join OWLS and learn more about other aspects of the natural world. Visitors pay £5, but why not join - only £25 a year for nine talks, a garden party and a New Year party. More information c an be f ou nd at www.ongarwildlifesociety.org.uk Keith Snow
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Choices All of us in life have a purpose, that drive inside that makes us all tick, Though when you’re young, it seems so daunting as to which path you should pick. Making choices is all part of life’s rich tapestry, What choices you make can and will determine your destiny.
Along each pathway we must all make decisions about whether there’s another route you should take, Choices will be thrown at you along whatever pathway you might walk, Learning about each avenue will be made so much easier when you talk. So listening is so very important, a simple fact so many find hard to learn, As having support is a failsafe backup when you’re not sure which way to turn.
Age may bring a wisdom, but simple habits will also play their part, Causing many to maybe go around in circles and finding they finish up right back at the start. There is no book that you can follow to ease the burdens you may face, No simple line that you can rely upon to in the carvings that you trace. Please do not worry as we all will make mistakes along our way, Choices are just those lessons in life for which there are dividends we must pay. It may all seem so confusing as you start to listen to your inner voice, Still always remember if it doesn’t feel right, stop and change lanes, as it’ll nearly always be your choice. Source: Andy – Resident Poet. When Andy penned this poem we had choices, now some of those have been taken away from us but we still have some to make.
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 Also on Instagram and Twitter
IMPORTANT Defibrillators Recently I understand defibrillators from both Thornwood and North Weald have been needed to help people who have become unwell whilst awaiting emergency services.
So to ensure all residents are aware of the location of our defibrillators, here are the details. Once you ring emergency services to inform them of someone needing emergency assistance, they will give you the code required to access the defibrillator looked in coded cabinets.
North Weald:- Outside the Methodist Church Hall. Page 30
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Thornwood—Outside the Parish Hall.
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Bobbin’ with the Robin As I seem to be accruing quite a reputation these days, the humans introduced me to what they call ‘suits’ to discuss launching my new fragrance. Some sort of moneymaking scheme for them I suspect, though quite what I get out of it I don’t know? Anyway, went along with it for a bit but absolutely insisted they use maggots and mealworms in the blend! This seemed to upset the ‘suits’ until they finally stormed off. Actually I think Maggot & Mealworm has a certain je ne sais quoi about it, don’t you think? During a welcome break in the weather recently I managed to get a few shots of what spring is all about.
A bee loaded with pollen visiting the crocuses.
about the garden? Well they were very thoughtful last year by holding-off cutting back their lavender bush so the sparrows could eat the seed heads.
A bunch of acrobatic sparrows enjoying the lavender seeds. Can’t say I’m partial to them myself, much prefer a beetle or two. Incidentally, if you humans come across us robins hunched up and gagging with our beaks open – don’t worry it’s just that we’ve eaten a beetle and it’s time to get rid of the wing cases. If you keep watching you’ll see us cough them out – just like you humans do with a plum stone! I’ve been asked by the humans to mention the Bat Conservation Trust’s Sunset to Sunrise Survey. Between now and September you can spend an hour in your gardens or about the local area looking for bats either in flight, emerging from a roost or swarming around a roost before dawn. More info at: bats.org.uk whatever that is? Next time hopefully, I’ll have some photos of everyone’s new arrivals that I’ll share with you.
Love is in the air for these damsels – they also taste delicious too! Do you remember last time I mentioned the humans leave stuff lying Page 31
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Rockin’ Robin
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07932 724730
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Local Charity needs Trustees Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF), is a local charity supporting local charities and also provide vital services to elderly isolated and vulnerable local residents within the Epping Forest district. To help us in our aims we are looking for additional volunteers to join our Board of Trustees. We are particularly keen to recruit members of the local community who have one or more of the following skills: •
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Digital and marketing experience to support our strategic thinking around better use of technology to reach and support our beneficiaries and maintain and share our knowledge base. Financial management experience that can help us balance our commercial viability with our social purpose. Human resource & legal experience particularly around contracts, compliance and working in a partnership environment Those familiar with the changing landscape of health and social care that can help us lead thinking in involvement in new models of care
We are also interested in hearing from people with a range of skills, enthusiasm and the desire to make a difference in their local community, not just those highlighted above. No previous Board experience is necessary. We welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. Board meetings are held bi-monthly. Meetings are generally held on a Tuesday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm approx. in our Thornwood Offices.
Citizens Advice in Epping Forest is changing the way it works From the 1st April we will be changing the way you access our service. We have a new telephone number 0300 330 2107 which you can call for advice without having to come to one of our offices. A call costs the same as ringing a local phone number. This will replace our drop-in sessions in Epping, Loughton and Waltham Abbey. If the advisor cannot resolve your problem on the phone then you will be given a specific appointment time at one of our offices and asked to bring in the relevant paperwork to see an advisor face to face. We will do our best to make the time and place convenient for you. Alternatively you can have a telephone appointment where an advisor will call you back to work through the issue.
This change is mainly to enable us to reach more people. We know that many people try to contact us by phone without success. We think this change to the service will enable us to help in particular those who are working or at college, or are housebound. Advisors will be available from 9.30 to 2.30, Monday to Friday. Between 2.30 and 4.00 you will be able to leave a message and get a call back. If you need information when our advice line is not available, you are still able to access free advice by visiting our website www.citizensadvice.org.uk We will still be taking direct referrals from our partner agencies and the local authority. Our drop-in sessions at Ongar Library will continue. They are from 10am to Noon on the third Tuesday of the month. Please bear with us as we make these changes. There are bound to be some teething problems but we hope we will be helping more people in a more efficient way very quickly.
Our current projects include • the Volunteer Centre, providing volunteers to organisations • Supported Volunteering for Young People With Learning Disabilities – • Gardening Handyman and Home Safety services - for people who are physically unable to do this themselves. • Benefits Advice – helping elderly and disabled people access benefits information and advice • Befriending Services - weekly social clubs, trips out, home visits, friendship, help and advice to socially isolated people over 65 years. To find out more about joining the Board, please email us in the first instance @ trusteeinformation@gmail.com or AEF, Unit 14E, Woodside Industrial Estate, Thornwood, Essex, CM16 6IJ Page 33
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BIRD FEATURE - April 2020 Welcome to the report for April, with a few pointers for what to look out for as spring advances and a quick recap on some of the recent sightings around the village. As always I am composing these notes in the middle of the preceding month so details are as of mid March. The winter never really brought any sort of icy grip and in many respects the much wetter but milder conditions will have enhanced the survival prospects of many birds and animals. Interestingly the winter thrushes have been around for that little bit longer, as recently as the second week of March there were still reasonable numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings to be seen, particularly feeding in fields where they were able to pick off worms and grubs kept close to the surface by the continuing dampness of the conditions. However these species breed in northern areas and most will be heading off to Scandinavia etc in the next few days. I have continued to see good sized flocks of mixed gulls, again taking advantage of the easier pickings in farmland areas. On one occasion as I looked down across a stretch of farmland it looked as if there was a massive drift of snowdrops in one of the fields but it was a flock of 300 or more gulls, their white plumage standing out against the verdant green of the expanse of grass. Now that the weather is drying out a bit and the ongoing waterlogged ground is being firmed up by the effects of a warming sun and some strong winds then these flocks of gulls will disperse to their breeding areas. Now that spring is advancing then the incoming migrants will be increasing in numbers. During the second week of March I heard my first Chiffchaff of the season, uttering its loud, insistent "chiff-chaff" call as it made its way through a patch of small trees. Despite the lack of leaf cover I didn't actually get to see the bird, as so often with birdwatching it is the call that gives away its presence and even though you know it's there just don't quite get to spot it. Once the foliage thickens up it becomes even harder. As April advances we should start seeing Swallows and House Martins, the first few will be here by the end of March but normally numbers don't build up until the weather conditions are truly favourable. Another likely arrival is the Cuckoo. This iconic species has declined in numbers on a massive scale but it has proved to be a reliable annual visitor in our immediate area and that familiar call should be heard very soon. Last year was a good year for hearing this species so here is hoping that 2020 proves successful too. Although this won't be good news for their 'target' species who end up losing their own eggs / chicks and have to feed the much bigger imposter in their nest. The breeding season is getting going in earnest now and indeed the relatively mild conditions have meant that some birds have started the courtship / nesting routine that little bit earlier. It is absolutely crucial that some species get the timing just right as they rely on feeding their young on a reliable source of caterpillars and if they get it wrong then their chicks can starve. Some species will be able to have a second or even a third brood if weather and food supply are favourable but of course there is a limit to the numbers that any given habitat can sustain and the factors of food, weather and predation can keep numbers down. If there is a poor breeding season then some species can show an alarming drop in numbers but populations do tend to recover from one year to the next. In many cases it is the influence of humans that can be the worst problem - be it habitat loss (largely building / infrastructure / farming) or pollution. Once a few acres of countryside have been built on then those trees, hedgerows and grasslands are lost for ever. As has been shown with developments in some floodplain areas, there has to be considerable thought put into where we build and the concept of carbon offset has to dovetail with trying to create new habitats to make up for wild areas that are concreted over. It is a conundrum and something that probably wasn't thought about enough in previous decades. Even small pockets of nature can make a difference and the concept of micro forests is one way of adding habitat and ecological diversity in areas of high density development. The small nature reserve at Church Lane has developed nicely with a good variety of birdlife frequenting the site. On a recent visit in the space of barely quarter of an hour I saw Mute Swan, Little Egret, Heron, Moorhen, Coot and Mallard at the pond with several other species on the grassy areas and in the adjacent trees and hedges, with Marsh Tit, Green Woodpecker and Bullfinch of note. I would anticipate that the small reedy area will attract the interest of Sedge Warbler during the spring and summer. After I had submitted the article for March I was informed of a very interesting sighting in the village - a Barn Owl was seen a couple of times at a location quite lose to the central part of the village. I did have a look myself but I didn't get to spot it and the individual has undoubtedly moved on. I have seen Barn Owl locally on a very few occasions and this particular bird may have been forced to move around by the wet conditions, particularly if its usual hunting grounds were waterlogged which would affect the movements of the rodents it relies on for food. If you feed the birds in your garden then continue to do so during spring but the one caveat is not to put out whole nuts unless they are ina mesh feeder as there is a risk of nestlings choking on them. Studies show that adult birds will tend to naturally feed caterpillars and insects to their young and use peanuts and seeds to sustain themselves but if there is a shortage of live food then they can resort to feeding the peanuts to the chicks. The live food not only gives the chicks protein but also it is their source of water as obviously these prey items provide moisture which nuts and seeds don't, If you do get the chance to get out and about - we are blessed with easy to access countryside all around the village - then keep your eyes and ears open, for the next few weeks the sound of birdsong should be all around us and you never know what can come into view. All the best, Paul Corbet.
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society
01992 717676
North Weald Chemist
01992 523887
Cats Protection
0333 200 1484
North Weald Methodist Hall
01992 522143
Citizens Advice Bureau
03444 77 0808
North Weald Library
033301 32683
Crimestoppers
0800 555111
North Weald Village Hall Bookings
01992 523731 www.northwealdvillagehall.org/
Doctors High Street, Epping
01992 579270
North Weald Parish Council
01992 523825
Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)
01992 566500
Queens Community Hall Bookings
07522 473024
Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)
01992 573838
NHS Urgent help & advice
111
Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383
Essex Police
0300 333 4444
Epping Forest District Council
01992 564000
Police, Neighbourhood/local
101
Epping Town Council
01992 579444
Police, Emergency
999
EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris White-
01992 573557
Police Online reporting
www.essex.police.uk/doitonline
MP Alex Burghart
0207 2191613
RSPCA
01279 306058
Samaritans 24 Hours a day
116 123
Stuart Poulton
01992 522607
24 Hour
01992 572607
alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk
MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP
020 8508 8608
MP For Thornwood
Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk
Hospital, St Margarets, Epping
01992 561666
Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
01279 444455
St Andrews Church
01992 577168
London & Essex Boarding Ken-
01992 522183
St Andrews Primary School
01992 522283
North Weald Airfield
01992 564200
Traveline
0870 6082608
LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers
North Weald Preservation Society
Queens Hall Charity
Tel: 01992 524672
Tel: read 01992 522618/522630
Tel: 522910
British Legion, North Weald Branch
North Weald Cricket Club
Rapier Cycling Club
Tel: 01992 614415
Northweald.play-cricket.com
Tel: 524631
Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer
North Weald Scouts Group
Taoist Tai Chi Society
Tel: 01277 365200
01992 524672
Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625
Harlow Badger Group
Theydon Jazz Club
Tel: 07941 185171
North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s
Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex
Tel: 522196
Thornwood Seniors
Tel: 522464
Tel: 577872
Epping Forest Rotary Club
North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club
Tel: 07855 911323
Tel: 522803
Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum
North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)
Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk
Tel: 01708 250820
Tel: 522700
West Essex Flower Club
North Weald Angling Club
Queens Hall Bowls Club
Tel: 524631
Tel: 01992 524071
Tel: 523375 or 522052
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com
Three Valleys Male Voice Choir
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk