April 2021 issue of North Weald Village Life magazine

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Issue: 176 April 2021 Page

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Don’t take it for granted!

The sun is shining and the sun has some warmth, he clocks have changed – this means one thing – longer evenings and time to get the garden sorted. If the lockdown plans continue, this month could see 6 people or two families meeting outside, pub gardens open and shops opening. I am sure, like me, you are holding your breath and crossing your fingers in the hope this will actually happen.

A year has now passed since lockdown started. It feels a long time since we could just pop into a shop, meet for a coffee with friends or pop to the pub. Even more important, it is heart-breaking to think of all the times you could go and see your friends or family anytime or anywhere.

If this has taught me anything – it has taught me to seize the day! Someone offers you a chance for a barbeque, a day trip to the seaside, a family party – grab the opportunity and make the most of it. We have all been through so much, everybody’s lives has changed over the last 12 months and now we need hope, more than anything.

I have had my COVID vaccine. I got the letter and booked my jab within 10 minutes of receiving it and even drove to Stevenage a few weeks later to get my first and will be going back there for my second. I was not going to miss the opportunity.

It was so organised and friendly. I did have a sore arm for a few days and the day after felt a little light headed but nothing else.

My thoughts are with everyone who has lost a family member or friend to covid. Andy and I lost a close friend only a few weeks ago to covid. He had been fighting cancer throughout the whole pandemic and chemotherapy was working, but he got an infection and went to hospital and caught covid in hospital, despite having his covid vaccination a few weeks earlier.

He rang us early one Saturday morning to say goodbye. He had fought so long but he just didn’t have enough to fit covid too. I know many other residents have lost their loved ones in similar situations. My heart goes out to everyone of you.

I hope you all completed your census, some of the questions took me by surprise, one way to have a frank conversation with your dad who was not best pleased about being asked his sexual orientation as i completed it for him online!!! It will not come as a surprise to know that this year saw the highest amount of online consensus forms completed.

This month has a bit of a canine theme, with results of a recent Dog theft survey, an update from Essex Police, reports of a recent survey confirm how important dogs have been in the pandemic and how this may have affected them, a dog rescue and of course the information about Winter Walkies being rescheduled by St Clare Hospice to take place in May. Hope you enjoy reading the magazine this month, please keep sending your letters, photos and news.

Cover photo: Outside dining maybe with friends this month inspired me to choose this photo

Contents April Issue Page No.

4. Brain Teaser 5. Voting 6. Planning applications 7. Events 9. Dog rescued from river 11. Broadband Survey 15. Essex Police Pet Theft Survey Results 17. Scam alerts 23. Photo of the month 24. Church Chat 25. Citizen Advice 27. Gardening Hints 29. Rockin Robin 30. Poem 31. Stan Newens—An appreciation 22. The tip we live in 33. Birds 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.

Don’t work too hard in the garden this month.

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure any data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form electronically. Mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

Kind regards

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

Mowing Weeding Incinerator Burning Ash Flowers Barbeque Sunshine Planting Relax Compost Bulbs Pruning Roses Turf Outside Lawn Patio

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Thank you to Mr Rich who won last month’s brain teaser.

Just search and find the words, ring them and then send your completed wordsearch to me by 20th April. Please send it to:April Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, CM16 6HU. This month’s prize is a bottle of wine.

Don’t forget to include your name, telephone no and address.

Lower Swaines perimeter track idea

Deadline for the next issue is 15th April

Epping Town Council has stated it is "not opposed" to the idea of a walking or dog walking track around Lower Swaines in Epping.

Councillors discussed the idea following an approach through the Epping Playground Association which had sought council support for a running track.

The council is to ask for further details about the proposal but stated a running track would be more suited to Stonards Hill recreation ground rather than Lower Swaines as the land at Stonards Hill is flatter.

However a different kind of track may be possible at Lower Swaines, which aided walking and dog walking.

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Notice of elections on 6th May There will be 4 local elections taking place on Thursday 6th May: 1. Election of County Councillors 2. Election of District Councillors 3. Election of Parish / Town Councillors Election of a Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Police Area There is one county councillor to be elected for North Weald & Nazing area, one for Ongar & Rural, and one for Epping & Theydon Bois as well as other elections for areas of Epping a forest.

There are also elections for a number of District Councillors and Parish/Town Councillors to be elected for Epping Forest District.

You need to be on the electoral register to vote in these elections. Registering to vote will let you have your say in local elections, general election and referendums.

You only need to register once – not for every election. You will need to register again if you’ve changed your name, address or nationality.

You can register and check guide about registering at GOV.uk.

Scam Holidays Whether you’re booking that long-awaited holiday or just a short break, make sure you do thorough research into flights, package holidays or accommodation, to make sure they’re legitimate.

Essex Police have reported that criminals may take advantage of customers booking flights and staycations by advertising “too good to be true” offers or prices.

Stay scam savvy by reading online reviews from reputable sources before making any bookings. You can also confirm if an accommodation really exists by verifying the address through web searches and online maps.

No matter how desperate you are to get away, never accept requests to pay by bank transfer. Instead use the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers.

Where possible, use a credit card when booking holidays over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75.

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Planning Applications Application No: EPF/0151/21 Officer: Caroline Brown Applicant Name: Mr Desmond Lees Planning File No: 005656 Location: Elmcroft, High Road, Epping CM16 6LX Proposal: Change of use of agricultural (tack room) to Granny Annexe to the main Elmcroft dwelling.

Application No: EPF/0502/21 Officer: Alastair Prince Applicant Name: Mr & Mrs Pat Walsh Planning File No: 031081 Location: 34 Tempest Mead, North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6DY Proposal: Proposed single storey side / rear extension to study and kitchen Application No: EPF/0542/21 Officer: Alastair Prince Applicant Name: Mrs Mary Dickinson Planning File No: 031087 Location: 27 Church Lane, North Weald Bassett EppingCM16 6HX Proposal: Demolition of existing Any representations on applications should bemade in writing, by Monday, 12th April, 2021 Epping Forest District Council www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Comment online at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/iPlan or by post to: The Director of Planning and Economic Development, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ Any enquiries should be made to the Application Processing Team T: 01992 564436 E: appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Council agrees on woodland names Since reporting in last month’s magazine, a larger area of trees to be planted at Weald Common, behind North Weald Village Hall, is to be named 'Eldridge Wood' while a smaller area comprising 50 trees will be known as 'Eldridge Coppice'.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council is naming the areas after parish council vice-chairman and Hastingwood councillor Brian Eldridge who died last year.

The council, which has received some 200 trees from the Woodland Trust, will also plant some trees near the Debt of Honour off Hurricane Way. This is a lovely way to honour Brian and benefit the village.

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The Red School is pleased to announce that the Baby and Toddler group

As lockdown eases, events will hopefully start to re-open, following guidelines of course.

If you run a community event or charity event, don’t forget to let me know so I can share the details with readers—just email me June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk It will be lovely to see more events available locally.

will re-open from April 13th This is located at The Queens hall community centre, School Green Lane.

1.15pm-2.45pm term time, every Tuesday. £2.50 per family.

As adult numbers have to be limited due to Covid, there will be a prebooking and paying system until further notice.

We look forward to seeing you all again, and meeting some new families too.

Please contact Louise on 07801 299549 to Book or for any further questions regarding Pre-School or Toddler group.

North Weald Market will reopen

Town Show to go ahead

Saunders Markets have confirmed that North Weald market is set to reopen fully on Saturday 17th April.

More details will be available on the North Weald Village Life website.

The Epping Town Show will go ahead Sunday 4th July, the town council has agreed.

The council has also voted to have the funfair as well as arena events and other entertainment - such as the Punch and Judy show and donkeys - as usual.

Town Mayor Grahame Scruton told Thursday's council meeting: "Because at this time, 4th July, it's after the (COVID-19) restrictions have ended then I think we should go ahead.

"There's a lot of associations that have a stall and they have not publicised themselves for a year-and-a-half. It would good to have them back to promote themselves."

Councillor Hugh Pegrum said: "It is only a fortnight after all the restrictions are supposed to be lifted, and if there's any slippage then that end date could be pushed back. But if it all goes to plan there's no legal reason why we shouldn't hold it as normal."

He added: "There's a risk of the whole thing being pushed back and are people going to be cautious for some while (after restrictions are lifted)?"

Councillor Barbara Scruton said: "People are so fed up. If we could just put something on it would get a lot of support. It would show people we are trying to do something to bring them back to some sort of normality."

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Councillor Christine Burgess said: "People would really be looking forward to some kind of event. It's in the open air. We can have a certain amount of social distancing."

Councillor Cherry McCredie said: "We need something to look forward too - maybe with social distancing. It's been a long, hard slog. I really think we should do it."

Deputy Mayor councillor Michael Wright said: "This is the Town Show. People are used to it, they are used to the stalls and the arena. I think we should plan to go ahead with it. That's my heart talking."

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Dog rescued from a river On 8th March, Firefighters rescued a women from a fast flowing river in Loughton.

Crew Manager Glenn Jackson, Loughton Fire Station, said:"The woman was walking her dog along the river when the dog jumped in the water. The woman got in the water to try and reach her dog but got into trouble and couldn't reach the dog or get herself out again.”

"Like most of these incidents, the dog was fine and managed to get out of the river relatively quickly, but the women couldn't get herself out as the banks were very steep. The Water was around 5ft deep so came up to her neck and it was quite fast flowing.”

"Other dog walkers saw the woman in distress and tried to help her by holding onto her and pull her up the bank, but they were unsuccessful.”

"By this time the women and the helpers were absolutely exhausted, so after 30 minutes of trying to help her called 999.

"When we turned up we immediately prepared our Swift Water Rescue equipment and rescued the women. She was freezing cold and exhausted so was taken to hospital.”

"We can not stress this message enough - if you see someone in water please call 999 immediately.”

"Being in cold water is extremely dangerous especially for this length of time and the outcome could have been very different. Over 700 people drown in the UK every year - that's more deaths than in fires or cycling incidents so we want people to take note of our warning and to take extra care around water and always call 999 immediately. If you see someone in trouble in water, call out to the person to reassure them that help is on the way, encourage them to keep still, as if possible find something that floats for them to hold onto.”

"If you have a dog that gets into trouble in water, never put yourself at risk by getting in the water to try and rescue them."

Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service

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

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Dogs help us survive covid-19 lockdown As a village of dog owners, it will come as no surprise that in a recent research study, more than nine out of ten dog owners (95%) say their four-legged friend has been critical in helping them deal with the stress of the COVID-19 lockdown.

EVENTS

However, this new study also revealed that canines have felt the pressure of the pandemic themselves with 37% of British owners claiming their pets have experienced stress as a result of restrictions.

The survey of more than 1000 British dog owners, for DogsPlanet.com, gives an insight into how critical dogs have been to people’s mental health over the last 12 months.

Rémi Andrivet, founder of DogsPlanet.com, said owning a dog had clearly helped people deal with the loneliness and isolation that has come from lockdown restrictions.

He said: “The results of this survey are yet more proof that dog truly is ‘man’s best friend’.

“Perhaps it’s no surprise that people have sought comfort and friendship from their dog but for 95% of people to say that their pet has helped them deal with the stress of the pandemic is incredible. This just shows how critical dogs are to people’s wellbeing – particularly at a time of crisis.

“What was more surprising though was to learn that the animals themselves were affected by the intensity of the last year. It’s no secret that dogs are very sensitive animals so they have clearly picked up on the stress of the lockdown.”

The survey also revealed that owners were reluctant to put their dog’s health at risk during lockdown with just 17% of people cancelling or rescheduling a visit to the vet.

Dogs may also be affected as children return to school and people leave the house more to return to work or to go shopping. Please remember that your dog has got used to you being at home, and you may need to consider this in your plans as lockdown eases.

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Survey launches to help shape future broadband plans A survey to establish the future broadband needs of residents and businesses has been launched by Essex County Council.

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Running until Monday 19th April, the Essex County Council Broadband Survey aims to better understand connectivity needs across the county and identify addresses that should be included in future state-funded broadband rollouts.

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Essex County Councillor Lesley Wagland, Deputy Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Superfast Essex Steering Board Chairman, said: “We intend for Essex to be one of the bestconnected counties in the UK. It is because we recognise just how vital digital infrastructure is for residents and businesses alike that I recommend everyone takes five minutes to complete the Essex County Council Broadband Survey to help us identify those areas that need it the most.”

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794 Or VISIT US AT www.homeglazingrepairservice.co.uk

Council dealing with dozens of enquiries over HMRC site North Weald Parish Council has been dealing with more than 40 emails from local residents regarding issues surrounding the HMRC Inland Border Facility on North Weald airfield since the site opened on 1st January.

Parish clerk Sue deLuca told Monday's meeting that she had been dealing with 43 emails.

"We do seem to be getting lots and lots of emails (relating to) problems and concerns."

The site, off Rayley Lane and Merlin Way, checks with the paperwork of HGV drivers who are travelling to and from the EU since the end of the transition period at the end of last year.

Launched by Superfast Essex, the council’s broadband improvement programme, the survey invites residents and businesses to share information about their current broadband connectivity, including their provider and download speed, as well as what they use their connection for.

To date, the Superfast Essex programme has worked with network operators Openreach and Gigaclear to extend broadband coverage to nearly 140,000 properties across Essex.

Superfast Essex is now exploring how to support the deployment of gigabit-capable networks, in line with the government’s ambition for 85% of homes and businesses to have access to ultrafast (gigabit-capable) broadband by 2025. As part of this, the government has committed to investing £5bn in the hardest to reach parts of the country, where commercial investment is not viable.

The Essex County Council Broadband Survey is designed to help Superfast Essex validate which homes and businesses can currently access a fast broadband service, and those which cannot and therefore should be eligible for future public-funded broadband investment. In parallel to this survey, the Council is also consulting broadband network operators to identify which addresses are in commercial rollout plans for a gigabit-capable service.

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

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Local policing update Here are some recent local policing issues and updates for our area.

Catalytic converter thefts -

are being experienced across the District. Any ‘live’ theft incident will be attended on an emergency response, and enquiries made with all reports to identify suspect vehicles for stop and searches. It is likely suspects are offending across borders, with information sharing across districts and forces ongoing.

The Roads Policing Unit have been responsible for at least 3 arrests since 30th November on suspicion of catalytic converter theft, based on stops at the M11 J7 Hastingwood Roundabout and on the A13.

Dogs being Stolen -

Essex Police are aware of concerns in relation to dogs being stolen, however it has become apparent that conversations being had may not reflect current recorded crimes. At the beginning of February, officers stopped a van in Loughton linked to reports of suspicious behaviour across the district. After speaking with the driver and searching the van, officers were content there was no cause for concern and no criminal offence had been committed. Please keep reporting to help us respond. Essex Police has a Dog Watch scheme encouraging dog owners and walkers to be extra eyes and ears within the community. For more information and/or to join, please email: essex.watch.liaison.officers@essex.police.uk.

North Weald Golf Course -

Essex Police have been working to address concerns about nuisance vehicles at the North Weald disused golf course and surrounding area. Police have liaised with the Parish Council, who have gated the bridleway. The landowner has also erected a fence. Section 59 warnings have frequently been issued when able to drivers/riders. This means should the individual drive that same or any other vehicle in a similar manner within 12 months, the vehicle can be seized. A positive reduction in incidents has been noticed.

Motor Vehicle Theft -

Essex Police continues to respond to acquisitive and transient criminality, such as theft of motor vehicle offences. Lines of investigative enquiry are explored with all reports in an attempt to identify a suspect. This includes using Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology to identify directions of travel for stolen vehicles and suggest any suspect vehicles. It is not uncommon for registration plates to be changed on victim or suspect vehicles; any information such as plate deposition sites or individuals being seen to change plates is encouraged to be reported. Information sharing is ongoing with neighbouring forces, and there are regular joint operations in west Essex and locally. Some vehicles are often very quickly taken to ‘chop shop’ locations and dismantled for the onward sale of parts. We continue to gather intelligence regarding any possible sites, so please do report any suspicious activity you may witness. Any stolen vehicles located by Essex Police, often thanks to reports from members of the public, are forensically recovered in the hope that this may locate a suspect. The force’s Stolen Vehicle Examiner brings specialist knowledge and is frequently recovering vehicles using false identities. You can follow him on Twitter: @essex_sviu

Crime Prevention— Theft of Motor Vehicles Theft of motor vehicle offences have decreased by 21.9% across Epping Forest in the 12 months to January 2021. 18 theft of motor vehicle offences were recorded for 01/11/20 to 01/02/21, compared to 19 for the same period 2019/20. Always ensure your vehicle is double locked by manually checking.

Keep keys out of view when at home and make use of security pouches for key fobs to prevent scanning of your key’s signals.

Fitting a steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device may offer additional protection. Always activate the tracker if your vehicle has one.

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Stay Safe, Stay Aware, Take Care Epping Forest District Council Community, Culture and Wellbeing Team and the Community Resilience Team have come together with other partners to create a free information bag to help residents Stay Safe, Stay Aware and Take Care.

Councillor Holly Whitbread, Cabinet, Member for Housing and Communities said: “During the coronavirus pandemic it has become more important than ever to make sure we are aware of the ever-evolving scams and other advice out there to help and inform us. Scammers are taking advantage of the current situation, so we decided to put together our Stay Safe bag of information.

Essex Police, Essex County Fire Service, East of England Ambulance, Age UK, Citizens Advice and Voluntary Action Epping Forest are among the many organisations involved in the project.”

The free bag of information contains “The Little Book of Big Scams” and advice and information on a multitude of other topics.

Councillor Holly Whitbread added: “Almost all of the 1,000 bags have been distributed in the community and my special thanks go to our Community Champions, local pharmacists, doctors and various Resident’s Association across the district who have worked with us to get the bags out in a safe way.”

The five recommended steps to stay safe are:-

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2.

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4.

5.

Connect – talk, listen, care, belong Be active – move, walk, run, dance Take notice – family, friends, neighbours, community Keep learning – something new, something to share, be creative, Give – your time, knowledge, help, support

New interactive job site launched to help you The DevelopMe hub has been set up to support those looking for a new job or training opportunities or want to develop your skills further.

The hub is personal to each user and packed with interactive tools and the latest job opportunities, all designed to help you navigate today’s job market and grow in confidence.

You can register at https:// www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/ community/developme/ By registering with DevelopMe you’ll have access to:

• • • • • • •

Help with CV writing Career options E-learning Searching and applying for jobs Interview skills looking after your wellbeing prepare for work

Epping Forest District Council has worked in collaboration with Harlow and Uttlesford councils to create DevelopMe.

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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance appeals for help keeping `Blood on Board’ Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is looking for sixty people to help it raise £30,000, so that the charity’s critical care teams can continue carrying blood to patients who need it most.

Each year EHAAT treats approximately 60 people in need of a potentially life-saving blood transfusion at the scene of an incident.

On average it costs EHAAT around £500 to help each of these patients in need of blood, so it is appealing for 60 people to donate £500 each to get to the £30,000 needed to keep flying blood to those who need it most.

EHAAT’s Blood Project Lead Laurie Phillipson said: “Being able to give a transfusion at the scene of an incident can be a life-saving intervention for patients suffering significant bleeding. Our pre-hospital critical care teams can provide this rapidly and safely before the patient reaches hospital.”

EHAAT’s helicopters and rapid response vehicles carry packed red blood cells of blood group O Negative, meaning they can be used on any patient. When required, these are given with plasma, the other major component of human blood.

The packed red blood cells are supplied daily from The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and delivered to EHAAT’s airbases at Earls Colne and North Weald by riders from Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS). The blood is replaced daily and replenished as required.

The blood is delivered and stored in special insulated boxes that keep the blood at a cool temperature for at least 24 hours. These are fitted with a data logger that indicates if the temperature is trending outside of the correct range. If unused after 24 hours the blood is returned for use elsewhere, preventing any wastage of this precious commodity.

When the blood is required, it is warmed to body temperature to make it safe to administer to the patient and prevent unnecessary cooling of the patient.

To find out more about EHAAT’s Blood on Board Appeal visit ehaat.org/bloodappeal

Be aware of child exploitation Essex Police have confirmed that over the past twelve months, children’s online activity has changed. Exploitation is becoming more hidden, taking place in new locations and moving online. Social media has replaced face to face interaction. Young people have been craving to connect with others. Unfortunately, groomers can take advantage of this.

Traditional signs of exploitation are now blended with new ones. Signs such as new trainers, more money, getting taxis everywhere are combined with signs including receiving online commodities – game currency and other gifts within games.

You can find more about online risks along with help and advice on the Essex Safeguarding Children Board website - https://www.escb.co.uk/

07926987207 Call for a free quotation Based in North Weald. Essex CM16 Page 14

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Lockdown Love of Painting During lockdown, a local resident rediscovered her love of art. Trish Gough has always loved to draw, but decided during lockdown that she would try to her hand at painting and has found a new way to spend her time, in between working and walking her beloved dog, by painting beautiful pictures.

Mobile: 07885 871508 www.nmonkplumbingandheating.co.uk

So far, she has shared photos of her paintings with

friends mainly via social media and has made some sales this way. Trisha has set up her own Facebook page, @MaisBon Arts, the name she selected was in honour of her beloved Springer Spaniel Maisie who is no longer with her and Bonnie Trish’s current springer spaniel.

Like many people Trish wanted something to keep her busy during lockdown and to keep her sane. She now loves to do acrylic paining and her paintings range from modern to traditional pictures.

So if you would like to see some of the new local artist, please take a look at Trish’s Facebbook page.

You can see examples of Trish’s work and even purchase a new locally painted picture for your home.

Keep painting Trish, it is great that something good has come from lockdown.

PROTECTING OUR PETS – RESPONSE TO NATIONAL DOG THEFT SURVEY

“We are fortunate in Essex to have had a low number of reported dog thefts but even those few are too many especially for those directly affected. We can and must do more to protect our pets. As dog owners we understand the impact that this crime We must do more to help protect your pets – that’s the mes- can have, and these survey results clearly show the strength of sage Essex Police have heard loud and clear from the thoufeeling within our communities. sands of people who have taken part in our national survey about dog thefts.

“I am pleased to see the positive way Essex Police has responded to the increased public attention on this subject, inMore than 124,000 people took part in the Association of Police cluding their efforts to find stolen dogs and help people know and Crime Commissioners Survey and over 11,000 from the how to protect their pets.

East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hert“It is clear to me that the issue is important to you and we need fordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk). to do more to strengthen the law, change how pet theft is reThe results were recently published to coincide with the Stolen ported and increase awareness and prevention activity so that and Missing Pets Alliance Dog Theft Awareness Day and the you all know how to keep your dogs safe and protected. start of Pet Theft Awareness Week.

“I will be speaking to the Home Secretary to provide my Out of those who participated in the survey, 418 have had a dog thoughts and input into the review of dog thefts that she has stolen but over 27,000 knew somebody who have had a dog started. I will also be working with stolen. 94% had seen reports of dog theft on social media with my colleagues across the country the majority seeing this on facebook book and in community to look for ways we can help forces pages. Pleasingly 92% of participants said they would report it work together to provide a robust to the police if it happened to them, though 65% said they had deterrent and will continue to work in Essex to keep our owns pets become more fearful of dog theft over the last year. safe. Please be assured we will be Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, acting on your comments and views said: “We have had an overwhelming response to the survey. and taking this forward.”

Thank you to everyone who has taken part.

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Libraries are opening Essex County Council are pleased to announce that, following Government guidance for the roadmap out of lockdown, they are planning to reopen libraries to the public on Monday 12 April with new opening times.

They have listened to the feedback rgey have received from customers during lockdown about o their temporary winter opening hours timetable and have adjusted their opening hours accordingly. However we don’t know if there are any changes to local libraries.

The new timetable will remain in place until the end of March 2022 and can be reviewed on their website from 12th April.

Essex and Thurrock Library Services are also about to start the transfer to their new Library Management System (LMS).

The new LMS will deliver a modern, interactive experience that will continue to evolve and develop and give residents a system that is fit for the future. Over time the new system will have the following benefits: • Access to over 6 million new items of stock • Socially interactive platform • Users will be able to follow their favourite authors, friends, read press releases on forthcoming titles • It will enable authors to engage with their readers • It will display the most popular titles, the current content and latest releases • It will host virtual book clubs • It will follow the customer, build a profile and make recommendations • Customer recommendations – star rating system and post reviews • Events bookings system In order to transfer the data and set up the new LMS, the library catalogue and app will be unavailable 6-21 April. During that period customers will be unable to search for items, place reservations or check their account. Customers will still be able to collect any reservations they have previously been notified are available.

Illuminated 'Gadgets' shop sign opposed An internally-illuminated fascia sign at the 'Gadgets' shop in Epping High Street is being opposed by the town council after it was put up without planning permission.

The town council has a policy to oppose internally-lit shop signs with a district council policy supporting the view if the signage affects the character of historic town centres.

Councillor Cherry McCredie told a recent planning and general purposes committee: "I'm really getting a bit fed up with retrospective applications.

"People think they can do what they like, put in the application and it will go through. We have to be seen that we have teeth. We have to be strong here."

Committee chairman councillor Nigel Avey said: "We should stick to our guns.

Previously we have said 'no' to illuminated signs."

Councillor Barbara Scruton said: "It is not going to affect their trade.

Town Mayor Grahame Scruton said: If this had come to us before it was put in we would have objected because it is internally illuminated."

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Selling a car – scam alert Car sellers are warned by Essex Police to be on the lookout for a re-emerging scam that sees potential buyers try to knock thousands off a car’s asking price, by tampering with its engine.

The scam, which has been around for a number of years, sees criminals secretly pour oil into the coolant reservoir of the vehicle for sale, then request a large discount claiming it will require a new engine.

The scammers often arrive to view the car in pairs or threes and will try and distract the seller. One may ask to look at the engine whilst the other wants to see the spare tyre in the boot. When the car is taken for a test drive, the engine may smoke or make loud noises, which will prompt the scammers to ask for a cut-price deal.

We have seen an increase in the number of reports of this scam in Essex.

Telephone Scam—Essex County Council A North Weald resident rang me on Monday 15th March to inform me that on Friday evening they received a call on their landline and her husband answered it. The caller asked for his name, date of birth and whether he owned his home.

If selling a car, remember: • Stay with the buyers. Don’t leave them alone with the car or allow yourself to be distracted at the rear of the vehicle whilst someone is looking at the engine.

• Be aware of suspicious behaviour. Scammers will often request an enormous discount due to the ‘fault’ with the vehicle.

• Be confident to refuse the sale. If you are doubtful about how genuine the buyer is, or you believe that something suspicious is going on, don’t hand over the keys.

For advice on steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent becoming a victim of fraud visit www.essex.police.uk/fraud

Luckily his wife overheard and took the phone from him.

She asked why the caller was asking these questions, the caller who did not provide any details of her name or company, informed her they had been given permission from Essex County Council and were ringing residents in North Weald, Epping, Ongar, Chelmsford etc to see how they were doing in the pandemic. The resident promptly asked what this had to with the questions they had asked her husband and the call ended.

The resident rang Essex county council today and informed them of the call who then confirmed it was a scam and told her to contact action fraud but she has no idea how to do this, as she does not use the internet etc.

She kindly informed me so I can spread the word and share this with residents. Please be careful and particularly warn your elderly and vulnerable friends and relatives.

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A less muddy Winter Walkies rescheduled Puppy love is in the air at St Clare Hospice as registration offi- ‘Cutest Canine Competition’ will run from Monday 19th to Friday cially opens for the charity’s rescheduled annual Winter Walkies 23rd April 2021on the charity’s Facebook and Instagram pages. event.

All entries are due by 12noon on Friday 16th Apriland entrants must have registered for Winter Walkies 2021 in order to be The 5k pooch parade will be taking place at the Hastingwood- eligible for the competition. based hospice on Sunday 23rd May 2021 – having been postponed due to COVID since February. The event promises to be Registration costs £10 for adults, £5 for children and £27.50 for a lot less muddy and wintry – and more than 200 walkers and a family (2 adults & 2 children) which includes a free soup, dog their furry friends are expected to support the fundraiser. rosette and certificates for children. Please be aware that the route is not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

St Clare Hospice’s Events Fundraiser, Emma Broadbent, is organising the event and said: “This year marks the 15th time the This year’s event is kindly sponsored by Epping-based vets, Hospice has hosted the event and for the first time ever it will be Forest Veterinary Centre. taking place in the Spring, not the Winter! The up-side to having to postpone the event from February is that we will hopefully be For more information and to register, call Emma Broadbent swapping muddy paws and cold weather, for sunny Spring con- on 01279 773754, email emditions. The 2020 walk saw 160 walkers and their dogs take ma.broadbent@stclarehospice.org.uk or see https:// part, and we are hoping even more people register for 2021.

We’ll be making sure to follow all the current COVID-secure measures, so that the event can go ahead safely.”

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

Thornwood Village Open Gardens. July 11th 2021 Hello Everyone We are feeling very positive about being able to have our event this year in support of St Clare Hospice.

So, all systems are GO If you live in Thornwood, and you, or any of your friends/neighbours would like to be part of Thornwood Village Open Gardens 2021, either opening a garden or being part of the organising group, we would be delighted to hear from you.As St Care Hospice would like confirmation of our event by 15th March, please could I ask you to let us know ASAP At the moment our plans are for Sunday July 11th 2021, 10am – 4pm.

To date the organising team is Mary West Pierre Waddoups Karen Ellis-Andrews Pete Andrews If you would like to help with the running of this event, or even be our St Clare Link, please let us know.

Our email address is, as always thornwoodcommon@gmail.com or ring us Mary & Pierre 01992 579408 53 Weald Hall Lane Karen & Pete 07719 863408 21 Woodfield Terrace Looking forward to hearing from you Mary , Pierre, Karen and Pete Page 18

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Good luck Rev. Tom This month, Reverend Tom Warmington and his family leave St Andrew’s Church, North Weald, to take on St Mary’s Great Dunmow and St Andrew’s Barnston.

Tom has been very pro-active in the parish and played an active role at St Andrew’s Primary School.

Tom has also been one of my key and active volunteer co-ordinators for the local area providing help and support during the pandemic. I also know he was been very active in helping out local vulnerable people and families in Epping.

Of course, many will know Tom who has penned Church Chat regularly taking over from Edwyn Gilmour who worked with me initially to start this regular church communication with readers.

Tom has volunteered at many charity organisations during covid to help those in need as well as of course providing a crucial role in St John’s Church, Epping.

Photo: Tom in action serving pancakes at the free community pancake event he organised in February 2020 for the people of the village in the North Weald Village Hall

Tom has been providing a vital role in the community for the last few years and was always approachable, friendly and supportive.

I am sure you will join me in wishing Tom a fantastic future in a great Dunmow.

Don’t worry, Tom has not forgotten readers either, he has appointed a new person to take over the responsibility of Church Chat.

Doorstep Discovery: Wildlife Photography Competition The Epping Forest District Museum website is hosting a wildlife photography competition this Spring as part of the district’s first ever Festival of Culture.

In recent months we’ve all been staying home to help save lives. Human movement has been drastically minimised and our relationship with nature has changed as a result of that. The focus of this competition is on wildlife on our doorsteps – photos that really tell a story about this unique moment in history. It could be images of birds that you’ve never really noticed before but now watch from your window everyday whilst working, or a fox that has become increasingly bold.

There are three categories:

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10 Years and Under

• •

11-18 Years, Adults (19 Years+)

A public and judges’ vote will decide the winners, who will receive family tickets to the postponed Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition next year along with free children’s workshops in this year’s summer programme for the winning photos”.

Visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/ whats-on/photocomp/ for all the information on how to enter, size of photos, terms and conditions and frequently asked questions.

Violin for Sale

Specialising in plastering, external rendering and K rend

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The competition is part of the first Epping Forest District Council Festival of Culture which kicked off late January and runs until 17th April, providing a platform for diverse, community led cultural activities across the district.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Based in North Weald

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IMPORTANT

Defibrillators Recently I understand defibrillators from both Thornwood and North Weald have been needed to help people who have become unwell whilst awaiting emergency services.

So to ensure all residents are aware of the location of our defibrillators, here are the details. Once you ring emergency services to inform them of someone needing emergency assistance, they will give you the code required to access the defibrillator looked in coded cabinets.

North Weald:- Outside the Methodist Church Hall.

Thornwood—Outside the Parish Hall.

Get Involved with St Clare Hospice this Spring West Essex and East Herts charity, St Clare Hospice, is inviting supporters to get involved in their range of activities this Spring.

From their events and volunteering opportunities; to playing their Lottery, taking on a challenge, or connecting through your business – there are so many ways to get your family and friends, school, business or community group involved with your local hospice charity.

Director of Income Generation at the Hospice, Rosie Knowles, said: “Spring is a time for new beginnings, and as the world opens up and we start to get out and about again, we want to invite our local community to get involved with us. The past year has shown us all what really matters to us, and those around us, and certainly one of those things is how important it is to stay connected with your community. There has never been a more important time to get involved with your local hospice – and there are so many ways for you to have fun, and raise vital funds with St Clare this Spring.”

“The support of our community means more than ever to our doctors, nurses, and all our staff caring on the frontline this springtime. We want to thank all our supporters for their continued dedication, especially over the past difficult year.”

St Clare Hospice have a dedicated webpage where supporters can find out all the ways to get involved this springtime.

Just visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/getinvolved/this-spring

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PHOTO GALLERY Don’t forget to send your photos to me, readers love to see these.

Photo: Kevin Champion took this photo in his garden of this female sparrow hawk

Photos: Ken Care

Photo: Ken Care Page 23

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CHURCH CHAT Easter Hope This will be my final ‘Church Chat’ in the North Weald Village Life. Very shortly, I’ll be moving and starting a new job, leading the Church of England churches in Great Dunmow. I’ve loved being part of the North Weald community over the past couple of years and together with all of you, I’ve been privileged to see the very best of life, and I’ve been humbled as we walked together through some of the hardest times we’ve ever faced.

Through all of this, I’ve noticed that one thing has remained constant. Hope! Hope is a funny thing... We generally understand it as some sort of wishful thinking. We say, “I hope you have a nice day” or “I hope you are well.” Lately, we’ve all been saying, “I hope things soon get back to normal”. For Christians, hope is more than wishful thinking and Easter is the time that we’re reminded about what it really means to hope.

Millions of people around the world believe the Easter story is the greatest act of hope the world has ever seen. I’m one of them! Over 2000 years ago, Jesus’ life didn’t seem as if it were ending well. There seemed to be little hope of anything turning out OK. But the astounding result of Jesus’ death on the cross on Good Friday was his resurrection on Easter Sunday; out of the darkness came the hope of new life for the world.

Christians believe that the resurrection of Jesus proved there was no stopping God. Even the power of death cannot hold him. Through the resurrection, Jesus defeated the power of death and in doing so he left all our shame and brokenness in the grave. We don’t need to carry it anymore – there is always hope of a brighter day and the promise of freedom and everlasting life and love.

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But we still live in the real world and the resurrection doesn’t mean that everything’s perfect yet! We still have to search and sometimes strive, but the reminder that we are ‘Easter people’ who can live in the hope of better days ahead is inside of all of us.

And we’re still celebrating that Easter hope today. It’s more than wishful thinking. It’s the sure and certain hope of God’s promises to us coming true. Hope is the birthplace of love and so maybe this Easter, in between the chocolate, you’ll find some time to ‘hope’ for our world and in doing so, glimpse God’s love for you.

Last year, we started the North Weald Sunday Morning Church. It’s a new church full of hope and love. We’ve been meeting on Zoom since Christmas, but services in the church hall (old Scribbles building) will resume later in April and will be led by my colleagues Rev Jaimee and Kate.

Keep an eye on our facebook page (facebook.com/ northwealdchurch) and Jaimee will say hello there and introduce themselves in this column next month.

You’re in my prayers, God bless. Rev Tom. Page 24

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Citizens Advice Epping Forest: our Covid-19 year It is now over a year since the start of the first Covid-19 lockdown. How have we at Citizens Advice been able to continue to help people – and how are we planning to carry on?

Our main way of providing advice used to be via drop-in sessions at our three offices in Epping, Loughton, and Waltham Abbey, and at a number of outreach locations provided by other organisations. When the first lockdown started we had to close our offices and suspend our outreach sessions but we were able to move quickly to provide a service based on the telephone.

All our staff and volunteers are now working from home. In the past year we, together with colleagues from other local Citizens Advice offices providing telephone-based services, have helped nearly 2000 people from the Epping Forest District. That figure includes at least 89 people from North Weald. We have given advice on all our usual range of subjects, including benefits, debt, employment, and housing. We continued to help with negotiations with creditors and government departments, with appeals against decisions, with drafting letters, and with form-filling. In short, we have managed to maintain all our previous services.

At first things were surprisingly quiet but the workload has picked up over the year. Covid has created some new issues but much of our work has actually continued to be along the same lines as before. Not being able to see people face to face has created some problems, particularly where a client needs advice on some letter or other document they have received, perhaps from a government department or a creditor. We have got round this this by arranging for the client to send or take the document to our Epping office at 50A Hemnall Street, from where an adviser or staff member can pick it up. Some clients are able to deal with the problem by emailing a scanned copy of the document to an email address we provide to them. (We don’t have the capacity to routinely provide advice by email.)

So if you need advice or help don’t be deterred by the fact that it is telephone-based. We can find a way round any problems that poses.

For the future, as lockdown eases we will be reviewing how we can provide a service safely, though it is likely to remain telephonebased. We now have a new number for you to call: 0808 278 7855. Calls to this new number are free. The telephone service is available from 9.30 to 2.30, Tuesday to Thursday but we can arrange telephone appointments at other times.

`If all our advisers are busy when you call you will be connected to an adviser elsewhere in the country, and if they can’t deal with the matter they will arrange for one of our staff or volunteers to phone you back.

As well as offering advice and assistance we can refer you to other free services such as foodbanks and specialist charities, and we can also arrange free advice sessions, again over the phone, with specialist housing law and family law solicitors who kindly donate their time to help our clients.

As well as the local number there are also specialised national Citizens Advice free numbers you can call: 0808 223 1133 if you have a consumer issue like broken or faulty goods, or problems with energy, water or post, and 0800 144 8444 if you need help to claim Universal Credit.

Finally, you can always get advice online from our national website www.citizensadvice.org, which includes an online chat facility.

Source: P. Stockton

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Gardening Hints for April April—the busiest and best month in the gardener’s calendar. Plenty of hard and enjoyable work required but if the sun is shining, everything in the garden starts to come alive.

It has been a wet, soggy winter, but as the ground dries get your vegetable patch for planting and sowing. Be careful and don’t be tempted to sow the more tender crops in your vegetable patch. We are not out of the woods yet with frosts and damaging cold winds.

You can warm the soil up prior to sowing by using cloches or cold frames. It is a good time to chit main crop potatoes to be ready for planting in mid April. If the ground is still wet and cold wait until the ground has warmed up so the potatoes start to grow straight away.

Prepare your plot ready for growing runner beans. Make sure your canes are strong and securely fastened and dig in some well rotted manure, ready for planting.

Plant onion sets and shallots during April, both of these can be started off in cell trays and planted in the ground when they have taken root.

During April sow beetroot, broad beans, broccoli, brussels, cabbage, carrots, kale, leaks, lettuce, parsnips, peas, radish, spring onions, spinach and turnips.

Don’t forget too much and feed fruit bushes if you haven’t done already.

April is an excellent month for planting fruit trees, bushes, shrubs and perennials. Continue to dead head and feed pansies and primroses during April and May as they will make a fantastic display of colour.

Spray your paths and patio with Pathclear to remove weeds and stop further germination for three months.

Don’t forget to bring in your empty baskets ready for replanting with summer flowering plants ready for collection from mid May onwards.

As always take time out to relax and enjoy your garden with a drink of your choice, mine is still a cold beer.

Cheers Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre

No objection to Buttercross Lane cottages plan Plans to demolish a house in Buttercross Lane, Epping, and build a terrace of three cottages are not being opposed by Epping Town Council. The latest proposals are a fifth attempt by a developer to redevelop the site after all four previous planning applications were rejected.

The latest application is for three three-bedroom 'Edwardian' cottages on the site of 1 Buttercross Lane. The four previous applications were for nine apartments, then six apartments, then six apartments and a house and then one house and two two-bedroom flats.

Mr Shaw said only five buildings in Buttercross Lane are in the conservation area, and all were architecturally different.

On parking, he said the six parking spaces proposed for the cottages were "an insignificant number" when compared with the traffic generated on Buttercross Lane, to and from the other houses and business car park behind the High Street. He told councillors the development would "enhance the street scene".

Local resident David Clarke said it was "regrettable" the existing house was to be demolished as it "conforms very well with the pattern of Buttercross Lane" providing "an excellent buffer between the business properties (in High Street) and the other houses in the lane".

Buttercross Lane resident Ken Faulkner added that Buttercross Lane residents had considerable concern over the increase in traffic, especially during the construction of the cottages, and sought support for planning conditions that builders' vehicles should be kept within the site boundary with work restricted to between 8am and 4pm.

Deputy Mayor councillor Michael Wright said: "It's taken a long time to get there but at last we are there with a development that looks attractive.

"What concerns me is that Buttercross Lane is exactly that - a small lane - and the volume of traffic that goes up there is a problem already. It could be a problem with fire engines, ambulances and the like getting down there, particularly during the course of construction.

The council is to request planning conditions, if approval is granted by the district council, that an additional storey cannot be added to the properties through loft conversions and that front gardens are not to be used for parking.

The town council is also seeking specific hours for when building work can be carried out.

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EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY – ARRIVAL OF ‘NEW’ STEAM LOCOS

Robert Stephenson & Hawthorne 0-6-0ST locomotives No’s 56 & 63 in the yard at North Weald Photo: Tony Goulding

In early February two additional steam locomotives arrived at the Railway. The locos began their lives in the early 1950s with Stewarts & Lloyds of Corby serving the extensive iron and steel plant at that location. Due to their short saddle tanks and larger fireboxes, which gave them a somewhat ungainly appearance, they became known as ‘Uglies’. After many years of hard work, the whole class of nine locos was withdrawn in 1969 and some entered the heritage sector.

The EOR will undertake full assessments of the locos and carry out extensive overhauls before they can enter traffic.

It is anticipated that most of the restoration work will be carried out in-house at North Weald over the next few years. In addition, both locos will need replacement fireboxes and this part of the work will be undertaken by an outside contractor.

At the time of writing, mid-March, our programme for 2021 is still in the development stage and will, of course, be dependent upon the success of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. We anticipate our programme will include events to cater for the interests of rail enthusiasts, the general public and the allimportant character events for children. If all goes to plan highlights will include: Steam and Diesel Galas, Vintage Steam, Classic Cars, A Belated Mother’s Day Celebration, an on-train Ale Event, Paw Patrol, Gruffalo, Dinosaurs and Vintage Buses. Please keep your eye on our website for up-to-date details – www.eorailway.co.uk To put all of this in place we will, of course, need extra working volunteers both on operating days to assist with running trains and during the week to keep our maintenance programme up to date. Adult membership costs just £20 per year and that includes four copies of our 44-page in-house magazine Mixed Traffic, which is packed with interesting railway related articles.

If you would like to join please contact our Membership Secretary at membership@eorailway.co.uk We will be pleased to hear from you.

Robert Good Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society Page 28

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Garden The weather is definitely trying its best, With the longer days, evenings and warmth in sighting the rest.

That’s the flowers and bloom, the wildlife and trees busting to be seen and heard, Everyone busy readying their gardens for that wonderful summer garden word.

Barbeque! That’s what can strike fear into some but sheer pleasure into others, A time to rekindle family’s joy for each other and for the dads to give some rest for the mothers.

Friends to enjoy good weather and food, The perfect combination to help lift our mood.

The long suffering pets being offered burnt sausages and dried out meat, Leaving only the best of the rest for everyone else to eat.

Those long lasting days that turn into night, Relaxing in a garden that until now has been kept out of sight.

We all know how much hard work it takes to maintain any garden, So to show it off to others is one of those acts we all pardon.

For to chill out with family and friends in somewhere that’s taken hard work and dedication, Is surely one of the best feelings we can have as we almost feel worthy of salvation.

Yes it might just be a garden but it’s somewhere to feel proud, In a world that’s so quick to put you down, it’s your special place where happiness is allowed.

Source: Andy—resident poet. I know why he has written a poem on this subject. We have recently started the garden clear up.

Unlike many others, we didn't get around to doing much in the garden during lockdown so we are doing it now. It is a big project.

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Dementia Action Week

17th-23rd May 2021 Dementia Action Week is a national event that sees the UK public taking action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. Epping Forest Dementia Action Alliance will participate each day of that week offering Virtual Coffee Mornings, Dementia Friends Information Sessions and much more.

Further details of the confirmed schedule will be released closer to the time.

Epping Forest Dementia Action Alliance (EFDAA) brings together organisations and individuals across the district who are committed to further developing our dementia friendly community. If you would like to know more or be part of the Epping Forest DAA please contact lcleverley@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or find out more by liking the Facebook page: facebook.com/EppingForestDAA/.

County Lines County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

Stan Newens – an appreciation I first met Stan at one of his book signings in North Weald on the 15th October 1999, five years after I moved to the area.

Later, after joining the North Weald Preservation Society, the then chairman, David Lodge suggested I talk with Stan, who was president, as I was researching my first book on Thornwood Common.

Stan was so helpful and willing to let me use a number of photographs from his vast collection that really brought the edition to life.

I can remember a couple of times popping around to his amazing house in Harlow to return photos to him, only to find him with sleeves rolled up and wellies on, digging up vegetables from his garden!

They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs.

Stan said he always wanted to find the source of the Cripsey Brook next to London Road and was impressed that I’d managed to find it but I assured him it wasn’t much to look at, appearing from under a pile of brambles, and that the nearby 1828 built tunnel carrying a field drain under the road was much more impressive!

OCGs often use high levels of violence and intimidation to protect the ‘county line’ and control them.

I was honoured when Stan gave me a ‘vote of thanks’ after my ‘Local Highways and Milestones’ lecture to the North Weald Preservation Society a couple of years ago and that he said he had no idea that the London 20 milestone existed in Potter Street, not a million miles from his home!

You can find out more about county lines and the signs that indicate someone could be involved on our website www.essex.police.uk/advice/ advice-and-information/cl

Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife Also on Instagram and Twitter

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Through his membership of the Friends of Epping Forest now the Epping Forest Heritage Trust, Stan was instrumental in creating a dialogue between Epping Forest and myself over the milestone debacle. Resulting in a cordial meeting between the Forest Superintendent and myself.

Stan helped me yet again when I began work on my 2nd edition of Thornwood Common – An Essex Village, with the offer to use more of his photos.

What astounded me was that with all his books and boxes of photographs about the house, he knew exactly where everything was!

We have lost a true mine of information.

Jimmy Waters.

Editor’s Comment: Stan and Reg Newens brothers, are a part of North Weald’s history. Stan was very helpful to me and supportive of the magazine. RIP Stan. I am sure you will always be remembered in the village.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Over the last year, a considerable number of North Weald Parish residents have been able to experience the local environment in a more relaxed manner through their daily exercise. I hope you have enjoyed walking our area and finding special places you would never have seen had it not been for the virus restrictions. Meaning, at least something good has come of all this.

Unfortunately the lockdowns have allowed a certain irresponsible, lazy element in society to take advantage of the reduction of normal activity for their own benefit and have decided to dump their unwanted rubbish around our parish.

Gas cylinders by the bucket load have been dumped on Weald Hall Lane Bridge in Thornwood Common.

Our house, like many others locally, has been on the receiving end of other people’s rubbish, usually thrown from a passing vehicle. The local takeaways have a lot to answer for and EFDC should impose clauses into planning permission, compelling any business to take full responsibility for their rubbish – not putting their profits before our environment – of which We have to pay to have cleared!!

I can remember Macdonald’s at Latton, not long after they had opened and the litter began to rise, sending a member of staff along the B.1393 into Thornwood Common to pick up all the rubbish their ‘customers’ had discarded the day before. Strange how that has now stopped yet their empty packaging still profusely litters our village?

Even Highways contractors (who should know better) are not above littering our environment! The photos show (left) a discarded Sodium Lamp from a High Road street light and also (right) the ubiquitous Traffic Cone dumped by the B.1393 in Thornwood Common.

If, like me you have just about had enough of all this, then please write in to the Editor (details on page 3) with a description of what you have come across along with a photograph and it could be included in this column. This introduction has just highlighted problems in Thornwood Common. I am well aware of more instances in neighbouring Epping Upland. So we are by no means alone.

I have had an interest in recycling and litter impact on the environment for years. Here I am presenting on TV an article about recycling counterfeit goods, surrounded by rubbish at the North London Waste Authority’s site at Edmonton during the 90s.

The litter problem is growing and when you add in drug use detritus it becomes very serious . Litter costs. Litter looks revolting.

(Picture by Carlton Television.)

Litter damages the environment. Litter blocks drains. Litter impacts on all forms of wildlife. Litter causes the value of your home to reduce.

Litter affects everyone.

Thornwood locals have begun to clean their own areas. The Uplanders and the Woodside Wombles along with individuals around Duck Lane, Rowley Mead and Weald Hall Lane have all done sterling work to try to improve our surroundings.

If you spot any fly-tip, please report it to, RThomason@eppingforestdc.go.uk with a photo if possible. If it is actually taking place, dial police on 999 and try to give a description of the vehicle, registration number and occupants along with the location. Do Not approach them, as these people, like the stuff they dump, can be vile.

With candidates knocking on your doors looking for votes soon, now is a good time to ask them what will be done by EFDC to combat this growing problem?

Jimmy Waters. North Weald Bassett Citizen of the Year 2016.

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BIRD FEATURE - APRIL 2021 Hello and welcome to my jottings for the April 2021 edition. As always I should point out that I am compiling these notes in the middle of the preceding month so any details of bird sightings relate to what I have spotted up to the first couple of weeks of March.

Spring is well under way and by early April not only will many of the resident species such as Dunnock, Robin, Wren and Blackbird be well into their breeding activities but we should also be seeing the arrival of birds such as Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Indeed there is every chance that some of them will be in evidence before the end of March. As April progresses more and more summer migrants will be with us and if we are lucky that annual visitor the Cuckoo will once again be heard around the North Weald area. Cuckoo numbers have diminished year by year in the UK but they seem to be doing well in our area and of course even people with only a passing interest in nature will comment when they hear the familiar call of the Cuckoo. However despite the loud and unmissable call this is a species that is not actually easy to see and many people who hear the bird will not readily identify it by sight.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the scrubby areas adjacent to Weald Common after they were cleared of much of the brambles and other bushes. These thick areas of thorny growth provided good nesting sites for a variety of birds and another of our summer visitors, the Whitethroat, thrived amongst them. Of course brambles and nettles grow very quickly so it is possible that this year's new growth will be sufficient to provide the safe haven that these birds require. Certainly there have been plenty of Wrens and Robins foraging in the stacks of twigs and briars that were created by the clearance work.

As in previous springs I have seen a pair of Moorhens frequenting the overgrown ditch area near the pond at Weald Common. The damp, thickly vegetated habitat is ideal for Moorhens and I imagine each year the ones that I see are 'scouting' the location as a potential nesting site but in reality I think it is just that bit too disturbed. Some species such as Moorhen have adapted very well to human influences and indeed there are parks up and down the country where Moorhens tolerate disturbance quite well but Weald Common doesn't seem to tick all of the boxes for them and I personally have never seen any evidence of actual breeding at that site.

As the days get warmer and daylight hours are longer then we all tend to spend that bit more time outside. Obviously the last year has seen restrictions on our ability to go here and there as we please, and travelling to visit truly 'wild' places at more remote bird reserves and national parks has not been an option. In consequence there has been a greater reliance on getting our nature 'fix' on a local basis, be it a short walk round a local park or a longer 'ramble' through the countryside. One aspect of this has been a growth in citizen science. Over the last few years I have mentioned the way that people can submit sightings to a variety of bird and natural history organisations and of course in this modern era of computer databases the information can be analysed at the time and also can form the basis for future research. When we see a news story that Skylarks have declined by over half in 50 years, this is based on records that people have been submitting for literally decades. With more people recording their bird and other wildlife sightings then the information becomes increasingly relevant and accurate. So just a few people watching their local patch can provide a massive set of data when that is multiplied nationwide. Records of such things as arrival dates of the first Swallow or first Cuckoo can also give clues regarding climate change, showing that summer arrivals are getting to the UK that bit earlier due to global warming.

Warmer days should see more occasions when Buzzards are soaring over the village, they rise up on thermals and circle slowly as they drift on.

Sometimes we can get as many as 5 or 6 over the village and even then it can only be their calls that make you realise they are there.

The winter thrushes have largely departed although I did see one very large flock of Fieldfares numbering well in excess of 200, that was during the second week of March. They will be slowly but surely heading east to head out over the North Sea. One unfortunate Redwing won't be making it. I saw a Sparrowhawk ambush a Redwing as it sat in a bush, it reacted too late. To think this was a bird that came to the UK during the autumn and spent the winter here only to meet an untimely end just a week or so before it would be flying back to its breeding grounds in Scandinavia. Survival is never guaranteed.

Recent sightings include several Red Kites, including a pair on a couple of occasions. Also you may recall that I mentioned seeing a pair of Egyptian Geese earlier in the winter, well I have seen them 2 or 3 times in the first couple of weeks of March so they are still around from time to time.

Several Bullfinches have been seen, mostly in the Weald Common area. I saw one male Bullfinch that was in tip top breeding plumage, a combination of grey, black, white and crimson red, a lovely sight. Truly one of the UK's most handsome birds. Happily there have been a few Greenfinches, this is a species that has struggled in recent years but just seems to be that bit more in evidence.

Several Skylarks have been taking to the sky to belt out their iconic song, always a great thing to hear during the early weeks of spring.

Several people have mentioned to me that there has been a quite large herd of deer in the area, I have seen a few myself but in some ways we don't want too many deer as they can damage crops, flowers etc and of course can be a danger to road users. Very few of the deer we see are in fact native to the UK and with no predation their numbers can grow enough to make them a pest in many eyes.

If you feed the birds in your garden then just remember to keep feeders clean and don't let food build up so that it becomes mouldy or gets covered in bird droppings. Also remember that uneaten food can encourage vermin. If the food you put out such as seeds and nuts is not being eaten quickly enough by the birds then lower the amount you offer. And fresh, clean water can be just as important as food.

Better weather is coming. Summer visitors will be amongst us. A variety of insect species will be on the wing. The birds will be singing. If you can get out and about then take a chance to immerse yourself in nature. You don't have to be able to identify everything you see although of course checking the internet can often reveal the answer.

Enjoy our open spaces and keep those eyes and ears open ....

Paul Corbet.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Advertiser Directory New directory of advertisers with page numbers so you can find their details easily.

Baby & Toddler Baby & Toddler Group (Red School)

Glazing 7

Car, MOT & Servicing

Home Glazing Repair

11

Kennels & Catteries

Kings Head Garage

30

London & Essex Kents Farm

Matts Motorz

10

Online Shopping Local Bodyshop consultant—Sparkle & Shine

Carpets & Flooring Little Carpet Co

2

Andrews Computers

13

North Weald Bassett Parish Council

31

16

Plastering G F Plastering

Dancing Dance Factory

7

Day Nurseries & Pre Schools

9

Pest Control G J B Pest Control

Council

25

Painting & Decorating S I Painters & Decorators

Computer Services

5

19

Plumbing & Heating Robert Rayment

5

Ashbourne Day Nursery

8

Pikes Plumbing & Heating

18

Scribbles Pre-School

4

N Monk

15

Electrical Services A&P Electrical Services

Property Services 30

Estate & Letting Agents Montagues

36

Financial Planning & Advice Continuum

20

Care & Repair

17

KLF Property Services

21

Handy Andy

24

Bassett Building

13

Safecracker Safe-cracker Locksmith

Flowers House of Flowers

25

Stuart Poulton Ltd

Residential Home Abbeyfield Cunningham House

Funeral Services 17

28

Roofing R J S Roofing

Furniture

16

14

RSL Interiors—Kitchens & bedrooms

24

Window Cleaning

CJA Upholstery

10

Steve’s Window Cleaning

9

Garden Centre/Gardening Art Nursery Garden Centre

26

GMS Gardening Services

14

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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

0808 278 7855

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 Whitebread

01992 573557

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

MP Alex Burghart

0207 2191613

RSPCA

01279 306058

(MP for North Weald)

alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

020 8508 8608

Samaritans 24 Hours a day

116 123

MP For Thornwood

Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

St Andrews Church

01992 577168

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

Traveline

0870 6082608

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers

North Weald Preservation Society

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 01992 524672

Tel: read 01992 522618/522630

Tel: 522910

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Cricket Club

Rapier Cycling Club

Tel: 01992 614415

Northweald.play-cricket.com

Tel: 524631

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Scouts Group

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 01277 365200

01992 524672

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Harlow Badger Group

Theydon Jazz Club

Tel: 07941 185171

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522196

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 522464

Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Rotary Club

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Tel: 522803

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)

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

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522700

West Essex Flower Club

North Weald Angling Club

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 524631

Tel: 01992 522303

Tel: 523375 or 522052

Page 35 Tel: 07814 863955 www.nwdas.co,uk

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 36

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk