North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community
FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly
Issue: 127
MARCH 2017
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
NORTH WEALD VILLAGE LIFE About North Weald Village Life North Weald Village Life is an independent magazine and website, owned and published by a local resident who is dedicated to strengthening the local community, improving communication and promoting local businesses and suppliers to local residents.
Circulation The magazine is available free of charge monthly and is distributed from 20th of each month.
Copies can be collected from: .
News Shop, High Road Kings Head Garage, High Road North Weald Library Art Nursery, Vicarage Lane Newsagents, Coopersale Party Package Thornwood Happy Grow Nursery, Thornwood Davis Estate Agents, High Road North Weald Chemist
Subscription If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £18.00 for 12 issues. Please email me, download a copy of the form from the website or write to me at the address below.
Advertisers Advertising rates start at £19.00 for quarter page, £36.50 for half a page and £68 for a full page. Colour advertising rates are now available and there are some premium positions available at this current time. Please contact us for more information. The deadline for booking is the 5th of each month.
Contributions & Editorial If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us at the address below or via email.
Contact Details
I have a number of confessions to make.
Firstly, if I was in any doubt that people read this column, I am now aware of how many people do read it. How do I know this? Last month I happened to mention the lovely ’door’ I saw by the side of the road. I obviously meant deer (that serves me right for proof reading at midnight with a bicardi in my hand!!). So many people have requested details of the door and I have received a few funny emails. Whoops. Maybe I should introduce a competition, for the first person who spots a mistake and lets me know? However I may run out of prizes. Now for my second confession—we have a new addition to the family. Yes you guessed it—another dog! Before you say it, we are mad—four dogs. Louie is the name of our new dog, he is a small dog— mainly Pomeranian with a little bit of Yorkshire Terrier. He has settled in well, playing constantly with our Westie, each chewing alternative toys and sometimes sharing them. Our Staffy really does not care, although he has had a few tugs on his face or on his tail. Our other dog, a patterdale terrier has kept his distance from the puppy although he has managed to destroy many of the toys. This week he has been able to go for a walk, he loves to run whilst the other dogs walk but walking on his own is a no-no—he just sits down. Patience is a virtue that I lack! I would love to walk him down the village and show him off but as of yet I have to progress out of our road. I don’t really want to take all of the dogs! Please be careful, there was a recent incident where a car stopped a white van, claiming to the police which resulted in the van driver being left in a ditch, near to Vicarage Lane, with an injury and the van was of course stolen. Please remember if an unmarked vehicle claims to be the police, you do not have to stop, the advice is to drive to a public place and ring the police to check if the vehicle is one of theirs. There are so many scams around, one of the latest that has targeted me is from different Counties and Boroughs emailing me to say that I have speeding ticket. The first few featured a place in Manchester and as I have not been to Manchester recently I knew it had to be wrong. So again be careful. I won’t mention the weather, but I will say that at last, the nights are drawing out adding another hour of daylight to our days—Spring is around the corner.
Telephone: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Address: 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU
Epping,
June Editor
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure any data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it ’s editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form electronically. Mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.
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APRIL BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine
Buster Spot Diesel Micky Eddie Louie Harvey Sam Rolo Patch Butch Gizmo Freddy Bailey
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Congratulations this month to Mrs Hill who won last months prize and will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. This month the lucky winner can also celebrate with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to March Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th March Please ensure you put your name, address and telephone number on your entry so that I can telephone you if you are the lucky winner. Good Luck.
THE EPPING TREE COMPANY TOTAL TREE MANAGEMENT
SEASONED LOGS AVAILABLE Your local Tree Surgeons Approved by the Local Authority & established for over 25 years You can be assured of personal attention Fully Insured
FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS Total Tree Management All aspects of tree surgery Felling, Pruning & Shaping, Hedges Trimmed, Stump & Root Removal Specialist contractors for preserved and conservation work
Tel: 01992 522437 Mobile: 07850 390079 ...Proprietor:
S. Dinsdale
www.eppingtreecompany.co.uk Email: info@eppingtreecompany.co.uk Page 4
Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
North Weald Bassett Parish Council votes for 2% precept increase North Weald Bassett Parish Council has approved a two per cent increase its precept for the 2017-18 financial year
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The precept - the amount requested by the parish council to provide its services and support initiatives throughout North Weald, Hastingwood and Thornwood Common - is £175,475
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It means a £1.28 increase in the parish council's share of Band D council tax bills for the next financial year
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Councillors at last night's full council meeting voted 9-3 to support the 2017-18 precept increase. The budget includes £3,000 for Weald Common, £3,000 for street lighting, a £3,000 contingency fund should the Government decide to cap local councils' spending and £3,000 for a 'New Home Fund' should the parish council move out of its current base at North Weald Library. The council has also had to consider a reduction in the amount of money it will receive from the Government with its Parish Support Grant being reduced by £10,541 over the next three years (by £7,027 in 2017-18 and £3,514 in 2018-19). The council has earmarked money to repolish the floor at the Parish Hall, Thornwood Common, and also purchase 20 padded chairs and a microwave for the hall .
A contribution of about £500 will be made towards the fundraising for a defibrillator at Thornwood Parish Hall while £500 will cover the cost of annual maintenance and insurance of the CCTV systems at Weald Common and the High Road shops. Two dog waste bins are to be provided for Blenheim Square while the council will again be offering financial support to two Play in the Park events, at Queens Hall, North Weald, and Thornwood Common. Donations of £200 are to be made to both the Marie Curie charity and the Essex Air Ambulance.
HANDY MAN VACANCY 2 days per week
DRIVER VACANCY 2 or 3 days per week until Oct 2017 Transit van, light loads. Some early starts. (delivery to Local, South East and Notts etc) Both jobs are based at local warehouse in Nth Weald For further information please contact email: john@prestopets.co.uk (Payment P.A.Y.E.)
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Love to Ride A national organisation who organise cycle challenges, are running a Ride to Work week from 13th– 19th March 2017. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to cycle to work during that week and get a bit of extra exercise and help the environment in the process. Participants have to ride for just 10 minutes and then log their journeys. There’s the opportunity to win some great prizes as well. Further information can be found on the Love to Ride—www.lovetoride.net.
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
NORTH WEALD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The annual sausage and mash supper and cabaret will be held on Friday 24th March 2017 in the Village Hall starting at 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. (ALL WELCOME)
Come and see the fabulous Diane Moore Show “LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY” An Extravaganza of Forties, Fifties and Sixties songs’
Please supply me with …………………... Tickets @ £17.50 each Name Address
Telephone “IF YOU WISH TO BE SEATED TOGETHER IN ONE PARTY PLEASE APPLY ON ONE FORM” Tickets are available from George Mulliner 17 High Road
523535
Roger Smith
524631
166 High Road
My party will consist of:-
07432 843128 Page 6
Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday
Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes
8.15pm & 9.15pm
North Weald Village Hall. Beginners at 8.15 and intermediate at 9.15. Contact Debbie on 07872 427946.
Every Monday
Taoist Tai Chi
10.30am —12.30
Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping. Tel: 01992 523854.
Every Tuesday
Taoist Tai Chi
7.30pm— 9pm
Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Tel 01992 523854 for more information
Every 1st Tuesday
Ongar Flower Club
7.30pm
Zinc Arts Centre, High Road, Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £4.50 members free. If you love flowers, why not come along?
Every Tuesday
Baby & Toddler Group
1.15pm— 2.45pm
Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 per family.
Every Tuesday
Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time
2.30pm— 3.00pm
North Weald Library. For under 5’s and their parents/carers (term time only)
Every third Saturday in the month Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in the month
The Jack Free Show Theydon Jazz Club
8pm— 10.30pm
Thornwood Village Hall
Saturday 25th February
Trees being Planted in Memory of Ruby White and Brenda Perridge
11am
Sunday 26th February
St Clare—Winter Walkies
Wednesday 1st March
North Weald WI
1.45pm
Corner of Duke Close and the High Road. Trees being planted by North Weald Preservation Society. Led by Stan Newens. All those that knew these ladies are welcome to come along. St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood. Advanced registration costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, which includes a free soup, dog medal and certificates for children. For more information and to register, call Dani De’ath on 01279 773738, email dani@stclarehospice.org.uk www.stclarehospice.org.uk/event/winter-walkies North Weald Village Hall. Speaker John Wrigley telling about St Petersburg and Moscow.
Wednesday 8th March
North Weald Village Hall AGM
7.00pm
North Weald Village Hall
Friday 10th March
Quiz Night
7pm— 7.30pm
North Weald Village Hall, North Weald Wireless Bowls Club. £7 per ticket.
Monday 13th March
West Essex Flower Club
1.45pm
Friday 24th March
Sausage and Mash
7pm
Thornwood Village Hal. Come along to our friendly club and be entertained by Susan Shaw with a demonstration entitled “It’s Magic”. All welcome. Visitors pay £5.00 on the door. North Weald Village Hall. See page opposite for more details.
Saturday 25th March
Purple4Polio Bring & Buy Coffee Morning
10am—12
North Weald Methodist Church
Saturday 25th March
Quiz Night
7.30pm
The Community Centre, School Green Lane to riase funds for the Queens Hall Charity & Cricket Club. Tickets £5 per person. Vincecurran@aol.com
Sunday 26th March
Mothering Sunday
North Weald Village Hall
If you know of a local event, please let me know and I will include this in the events calendar on www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk.
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Planning Applications Planning File No: 026683 Application No: EPF/0223/17 Officer: Corey Isolda Application Name: Toby Anscombe Location: 7 Lysander Court High Road North Weald Essex CM16 6HF Proposal: Single storey rear extension to 3m depth Planning File No: 022006 Application No: EPF/0239/17 Officer: Corey Isolda Application Name: Ms Nicola Milner Location: 39 Tempest Mead North Weald Essex CM16 6DY Proposal: Proposed two storey rear extension Planning File No: 003217 Application No: EPF/3396/16 Officer: Steve Andrew Application Name: Mr RingwoodApplicant Name: Location: Tara London Road Hastingwood Essex CM17 9NQ Proposal: Two storey side extension and first floor side extension over existing garage
Planning File No: 025758 Application No: EPF/3326/16 Officer: Mr Colin Doughty Applicant Name: James Rogers Location: Greenwood Mill Street Hastingwood Harlow Essex CM17 9JG P Proposal: Two storey side extension, garage and attic conversion with front and rear dormers and roof lights.
Planning File No: 000769 Application No:EPF/0164/17Application No: Officer: : Mr Claudio RizziApplicant Applicattion name: James Rogers :Location: Rivendell Vicarage Lane North Weald Bassett EPPING CM16 6ET P Proposal: Demolition of existing single garage to side of property and erection of two storey side extension with ground floor garage and the addition of 2 first floor bedrooms and one bathroom
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
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Know a cheat in your street? Every year thousands of pounds of your money is stolen by cheaters, money that should be used to improve your local community. Don’t let them get away with it.- Report fraud call 01992 564444 use our Online report fraud form email investigations@eppingforestdc.gov.uk Right now, fraudsters are cheating us all. Here’s how they do it … Housing tenancy fraud Someone who has committed a social housing fraud
by illegally sub-letting
not living in the property and leaving it empty
making a fraudulent Right to Buy application
taking (or making) a payment for a mutual exchange
living in a property after the tenant has died, where they had no right to succeed
giving false or misleading information to get the tenancy
Don’t forget to visit
Council Tax fraud Someone who gets a Council Tax discount by falsely
stating the property is empty
claiming they live alone
claiming they are a student
claiming Council Tax Support falsely by doing undeclared work or having capital/property in excess of the limit
the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest new & events Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/Northwealdvillagelife
Business rates fraud A person or business liable for Business Rates who falsely claims an exemption or relief they are not entitled to Have you spotted a cheater? Finance Portfolio Holder Councillor Gagan Mohindra said: “Have you spotted a cheater? Tell us immediately. Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously.” “Fraud is not a victimless crime. It is taking money from honest taxpayers. Every penny lost to fraud means we have less money to spend on providing the services you want.” “Spot the cheater and don’t let them get away with fraud!”
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Need a builder? This month we have a new advertiser in the form of a home grown building company. Nick Linsdall owns Bassett Building Company and has recently decided to set up his own building business based in North Weald, the village that he has grown up in. Nick, his wife and family live only a few roads away from his family home in the village and is very happy to able to keep his roots local in the village. I am sure some residents will know of Nick’s family who have lived in the village for many years, his dad Roger Linsdall has supported North Weald Village Life over the years. Nick initially took on his dad’s carpentry skills but over the years has extended this into the full range of building services. Nick has a team of carefully chosen professional, experienced and skilled trades people working for Bassett Building Company and he is keen to take on local building work for local residents, this could include repairs, full extensions, carpentry, building etc. When I met Nick, he stressed that his team pride themselves in providing the very best service to all their customers, not just onsite whilst undertaking the building work, but during the whole process including arranging appointments, quoting etc. So if you need a local builder, why not give Nick at Bassett Building Company a call, his details can be found above.
Update on Proposed Merger between NEP and SEPT Find out the latest details on the proposed merger NEP Chair, Chris Paveley, and local governors will give an update on the proposed merger You will have plenty of time to ask questions Monday 6 March, 7pm-9pm Harlow Leisurezone Second Avenue Harlow, CM20 3DT Both Trusts strongly believe that a merger will bring real benefits to patients including: improved ability to recruit and retain key clinical staff better access to more specialist expertise fewer out of area placements Page 11
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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
Broken Down/Misted Sealed Units Replaced
Locks/Hinges Renewed Conservatories Cleaned/Repaired Cat & Dog Flaps Fitted Front Door Panels Renewed
Step up your Spring Clean With Spring on its way many of us will be thinking about spring cleaning our house and getting rid of unwanted items.. 'You don't have to throw it away' says Environment Portfolio Holder Councillor Will Breare-Hall, 'one person's junk may be another person's treasure. Why not try these ideas to avoid your unwanted belongings going to waste.'
Give it away—Ask your family and friends if they can make use of it.
Swap it—Freegle and Freecycle are great for swapping items with people who will want to collect your unwanted stuff.
Donate it—Most charity shops accept clothing and bric-abrac type items. Reuse organisations such as Epping Forest ReUse will reuse good quality furniture and appliances
Sell it—Websites like ebay and gumtree make it easy for you to sell your unwanted items.
Handles Replaced Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium
A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794 Or VISIT US AT www.homeglazingrepairservice.co.uk
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Tel: 07814 863955
Councillor Will Breare-Hall ended with: 'Whether you are decluttering or simply making room for this year's Christmas presents, there are lots of things you can do with your old stuff to save you a trip to a recycling centre. Seize the opportunity to step up your Spring Clean!'
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
St Clare celebrates 3rd anniversary of its Hospice at Home service On 20th January 2017 St Clare Hospice celebrated the third anniversary of its Hospice at Home service. The Hastingwood-based charity launched the team of registered nurses and healthcare assistants in January 2014 and over the past three years has delivered free, palliative care to more than 1,100 families in their own homes across West Essex. The team of nurses and healthcare assistants are based at the hospice charity and travel across the whole of West Essex providing free care to patients with life-limiting illnesses in their own homes. The 18-strong team of healthcare assistants and nurses visits patients in Epping, Harlow, Buckhurst Hill, Waltham Abbey, Great Dunmow, Stansted and Saffron Walden. Sonia Haigh, the Manager of the Hospice at Home team, has worked in the role since the charity launched the service in 2014. Commenting on the growth of the service and its impact over the past three years, she said: “The team has really evolved from where we started in January 2014. We launched with a team of eight staff and have more than doubled in size in just three years. We started with a day service and have now expanded to offer a 24 hour service, with a night service from 10pm-7am which has proven to be in great demand in the community. Some people can experience a crisis in the middle of the night, they may be frightened or need nursing care, so having the service working over the 24 hour time period means a lot to our families.” On reaching the third anniversary of their Hospice at Home service, the charity is keen to spread the word about their community service even further. Philip Ball, Director of Patient Care, said: “People are often surprised to hear that we offer a service in people’s own homes. They think St Clare only cares for patients on our Inpatient Unit at our centre in Hastingwood. In fact, we care for more than three times as many patients in their own homes out in the community, as we do on the hospice’s inpatient unit.” Philip Ball continues: “There is also a common misconception that Macmillan and Marie Curie provide Hospice at Home care in West Essex. In fact, neither of them run community services in this area any more. St Clare took over the Macmillan nursing service in 2011 and the Marie Curie healthcare assistants in 2014 – but there is still confusion even amongst healthcare professionals. It is important we spread the word that St Clare now provides these specialist nursing services and funds this care – so that we can raise enough money to continue to fund this vital service.” To find out more about St Clare Hospice’s care in the West Essex community, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/care . Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Bogus Police Officers A group of males have recently been involved in committing distraction burglaries in Essex by posing as Police Officers. They have fake but very convincing Essex Police Identity Cards and use these to trick and scam their way into vulnerable people's homes with the intent to steal cash and valuables. They have to date mainly been concentrating on elderly females, but everyone is at risk. If anyone calls at your property posing as a police officer please do not let them in without first checking their identity. Please telephone 101 to verify that the person at your door is a bona-fide officer. Best advice is not to open the door to anyone you do not know or are not expecting. A good tip is to open an upstairs window if possible and speak to the caller, asking their details, before opening the door until you are certain who they are. If you mention that you are going to call the police to verify their identity, a valid police officer will be happy to wait whereas it is likely that a bogus caller will disappear quickly. Please try and note a brief description of the person at the door and give this to the police if the caller proves not to be a bonafide officer. Other types of bogus caller also pretend to be from utility companies or similar organisations. The above advice applies in all cases. Some general advice is given below: -Representatives from water, gas and electric companies rarely visit without appointments. Genuine callers make appointments in advance and will always be happy to wait while you check their identity. Some utility companies now also operate a password scheme for extra security – please call your provider for details. -Police or bank officials would never visit you or call you by telephone and ask for your bank details or ask you to withdraw large sums of cash. -Be wary of strangers who call unexpectedly. If in doubt keep them out! -Bogus callers succeed because they're believable - they're well practised and will have a convincing story and set of excuses ready. -Next time the doorbell rings remember – check before you open the door.
If you suspect you, or someone you know has been visited by a bogus caller please call the Police as soon as possible - you may well prevent other crimes occurring. In an emergency dial 999, otherwise report incidents to Essex Police on 101. You can also report any crimes or incidents free and anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you have been sold shoddy products or bought overpriced goods at the door you can report this to Consumer Direct on 03454 04 05 06. Page 14.
Tel: 07814 863955
Email:
Pawfect Poppy is the Winter Walkies photo competition winner! St Clare Hospice has officially revealed the winner of their Cutest Canine photo competition ahead of their Winter Walkies event. Top dog Poppy, a beautiful 9 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier owned by Yvonne Carter, is set to officially open the charity’s 5k sponsored dog walk taking place on 26th February. Poppy, who is a rescue dog, won the competition against nineteen other dogs after polling an incredible 186 votes on the Hospice’s Facebook page. Poppy’s owner Yvonne Carter, originally from Epping and now living in Church Langley, said: “When I saw Winter Walkies being advertised on the banner outside the hospice, I instantly went to the St Clare website to sign us up. Poppy and I have a personal connection to St Clare as I was recently cared for in the Inpatient Unit back in December 2016 and the team kindly let Poppy stay there with me. Poppy was so spoilt by everyone at St Clare – the nurses would feed her biscuits throughout the day and the chef even fed her turkey for dinner! We had a sofa bed brought into my room so that Poppy could sleep beside me.” Commenting on the care she received, Yvonne said: “St Clare really looked after me when I needed them and they did everything they could to help make me feel at home. Having Poppy stay at the hospice with me made a stressful situation a little easier, as I had her there to comfort me. It is only me and Poppy at home so she is my whole world, and gives me a reason to get up each morning.”
Yvonne continued: “When my friend saw that St Clare was hosting the Cutest Canine photo competition she made me enter Poppy straight away. All of my friends, their colleagues and their children were all getting involved in sharing her photo and encouraging everyone they knew to like the photo. My whole experience at St Clare has been amazing and I think fundraising events like Winter Walkies are such a fun idea to help create awareness for the charity. The online competition was a great way to get more people involved in the event and I have tried to encourage everyone I know to come along and walk with Poppy and I on the day.” If you and your dog would like to join Poppy and Yvonne at St Clare’s Winter Walkies event at 11am on Sunday 26th February then register online at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/event/winterwalkies or call the fundraising team on 01279 773750.
Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Bigger penalties for using a mobile phone while driving from 1st March Many readers will be aware that it has been illegal to use a hand held mobile phone while driving, or while stopped with the engine on, since December 2003. Even if you’re otherwise driving safely:
You could be fined £100 and get three points (£200 and 6 points from 1 March 2017) on your licence.
6 points would mean losing your licence if you're less than two years from passing your test.
Refuse to accept the fixed penalty and you could be taken to court.
If the police think the offence so bad that a fixed penalty isn’t enough you could be taken to court.
Fines in court will almost certainly be larger and disqualification is possible – the maximum fine in a court is £1,000, or £2,500 you were driving a bus or a goods vehicle. These offences apply simply if you’re seen using a mobile while driving. The police have even been using unmarked lorries to observe drivers who text or phone as the higher seating position means they can see and record offences not normally visible from a car. While it's an offence to be seen using a hand held phone, regardless of whether driving has been affected, this is not the case for handsfree phones. If you’re seen not to be in control of a vehicle while using a hands-free phone you can be prosecuted for that offence. The penalties for 'not in proper control' are £100 fine and 3 points, or up to £1,000 (£2,500 if you were driving a bus or a goods vehicle) if it goes to court
New taxi fare for North Weald Many people will know of Lawlors taxis based in Epping but recently they have introduced a couple of new services and both benefit residents of North Weald. The first is a North Weald focused taxi service, with journeys from £3.50. Since Bassett Taxis left the village, there has been a varied service to and from North Weald provided by other companies. Lawlors are thankful for their regular North Weald customers and due to demand, they have introduced this new service. Secondly, to be up to date and for customer convenience – they have launched a new app which can be downloaded on your phone, and you can book your taxis etc on this app. This is great because you can pre book your taxi at any time convenient to you. Lawlors ran a competition recently, the prize was a basket full of goodies including alcohol, food and treats and all you had to do was to suggest how many bookings they completed in the month of January. Lee Ford, a controller at Lawlors guessed 12606 which was just 36 away from the correct answer. Lee, because of his position, passed on his prize to the next closest guess and Tricia Smith was the lucky recipient of the basket. So next time you need a taxi, you know who to call. Tel: 07814 863955
NEW North Weald Service—Fares from £3.50
Lawlors have released Epping’s first Minicab Booking App. Search "lawlor car service" on the App Store now
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Page 17.
Local teacher awarded Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award
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A teacher from Epping St Johns Secondary School, was awarded as the Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award. Flora Christofi who is dedicated French teacher and works hard with her students and encourages their full potential. Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Schools in Essex have celebrated some fantastic achievements over the last year, with nine in ten now rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, exam results continuing to be positive and attendance at an all-time high.
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Contact Us “We have some excellent teachers and staff working in the county’s schools and I was delighted to hear about the difference this year’s Essex Teaching Awards winners have made to the lives of young people. “I am very proud of their achievements and these awards are a great way of acknowledging their hard work and commitment. They are also a further illustration of the exciting opportunities and support awaiting teachers in Essex.
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Children in Essex are being asked for their views Children in Essex are being the opportunity to influence changes and improvements at the county’s libraries. Between 13th and 26th February, library staff across Essex will be asking their youngest customers exactly what they think of services and how they could be improved. Parents or carers will be asked to answer on behalf of preschool and Key Stage 1 children, revealing how they use the libraries and how satisfied they are. Children in school years 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as those in secondary school, will have their own individual short survey to complete. To take part, ask a member of staff in your local library.
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Tel: 07814 63955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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News from the Squadron Well, Hi again from The Squadron Café, Bar and Dining, things have been a bit hectic with all the changes on the Airfield, we have done loads and are gearing up for this year. We have had lots going on in the last year and this year is gearing up to be bigger and better,
Live music & Carvery on 26th Feb & 26th March which is Mothering Sunday, Live Irish trio Wraggle Taggle play the last Sunday of the month
Air Britain 2 day fly in is on the 17th & 18th June 2017 (www.airbritain.co.uk)
Many 1940’s private parties, wakes etc this year and last year, with Armed Forces day 24TH June for a Sunset Salute with RAFA, all our events and information is available on www.thesquadronbar.co.uk
Adventure 001 with their helicopter pleasure flights, on the weekend (www.adventure001.com)
The Flying school with their fixed wing flying lessons (www.northwealdflighttraining.co.uk
New for this year our Double Decker Bus Bar, available for private hire for all your external events.
All the information is on the website, The Squadron is open from 8.30 am – 3pm every day, the bar until 5pm on the weekends ( winter hours) 8am – 7pm in the summer months. Our fireworks party night was a great success, 2017 is bigger and better with a ‘Little Mix Tribute band and Brit Pop tribute band for the adults, plenty of food outlets and its closer to the front gate, tickets will be available locally and on line from May Kind regards Shiona, Billy & the team
Tel: 07814 63955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Page 19.
Places for People named new leisure partner Epping Forest District Council has named Places for People Leisure as its new leisure partner in a 20-year contract. The contract which is due to start on 1st April 2017 includes plans for a brand new £9.5m leisure facility at Waltham Abbey to replace the existing Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool, as well as significant investment to the existing centres, including Epping Sports Centre
Loughton Leisure Centre Ongar Leisure Centre
Places for People Leisure won the contract to design and build the proposed new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre with their construction partners Pellikaan Construction and architects Pozzoni. Subject to detailed planning permission, the new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre which has been designed with a green roof to complement the surrounding recreational ground will feature a 25m 6 lane pool and a 15m learner pool., dance and gym studio and virtual cycling. It will also feature an 80 station fitness suite that includes the latest equipment from Precor, Technogym, Wattbike, Queenax, D2F, Octane Fitness, Spinning and Les Mills. Enhancements to the 3 existing leisure centres will include a substantial extension of the health and fitness offer at Loughton Leisure Centre, a wide-ranging remodelling of the internal layout of Epping Sports Centre, and a refurbishment of Ongar Sports Centre. Epping Forest District Council’s Leisure and Community Services Portfolio Holder Councillor Helen Kane said: “I am extremely pleased that Places for People Leisure has been awarded the contract to deliver top class leisure facilities in the district. I am looking forward to working with the Places for People team over the coming years to improve opportunities for all members of the community to participate and enjoy a more active and healthier lifestyle.”
Page 20. Tel: 07814 863955
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Three buses and an HGV crash in Thornwood At approximately 10.30am on 18th January, a crash occurred involved three public buses, one of which was a double decker and a 50 tonne HGV.
NOW AT Blake’s Golf Club, Epping Road CM16 6RZ
The accident happened in the High Road, Thornwood Common, close the junction of Upland Road. The main road had to be closed after the accident and traffic coming from Epping was diverted through Woodside into North Weald and then into Harlow.
It is reported that nine people were treated by paramedics and four were later taken to hospital but released a little later.
F ir efi g hte rs, P ol ice a n d Ambulances were quickly in attendance. A video, tweeted by Essex Police’s PC Mike Bignell, shows a lorry smashed into the back of a bus, which has also crashed into another bus in front of it. There was a large diesel spill that had to be dealt with after the incident. Firefighters reportedly left the incident at just after 1pm. No report has been viewed on what caused the accident. There was a heavy frost earlier that day but weather conditions were good at the time the accident occurred. Thanks to local resident, James Waters, who happened to be out walking at the time, for sharing the photographs.
North Weald Meets every Tuesday at
Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club (Behind the Talbot)
5.30pm or 7.30pm Phone Cara: 0779 2778225
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tock
coal, s y&
Running the Marathon to raise funds for St Clare Hospice Andrew Speed will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April to raise funds for the St.Clares Hospice in Harlow. he full story of why Andrew is running for St.Clares is told in the following web site below, but it is Andrews desire to give back to the Hospice that has seen him, despite being a family man with a full time job ,find the desire and commitment to undertake the mammoth task of completing the Marathon in memory of his Mum, Dad , and Grandfather who sadly all passed away at the Hospice. There will many in this area who have experienced the love and respect to be found at St.Clares whether as patients, or indeed as family members who have found solace and comfort from all those connected to St.Clares The connection to North Weald is that Andrew together with his Mum and Dad, and sister Sarah lived for many years in York Road, and there will be readers of North Weald Village Life who no doubt will remember Alan and Pat Speed . Indeed, Andrews sister still lives in North Weald today with her family. The Speed family has a strong connection and presence in North Weald and the surrounding villages. The full story, as mentioned above, can be read as told in Andrews own words, under Andrews just giving web-site as below. Please, please take the time to read his story, its heart – rending but also heart warming, and he is hoping that the publicity kindly granted by the North Weald Village Life publication will boost his efforts to raise funds for the Hospice.
Please read his story and if you can donate because of an affinity to St.Clares, or because you may remember Andrew and his family, or indeed just because his courage, not only to undertake the Marathon, deserves to be acknowledged and in doing so St. Clares get the benefit that the Hospice so richly deserves. http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewSpeed1985
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Gardening Hints for March Is it March at last? What a busy month this is in the gardener’s calendar. The days start to noticeably lengthen and hopefully the temperature rises. End of February (beginning of March) is the ideal time to purchase your seed potatoes and begin the process of chitting them. To do this, place the potatoes on a tray in a light airy place, avoiding direct sunlight. Over the next few weeks small shoots will begin to appear, select the strongest 3 of the 4 shoots, breaking off the remaining weaker shoots. When the shoots are about 1/2 inch long they are ready to be planted out. A good time to plant is early to mid April, depending on the weather. If it is has been cold and wet, refrain from planting until the ground has warmed up. If the ground is too cold and wet, they will be liable to rot of before they start growing. Use cloches to warm the soil a little, this gives a head start to early sowings of lettuces, radishes, onions, leeks, early peas, spinach, sprouts and early cabbages. It’s still not too late to sow broad beans and parsnips. Try to avoid sowing the whole packet of seeds at once, sow in small amounts every 2-3 weeks, this will give you a succession of produce throughout the Spring, Summer and Autumn, especially true of lettuces, radishes and onions. If you have a heated greenhouse, you can start early sowing in March of celery, courgettes, cucumbers, marrows, peppers, tomatoes and aubergines. It’s time to plant container grown fruit trees and bushes such as apples, pears, cherries, plum, gooseberries and blackcurrants. If you have mature plants in your plot, top dress now with organic chicken pellets, growmore or fish blood and bone, or a good mulching of well rotted manure to keep them all healthy. Keep on top of weeds as they begin to appear, they are much easier to handle when they are small. If you haven't already pruned your roses then March is to me the ideal month for bush roses cut back to 2 or 3 shoots from the ground preferably leaving outward facing shoots to keep the middle of the rose free from criss-crossing growth. As soon as the soil is dry enough to walk on without it clodding around your boots, then start tidying up your beds. Cut back any dead material from shrubs and herbaceous perennial this will encourage new strong growth. If you are a beginner, please feel welcome to come and see me at the Nursery and I will endeavour to get you started in the right way for the regulars and new customers, don’t forget to bring in your empty hanging baskets, pots and tubs for refilling for the summer. As always take time out from your gardening jobs, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells surrounding you with a drink of your choice, mine if hopefully the weather warms up will be a nice cold beer! Cheers! Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre
Art Nursery Garden Centre Seed Potatoes Onion sets Giftware Trees Fruit trees & shrubs Terracotta & glazed pots Rockery stone & gravel
Home made snacks, cakes & soups Wide range of coffees (Open weds to Sun 10.30am—4pm)
Vegetable plants & seeds
LOGS COAL CALOR GAS TELEPHONE 01992 523346 Vicarage Lane West, North Weald CM16 6AL (On the same road as St Andrews Church) Page 23.
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Unpaid work for fly-tipper Mr Sam Russell, 24, was sentenced to a 12month community order for 150 hours unpaid work, after pleading guilty to fly-tipping 3 vanloads of waste in Hastingwood, North Weald and 15 black sacks of rubbish in Wickham Bishops Road, Hatfield Peverel.
Mr Sam Russell, 24, was sentenced to a 12month community order for 150 hours unpaid work, after pleading guilty to fly-tipping 3 vanloads of waste in Hastingwood, North Weald and 15 black sacks of rubbish in Wickham Bishops Road, Hatfield Peverel. At Chelmsford Magistrates court on 19 January 2017, he was ordered to pay £1983.70 for both Epping Forest and Braintree District Council’s court costs along with an £85 victim surcharge. Environment and Neighbourhood officers from Epping Forest District Council were called to investigate a fly-tip consisting of mattresses, sofas, building materials, carpets and other waste that had been left on a public footpath in Hastingwood. Evidence led the team to Sam Russell, who had been paid to remove the items from properties in Harlow. It was came to light that Russell was also being investigated by Braintree District Council and so Epping Forest District Council undertook prosecutions for both offences.
Councillor Will Breare-Hall, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Epping Forest District Council said: ”This case highlights the excellent joined up work carried out by local authorities to catch and hold fly-tippers accountable for their criminal actions.” ”Fly-tipping will not be tolerated. It causes extensive damage to our local environment and ruins the beautiful areas we enjoy living in. This case shows that even if fly tippers cross local authority boundaries it does not mean the culprits will escape investigation or prosecution.” ”I urge residents to report details of any fly-tipping in the Epping Forest District.” Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place, at Braintree District Council, said: “Fly-tipping is disgusting – it ruins our environment and costs councils and private landowners thousands of pounds to clear up.” ”Where we have evidence we investigate and take legal action and I would urge residents to report details of any fly-tipping to us so we can continue to pursue those who have no respect for the place they live.” You can report fly tipping by 01992 564608 or visiting the Epping Forest District Council website.
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HRH the Princess Royal opens new CAB building in Epping Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who has been the Patron of Citizens Advice since 1990, formally opened the new CAB building in Hemnall Street, Epping, on the 25 January. She unveiled a plaque and chatted to staff, volunteers, trustees and others involved with the new building. Watch out for council tax and benefits changes in April There are changes to benefits coming up in April so if you are of working age and are receiving benefits or think you might want to claim you should check if these changes will affect you. The first is a change to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This is available for people who cannot work or who have a limited ability to work because of illness or disability. The weekly amount payable to people in what is called the “work-related activity group” will go down by £29 per week to £73. This cut does not affect people in the “support group”. It applies to new or returning claimants only so if you think you may be eligible for ESA it’s important to get your claim in before April. The second is a change to local council tax support, also known as council tax reduction. At present everyone of working age liable for council tax has to pay at least 20% of the council tax on their home. This applies even if you are on very low pay or on benefits. In April the overall level of council tax will go up, largely because of increases from the County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, and in addition the minimum amount payable will go up to 25%. If you are going to struggle to meet these payments you should apply for an exceptional hardship payment from the District Council. If you are receiving benefits you may well be finding it increasingly difficult to manage. Many benefits have been frozen and you may be affected by the benefit cap or the bedroom tax. Don’t forget that if you are on housing benefit you can apply to the District Council for discretionary housing payments to help you meet your housing costs. Here to help As always, Citizens advice can help with advice, form-filling and appeals. We are open in Epping for clients to drop in from 10.00 to 2.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The Loughton branch in Loughton Library is open for drop-in between 9.30 and 1.00, Monday to Thursday. The Waltham Abbey branch in Waltham Abbey Town Hall is open between 9.30 and 1.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also get advice via the Citizens Advice national website – www.citizensadvice.org.uk - or the Essex Adviceline on 03444 770 808.
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LETTER
Dear Editor,
We have a footpath opposite our cottages in Mill Street which we use for walking our dog. We hadn't used it for a few weeks as we were using other footpaths within the area and when we went back to use it, it was completely impassable, full of brambles which had spread from the side of the motorway. We contacted the area inspector from Essex Highways Robert Lee who advised us that although the footpath was on the cutting list for 2017 he was unable to say when it would be cut, however he said, the West Essex Ramblers have a volunteer working party which carries out work on public footpaths, including clearances so he copied his response to Brian Smith, who organises their work. Robert said if they couldn't help out, he would ask if they could arrange for their workforce to do some clearance. Brian emailed us to say he had taken a look at the path, and agreed that it needed a very heavy cut back. He said he had rearranged the West Essex Rambler’s volunteer working party’s work programme, so that they could do the clearance. It was arranged for Tuesday, 31st January. Brian said he had split his volunteers into two teams and his colleague Peter and his team will be dealing with the clearance. While together with his other team Brian would be doing other clearances in the area. Peter and his team of three arrived as Brian said they would at around 10 a.m, on a cold, wet morning. We asked if they needed our help or any assistance but they said they were fine so we let them get on with the job in hand. They said they would be working for approximately two hours so we decided to visit to view their progress as had been suggested. When we went over just two hours later we were astounded by the fantastic job they had done. The whole length of the path was completely cleared, with brambles cut back along the whole length. We were amazed that in such a short space of time these four volunteers had worked so hard to clear this footpath for us all to use. With our roads in Mill Street and Hastingwood being so busy with traffic cutting through it is lovely to be able to walk across the road to use the footpath network for walks. We want to extend our thanks for the hard work Brian and all the volunteers do to keep our footpaths in Epping Forest clear for us all to enjoy. M. Dunmore Page 27
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CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church Firstly, a couple of exciting things going on – dates for your diary! Sunday March 26th at St Andrew’s Church – 9.15am Family Communion to celebrate Mothering Sunday. Monday April 10th at St Andrew’s School - Messy Church comes to North Weald! Come for fun activities for all the family together as we think about the meaning of Easter. More details next month – probably mid morning to mid afternoon including lunch. In the meantime, here’s a little something to think about. How many of us think we’re perfect people, never doing anything wrong? I won’t come round the village and ask – don’t worry! And I suspect that very few, if any of us, would claim to be “perfect” – but I also suspect that most of us wouldn’t fancy owning up to those things that make our lives less than we know they can be. Those things we carry on doing, even though they annoy others: those times we’re determined to do what we want, come what may. Or even the times we deliberately choose to break the law because we don’t think anyone will get hurt if we do – speeding on quiet roads, perhaps? Christians have a word for all this – “sin”. And I’ll be the first to admit that Christians have got too hung up on certain kinds of sin in the past, and not worried enough by others. But “sin” isn’t just the sort of thing that’s liable to get our picture plastered over the front of a tabloid newspaper – in reality, it’s anything that separates us from God and from our neighbour.
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And too often I think we’re content to be separated from God’s love – and maybe our neighbours’ love too – by doing what we want, rather than seeing that God offers us all something so much better. Christians mark the time of Lent – the period this year beginning on March 1st and ending at Easter – as a time when we think about those things that separate us from God and our neighbour, and we ask for God’s forgiveness and help to lead our lives more as God wants us to. But even if we don’t feel we have much faith to speak of, it’s surely a good time to reflect on our lives and to ask if we could all perhaps be a bit less selfish in what we do and say. We often complain, don’t we, about how rotten the world seems to be, but the process of changing the world must always start with ourselves. For though being perfect really is impossible to achieve ourselves, given our human nature, God really does want us and our world to flourish. As Jesus said, (in John 10, verse 10) “I have come that they (i.e we!) can have more and better life than they ever dreamed of”. Fr James Rodley
Telephone: 01992 522351 Tylers Green, 284 High Road, North Weald CM16 6EG
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Tel: 07814 863955
Priest-in-charge, St Andrew's North Weald and St Mary Magdalene, Harlow Common Contact me: jwerodley@yahoo.co.uk or 01279 451065)
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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St Andrew’s Church Introduces a Street -by-Street Weekly Prayer Cycle Commencing last month at St Andrew's Church prayers are being offered each Sunday for the residents of a different road in North Weald. The scheme is not new but this will be the first time that it has been put into operation in North Weald. Every month, with the assistance of North Weald Village Life magazine, the name of the road and the Sunday upon which prayers for the people who live in that road will be publicised. Readers who live in the named roads, which will be in alphabetical sequence, and who have particular concerns or worries about people they know who live there will be invited to contact Mrs R.Scott on 01992 522091 to give as much or as little detail as they feel appropriate. These residents for whom prayers have been requested will then be included in the prayers at the 9.15am Parish Mass. The February dates are as follows: Sunday February 26: Blackhorse Lane Sunday March 5: Blenheim Square
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Sunday March 12: Blenheim Way
BRING&BUY COFFEE MORNING North Weald Methodist church 10.00am – 12.00noon on 25th March
Sunday March 19: Bluemans Sunday March 26: Bluemans end Report from Edwyn Gilmour, Lay Minister, St Andrew’s Parish Church.
Many of us can remember the days when the impact of polio was feared in the UK and there were regular outbreaks with crippling results. The world is now largely free of polio but there are still 3 countries –Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan where the disease is present. Since 1975, the Rotary clubs throughout the world have raised over $1.6 billion to eradicate polio and provided countless volunteer hours to inoculate millions of children in affected countries; the financial contribution is currently being matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for up to $35million per annum until 2018. Rotary Clubs in the UK have raised over £20 million in the battle to eliminate polio and are taking part in a final push to finish this task. To this end North Weald Methodist Church are hosting a bring & buy coffee morning and hope that as many of you as possible will come and support this final push and worthwhile cause.
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North Weald Cricket Club News Following four successive seasons of promotion within the Herts and Essex cricket league, 2016 became a real year of transition. Several players by coincidence all moved out of the area in the mid-season period as a result of job changes or promotions, which was great for them, but resulted in the strength of the squad becoming somewhat depleted, and the club slipped from 2nd in the league to 9th and were relegated. Coupled with the multi use practise area being vandalised which prevented both the children and adult squads from practicing, the summer was a difficult one for the volunteers that keep the club running. Despite this troublesome period, 2017 has started well with the club being accepted into the ECB's (England and Wales Cricket Board) 'All star cricket development programme', this is a national concept to train 5-11 year old children that the club is proud to be involved with. This children's programme will commence outdoors when (soon please) the weather improves. In the mean time the senior team have started to train on Sundays at Midday at the Herts and Essex Cricket Centre near Sawbridgeworth. Anyone that would like to come along is welcome, contact Bob Wood on 522677 for more information.
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Silent Assassin There is an evil beast that lurks inside, It’ll twist and turn until you have nowhere else to hide. It brings with it no joy or delight, definately nothing to cheer, It quietly creeps up on you or someone very near. It’ll consume all that it touches in a way that no other evil can, It has no preference whether you’re a woman or a man. Silently traveling on the course it has chosen, Calmly waiting for it’s moment to cause a mass commotion. It makes no difference who or what you are, It has no pre-requisite that you must pass before it’ll release it’s fire. So unkind to it’s victims and all those close to their life, It’s a cold blooded killer just without a knife. We have all felt it’s wrath at some point amongst family and friends, Leaving most of us sadly knowing how it’s vicious visit ends. It’s a word we all know but no one likes to say, For we usually can’t come to terms with all the unfairness linked with it’s stay. My thoughts and prayers are with all that might be sadly touched by this thief, As all we can do is to support and help it’s laest victim and try to bring them our love and relief.
My biggest regret is anger with the lord god up above, Is why is it always the good ones and the people you most love Source: Andy—resident poet.
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£5,000 fine for duty of care failures Bee services (UK) limited of Woodside, Epping, has been given a £5,000 fine after waste from the company was fly-tipped on Weald Hall Lane, Thornwood and Old House Lane, Roydon in November 2015. The Director, Mr Bill Johal, paid £732.44 in court costs along with a victim surcharge of £170. At court, he pleaded guilty on behalf of the cleaning company for failing in their duty of care when disposing of waste. The company must also pay £100 to Epping Forest District Council for clear up costs of the rubbish which consisted of black sacks of shredding, old files, wood material, cardboard boxes, envelopes addressed to the company and other waste relating to the business and the renovation of offices. Waste from the company was usually sent to be disposed of at their premises in Kent, but on this particular occasion it had been given to a man in a van, without checking he had the correct waste disposal licence and without exchange a waste transfer note. Cllr Will Breare-Hall, Environment portfolio Holder at Epping Forest District Council said: ”Businesses that produce commercial waste have a duty of care to dispose of their rubbish properly and must always check that anyone they give their rubbish to has the correct licence and exchange the right documents. ”
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”I would urge business owners to always check, challenge and record all the details of anyone who takes their rubbish away. If their waste ends up being fly tipped it can prove to be extremely costly for the company if they have not complied with their duty.”
”Complying with waste duty of care is essential in the battle against fly-tipping, to stop waste getting into the hands of rogue traders who fly-tip for profit.” Always check that the company or person you are intending to give your waste to is authorised to take it. Ask for their waste carriers registration details. Telephone the Environment Agency to check the public register on 03708 506 506. Always ask for their details and what will happen to your waste. Ask yourself – Is it a good idea to employ somebody who has “cold called” offering to remove waste before you have checked their details? Get some quotes for the clearance work. Trust your instincts. If in doubt, don’t give them your waste. Always record the details of who you give your waste to and any vehicles involved. Legal waste operators will be happy to cooperate. Householders must make reasonable checks and businesses who produce commercial waste must keep waste transfer notes to comply with their waste duty of care.
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
BIRD FEATURE - MARCH Hello, here is the article to cover March. I am writing this as a cold spell in mid February is giving way to some milder weather and obviously as March itself progresses things should get increasingly spring-like and many birds will be getting into their breeding season. We've had one or two cold spells this winter, seemingly more so than some other recent winters, and as a consequence I have noticed more activity at the feeder in my garden. I normally only get Coal Tits on an occasional basis during the winters, coming to the garden on and off when temperatures have fallen but this winter I have had a pair turning up on a daily basis for a good 7 or 8 weeks now. They are a welcome addition to the garden with their attractive buff plumage and distinctive black and white striped heads. There have also been higher numbers of Blue Tits and Great Tits and also numerous Goldfinches, all hoovering up the sunflower seeds that are on offer. Beyond the garden I have started to notice winter thrush numbers slowly increasing again after a mid winter lull - most of the ones we saw earlier in the season will have moved on to other parts of the country and are now starting to pass back through our area again prior to migrating back to their mostly Scandinavian breeding areas. Unfortunately there have been no Waxwings to be seen so it looks like being another winter without any to log locally, I think it was 2010 when we last saw some in the North Weald area. The Meadow Pipits that were frequenting Weald Common for several weeks have now largely dispersed with numbers down from over a dozen to just a couple. Just about the most numerous bird overall is the Blackbird with some days seeing one or two every few metres or so in bushes, hedges etc, foraging for worms at ground level and berries in trees etc. Because they are largely spread out they don't necessarily seem that many in number but in reality there are scores of them around Weald Common and beyond. Many Blackbirds actually migrate to the UK during the autumn and winter, boosting the resident population for several months. There has been a pair of Song Thrushes near the village hall and further along into Weald Common and I have heard a singing male so as this is suitable breeding habitat there could be nesting somewhere near there in the spring. The Song Thrush was once more numerous than the Blackbird but numbers have declined over the last few decades although they are still widespread in the UK and I think the declines have started to level off. This is a handsome bird,overall it is mostly brown but the creamy / buff underparts with streaky dark markings give it an attractive look. I would imagine there are a few pairs in total around the village and they could even nest in a garden which has suitable cover. Gull numbers have been up and down, some days I have noticed quite big flocks in local fields but on other days I have only seen a few flying around. The fields adjacent to the road to Epping as it goes under the M11 sometimes have good numbers of gulls to be seen but at other times they are absent and this can also be the case at the airfield. One bird of prey that has seen a decline in numbers is the Kestrel but we seem to have a good spread of them in our area with sightings quite central in the village and plenty of territories in the farmland areas especially to the east of North Weald, towards Moreton and Matching Green etc. Some will favour the classic 'hovering' method of hunting for prey but plenty are to be seen sitting on telegraph poles or in smaller trees looking down for mice, voles etc. If you see one close up you will realise that they do in fact have a rich plumage and are a very smart appearance. The Kestrel was once the UK's commonest bird of prey but apparently is now second to the Buzzard which has spread rapidlly throughout the UK over the last 20 - 30 years, including some in our area. One strange bird encounter came in the first week of February when on 3 or 4 evenings I heard what I believe to be geese of some sort flying over. There seemed to be a few of them but it was around 6pm each time so it was dark and I could only hear them. I would imagine they were most likely Canada Geese - an introduced species which is now very widespread in UK - but you do get geese that visit the UK during the winter and just maybe a small flock of another species was somewhere in our area. As I mentioned above, March should see a lot of birds commence the breeding for 2017 and certainly there will be increasing singing, courtship and nest building activities as territories are established and some of you may have a nest box in your garden which could be occupied by likely species such as Blue Tits and Great Tits amongst others with the size of the entrance hole determining which species is most likely to use it. The second half of February sees the annual National Nest Box Week which encourages people to erect a box to provide a potential home for birds. Not all boxes will actually be used although some may be subsequently be utilised during the winter when small birds are known to sometimes roost in them, most famously being the Wren which can cram in to a box with other Wrens providing cover and shared body warmth to help them survive winter nights. If you were lucky enough to have a next box in your garden that was used last year then it would be good practice to clean it out so that parasites, mould etc are eradicated. There are several good sites on line which provide advice on positioning next boxes and how to look after them. By the end of March we may just see the first of the summer arrivals, depending on various factors but primarily the weather which can delay arrivals by some days in adverse conditions. There will be researchers throughout the UK and indeed the rest of Europe logging first arrival dates of birds as well as other signs of spring in the animal and plant kingdoms and this data will be stored and compared with other years. A few more weeks and I will have some data for our own area. As I always say, if you can manage to get out and about in the area then keep a look out, there are several accessible locations in the village and the vicinity where just a few minutes looking about can produce some interesting sightings. All the best, Paul Corbet. Page 34
Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society
01992 717676
North Weald Methodist Hall
01992 522143
Cats Protection
0333 200 1484
North Weald Library
01992 522896
Citizens Advice Bureau
03444 77 0808
North Weald Village Hall Bookings
01992 523731
01992 523825
Crimestoppers
0800 555111
North Weald Parish Council
Doctors High Street, Epping
01992 579270
Queens Community Centre Hall Bookings
northwealdvillagehall.org/
07522 473024
Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)
01992 566500
NHS Direct
0845 4647
Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)
01992 573838
Police, Epping Station
0300 333 4444
Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383
Police, Neighbourhood/local
101
Epping Forest District Council
Police, Emergency
999
Police Online reporting
www.essex.police.uk/doitonline
01992 564000
Essex County Councillors: North Weald—A. Jackson Thornwood—J. Whitehouse
01992 560566 01992 561875
Hospital, St Margarets, Epping
01992 561666
RSPCA
01279 306058
Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
01279 444455
Stuart Poulton
01992 522607
24 Hour
01992 572607
London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)
01992 522183
St Andrews Primary School
01992 522283
North Weald Airfield
01992 564200
North Weald Chemist
01992 523887
Traveline
0870 6082608
LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers
North Weald Preservation Society
Queens Hall Charity
Tel: 01992 524672
Tel: read 01992 522618/522630
Tel: 522910
British Legion, North Weald Branch
North Weald Cricket Club
Rapier Cycling Club
Tel: 01992 614415
Northweald.play-cricket.com
Tel: 524631
Dance Factory
North Weald Kickboxing
Taoist Tai Chi Society
Tel: 07976 786404
Tel: 07433 2843128
Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625
Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer
North Weald Scouts Group
Theydon Jazz Club
Tel: 01277 365200
01992 524672
01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com
Epping Forest Badger Group
Thornwood Seniors
Tel: 576038
North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s
Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex
Tel: 522196
Three Valleys Male Voice Choir
Tel: 522464 Epping Forest Rotary Club
North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club
Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk
Tel: 07855 911323
Tel: 522803
West Essex Flower Club
Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum
North Weald Women’s Institute (Evg)
Tel: 524631
Tel: 01708 250820
Tel: 522258
North Weald Angling Club
Queens Hall Bowls Club
Tel: 01992 524071
Tel: 523375 or 522052
Tel: 577872