North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community
FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly
Issue: 140
April 2018
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: • • • .
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News Shop, High Road Kings Head Garage, High Road North Weald Library Art Nursery, Vicarage Lane Newsagents, Coopersale Happy Grow Nursery, Thornwood Davis Estate Agents, High Road North Weald Chemist
Easter is approaching and snow is on the ground again. Although I liked the snow this time, it seemed to fall on the trees, bushes and in the garden but not on the paths or roads. Great scenery without disruption.
There are sighs of spring though, daffodils in bloom in gardens and I have seen some signs of blossom on the trees. And to take this one step further, I think Hay Fever has even started to kick in with me. I always react to the early stages of spring and right the way through. Still I think Spring is my favourite season. Signs of new life and lighter evenings which extend the days. Thank you to everybody who has asked after Andy, he is unfortunately still in hospital although I hope he will be released soon. I have passed all your good wishes onto him. So sorry no poem this month either. One of our dogs has separation anxiety and does not me at the best of times and seems to be taking out his upset on me. I think he wants to become the Alpha Male or whatever it is called although I wouldn't call Andy that either!! Easter is fast approaching, and Easter eggs are everywhere. I really do think they are overpriced for what they are. All packaging with a couple of bars of chocolate and a thin chocolate egg. You really do pay for the packaging more than anything. I don’t think I am going to buy any Easter eggs this year, I am going to buy a couple of bars of chocolate and wrap them up with something else, a small plant, or something homemade. A bit of cellophane and a pretty ribbon—a nicer present. There is such a thing as too much chocolate.
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.
Sadly, we have lost of one of our regular contributors, namely the Happy Wanderer, who sadly died a few weeks ago. You can read a tribute to him later in the magazine.
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I have discovered Podcasts recently, which I listen to when I am driving, of which I am doing a lot recently. They are like mini radio shows/recordings lasting between 10 and 30 minutes and feature many different subjects. Sometimes I am not in the mood to listen to music and just want to listen to something else. So now I am hooked. I have loads downloaded ready to listen too.
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 was talking the other day with a friend about superstitions, one of the ones we always do is whistle and salute when we see a single magpie and people have often commented or asked what we are doing when they have seen us do this. This of course goes hand in hand with not crossing on the stairs or walking under ladders. Although of course not crossing in the stairs is so hard when you are in hospital or public buildings, you might never get anywhere. What are your strange superstitions? Hopefully see you around the village soon, as the days get longer.
Telephone: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Address: 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU
Epping,
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
June Editor
Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure any data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it ’s editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form electronically. Mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.
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EASTER BRAIN TEASER —Win a box of chocolates • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Easter Chocolate Egg Rabbit Chick Basket Holiday Church Tradition Believe Faith Good Friday Lent Hunt Holy
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Congratulations this month to N. Bradley who won last months prize and will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. This month the lucky winner can celebrate with a box of chocolates. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to April Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th April. 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.
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www.eppingtreecompany.co.uk Email: info@eppingtreecompany.co.uk Page 4
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St Clare Hospice’s twelfth annual Winter Walkies sets tails wagging! From Beagles to Bulldogs, and Sausage Dogs to Schnauzers, more than 100 dogs joined St Clare Hospice’s annual Winter Walkies event on Sunday (25th February). At the head of the pack was the winner of the Hospice’s Cutest Canine competition, Milo the Cockapoo puppy, who led more than 250 walkers out the gates of the Hastingwood-based Hospice for the sponsored 5km countryside stroll. This year’s Winter Walkies fundraising event is expected to raise over £5,000 for St Clare once all sponsorship money has been received. There were plenty of wagging tails as the pets and their owners set off at 11.00am, making their way down into Hastingwood and across the beautiful Essex countryside. Amongst the participants was St Clare Patron, Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, who took part with her two Bichon Frise. Commenting on the event Dame Claire said: “Winter Walkies is a great community event. I can’t think of a nicer way to raise funds for St Clare than by taking part in a walk with dozens of other dog lovers and their pets across the beautiful countryside around the Hospice. My dogs loved being with so many other dogs of all shapes and sizes, and it was actually very moving to see hundreds of people gathered in support of St Clare.” The event organiser, St Clare Challenges and Events Fundraiser, Emma Broadbent said: “This was the twelfth year that we have organised Winter Walkies and it continues to be our best loved event, with hundreds of four-legged friends and their humans taking part. It really was a sight to see so many happy wagging tails held aloft as the dogs set off out the Hospice gate.” Emma continued: “It was a privilege to organise such a fun event and to see so many people from our local community joining forces to help raise money and awareness for their local hospice. We’d like to thank everyone who came along or supported the event, helping us raise much-needed funds so we can provide our skilled and compassionate care to every local family who needs us – and we look forward to setting the bar even higher for next year!” This year’s event was kindly sponsored by Forest Veterinary Centre of Epping.
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07432 843128 Page 6
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday
Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes
8.15pm & 9.15pm
Every Monday
Taoist Tai Chi
10.30am —12.30
North Weald Village Hall. Beginners at 8.15 and intermediate at 9.15. Contact Debbie on 07872 427946. Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping. Tel: 01992 523854.
Every Tuesday
Taoist Tai Chi
7.30pm— 9pm
Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Tel 01992 523854 for more information
Every 1st Tuesday
Ongar Flower Club
7.30pm
Every Tuesday
Baby & Toddler Group
1.15pm— 2.45pm
Zinc Arts Centre, High Road, Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £4.50 members free. Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 per family.
Every Thursday
Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time
10.30am —11am
North Weald Library. For under 5’s and their parents/carers (term time only) Songs, rhymes and stories. Free to attend
Every Thursday
Bingo
7pm— 9.30m
Wheelers Farm Gardens, £4 for book of 8 pages (2 games per page) Option Flyer £1. 50p for small raffle and cup of tea/coffee. Over 18 only
Every third Saturday in the month Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in the month
The Jack Free Show Theydon & Abridge Jazz
8pm— 10.30pm
Thornwood Village Hall
Every Saturday and Sunday
North Weald Airfield Museum
North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way
Every second Saturday of the month Every second and Fourth Wednesday
Ploughmans Lunch
12 noon— 5pm 12noon
Theydon Jazz
8pm
First Tuesday of the month
Ongar Flower Club
7.30pm
Every Tuesday
Board Games Session
2.30— 4.30pm
Monday 28th March
Annual Parish Assembly
7pm
Parish Hall, Weald Hall Lane
Wednesday 4th April
North Weald WI
1.45pm
North Weald Village Hall. This month’s speaker is Mrs Brewer with the title ‘Queen of Egypt’. Come and join us at North Weald Village Hall, visitors welcome £3.00 on the door
Sunday 8th April
Thornwood Village Fundraiser—Sunday Lunch
12.30— 4pm
Thornwood Village Hall. Licensed bar available. £7.00 per person. Booking required by 2nd April. Ring Shirley on 01992 577100.
Monday 9th April
West Essex Flower Club
1.45pm
Thornwood Village Hall.Neil Bain, a very popular flower arranger will be there, also a Spring Plant Stall. All Welcome. Visitors pay £5.00 on the door
Wednesday 11th April
AGM North Weald Village HAll
7pm
Derek Tringham Lounge, North Weald Village Hall
North Weald Village Hall
North Weald Village Hall. In aid of NWSS. All welcome Abridge village hall. Enquires davedyer24@gmail.com or phone 07903 879209 Zinc Arts Centre, Ongar High Road. friendly group who enjoy a varied programme of flower demonstrations, in a social atmosphere. Tea, coffee and all the floral designs raffled at the end of the evening! Visitors always welcome, £4.50. 01277.365441 North Weald Library. Learn new games. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm. All ages welcome Free drop-in session
If you know of a local event, please let me know and I will include this in the events calendar on www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk. There is also a new Facebook Group— North Weald village Life events—events are posted by myself and members that are taking place throughout Essex, London and Hertfordshire.
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Planning Applications Planning File No: Application No: Officer Name: Application Name: Location: Proposal:
010960 EPF/0509/18 James Rogers Mrs S Rogers Wyldingtree Lodge Weald Bridge Road North Weald Bassett Epping CM16 6AS Certificate of Lawful Development for existing use of outbuilding as a separate dwelling.
Any representations on applications should be made in writing by Monday 9th April 2018. 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
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The A G M of the North Weald Village Hall Trustees’ will take place on Wednesday 11th April at 7.00 p.m. in the Derek Tringham Lounge.
£2million to transform children's services County Council has officially been named as one of eight Local Authority Partners in Practice by the Department for Education. This will g i v e t h em f u r t h e r opportunities to share their learning in transforming children's services as local and national government come together to work to improve outcomes for vulnerable children across the country.
All welcome
Bring the library to those that need it If you enjoy chatting to people and have a few hours to spare each month then you could help make a huge difference to the lives of those unable to visit a library by bringing it to them. The Home Library Service is for anyone unable to visit the library because of ill health, disability or caring responsibilities, enabling them to still enjoy what the library has to offer. Now Essex Libraries is looking for additional volunteers to help expand the service. Volunteers help by selecting from the library’s excellent choice of books, including large print, audio or e-audio books and DVDs, to match what customers have said they like.
A package of support worth £17million has just been announced, of which ECC has been awarded £2.1million to help local authorities where children’s services have been rated ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted. The funding is part of the Government’s £20million improvement strategy for children’s social care and will see the Partners in Practice programme – children’s services which are rated ‘good’ by Ofsted – develop and share strong practice, and deliver hands-on peer support to other councils.
To find out more about how to volunteer you can contact your local library, call 0345 603 7628 or visit the website— libraries.essex.gov.uk/volunteering-with-libraries/
Edible and Ornamental Containers and Baskets Workshop Where: Cammas Hall Fruit Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, CM22 7JT When: Wednesday 23rd May 2018, Tuesday 5th June at 10.00 Tickets: £25 adults Learn how to put together a basket or container using edible and ornamental plants such as herbs, veggie plants and early summer flowering plants. The course is 2.5 hours duration. Materials are included in the price. Refreshments will be provided. To book your place, call the farm office 01279 718570 Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00 Page 9
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Patient Panel cancer conference: what matters to you? West Essex residents are invited to attend a cancer conference, led by the Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust’s Patient Panel and West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (WECCG). Following the national Be Clear on Cancer campaign, residents in Essex and Hertfordshire can be assured that their local hospital provides a top class service, after Princess Alexandra Hospital topped trusts nationwide to reach No 1 for cancer treatment waiting times. The great performance is echoed by patients themselves who also rate their experience of the service highly. In the most recent National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, improvements were seen in 33 out of 50 questions. With this recent first class rating awarded to The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, there is no better time to get involved. If you, a friend, or relative have experienced cancer at any stage, then we would really value your insight and contribution to this event. There will be opportunities to take part in workshops focusing on practical topics such as managing finances and balancing work alongside cancer treatment. This cancer conference first, also supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, will focus on existing cancer services and discussions on practical steps that can be taken to improve patient care and experiences in this area. The day will include Q&A sessions, workshops and a complimentary lunch for all attendees. Free parking will also be available onsite. The conference will take place at the Harlow Leisurezone Resource Centre, CM20 3DT, on Thursday 29 March 2018 from 10am3.30pm. If you would like to join attend the conference, please confirm by emailing patient.panel@pah.nhs.uk or calling 07585 401 314.
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Keeping children safe online
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In conjunction with the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day which took place on Sunday 18th March, Essex, Southend and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Boards in partnership with Essex Police, are re-launching the I Didn’t Know campaign. It will focus on online safety awareness and youth produced sexual imagery followed by a week long social media campaign. Online abuse is present in over 60% of all cases of child sexual exploitation investigated by Essex Police and research shows that parents and carers are unaware of the dangers of social media, and the privacy settings available on social media apps. The campaign will highlight the risks to children from online threats; provide tips to parents on what they can do to help keep their child safe online and what to do if they have concerns; support children to use their mobiles and other devices safely, responsibly and positively and what to do if they are worried about something they have seen or been asked to do online. You can get involved with the campaign on social media using the hashtag #KnowAboutCSE to help spread awareness of the importance of privacy settings online.
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Thornwood Village Fundraiser Village Hall, Thornwood.
Sunday 8th April 2018 Come along and enjoy a get together with Sunday Lunch
************** Soup Chicken Pie & Vegetables Dessert **************** 12.30pm to 4pm (lunch served between 1pm and 2.30pm) Licensed Bar available ÂŁ7.00 per person (booking required by 2nd April 2018) Please contact Shirley on 01992 577100 to reserve your place (First come, first serves basis due to maximum of 70)
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Advice, support and resources can be found at essex.police.uk/ onlineCSE . You can find information on ways that online abuse can happen, things to look out for and what to do if you are concerned. You can report online abuse through the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) website or the Internet Watch Foundation. Or report anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111.
If you are concerned about a child in Essex, call Children & Families Hub (Social Care): 0345 603 7627 or 0345 606 1212 (out of hours).
ST ANDREWS SCHOOL
Caretaker Required We are looking to recruit a caretaker to work at our school, starting on 1st June. The post is for 37 hours each week, working a split shift morning and late afternoon. There is no evening work involved. Please phone 01992522283 or email admin@st-andrewsnorthweald.essex.sch.uk for more details. We look forward to hearing from you. Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Plaque highlights 'Charlie's Garden' A garden area at the Thornwood Common allotments site has been named after a long-time gardener and allotment holder who has tended the area for many years. Charlie Boshier, who is in his nineties, continues to look after the area behind the allotment plots by the Parish Hall. A plaque highlighting 'Charlie's Garden' was officially unveiled at the annual meeting of the parish council's allotment holders on Sunday. Parish clerk Sue De Luca said: " Charlie has had a plot on the allotments for about 40 years and has made the Garden Plot into something special for all allotment holders to view and enjoy "The parish council and all allotments holders are encouraged by the amount of work he does and are always pleased to see him on and around his plot."
Change to Sunday Bus Service Essex County Council have confirmed changes to Bus Service 501 on Sundays and Bank Holidays (Ongar to Harlow) via North Weald and Epping. The Sunday service 501 which is currently operated by NIBS buses will be withdrawn with effect from 28th March. The service provides a bus every two hours between Ongar and Harlow. However, Trustybus service 420 (North Weald to Harlow) via Epping will be extended to Ongar with effect from 30th March and will offer an hourly service.
Please remember To mention to Advertisers That you found their details in North Weald village Life Magazine or website
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Citizen of the Year Awards 2018 The district’s most celebrated residents were recognised at the annual Epping Forest District Council Civic Awards Ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in Waltham Abbey on Friday 16 March 2018. The glittering awards evening was hosted by the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor David Stallan. Chairman David Stallan said: “Every year we dedicate an evening to celebrate Epping Forest’s residents achievements, successes and their unwavering dedication to the area and their communities. This year was no different.”
“To the winners and runners up, congratulations. It is people like you that make the world a better place. Thank you for your selflessness, generosity and compassion.” In honour and celebration of the Youth Council’s 10th anniversary this year, serving and former Youth Councillors were asked to present each award to the winners Staff Sergeant Instructor Dan Bees was named the winner of the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award. He is the Essex Army Cadet Force Adult Volunteer for the Epping cadets. Staff Instructor Bees has been selflessly dedicated to his group of young army cadets, teaching them life skills, increasing attendance and certification pass rates. His supportive and kind nature inspires his cadets to realise the importance of community spirit and helping others Lee Tant was highly commended for her priceless contribution to the Epping Forest Reuse service since its opening in 2013 and her passion for fundraising. Ray Harris was awarded for his outstanding charity work and for his involvement in community action for people with disabilities for over 2 decades. Mitchell Tassie, a young man from North Weald was named Young Citizen of the Year 2018. Mitchell is head cadet for the Epping Forest Volunteer Police Cadets and gives back to his community through conservation work and supporting local projects.
The Chigwell Riding Trust volunteers were named Team of the Year 2018. Epping Forest District Council Youth Council award winners Abigail Whelan, Jacob McNulty, Adam Freeman, Suzannah Halcrow and Annabelle Yaman were all commended for their outstanding achievements and dedication to their roles and Youth Councillors. Community service medals were received by Detective Inspector Rob Staples of Essex Police and Community Commander Mark Samuels of the Essex Fire and Rescue Service Sam Edmunds and William Patrick Harrison of Chalk Lane Theatre Company were the winners of the creativity award, receiving a £1,000 bursary towards taking their production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2018. Christianna Vitanova, a promising young rhythmic gymnast from Chigwell was the winner of this year’s sports bursary of £1,000. Well done to everybody who received an Award, these are all worthy and deserving winners. Page 13
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Citizens Advice Bureau comes to Ongar Citizens Advice Epping Forest District will now be running regular monthly outreach sessions from Chipping Ongar Library. Following a successful pilot between October 2017 and February 2018, there has been a steady increase in the number of clients attending the sessions. The good feedback received highlighted the need for the service in the Ongar area—Chipping Ongar Library is located at The Pleasance, High Street, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9AB . An adviser will be available between 10am and 12 noon on every 3rd Tuesday of the month
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17 April 15 May 9 June 17 July 21 August 18 September
Citizens advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to help people overcome a range of problems. Most of the issues Citizens Advice Epping Forest District deal with fall broadly into money/debt, benefit, housing, family or employment problems. Whether you are facing a crisis, or just considering your options, come and see their friendly adviser for help to find a solution to your problem.
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Parish council raises concerns over homeless accommodation 'pods' North Weald Bassett Parish Council has voiced no objection over plans to locate three steel-framed 'pods' in the grounds of Norway House to house 'vulnerable' homeless people. However the council is to raise concerns with Epping Forest District Council over who will live in the 'pods' after originally being told the 'vulnerable' occupants would have mental health issues. Parish clerk Sue De Luca told Monday's parish council planning committee meeting that district council planning officers had said 'vulnerable' simply related to the fact that the occupants would be homeless people. Parish councillors are also concerned over the shared kitchens which form part of each of the 'pods'. Councillor Terry Blanks said: "To have 'vulnerable' people in such close proximity sharing a kitchen is the height of stupidity." Councillor Sheila Jackman said she felt that if the residents did have mental health issues then such accommodation was in the wrong place to house such people. Mr Blanks added: "I'm also a bit worried about Redbridge importing somebody else's vulnerable adults into the village. It sounds like we have enough."
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He also raised concern that the 'pods' were not part of the main Norway House. He said: "What worries me is that these are not part of the main building so the ability of the staff to run it may not run to three 'shed' arrangements which puts a strain on the staff. " He also highlighted the former Phoenix Hotel on Epping Road which was currently being used by Redbridge Council to house homeless people from the London borough. The committee also raised concern over the appearance of the 'pods' next to an historic listed building.
If you want to include an announcement for a birth, death, marriage, anniversary or birthday of a local person —please send these to me via email and I will include it in a future issue
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest events Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife
Parish council highlights GP surgery issue again The continued absence of a doctors' surgery in North Weald is being highlighted again by North Weald Bassett Parish Council. The branch surgery at Wheelers Farm Gardens has been closed since last July. Councillors have been told that refurbishment plans for the building, which is owned by Hanover Housing Association, had been delayed by NHS England. The parish council pressed The Limes for the return of a surgery, and has also contacted MP Alex Burghart over the issue. He has told the council that he has contacted The Limes for an explanation. Meanwhile the parish council has suggested taking the matter up with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and Hanover. Parish clerk Sue De Luca told Monday's parish council meeting that an unnamed developer was due to have talks with The Limes about providing a surgery building as part of a possible development. Commenting on the ongoing situation which has left North Weald without GP access in the village, council vice-chairman Brian Eldridge said: "I think this is ridiculous." Councillor Elaine Godwin-Brown supported the suggestion of councillor Sheila Jackman that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt should be contacted saying: "If there is anybody in a position to do something it's him. " Councillor Andy Tyler said: "The whole thing hinges on the refurbishment of this building." Supporting the suggestion that Hanover Housing Association should be contacted, he added: "The more ripples we create in this pond the more chances there are we will get a response."
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Hospice seeks new volunteers for project to tackle loneliness St Clare Hospice is seeking volunteers to support their new community-led project aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation across West Essex and East Herts. The Hastingwood-based hospice charity launched the Compassionate Neighbours project in February 2018 and is aiming to recruit 50 volunteer Compassionate Neighbours over the next 12 months. Outlining the role of a Compassionate Neighbour, St Clare Hospice’s Compassionate Neighbours Project Manager Stacey Towler said: “People living with a life-limiting illness often struggle with loneliness and social isolation. Compassionate Neighbours can really make a difference and offer some extra support. They are a network of trained volunteers who offer their time, companionship and a listening ear to people living in their community who are coping with illness or old age. Compassionate Neighbours help others by visiting regularly; offering companionship and emotional support; helping them to do the things they like doing; and helping them stay connected to the community as well as family and friends.” St Clare Hospice is looking for people who live in Uttlesford District, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow and Epping Forest, to become a Compassionate Neighbour. Compassionate Neighbours will be provided with a full training programme, free of charge. The training courses are informal, fun and inspirational, giving volunteers the opportunity to explore how they can use their compassion to help others and give them the confidence to support people in their community. Please note that you must be over 18 to volunteer for this service. St Clare Hospice will carry out a relevant DBS check and you must be willing to give up your time on a regular basis To find out more about becoming a Compassionate Neighbours project contact the Compassionate Neighbours Project Manager, Stacey Towler, on 01279 773279 or visit stclarehospice.org.uk/ care/compassionate-neighbours/
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Parish council to consider grit bin request North Weald Bassett Parish Council is to consider purchasing a grit bin for use by volunteers to try and keep St Andrew's Primary School open in wintry weather. Last week the school, in Beamish Close, had to close for three days because of snow and ice. North Weald Bassett Parish Council's meeting on Monday was told that 17 volunteers were willing to spread salt on School Green Lane and Beamish Close when necessary. However councillors raised concerns over whether gritting the approach roads would ensure that the school could open. Councillor Nigel Bedford told the meeting one of the issues which resulted in the school having to close was that teachers could not get to North Weald. Staff also had to assess the entire school grounds, and not just the approaches, and ensure they were safe before keeping the school open. Mr Bedford said: "We can provide the route in but the school could close because of the state of the grounds and teachers won't be able to get in."
Councillor George Mulliner asked whether the volunteers would be liable.
College student stabbed During the day, on Thursday 15th April, an Epping Forest College student was taken to hospital after he was stabbed in the buttocks outside the college premises. The student managed to return to the college where he was given first aid. In a statement, the college said: "A student of our college was involved in an incident outside the college’s premises that resulted in him being stabbed in the buttocks. "The incident allegedly involved three males who are not students of the college. "The victim returned to the college by himself and was given immediate first aid treatment. Police and ambulance were called to the scene. "The victim’s family were informed and he was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Parish clerk Sue De Luca said they would need to attend a short training course before undertaking salt spreading duties.
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Source: #EFFLIVE Page 18.
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News from St Andrew’s School At the end of January, St Andrew’s had a long awaited visit from OFSTED. We had been expecting this for at least a year and were relieved when we finally received the call to say the Inspector was coming into school on 30th January. The Inspector and a colleague spent the day with us, talking to children, visiting classrooms, looking at children’s work and asking lots of questions about our school. We were delighted that, at the end of the day, we were told that our school remained Good. We weren’t allowed to share this good news with anyone until the final report was published. This took three weeks and it was very hard to keep this to ourselves. The Inspector recognised that many changes have taken place in our school since the last inspection, including opening our new building, welcoming lots of new staff and increasing the number of children at the school. We were delighted that the Inspector recognised how important our Christian ethos is to everyone at St Andrew’s and she said in the report, “The school’s Christian ethos contributes well to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and is at the heart of everything the school does. The children told me that living out the school’s values is important so that ‘we help others, have high hopes and work hard to achieve them’.” as
In the week following the inspection I was honoured to attend the Essex Teaching Awards and to receive a Highly Commended award in the Primary Headteacher of the Year category. This award is recognition of the dedication of the whole St Andrew’s community in providing the very best for the children at our school. We look forward to the continuing success of our school. Source: Julie Lorkins, Head Teacher.
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Spring is coming!! Lighter nights, warm sunshine, spring flowers…and…not being able to hide behind those baggy sweaters and winter layers!# This was how I used to feel, but now I’m looking forward to being able to wear lighter clothes. For the first time, I want to go shopping to buy clothes that I like, not ones to cover the wobbly bits I was ashamed of. Slimming World has made an incredible difference to my life, I really did eat myself thin, and so can you. With Slimming world there is always something you can eat, it is the only eating plan I know (and I’ve tried a few), where you really can go to the fridge and pick at things. And it’s easy, no weighing or measuring free foods, and you can eat them in unlimited quantities whenever you feel hungry. In fact, there is no need to ever feel hungry, there is always something you can eat whatever time of the day or night you want to eat it. Slimming world has made such a difference to me that I have become a consultant myself, and thereby is the potential for a rewarding career for anyone who also wants to help people feel as good about themselves as I do. Easter is three weeks away, you could lose two pounds a week and that is nearly half a stone, May bank holiday eight weeks away, at two pounds a week that is sixteen pounds, more that a stone and a dress size too.
It isn’t long to those balmy summer days and nights too, shorts, barbecues and beach holidays. I can’t wait to show off my new figure in clothes that I want to wear. If you like what you hear, come and find out how it works at one of the warm and friendly groups running at the Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club, Weald Bridge Road, (behind the Talbot). Groups run on Saturday mornings 08.30, call Mandy on 07778 117128, and Tuesday evenings 5.30 and 7.30, call Cara on 07792 778225. There are lots of likeminded people there, ready to greet you and join with you on your journey to your weight loss goal. Source: Mandy
North Weald Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club (Behind the Talbot)
Meets every Tuesday at 5.30pm or 7.30pm Phone Cara: 0779 2778225
Saturday—8.30am Call Mandy on 07778117128
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Choosing the right NHS service for you In the last 12 months alone, over 12,742 west Essex residents were directed from Princess Alexandra Hospital A&E department in Harlow to a more appropriate service. West Essex residents are being encouraged to seek alternatives to A&E, ensuring that they choose the most appropriate services when experiencing illnesses. Dr Rob Gerlis at NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: It is essential that patients are able to find the most appropriate NHS service for them. We have a range of options available in west Essex to ensure that the correct healthcare support can be accessed as quickly as possible by those who need it”. Some of the alternative suggested health services to use are outlined below: Health help Now App—The ‘Health help Now app’, provides access to health advice and signposts relevant local health and care services. Residents in Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford can visit the website at http://westessex.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or download Health Help Now from the App Store or Google Play. Pharmacy—If you are feeling unwell and need to relieve your symptoms, your local pharmacist is on hand to help. Many over-thecounter medicines are available to help with common ailments such as colds, sore throats, coughs, sinusitis or earache. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatments that are available without needing a prescription. NHS 111—There are a range of systems in place to ensure that you have access to support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This includes calling the NHS 111 non-emergency service, which provides access to trained advisors, supported by healthcare professionals. When calling 111 you will be offered medical advice and directed to appropriate healthcare pathways. Your GP surgery—GP surgeries do see emergency patients on the day, often triaged by a Nurse Practitioner or GP. GP surgeries are also under pressure so it may be that a non-urgent appointment may be a little longer wait, up to two to three weeks in some cases. Evening and weekend GP services—For those who do need to see a doctor, but cannot do so during normal opening hours, additional pre-booked appointments are available as part of the west Essex Evening and Weekend GP service. This operates at six different locations and can be booked by staff in your own GP practice. For more information and advice please visit http:// www.stellarhealthcare.net/our-services/evening-and-weekend-gp-service.
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April Gardening Hints Welcome to April fellow gardeners, probably the busiest month of the year in the gardening calendar. If you have vegetable plot or an allotment, now is the time if the ground is not too wet to prepare for sowing and planting. You can use cloches, polythene or glass, to warm the soil for the earliest sowings. Where you are going to plant runner beans, dig a trench and fill the bottom with well rotted manure or composted material, this will help retain moisture as the runner beans grow and also provide much needed nutrients. As the ground beings to dry start breaking it up using a fork and rake to create a fine tilth ideal for sowing vegetables. In April you can sow brussel sprouts, broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, leeks, lettuce, parsnips, peas, spring onions, radish, spinach and turnips. If you are lucky to have a greenhouse, from mid March to the end of April you can begin sowing tomatoes, chillies, peppers and cucumbers. Alternatively you can buy young vegetable and fruit plants, this can be cost effective if you have a small plot. From Mid March onwards we have for sale at the Garden Centre a wide range of young vegetable plants, herbs, strawberry plants etc all very reasonably priced. Mid April is a good time to plant seed potatoes but I always look at the weather and soil conditions before making the final decision. If the ground is too wet or too cold, hold back for a while. The plants will soon catch up once the soil warms up. If the soil is too cold the potatoes will not start to grow and could rot in the cold wet conditions. Top dress all fruit trees and bushes with a good mulch and a good handful of growmore to help retain moisture and provide vital food. Throughout the garden and vegetable plot keep on top of the weeds while they are small (its much easier when their young). On paths and patios if weeds being to appear spray now the Pathclear. This will kill weeds down to the roots and prevent germination of weeds for up to three months. April is a very good month to plant shrubs, trees, climbers and perennials inc fruit trees and bushes. Art Garden Centre as always is stocking a wide range of hardy plants for planting now. As your roses start to leaf up, spray them early with RoseClear, this will prevent Blackspot and also keep under control aphids. As for the lawn April is a good time to apply weed feed or moss killer as the grass begins to grow. Through April you can bring in your empty hanging baskets, troughs and tubs for refills at the Garden Centre. I will plant them up with plants of your choice, grow them ready for collection towards the end of May.
If you haven't visited us before, give us a go and I will always be available to offer advice and share any tips you might have. As always take time to sit down, relax and enjoy the sights and smells of your garden with a nice drink, mine as always as the sun comes out is a nice beer. Cheers! Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre
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Press to test. Monthly is best A national campaign launches today to remind people that having working smoke alarms can save their life in the event of a fire in the home, and encourages people to test their smoke alarms on a monthly basis. As part of the campaign, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people in Essex to test the smoke alarms in their home and those of vulnerable friends and relatives, as well as ensuring there is a smoke alarm installed at every level of the home. Smoke alarms can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire. While the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years and then needs replacing. A single smoke alarm may simply not be enough. The recommendation is at least one at every level, to ensure you can hear them throughout your home, particularly when asleep. Last year, in nearly half of all fires in the home where the smoke alarm did not give a warning the reason was that the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat batteries were another major cause. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to make sure that their alarms are up to date and up to the job. To keep your alarms in working order, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service provide the following advice:• Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home • Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month • Check that your smoke alarms are less than 10 years old • Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and near or in bedrooms. Also consider in rooms which have electrical appliances - e.g. a heater or charger - or other fire risks • Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by acciden't • Replace your smoke alarms every ten years • Take a moment to check on your loved ones who may need help to test their smoke alarms to ensure they’re fully protected.
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Harlow Wheelchair Racing Squad set to compete in St Clare 10k NEW Fresh hot Coffee Available now
Members of Harlow Wheelchair Racing Squad are set to take part in St Clare Hospice’s annual 10k race on Sunday, 8th April 2018. The popular annual 10k sporting event has been a fixture in local athletics calendars for over twenty years. The Harlow Wheelchair Racing Squad is coached by Great British Paralympian Richard Chisassaro (36 years from Harlow) which he formed in 2014 and includes four athletes who are ranked in the top 4 in the UK in their classification. Richard Chisassaro is a T54 Great British wheelchair racer from Harlow who competed at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and is the current bronze medal holder for the T54 400m which he won at the World Championships held in London in 2017.
Richard Chisassaro has competed in the St Clare 10k on a number of occasions and in 2017 he finished the course in a time of 23 minutes 23 seconds. Richard will not be racing in the St Clare 10k 2018 due to training commitments in Australia but members of his Harlow Wheelchair Racing Squad will be attending the race. Commenting on the St Clare 10k, Richard said: “I have competed in the St Clare 10k with my Squad for a number of years and it is a great event – well organised and with lots of supporters at the Hospice. The course is all on road and there are some good downhills where you can really build up a lot of speed. I got up to about 46km/hr on the course last year. I took part with three other members of my squad last year, but this year I unfortunately can’t compete as I will be overseas training. A number of my Squad will be competing on the day though. It is a great course for youngsters to get out on, and have a go at competing for the first time. It is also chip-timed and run under UK Athletics rules so it is a good course to use to get a new Personal Best.” The St Clare 10k is a road race and is UK Athletics affiliated and chip-timed with trophies up for grabs in the following categories: male, female, seniors, juniors and wheelchair athletes. Medals will be awarded to all runners. Advanced registration costs £12 or £15 on the day (£10 or £13 for affiliated runners). The deadline for advanced sign-ups is Monday, 2nd April. The registration desk will be open at 9:30am on the day, with the race starting at 10:30am. The event is open to people aged 15 and above. For more information, or to register, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/event/st-clare-10k -2018 Alternatively, please call the St Clare Challenge and Events Team on 01279 773754. The race starts and finishes at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Essex, CM17 9JX. Page 29
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W . J. CRUMP Crash Repairs
A Spiritual Reflection with Fr James – April 2018 St Andrews Church
Established local company High quality car repairs Body Repairs Approved Insurance Repairer
Telephone: 01992 522351 Tylers Green, 284 High Road, North Weald CM16 6EG
Easter has always been the most important time for Christians, though in this country in the last 100 years, it’s been Christmas that has tended to become most people’s main – indeed, perhaps, only- religious focus. But without Easter, there would be no Christianity at all. Why is this? The key difference between Christianity and the other “great world religions” is what the Bible records happened early on the first day of the week in Jerusalem, just after a Passover festival one year about 2000 years ago. Christians believe that the man Jesus of Nazareth, who’d been executed rather unpleasantly on the previous Friday, was seen alive by his friends, who’d found his tomb empty. The Jesus they met on this Sunday- and the days after- was clearly recognisable; he had the marks of crucifixion visible on his hands and feet. And he sat to eat with his friends as before, whilst teaching them about what had happened and explaining that his death and “resurrection” was all God’s plan. But there were differences now, after Easter: Jesus seemingly came and went at will, and there were times when his friends didn’t quite see that it was him until he made some familiar gesture or spoke their name. Finally, after a period of some weeks, Jesus left his friends for good, promising to send them the Holy Spirit, by which they’d know his presence for ever. Now there are plenty of devout Christians who struggle with the idea that Jesus was somehow alive again after his death: after all, medical science tells us (we think!) that it’s not possible (and people knew this 2000 years ago as well as we know it now). When I was younger there were some well-known clergymen (including a rather notorious bishop!) who were criticized for “denying” the resurrection of Jesus. And yes, it is rather difficult for our minds to get comfortable with this – as hard now as it was for those who claimed, not long after the event, Jesus’ followers had made up the whole thing. But for me, I think, the best way to see the Easter story is to think about what sort of God we think we believe in. Because the resurrection of Jesus will always seem at best absurd - not to mention impossible – if we think of God as a distant “being” completely uncaring about the human race. But if we come to believe – as Jesus’ friends did – that God really does care about each one of us, and that somehow the death and resurrection of Jesus is the key moment when we could all be brought closer to God once more- well, the amazing sequence of events starts to seem possible, if still hard to understand. Jesus’ friends, who went on to start what we know as the Christian Church, didn’t tell the Easter story just so people would say “how remarkable!” – they told it so that those who heard could know that God cared for them and wanted to restore and transform the world for good. And 2000 years later, Christians say that the same thing remains true: Jesus “rose again” so that we could all come to share in what Jesus himself had called the “Kingdom of God”. A very happy Eastertide to you all. Fr James 451065)
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Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest events Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife
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The forum is also looking to build up a network of family champions to help share their work within local communities and be a loud and clear voice for parents and carers. You can find out more about the work of the forum here and how to become a member here: https:// essexfamilyforum.org/
Fake cosmetics Intercepted A small team of Trading Standards officers working at Stansted Airport intercepted a consignment of counterfeit MAC-branded cosmetics. The shipment was described on legal import documents as ‘Lipstick’ but on opening officers found product branded as MAC foundation. Packaging was poor - including cheaply formed and badly fitted plastic caps - and air gaps were visible inside glass bottles. Genuine MAC products are made in Canada, but these inferior fakes were produced in China. The importing entrepreneur will be receiving a visit from Trading Standards authorities where he is based. The goods have also been confiscated. Intercepting fake cosmetics is important – the stringent safety assessments and tests that all legitimate cosmetics have to undergo will not have been carried out, plus manufacturing conditions are unlikely to be hygienic, consequently putting consumers’ skin at risk.
The forum is a well-informed and empowered community of families that wants to connect with as many local people as possible to find out more about their experiences of services and opportunities available for children and young people. Working in partnership with local organisations, they will use this feedback to help inform services and outcomes.
Police officer finds man, 79, who had fallen in snow On 1st March, during the first bad spell of weather, a 79-year-old man has been helped by a passing police officer after he was found lying in snow on a footpath in Ongar. PC Paul Harrison came across the man who had been taking his dog for a walk. He had been there for about ten minutes. PC Harrison helped the man, who was uninjured, back to the High Street so he could walk the short distance home. District Commander Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said: "Paul is a new addition to the community team and will be visible in the Ongar and surrounding areas. "I m really pleased that his visible patrolling of the Ongar community has resulted in this gentleman not coming to any harm. "I have a great team doing their best for the community and Paul is certainly one of them." Source: #EEF99 Live
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Motorists targeted by bogus police officers Police are investigating incidents in Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill where motorists have reported being flashed at by bogus police vehicles. The incidents happened between 7.50pm and 8.30pm in Chester Road and Roding Lane, Chigwell, and in Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, last Wednesday.
Drivers have told police it was a black vehicle and a silver Vauxhall. The suspects are described as white men, aged in their late teens and early 20s and wearing dark clothing, possibly hooded tops, baseball caps and jogging bottoms. Police are also investigating a similar incident in South Weald, near Brentwood, where a motorist stopped for a vehicle he believed was a police car. Superintendent Craig Saunders said: “The victim believed that he had been signalled to pull over by an unmarked police car and stopped. “He was then approached by two men who demanded his car and drove off, leaving him by the roadside. We believe the suspects are driving with false plates and that the incidents are possibly linked. “We would like to hear from anyone with information or anyone who has dashcam footage on 101 quoting crime reference 42/35026/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” Source:#EEF999Live
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Citizens Advice says: check if you can get free prescriptions Some people are entitled to receive all their prescriptions free. These include children and some young people, people aged 60 or over and women who are pregnant or who have had a baby within the last twelve months. In addition, if you are on a low income, you can apply for free prescriptions using the NHS Low Income Scheme. This involves filling in a form called HC1. These forms should be available from local benefit offices, NHS hospitals, GPs, dentists, opticians, and pharmacists. You can also get one from the NHS Business Services Authority website www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk or by telephoning 0300 330 1343 or 0845 850 1166. This scheme is open to students as well as working people, if their income and savings are low enough. What if I’m not eligible for the low income scheme? If you are likely to need four or more items in three months, or more than 14 items in twelve months, you may well may save money by buying a pre-payment certificate. Ask Dhruve (or any other pharmacist) about this. What about people on benefits? People receiving income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA), or income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) are also entitled to free prescriptions. However, recently at Citizens Advice we have seen some clients on benefits, who thought they were entitled to free prescriptions, who have been told by the NHS that they aren’t. How has this happened? It is because there are two types of JSA and ESA. One is based on national insurance contributions, the other on the person’s income. Only the income-based JSA and ESA entitle you to free prescriptions. Contribution-based JSA and ESA normally run out after a year but if you are in the ESA Support Group, which is the group of people who have the least capability for work, the contribution-based ESA goes on indefinitely and so you don’t need to apply for income-related ESA. But many people in this category think, quite reasonably, that if they rely entirely on JSA and ESA they must be on an income-related benefit and tick that box on the prescription form. Some have been doing this for years and so are shocked to find that they have to pay for prescriptions they may have got months ago, and pay a penalty charge too. If you are in this situation you may not be able to do anything about what’s already happened but you should apply under the low income scheme straightaway. Why has this just come to light? Because the NHS and the Department of Work and Pensions have started matching data and so now can tell which patients are actually entitled to free prescriptions. Contacting Citizens Advice
If you need our assistance or advice the nearest branch to North Weald is at 50A Hemnall Street in Epping. We are open for drop-in from 10.00 to 2.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Elsewhere, the branch in Loughton Library is open between 9.30 and 1.00, Monday to Thursday and the branch in Waltham Abbey Town Hall is open between 9.30 and 1.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We also have drop-in sessions in Ongar Library, between 10.00 and 12.00 on the third Tuesday each month. Or you can ring the Essex Adviceline on 03444 770 808 or go to our website: www.citizensadviceefd.org.uk. Source: Paul Stockton
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School Holiday/Easter Events Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Activities
Epping Forest Museum, Waltham Abbey
Tuesdays during school holidays
Saturday 31 March
Epping Forest Museum, Waltham Abbey
11am – 3pm
12noon – 3pm,
Free (donations gratefully received)
All ages welcome (most suitable for 5 - 11 year olds), £1.50 per child
Follow the trail around the museum to claim your chocolate prize. Fun family art and craft activities for you to make together and take home.
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult No need to book, just drop in and allow approximately 20 minutes for the trail
No need to book, just drop in and allow approximately 20 minutes for the activity. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Easter Egg Hunt Ongar Epping Railway 30th, 31st March and 1st, 2nd April Easter Egg Hunt, Face Painting, Disco.
Easter Egg Hunt at Lee Valley Park Farms Childrens Events Waltham Abbey Celebrate Easter with their furry farmyard friends. 30 Mar 2018to2 Apr 2018
Easter Fayre Sunday 25th March 2.30pm—4.30pm Cunningham House, Pike Way. Visit from Gemma’s Farm, Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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The Happy Wanderer North Weald’s very own and very special Happy Wanderer will wander no more, at least not in his earthy form. Peter Wilkinson passed on several weeks ago, struck down y a fateful aortic aneurysm. He died alone but for his faithful ginger tomcat, Moggy, the kind of cat which will always be asleep on the very chat that you want to sit in, the kind of cat that won’t budge whatever the provocation. Pete loved his cat, theirs was a precious relationship, one which required nothing of the complexities of language and, like many who live alone, Pete had learnt to enjoy silence, just the blackbird singing in the garden or the crows cawing in the huge oak trees alongside the distant railway track. I first met Pete in the early 80s when the farmland rising from behind North Weald to the old Radio Station was under threat of extensive urban development by the then owners, British Telecom. Following a meeting in the village hall called by BT, in which I had heckled so ferociously that it had to be adjourned, Pete got in touch with me with ideas of further resistance. As the Entertainment Officer of Walthamstow Town Council, Pete had developed a great ability to communicate, often amusingly, with other people. He had a kindly manner that was almost infectious which, set against my own more bellicose approach, meant that we made a pretty good team. However, as he politely pointed out, it would take more than that to overthrow a corporate body as powerful as BT. And so we formed the North Weald Action Group, a mixed bunch of concerned villagers with a wide range of political views, left, right and centre. For almost ten years we effectively fought off BT and then, when BT gave up and sold on to a somewhat dodgy holdings company who also had ideas of urbanisation, we scuppered them too. Throughout most of this time, Pete was the Chairman of the Group, lending his ear to our diverse views and blending us into a highly effective working team. We opened a shop in what is now North Weald’s Chemist where we raised funds selling bric-a-brac and tea and biscuits whilst keeping villagers informed on developments. We produced a free fortnightly news sheet, The Village Voice, which we delivered to every household in North Weald and the surrounding villages. We gate crashed BT meetings held on the threatened land and hit the headlines both of the local and the national press with our colourful and often controversial approach to protest. If it hadn't been for Pete’s leadership, our efforts and the almost one hundred per cent support of the villagers, most of that land would now be under brick and concrete, and North Weald’s favourite dog walking area would be gone. Pete was proud of our achievement which initially many people had seen as an attempt to do the impossible, but we did it and in turn, we were proud of Pete. After our successes in the field of battle, Pete became a close friend. He’d visit regularly, smiling and wizened, sipping sugar-soaked tea, dragging on a duty-free cigarette and chatting about his East London past when men were men and so were the woman. In his teenager years, Pete had been a borderline Teddy Boy, give him a pair of sideburns and he’d still have been there. He loved rock music, but not Elvis, that was far too smooth. No, Pete went for the tough stuff: Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochrane, Big Bopper. He used to book bands for shows at Walthamstow Town Hall, I think he once booked the Cream and most certainly, and notably, passed by a chance to book the then little known Beatles, but hey it’s only Rock and Roll. He also booked comedians like Frankie Howard, Norman Wisdom and Tommy Cooper, to whom he bore an uncanny likeness ‘Just Like That’. Pete liked trying to make peoples’ lives happier, having a good laugh was always a better medicine than popping pills. He had terrific empathy for the young and on several occasions made attempts to create a youth club somewhere in the village, noting that giving kids a place of their own to hang out would in one stroke stop what some villagers saw as their unruliness. ‘If you don’t treat them with respect, how can you expect them to respect you?’ was Pete’s attitude in a nutshell. So this was Pete, the ‘Happy Wanderer’ who frequently wrote articles for this very magazine, articles about cats, dogs, people and what to do on sunny afternoons. Pete was fascinated by local history and liked to share that fascination. He wrote extensive guides for walks in the locality, listing points of historical interest and was encouraged by the Parish Council to publish them in book form, so he did. So, in effect Pete helped save the land which later he would share with others through his writings. Pete was like that, what he had he happily shared, and we, the people of North Weald, have much to thank him for. Last and not least, there was a little-known spiritual side to Pete. He was a gifted healer, easing headaches through the laying of hands, but, despite encouragement from Friends, he never took his gift seriously enough to fully embrace this natural talent . Nonetheless, in many respects, he healed simply through his calming presence, his listening ear (in later years, severely hampered by increasing deafness) and his common-sense kindness. But now he’s gone, leaving North Weald Common and the land beyond as a touching memorial wherein we can all become ‘happy wanderers’. Meanwhile, Moggy has been rehoused in Peterborough and is most likely curled up in a chair by the fire, defying anyone’s attempt to move him. Source: Penny Rimbaud. Editor’s Comment: So for those of you who had read the ‘Happy Wanderer’s contributions’ you know his identity, namely local resident Peter Wilkinson, who is now hopefully wandering pain free and happily somewhere else. I will miss Peter’s contributions. My thoughts are with Chris his niece, family and friends.
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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NEWtS Latest. We were hoping our newts were safely tucked up in their new home - we had seen evidence of fox activity from footprints in the snow but nothing serious. Then we saw this:
Look at that long bill – perfect for poking down crevasses where newts are hiding! The rockery is just behind it. It’s a Woodcock. On the RSPB danger list of endangered species because of – yes, you guessed it – us! Destroying their habitat with new housing and industry, destroying their food supply and breeding areas – because of new housing and industry. We don’t seem to be doing the rest of the world’s inhabitants many favours do we?
Source: Jimmy Waters
Man arrested after police take less than four minutes to answer burglary call A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after police took less than four minutes to respond to a report of a burglary in Theydon Bois. Officers were alerted to a report that men were breaking into a house in Poplar Row in the early hours on Wednesday 28th February. District Commander Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said officers arrived on the scene within four minutes. A vehicle thought to be linked to the break-in has been located. The arrested man remains in police custody. Source: #EEF999 Live Page 37
Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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BIRD FEATURE - APRIL 2018 Here is the article for the month of April. Understandably the main thrust of the report relates to the effect of the weather because as I type this there is another cold snap developing, just a couple of weeks after the "beast from the East" descended on most of the UK. This second blast of snow could hit birds and other wildlife very hard and mortality rates for this winter could be higher than they have been for many years. Various natural history organisations will be undertaking studies and the full effects will become apparent when breeding rates are assessed later in the spring and summer. I mentioned in the February report that cold snaps during the late winter / early spring can spell disaster for birds but little did I know that we would have a double whammy. The blast of icy winds at the end of February into March saw some interesting effects on the birds to be seen around the village. With the onset of the strong winds from Siberia there was a movement of gulls, winter thrushes and also Lapwings with the latter species seen in groups of dozens or more, all trying to fly ahead of the easterlies in order to find snow free feeding grounds. At one point there were literally hundreds of birds to be seen in a steady stream heading west. There were also far more birds visiting gardens, I normally fill the feeders every 3 or 4 days but for a week or so I had to fill them each day as there were so many birds using them. I had Redwings and Fieldfares in the garden which only happens when conditions are really bad. There was a Snipe at Weald Common and even some Lapwings stopped over to try and feed by the ice free ditches which empty into the pond. There had been quite a few signs of breeding activity with singing birds at many places but the cold blast put a stop to that survival became the priority. You would have to have been born in the 50s to remember the savage winter of 1962/63 which saw snow and icy conditions from late December through to March in an unrelenting wintry blast, a winter that broke all sorts of records and saw some stretches of the seas freezing over. That winter saw frightening mortality rates for birds with 50% to 80% for many species and even as much as 98% for the worst affected species. This winter obviously hasn't come even close to the 62/63 conditions but brief spells have hinted at them and already many, many birds have perished. Some of them have been resident birds but many were heading to the UK to escape the oncoming snow and ice - in normal years they get here and find conditions more forgiving but this year they were unable to find refuge here and indeed literally thousands upon thousands didn't get this far and perished crossing the North Sea. Phenomenal numbers of sea creatures were washed up dead on east coast beaches as sea temperatures became too cold. The smaller the bird the greater the risk of dying from the cold as their surface area is so great in proportion to their weigh so heat loss is greater. Since the first cold snap I literally haven't seen a single Wren. Normally I get one or two in the garden and at this time of year I would normally expect to hear them belting out their powerful song but all of a sudden it is as if they have vanished - this tiny bird is always one of the worst hit by snow and ice. Even traditionally hardy birds such as gulls have struggled. The arrival of summer migrants could well be delayed this year, even birds that are some of the first to get here such as Chiffchaffs may well be blocked from getting here and will linger in warmer areas such as Iberia. On the other hand some birds that winter here from the continent or Scandinavia will be unable to head back to their breeding grounds and have the added risk of not being able to get sufficient food to fuel up for their arduous journeys. Temperatures will need to quickly get back to normal for late March if migrations and breeding are going to normalise. Of course there are always winners in these situations - birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Buzzards can pick off victims which are weaker and have to take more risks to find food. Other scavengers such as Carrion Crows and Magpies can find corpses of birds and animals to feed on. And those birds that do survive can prosper because there will be fewer competitors for insect food as the spring and summer progress. Survival of the fittest applies in the natural world and some years this is even more applicable. If you are out and about, keep your eyes peeled, unusual weather is normally a recipe for rarer species to turn up and also you get more sightings of species such as Lapwings - as mentioned above - and gulls etc. Even commoner birds such as Blue Tits and Chaffinches can brighten up the day with their colour and activity so make the most of any opportunities to connect with our local wildlife. All the best, Paul Corbet
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society
01992 717676
North Weald Chemist
01992 523887
Cats Protection
0333 200 1484
North Weald Methodist Hall
01992 522143
Citizens Advice Bureau
03444 77 0808
North Weald Library
01992 522896
Crimestoppers
0800 555111
North Weald Village Hall Bookings
01992 523731 www.northwealdvillagehall.org/
Doctors High Street, Epping
01992 579270
North Weald Parish Council
01992 523825
Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)
01992 566500
Queens Community Hall Bookings
07522 473024
Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)
01992 573838
NHS Direct
0845 4647
Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383
Essex Police
0300 333 4444
Epping Forest District Council
01992 564000
Police, Neighbourhood/local
101
Epping Town Council
01992 579444
Police, Emergency
999
EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris Whitebread
01992 573557
Police Online reporting
www.essex.police.uk/doitonline
EFDC Will Breare-Hall
01992 575843
RSPCA
01279 306058
MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP
020 8508 8608
Stuart Poulton
01992 522607
Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk
24 Hour
01992 572607
Hospital, St Margarets, Epping
01992 561666
St Andrews Church
01279 451065
Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
01279 444455
St Andrews Primary School
01992 522283
London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)
01992 522183
Traveline
0870 6082608
North Weald Airfield
01992 564200
LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers
North Weald Preservation Society
Queens Hall Charity
Tel: 01992 524672
Tel: read 01992 522618/522630
Tel: 522910
British Legion, North Weald Branch
North Weald Cricket Club
Rapier Cycling Club
Tel: 01992 614415
Northweald.play-cricket.com
Tel: 524631
Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer
North Weald Scouts Group
Taoist Tai Chi Society
Tel: 01277 365200
01992 524672
Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625
Epping Forest Badger Group
North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s
Theydon Jazz Club
Tel: 576038 Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex
Tel: 522196
Thornwood Seniors
Tel: 522464
Tel: 577872
Epping Forest Rotary Club
North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club
Tel: 07855 911323
Tel: 522803
Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum
North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)
Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk
Tel: 01708 250820
Tel: 523731
West Essex Flower Club
North Weald Angling Club
Queens Hall Bowls Club
Tel: 524631
Tel: 01992 524071
Tel: 523375 or 522052
01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com
Three Valleys Male Voice Choir