St. Andrews Church Chat

Beauty & Spring

February, and Spring is coming! New life, new buds, new beauty blooming, irrepressible.

God’s love for us shines out in the little, every day beauties. We are each loved so deeply that we cannot begin to understand this love. It’s beyond us. This means that we are worthy. Each of us is invaluable. A cherished child to the parent who generated this entire universe.

So, how do we recognise God’s love? Where is it in our lives?

Celtic Christianity has a focus on finding God in the world around us, the small things, the everyday. Especially the natural world; the first flush of dawn over the sparkling hills; the shift in colour of a starling’s wing, the thunder of the storm overhead; the music of rain upon leaves.

These things whispered to the Celtic Christian of the love of God.

Where can we see the love and beauty of God in the everyday?

Where do you find the spark of the Spirit?

When we hear children playing, do we stop and listen? When the breeze is blowing softly do we stop to feel it between our fingers? When a friend smiles, do we pause to really see it?

Wherever there is beauty, it’s a gift from God, reminding us that we are loved immeasurably.

So, “let the rivers clap their hands, and let the hills ring out with joy”. Let the tube stations and cafes and market-places, let the airfield and houses and all the estates beam with the Presence of God.

This world is Spirit-drenched; as it says in Acts, the Spirit “falls upon” us when we open ourselves to God.

So this is one way to look for the Love of God; by appreciating beauty when we find it.

Seize every flash of beauty as a love-gift from God. Live in such a way that you never leave the awareness of God. God is waiting for you in the glories of the world around you. God is waiting to embrace you in love, in the song that waits, like a heartbeat, beneath the skin of the world.

Jaimee

What’s on at St Andrew’s Church?

Sundays 10am: informal, all-age worship

Sundays 3pm: Mass

Council review recent bin problems

Epping Forest District Councillors met senior waste company executives in Epping on 12th January to review contract performance.

Simon Crook, Biffa’s Operations Director said: "As one of the UK’s biggest waste management companies, we pride ourselves on our reputation for good customer service. Unfortunately, there have been significant problems with the Epping Forest contract, but everyone at Biffa is 100% committed to giving residents the service they deserve.

"We have had a full and frank discussion with Epping Forest district councillors, and neither Biffa nor the council want the recent level of service to continue.”

"There are many reasons for the missed collections, exacerbated by the recent snow and other matters beyond our control, including global supply chain issues and the national HGV driver shortage, but that does not make the inconvenience to residents any less.

"We’d like to apologise for what’s happened, and I want to reassure residents that we are doing all we can with Epping Forest District Council to improve the situation as quickly as possible."

Council Leader Chris Whitbread and Cabinet Portfolio Holder Nigel Avey called the face-to-face meeting to address ongoing concerns.

Councillor Chris Whitbread said: "We had a full and frank discussion. As councillors, our residents talk to us every day. They have been telling us the situation is not good enough. Whatever the reasons, performance must improve.”

"Council staff are in daily contact with Biffa, but it was important for senior councillors and Biffa management to meet face to face. We understand each other and Biffa has agreed a range of measures that residents should start to see as service improvements in the next few days and weeks."

Councillor Nigel Avey added: "Biffa has given us undertakings. Problems such as staff shortages and unreliable vehicles are being addressed.”

"We are talking with other waste contractors. Biffa has agreed to make its MRF recycling facilities available to these contractors.”

"We are working with Biffa to improve communications between its staff and our contact centre to handle customer complaints. Biffa will provide better live-time information so that when a collection is missed, residents will have a more realistic expectation as to when it will be collected.

"The current missed collection rounds will be caught up in the next couple of cycles and the large number of missed collections experienced over Christmas should not be repeated."

Parish council seeks Citizen of the Year nominations

North Weald Bassett Parish Council is seeking nominations - an individual or group within the community - for its Citizen of the Year awards.

If you know a young person (aged 18 and under) and feel they deserve recognition, they can be nominated for the Young Citizen of the Year category.

The nomination may be for a single act of outstanding courage or bravery, or might encompass work carried out within the Parish, good-neighbourliness, commitment to a sporting or educational goal or to improve community facilities.

The individual or group may be nominated by anyone who lives or works within the Parish of North Weald Bassett.

Nominees must live or work within the Parish of North Weald Bassett - this includes the villages of North Weald, Thornwood Common and Hastingwood.

Please contact the parish council for a nomination form or visit the parish council’s website - www.northweald-pc.gov.uk.

Completed forms should be submitted to the Parish Office by no later than Monday 27th February.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council officers and councillors are disqualified from being nominated.

Service in political organisations is excluded from all categories and service to religious bodies is only applicable if it involves substantial contribution to the wider community.

For more details, ring the Parish Office on 07572 507591 or email clerk@northweald-pc.gov.uk.

Award winners will be announced at the Annual Parish Assembly at The Parish Hall, Weald Hall Lane, Thornwood, on Monday 13th March.

We have so many kind, caring volunteers and community minded individuals and groups, please take the time to nominate them for this award.

Photo Gallery

3 Simple Tips To Shake The Winter Blues and Get You Feeling Back On Track For A Great Year Ahead

When the excitement of Christmas and New Year come to a close and we face the exposure of icy cold January, it can leave us feeling a little blue (and not just from the sub-zero temperatures!).

Suddenly the months of winter ahead of us can feel restricting and the warmth of spring can feel uncomfortably far away. With less opportunity to get outside, socialise with friends and do the things that make us feel so vibrant in the warmer months, it can start to impact on our general mood and how we perceive our life and all that’s in it.

As humans, in order to keep ourselves feeling happy, motivated and calm, we require a regular dose of a very potent little neurotransmitter called serotonin. When we run low on serotonin, we are very likely to notice ourselves feeling flat and unmotivated. Daily life can become a real chore. A lack of serotonin can even make us feel pain more and our thoughts are likely to be more negative. Even the most optimistic of us, may start to view a future that feels a bit bleak.

The good news is, that there are many quick and simple ways to boost your serotonin levels, even in the deepest depths of winter, which work fast to stop that downwards spiral of doom and gloom and have you feeling in control and on the up again.

1. Write down what’s been good.

It sounds simplistic but is anything but. Building in a daily habit of noting down the things that have been good in your day, no matter how big or small, has been scientifically proven, time and time again to change how your brain perceives the events in your life. When we purposely focus on the things that are good, we have less capacity to think about the negative and over time, we actually create new neural pathways in our brains that automatically see the positives and in turn fill us with serotonin. And when we feel more positive we are more equipped to deal with any challenges that life throws our way.

2. Seek out positive connections.

Who are the people (or animals!) in your life that you feel good when you are around? Are there opportunities that you could pursue in your community that might lead to new positive relationships? A neighbour you’ve been meaning to chat to? An old friend who you haven’t spoken to for a while? Or even someone who you live with but never seem to have the time for. We feel at our happiest when we feel connected to one another in a meaningful way, so if this is something you are currently lacking, have a think about one small move you could make to improve that.

3. Move your body.

It’s pretty common knowledge that exercise is important for our physical health, but it is equally as important for our mental health. When we move our bodies, there are variety of hormones and chemicals that set to work in our brain and around our bodies that result in us feeling more positive and as an added bonus, it also makes us more able to focus and more likely to get things done that we might have been putting off. And to be clear, moving your body doesn’t have to mean a long run or a high energy aerobics class, it could be a walk, some stretching, or even the housework counts (although perhaps not as appealing!)

Find something you enjoy and try to build it into you day as often as you can.

This Article was written by Rose Horgan, Clinical Hypnotherapist from Inspired to Change Epping Forest. Rose works face to face in her Epping clinic and online with anyone who feels they have lost control of their lives and would like cope better and feel happier. You can follow Rose on Facebook or Instagram @inspiredtochangeeppingforest or contact via tel:07825983960 or email rose@inspiredtochange.biz or web: https://inspiredtochange.biz/hypnotherapist/epping-forest-hypnotherapy/

Editor’s Comment: It is great news that Rose has agreed to write articles especially for North Weald Village Life. Having met Rose a few times, we are lucky to have someone local who is dedicated to helping local people.

Council freezes share of council tax bills

North Weald Bassett Parish Council has voted to freeze its share of council tax bills for the 2023-24 financial year - and has earmarked funds for various projects in the next financial year.

At last night’s meeting, councillors were mindful of the financial challenges being faced by local people, especially with high energy and fuel prices faced by residents over the recent months.

The council will continue to provide its local services including management and maintenance of play areas, street lighting on local streets, management of the Parish Hall in Thornwood, dog bins, allotments, management and maintenance of the cemetery and various open spaces throughout the Parish including Weald Common where 2,500 new trees have been planted.

New Play Equipment

Epping Town Council has unveiled improvements to the playground at Stonards Hill recreation ground, which include a new roundabout.

The work has been made possible thanks to a £30,000 contribution from Qualis Commercial, which was allocated for the improvement of green spaces in Epping Parish.

The money also enabled the town council to replace the old wooden logs on the play area with stronger coloured ones.

Town Mayor councillor Barbara Scruton said the addition of the new roundabout "added some new play value to the existing playground".

The Stonards Hill work follows the opening of new play facilities on the Lower Swaines recreation ground following three years of fundraising by Epping Playground Association, in partnership with Epping Town Council.

Councillor Scruton said: ""When new larger scale building projects take place, developers are often asked to make a financial contribution towards infrastructure improvements, such as parks and green spaces.

"Through Qualis’ Section 106 money, £50,000 was used for the new Lower Swaines playground, £30,000 has been used on the existing extremely well used Stonards Hill recreation ground playground and £30,000 has been allocated to start the fundraising for the new skate park, also at Stonards Hill.

"May the improved playground bring much pleasure to our community."

Simon Rutter, Managing Director of Qualis Commercial, said: “We are pleased that this financial contribution has enabled the improvements to Stonards Hill recreation ground playground and will play a part in the new skate park.

"We look forward to seeing the final designs for the skate park come to life following the consultation event with the local community.”

New skate park update

Epping Town Council is hoping to provide a new skate park at Stonards Hill recreation ground.

The council is working with skate park designers Betongpark and regular users of the skate park on the design and fundraising for the project.

The new skate park would replace the existing facility which has been in situ since 2007.

The skate park is used by many smaller children on scooters and bikes, but also by more experienced skaters. Epping Town Council held a community consultation event at Julie’s café, at Stonards Hill recreation ground, and invited residents and users of the skate park to share their thoughts on the plans.

Poppy and Emilia Pughsley, from Coopersale Hall School, gave a presentation to the skate park design team from Betongpark asking for interesting features such as a ‘chatter bench’.

Qualis Commercial senior development manager Karen Telling was also interested to see the plans as Qualis has made a £30,000 Section 106 financial contribution to the proposal to help Epping Town Council provide green space facilities for current and future residents.

The latest update on the skate park project comes after the town council unveiled new features - a new roundabout and coloured logs - on the Stonards Hill recreation ground play area.

Qualis Commercial managing director Simon Rutter said: “We are pleased that this financial contribution has enabled the improvements to Stonards Hill recreation ground playground and will play a part in the new skate park.

"We look forward to seeing the final designs for the skate park come to life following the consultation event with the local community.”

North Weald Bassett Parish Council – Tree Planting Project

North Weald Bassett Parish Council has been working closely with Essex County Council’s Senior Forestry and Woodland Officer to create a new Woodland area at Weald Common.

Over 2400 trees have now been planted on the field adjacent to the Weald Common access road. Native species such as willow, poplar, hazel, alder, hawthorn, sweet chestnut and oak have been sourced. The area has been divided into 3 planting compartments with specific species chosen for each compartment to ensure that they are planted in the right place for the conditions. It is hoped that the new woodland will enhance the biodiversity in this important location.

The well-trodden pathways that cross the field have been used as a planting guide and continue to allow access for walkers.

The Parish Council were keen to involve St Andrew’s Primary School Community with this exciting project and, following a meeting with Deputy Headteacher Benjamin Sharp, the school’s Eco-Warrior Group were invited to get involved with the final planting of 40 trees.

The Eco-Warriors visited Weald Common on Monday, 9th January to plant a selection of different whips under the guidance of the Parish Council’s contractors.

The Parish Council intends to install a plaque to mark the location where the children have planted the trees. Further enhancements to the project will be taking place over the next few months and the Parish Council hope to enlist additional help from the Eco-Warriors.

The photos below show the Eco-Warriors getting involved with the planting on the day:

Local man convicted of Rape

Three victims of sexual abuse have bravely released statements after a was jailed for 27 years recently.

Kevin Smith, 57 of Kimpton Close, Ongar appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 13th January, where he was sentenced to 27 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against young girls. He will also serve a further five years on license.

An investigation into Smith began last year when multiple victims came forward to report that they were abused over years ago. The investigation was led by Essex Police’s Quest team. They are responsible for investigating non-recent child sex abuse cases, whereby the victim is now an adult.

Smith was arrested, charged and following a two-week trial, which concluded on Thursday 12th January, he was found guilty of nine counts of rape against a child under 14 and four counts of indecent assault.

On the day of his sentencing the victims in this investigation have bravely spoken about their experiences of this investigation and have thanked Essex Police for the support they have received.

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, Essex Police would encourage you to seek support. There are a number of charities who support people who have been affected by sexual abuse

Synergy Essex Synergy Essex provides support and guidance for survivors of sexual and sexual abuse across Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).

The Essex Rape Crisis Partnership is formed of three organisations:

• CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) who cover mid and north Essex.

• SERICC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service) who cover South and West Essex.

• SOS Rape Crisis who cover Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

You can find out more by visiting synergyessex.org.uk/ Essex Sexual assault referral centrewww.oakwoodplace.org.uk/ (SARC) offers free support and practical help to anyone in Essex who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. If you would like to speak to member of the Essex SARC team, they are available 24/7 on 01277 240620 or you can send them an email. Essex.sarc@nhs.net

Survivors can self-refer and receive emotional support, specialist sexual violence and abuse counselling and or specialist advocacy services, no matter when the sexual violence or abuse occurred. In addition to this, they also offer support to survivor’s loved ones.

Source: Essex Police

Gardening Hints for February

February can be a grey dismal cold month but I always think Spring is just around the corner, the days are getting longer, Spring flowering bulbs are poking their heads through the soil with the promise of bright cheery colour to come.

It is important to check your tender plants are still protected from frost, we are still experiencing frosts and we can expect more very cold temperatures during this month.

As I have said before, it is a good time now to start planning for your vegetable patch or allotment deciding what seeds to sow and where to site each crop, it’s always advisable to rotate crops from year to year where possible. Warm some of the ground using cloches, this will enable early showings of broad beans, carrots and onions.

We have in stock a wide selection of seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots and garlic plus an extensive range of vegetable and flower seeds. February is a good month to purchase crop potatoes and start chatting. This is the process to encourage the potatoes to produce new shoots. This is achieved by placing them on trays or egg boxes in a cool light place avoiding direct sunlight.

Now is the month to carry out maintenance in your garden, ready for the Spring.

Prune back any branches on trees and shrubs that have been damaged by the winter winds. Fix fence panels and screw back any trellis that may have come loose, check arches for any damage. It’s much better to fix all of these before the growing season starts.

If you haven't already, there is still time to clean thoroughly and disinfectant your pots, plant trays, benches, propagators etc for a clean disease free start to the growing season.

If you have rhubarb crowns cover them now to encourage early pickings.

Don’t forget to feed the birds during February especially during periods of cold weather. Often, it’s too cold and wet to venture into the garden this month but when indoors spend time dreaming of the spring and summer to come with a nice warming drink of choice. Mine is always at this of the year in a nice homemade sloe gin. Cheers!

Nigel, Art Garden Centre, Vicarage Lane.

Do you know if your appliances are safe

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging residents to register their appliances online to be made aware of any safety recalls.

The Service is encouraging people to take stock of their appliances and register them online to be the first to hear about any safety recalls from the manufacturer.

You can register a range of appliances big and small and they don't have to be brand new either. If you've bought a second hand appliance or you've inherited one, you can register it online if it's under 12-years-old. You don't need proof of purchase either.

Registermyappliance.org.uk provides free and easy access to 60 leading brands sold in the UK.

In 2022, there were around 250 fires in Essex believed to be caused by faulty appliances. The most common culprits were overs, toasters, tumble dryers, washing machines and fridges. Appliances that many people use everyday.

A recent survey, conducted for AMDEA for Register My Appliance Week (23-27 January), showed a significant surge in people thinking about buying a second-hand large domestic appliance, due to the current increasing cost-of-living. Now one in four (25%) of people say they are likely to consider buying a second-hand appliance online, compared to just one in six (16%) four years ago. While recalls on appliances are rare and faults can normally be fixed quickly, it’s important to register your appliances so that manufacturers can make contact if a fault is identified. Using a faulty appliance can cause devastating fires.

Just before Christmas, crews were called to a tumble dryer fire in Braintree after the resident was woken up be her smoke alarms.

The residents were able to safely escape the house and call us but the tumble dryer fire left the kitchen badly damaged. The make and model of the tumble dryer were noted, and the fire was reported to the manufacturer.

Head over to registermyappliance.org.uk to register your devices today.

Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Services

Urgent stock appeal – Help your planet, and your Hospice

Are you planning a Spring Clean? St Clare Hospice Charity Shops would really appreciate any donations of pre-loved goods. They need good quality:

• Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing

• Shoes and bags

• Furniture – sofas, tables, chairs and wardrobes

• Games and toys

• Books, CDs and vinyl

To donate, visit your local St Clare Hospice shop. Find your closest shop by visitingstclarehospice.org.uk/shops

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GriefLine

GriefLine (01279 945089) is a local resource offering muchneeded emotional support via telephone, across West Essex and East Herts, to anyone struggling with their grief around the loss of someone.

GriefLine operates from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. It is run by a team of St Clare staff and volunteers, trained to deliver emotional support to those who are struggling with their grief.

Anyone who has experienced a loss, whether recently or in the past, is welcome to call GriefLine. No previous connection to St Clare Hospice is required to access support.

If you would like to speak to someone about the loss of someone, no matter how long ago you were bereaved, the number to call is 01279 945089.

GriefLine is free to call, though charges may apply in line with your standard network rate.

For more information visit: griefline.co.uk

School Holidays

Just after Christmas and with the increase in cost of living, sometimes there isn’t much money left to spend on days out or reats.

Here are a few ideas that may help during half term that don’t have to break the bank but provide some family fun.

1. Make a den. I used to do this as a child, with chairs clothes pegs, old duvet covers of blankets. You can use sheets, string, even under a kitchen table if you are careful. Grab a few pillows or cushions abd it can be very cosy.

2. Make a house as tall as possible with playing cards, who can use the most without it falling down, You can take it in turns.

3. Something I never did but thought it was a good idea, make a time capsule. Gather items and put them in and then bury it in the garden. You can then either dig them up a year later or leave them there for longer.

4. Morrisons - Kids eat FREE at Morrisons cafe when an adult spends £4.50 or more on a meal. This is an ongoing offer.

5. ASDA café - Kids eat for £1 at Asda Each child is entitled to a meal when they spend £1. Maximum of 1 meal from the kids menu per child, per day.

Valentine

So it seems January simply flew, and suddenly February the shortest month is here, Unless I can slow the hands of time, it’ll be the start of 2024 I fear.

Though for now it’s February, the month for lovers to express how they truly feel, Casting aside any worries, and put down into words to that someone announcing a love that’s real.

For centuries this custom has been honoured and who knows now many lives its changed, Giving that would be Casanova, the courage to show a side that’s not estranged.

Hoping that maybe their feelings were by chance, not all be from one side, That the one for whom they hold so dear, would possible open their arms up wide. Maybe that spark was just waiting, to be captured and slowly turned into a flame, Or like so many lost lovers perhaps you were spurned, flushing those feelings down the drain. Then life is about taking chances, and maybe doing things that you don’t feel you should, As to maybe stepping away from what’s comfy, will lead into something that feels so good.

There are no real set rules to love, and no two people are ever the same, But then that’s what makes finding the one, such a worthwhile gain.

Should you be lucky enough to win the heart, of someone that you know is right, Do whatever you can to hold onto that love, working together to build on that ray of light. While for the rest of you, don’t give up ,and always be ready to take a chance on that little sign, Because just around that next corner, might well be your true love valentine.

Source: Resident poet Andy. Valentine’s Day is a weird day. More exciting when you are young, single or maybe newly dating or married. But when you have been with someone for many many years or married for a long time it’s something you don’t really bother about.