North Weald Village Life January 2023 issue

Welcome to 2023

So that’s it, we are now in 2023. It has a friendly sound to it for some reason. Like many people, I am hoping that it brings more happiness. Don’t get me wrong, 2022 had its very good moments including two graduations, my youngest daughter achieving fantastic results in her A Levels, a few lovely days out, I won an award presented by North Weald Bassett Parish Council, the fantastic Jubilee event and of course lots of quality family time just to name a few things that were good. Of course we lost Andy’s mum in August which we really have not adjusted to, my dad has been ill and in hospital for 5 weeks only getting out the day before Christmas Eve. Andy’s health has been up and down, my daughter had to have an operation. Actually on the health side we have certainly had a few issues especially the later part of the year. However on the positive side, we are welcoming 2023 and looking forward to a healthier year.

I read an blog online, written by a local lady, who said some very wise words about New Year Resolutions. So I am listening to the advice and not making any this year. Instead I am making ‘revolutions’ as suggested in this blog and starting things I want to do this year. Much more positive and something to look forward to.

We have lost a few lovely local people in North Weald during December and the village just won’t be the same without them. Tony Taylor who has lived in the village for many years, lived next to Art Nursery, died in a tragic accident at home during the very cold snowy weather and a person who is very well known especially anyone who has ever had anything to do with North Weald Village Hall, or the Parish Council, or in the past the North Weald Horticultural Society plus many other groups and of course walking his dog around the village and that is George Mulliner who died on 27th December. My thoughts are with Margaret and the family. They have both given their time, volunteered and worked tirelessly for the Village Hall for many years. If you have ever even bought a drink from the bar in the hall you will have probably been served by George. Another person was Anne, wife to George, who many will know. He is another village character, over many years has helped neighbours and people in Princes close, School Green Lane and local people. He helped many people with their gardens. Anne died at home with George and her family with her. I can’t go without mentioning the weather, as I always do. January seems to be a gloomy wet and windy month It doesn't help with all the recycling that was not collected at the beginning of January, blowing it into the road.

I am going to have a moan now, I wish more thought was made to crossing the road after parking at Bakers Lane, Epping. It is so difficult to cross the road to walk into Epping when leaving the car park as you are literally on the roundabout and vehicles come around so quickly there not expecting pedestrians to be in the middle of the road. This needs more thought. I have seen people with prams and toddlers walk down the slop and nearly been hit by a car. We pay to park, we should be able to cross the road safely. This is something that I think Epping Forest District Council should have considered when closing the other car park.

I will put my positive hat on and leave the sad news and my moaning behind and wish everyone a fantastic 2023.

Cover photo Chosen because it looks good enough to eat and a lovely hot chocolate is just what you need on a January day.

CONTENTS

London Ultra-Low Emission Zone

North Weald Community Spirit

No “Common Sense” over absence of health centre

Residents to help shape disability strategy

Essex County Fire Rescue & Service Update

Christmas market

New reuse project at recycling centre

Photos of the month

Gardening hints

RideLondon Essex

Bird Column

Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk 07814 863955 Write to: 49 York Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6HU www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Subscription: If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £25.00 for 12 issues. Contributions & Editorial: If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us via letter or email.

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.

07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

• Dark

• Damp

• Work

• Tired

• Kids

• School

• Mud • Coat

• Hats

• Gloves

• Cold

• Flu

• Warmth

• Hope

• Hugs

Thank you to S. Hall and well done for winning the November Brain Teaser. Just search and find the words, ring them and then send your completed wordsearch to me by 25th January. Please send it to:January Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, CM16 6HU. This month’s prize is a bottle of wine. Don’t forget to include your name, telephone no and email address and home address.

Tragic Discovery

An investigation has been launched after human remains were found at Oakwood Pond in Harlow on the afternoon of Saturday 31st December.

Officers were called to Oakwood Pond, Fourth Avenue following reports of a suspicious object in the water. Specialist forensic officers have since confirmed that these are human remains. A few days later Essex Police confirmed they have launched a murder investigation

Work to drain the pond has begun as part of the work to gather evidence. Specialist police search advisors have been working at the scene since the discovery to carry out searches in the area and our officers have been amongst the community, carrying out house to house enquiries.

On 5th Thursday, Essex Police confirmed the human remains belong to 59 year-old Phillip Lewis. Phillip lived in Harlow for many years and was known as ‘Scottish Phil’.

On 4th January, a 52 year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 23 year-old has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. The 52 year old man has since been charged and the 23 year old man has been bailed until March.

A dedicated phone line has been set up specifically for this investigation and can be reached on 0800 051 4526. A Major Incident Public Portal has also been set up here as a way for the public to submit information.

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

Source: Essex Police

Teenage Burglar Arrested

A teenage burglar who targeted Essex & Bedfordshire homes for high-value, prestige vehicles has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Patrick Clark, 18, was arrested on 24 March 2022 after an Audi S5 he was involved in stealing failed to stop for officers and drove off, reaching speeds of more than 150mph. When it was stopped, face coverings, an axe, cannabis and gloves were found inside. These were soon linked to two burglaries in Harlow and Biggleswade in Bedfordshire.

Subsequent inquiries by Essex and Bedfordshire detectives quickly linked Clark to more attempted burglaries and other offences in Harlow and Epping, as well as Potton and Sandy in Bedfordshire.

Clark, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on 7th December, having previously admitted conspiracy to burgle 13 properties in Essex and Bedfordshire, conspiracy to steal four cars, aggravated vehicletaking and theft of alcohol.

He’d also asked for 21 other offences to be taken into consideration, involving 14 attempted burglaries, making off without payment from three businesses, burgling a home in Epping to take car keys and stealing a Volkswagen Polo, and two thefts of vehicle index plates from vehicles. All the offences were committed in February and March 2022.

Clark was also disqualified from driving for two years and seven months and he was ordered to take an extended retest, his driving licence was endorsed for driving without insurance and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

Copy Deadline for Event Details

For the January Issue 20th December

For the February Issue—20th January

North Weald W.I.

Only in January is the North Weald W.I. Meeting on the second Wednesday of the month not the first. I would like to invite all to join us on the 11th January to hear a good speaker in a happy atmosphere. Why not start the New Year by coming as a visitor pay £4.00 on the door and have an enjoyable afternoon North Weald W.I. meet at our Village Hall is 1.45pm. enjoying an interesting speaker and a friendly get together.

West Essex Flower Club

West Essex Flower Club’s next meeting is on 13th February at Thornwood Village Hall starting at 1.45pm. Our demonstrator for this month is Julie Woods with arrangements entitled ‘A Tantalising Cocktail’. Sounds interesting! All welcome to this friendly club. Come as a visitor £5.00 on the door or why not join?

Don’t forget to visit the website www.northwealdvillagelifeo.uk

Home Instead Singing For The Brain

This runs on the third Wednesday of the month at Theydon Bois Village Hall in the morning. These sessions bring people affected by dementia together to sing a variety of songs they know and love, in a fun and friendly environment. We do vocal exercises that help improve brain activity and wellbeing. We also serve light refreshments and enable the group to chat amongst themselves.

This event is free of charge and organised by Home Instead, Epping

Home Instead Memory Lane Café

This runs every second Wednesday of the month in the afternoon at Theydon Bois Village Hall. These are fun afternoons, we run a quiz or a competition, serve light refreshments and always have a sing along of our favourite songs. One of our team, Kevin, plays his guitar and we have song sheets so it is simple to join in.

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

North Weald Allstars Jazz Session

Memory Café

Apology for missed bin collections

Epping Forest District Council are apologising to residents for the ongoing issues with domestic waste and recycling collections.

They state that poor performance by waste and recycling contractor Biffa over Christmas and the New Year has compounded problems due to the severe weather earlier in December. While the pre-Christmas cold snap exacerbated the current difficulties, the recent problems are part of a longer term trend.

Councillor Nigel Avey, Cabinet Contracts Portfolio Holder for Epping Forest District Council said: “Individually, our refuse crews work incredibly hard. It’s a very tough job which few people choose to do, and it’s important to separate the good work of individual people from the underlying problems with the contract.”

“While bad weather and Christmas makes waste and recycling collections difficult, they are not an excuse for the underlying problems with Biffa. There are many reasons why Biffa has struggled to improve performance, including staff shortages and an unreliable fleet of vehicles, but our residents deserve better.”

Councillor Avey continued: “Council staff are working night and day to try to improve Biffa’s performance. Among the issues over Christmas were vehicles reaching capacity before the end of rounds, with no time to collect the remaining properties after unscheduled tipping. Punctures and breakdowns caused further delays, alongside high levels of staff and agency staff absence. All these issues have been taken up with Biffa.

We continue to apply pressure and enforce the contract where possible to try to improve service. Unfortunately, even with extra crews now being deployed, not all the missed collections will be caught up this week.

The council is taking appropriate action. The current contract with Biffa will not automatically be renewed. We have started work towards a new contract.

That is a year or two down the line. For now, we will continue to do everything in our power to improve Biffa’s performance. That includes help where we can and sanctions where necessary.

The current poor level of service is unacceptable and we will not rest until the situation has improved.

Balanced budget 2023 / 2024

A balanced budget identifying increased fees, charges, and savings to cover the £4.5million shortfall in funding for next year will be presented for debate at Cabinet on Monday 12th December.

Identifying the £4.5million projected gap early has given the council time to scrutinise every penny. Salaries are the council’s biggest cost and largest potential saving. Some jobs will be affected, but every effort will be made to avoid any potential compulsory redundancies. Proposals include a review of vacant posts, with potential voluntary redundancies and redeployment.

With hard pressed residents feeling the effects of inflation on their own pockets, the draft budget seeks to provide essential services residents rely on, at an affordable cost through tax, fees, and charges.

The proposed savings include the review of a large number of vacant posts. The council would still need to review a few posts where people are currently employed.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said: "We care deeply about our employees. They are our best asset. We value the hard work and dedication to public service that our employees bring to work every day.

"But these are not ordinary times. The cost-of-living crisis sparked by the pandemic and aggravated by Putin’s senseless war in Ukraine has far-reaching ramifications.

"While our residents must come first, we will do all we can to protect our staff. The potential need for compulsory redundancies will be minimised through a mixture of reviewing existing vacancies, potential voluntary redundancies, and redeployment."

Consultation in line with the council’s organisational change policy, legal requirements and best practice will begin with employees and the Trade Unions in the new year.

The council is also offering wellbeing support to all its employees with any work or personal related issues, whether related to this matter or otherwise, including its Employee Assistance Programme.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Sad News

I regret to inform you, following a long illness, the passing of my good friend George Mulliner on 27th December.

I had known George for more than forty years and we became very close friends and colleagues.

George was a councillor of the North Weald Parish Council, chairman of the Village Hall Charity and a long time chairman of the Redbridge Cycling Club, which is where I first met him in 1979.

Soon after moving into North Weald he became chairman of the Horticultural Society where he dragged me into the treasurer’s job and the same happened when he resumed as chairman of the Village Hall Charity.

I think that the Parish councillors will agree with me that George always presented sound judgement and often humour when needed, into their meetings, as he did with the Village Hall meetings.

He will be greatly missed by many friends and colleagues.

My thoughts go to George’s wife Margaret and his children, Wendy, Roger and Caroline.

Source: Roger Smith

New Year….new volunteering opportunities

Epping Forest District Council are looking for volunteers to join the Buddy Up project supporting adults 18+ with learning disabilities, autism or both. The idea is to provide Buddies to support clients into accessing community activities.

The project runs across West Essex and volunteers and service users must live in Uttlesford, Harlow or Epping Forest Districts, or be registered at a GP practice in West Essex.

While this is a volunteering role expenses incurred while accompanying a client on outings perhaps to the cinema, coffee shop or exercise class will be covered.

Saagar wanted to volunteer at the Food Bank to build up his social skills but wanted a friendly face to support him and he’s continued his volunteering.

Sarani started college but wasn’t sure on the bus route, so her Buddy accompanied her to show her the route and she’s now confident to do the journey on her own.

Referrals can be made through: eppingforest.essexfrontline.org.uk

Or contact Olivia at Email otimotheou@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

• Call 01992 564083 or 07729 109006

Clients do not need to have a formal diagnosis of autism or learning disability to sign up for the programme.

Volunteers must be 18+ have the time and commitment to support a client and are prepared to undertake a DBS check.

London Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

The Mayor of London has decided to expand the ULEZ to all London boroughs. This does not include Essex.

The extension is set to come into force from 29 August 2023 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

The TfL website tfl.gov.uk has been updated with details of the new scheme.

Nigel Bedford, Cabinet Member for Place at Epping Forest District Council said: “We have voiced our concerns about the extension of the ULEZ through the formal consultation process.”

With the south of our District bordering three London boroughs and being in close proximity to the A406, the expansion of will undoubtedly have a direct impact on our District.

Cllr Ken Williamson Cabinet Member for Technical Services added: “We share a common goal of improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.”

“Having reviewed the consultation documents, in principle we support the aims of the expansion put forth by TfL but also have concerns that TfL and the Mayor of London need to address including our concerns about EFDC residents’ access to Whipps Cross Hospital and other health facilities within the zone

To check your vehicle. reg.web.tflcc.co.uk. to find out if your vehicle meets emissions and safety standards required to drive in London, or if you need to pay a daily charge.

Salting of local roads and pavements

Essex County Council look after the roads and pavements in Essex.

Epping Town Council has engaged with Essex County Council’s salt bag partnership scheme, which is where Essex County Council delivers some bags of salt for residents to collect to salt their own roads.

Epping Town Council placed the salt delivered by Essex County Council in three green salt bins in Beaconsfield Road, Rayfield and Parklands, Coopersale. The salt is only delivered once and is there until it runs out.

Essex County Council bins are yellow and there is lots of information on their website about their gritting and salting programmes.

If residents are having trouble accessing salt from these salt bins, salt can be purchased from local suppliers, such as petrol stations and online.

Green tree planted as part of Queen's Green Canopy

A tree has been planted on the Town Green, Epping, by Epping Town Council with the City of London Corporation as part of the Queen's Green Canopy nationwide initiative to mark her late Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.

The initiative is now being led by His Majesty the King.

The tree was planted by Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Hugh Pegrum, as the King's representative, with Epping Town Mayor councillor Barbara Scruton, and Ben Murphy, chairman of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee. The initiative was due to conclude at the end of the Jubilee year - however as the official tree planting season in the UK is from October to March, His Majesty the King has agreed to extend the scheme to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memorial, to honour the late Queen.

The aim of the Queen's Green Canopy is to create a living legacy with more than one million trees planted in HM Queen Elizabeth II's name during the first planting season.

The extension of the initiative will build on this legacy and serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty's extraordinary service to her country and her people.

As Patron of the Queen's Green Canopy, His Majesty The King selected Epping Forest as one of the 70 Ancient Woodlands in the UK to be recognised by the scheme, Epping Forest has more than one million and more than 55,000 of those are designated as ancient, one of the largest collections in the UK.

HM The King is hoping memorial planting will allow the Queen's Green Canopy to surpass the two million new trees planted to help counteract climate change and improve biodiversity across the nation.

Once the tree is planted, it will be entered onto the QGC online map for all to see and hopefully be reviewed by the King.

Tree planting project progressing "extremely

well"

North Weald Bassett Parish Council's tree planting at Weald Common is progressing "extremely well", however the snow has forced a temporary halt to the project for a few days.

Planting started on November 28 with children from St Andrew's Primary School's Eco-Warrior Group to get involved in early January.

More than 2,400 trees are being planted with native species having been sourced such as willow, poplar, hazel, alder, hawthorn, sweet chestnut and oak.

The area has been divided into three planting compartments with specific species chosen for each to ensure they are planted in the right place for the conditions.

It is hoped 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 will continue to allow access for walkers once the planting has been completed.

Parish council chairman councillor Alan Buckley said: "We will also be planting six oak tree saplings around the perimeter of the common, which have been donated by a North Weald resident to the project.

"The central focal point of the plantings at the inaugural Copper Beech Tree will be a plaque in remembrance of our late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Queen's Green Canopy project together with two benches and two information boards providing a potted history of the immediate area during the Second World War and a picture briefing of the types of trees which have formed the parish council’s project."

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Are you prepared?

Your preparations should include making sure you have key information, medication, a phone charger and warm clothing to hand if you had to leave your home in an emergency.

People who plan and prepare for this are better able to manage, and recover more quickly.

Things to consider

• Can you function without power or water for 3 days?

• Do you know how to turn off the gas, water and electricity to your home?

• Does your family know what to do in an emergency?

Essential kit

• Do you have a radio to tune into the local radio station to receive updated information on the emergency?

• Do you have a supply of tinned food and bottled water in case you need to stay indoors?

• Do you have a grab bag so that if you have to leave your home in a rush you have all essentials you need?

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February issue—20th February

March issue 20th March

April issue– 20th April

North Weald Community is full of Christmas Spirit

After a request on North Weald Village Life Facebook Group for some help in locating some beds for her children, a local mum based in Norway House, not only spurred people to help her find these beds, a local man even kindly picked them up from out of the area , delivered them and helped to rebuild them.

After this request, a local lady Theresa Cairns, kindly offered, if a few people were to club together, to buy some toys for the children at Norway House.

From this request, after the generosity of local residents and within just a few days over £500 was collected and Theresa and her husband kindly went shopping after contacting the manager of Norway House to find out the age range of children living there.

Also, after seeing the good work of Theresa and fellow residents, a local resident who works at Covent Garden arranged for a large quantity of fruit and vegetables to be delivered to Norway House.

I just wanted to say thank you, especially to Theresa, who despite her own health problems, helped to arrange this and thank you to everyone who donated and got involved.

North Weald has a such a wonderful community.

"No common sense" over absence of health centre as part of large development

The prospect of a development of at least 1,050 new homes with no health facilities has been criticised by North Weald Bassett Parish Council.

A councillor told a recent parish council meeting there was "no common sense" behind the decision to not include a health centre as part of the proposed Latton Priory development off London Road, Hastingwood.

The parish council is also concerned at the absence of any suggestion of a fire station or police base on the development earmarked for opposite the McDonald's restaurant and off the M11-A414 roundabout at Hastingwood.

Latton Priory is a strategic development site allocated within the submission version of the yet-to-be-approved Epping Forest District Council Local Plan for a minimum of 1,050 homes. In addition to the new homes, the site is set to provide community facilities including a secondary school, primary school, nursery and pre-school facilities, employment area, central commercial centre and a large area of green space - but no health facilities.

A draft report for consultation, which was discussed by parish councillors, states: "Latton Priory has the potential to accommodate a health centre. However, discussions between Epping Forest District Council and the local health providers have indicated that there is no requirement for such a facility.

"The masterplan for Latton Priory seeks to create a healthy environment in which to live and work in."

An earlier section from the document stated: "The Local Plan identifies that appropriate community health facilities should be accommodated and the masterplan provides sufficient capacity within the local centre for this, although more recent discussions with local health bodies suggest that current health service strategies will not require it in this location."

Councillor Sheila Jackman said: "I don't see how anybody can build that number of houses and not have a health facility. There is no common sense in some of this. I do think we ought to make that point strongly in our response."

She added: "Why don't we approach the people who provide the health (services) because they probably don't know about all of this? We ought to be writing to the people who provide the doctors."

Councillor Andy Tyler expressed concern at the absence of any proposal to provide additional fire or police cover to serve the new housing development.

He said: "It's just like, let's build houses and make money and go away. There's no infrastructure to this at all."

The meeting was told that the developers are yet to agree on the exact point where the development will access onto London Road.

Epping Forest secures Government Funding

Epping Forest District Council has been awarded £1 million as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Council’s investment plan submission was approved in full and will unlock investment over the next three years to support local businesses, communities and the delivery of skills and training programmes in the district. Support economic growth

Cllr John Philip Portfolio holder for Economic Development said: “The Council’s bid which was approved by Cabinet in July after extensive local consultation with local organisations, MPs and others sets out a range of programmes to support economic growth and pride in place in our district.”

The programmes range from providing business support, energy cost cutting measures, rural regeneration, development of community assets such as playgrounds and new skills and training initiatives in the third year of the programme.

This is great news and represents a partnership between central and local government to invest in the things that are important to our residents.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

The Council has also recently submitted a bid for the Rural England Prosperity Fund that if successful will see a further £440,000 secured from central government to focus specifically on capital projects in our rural communities.

Call for county residents to shape future ECC Disability Strategy

All county residents, including those with disabilities, their families and those who care for them, are asked to give their views on Essex County Council's future Disability Strategy.

It is important people living with disabilities, their families and carers, and all residents of the county can feed into the development of the Disability Strategy.

A consultation on the future Disability Strategy has now been launched and your views can be given online here: https:// consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/disability-strategy-consultation/

An easy read version of the consultation can be found here: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/disability-strategy-2022-easyread/

The consultation will last for 12 weeks, closing on Thursday 23rd February.

Cllr John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “The aim of this strategy is to be clear about our ambitions, and outline a set of commitments to the citizens of Essex who have a disability, that aligns with our aspiration for everyone to live a meaningful life.

“That means we need to know what is important to you so we can work in collaboration with partners to help you achieve it.”

“Your views are important to us. We would like to hear from you to make sure we have correctly understood the opportunities and challenges you face.”

A short video of Cllr Spence outlining why ECC is seeking your views on the future Disability Strategy can be viewed here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ88UfsffOc

If you would like to help ECC, please fill out this the consultation. It is fine for someone to help you fill out this consultation survey. Details of focus groups to discuss your views on the strategy with other people will be available soon.

For any further enquiries please contact the Disability Strategy team disabilitystrategy@essex.gov.uk

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Essex County Fire Rescue & Services Update

Record-breaking temperatures and thousands of extra calls and incidents; 2022 has been a year like no other for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS).

This week ECFRS has released its end of year stats as it reflects on what it has achieved during 2022.

From 1st January to 30th November 2022, ECFRS attended over 16,000 incidents. From the very start it was an incredibly busy year, with some firefighters seeing in the New Year by dealing with a deliberate fire at a large industrial unit in Braintree. The scale and size of it meant firefighters were at the scene for three days.

In total, since 1st January 2022 ECFRS attended over 5,000 fires, over 1,000 road traffic collisions and over 6,000 false alarms but perhaps most notably, it was the incidents related to extreme weather that proved the most challenging. Friday 18th February was an exceptional day for the Service due to Storm Eunice. Between 10am and 9pm, Control Officers and crews dealt with around 500 calls, with up to 100 calls an hour during the peak of the storm, including reports of collapsed and damaged buildings, large fallen trees, damage to power cables and small fires.

Thankfully the storm passed in a few days, unlike 2022’s joint warmest summer on record in England and the driest since 1995. It resulted in an incredibly busy two months for the Service. In July and August ECFRS received more than double the average 999 calls and attended 5,000 incidents - around twice as many as the same time the previous year.

In addition to these large incidents, firefighters extinguished countless other fires, rescued people and animals from a huge variety of situations and supported partner organisations and emergency services across the county and beyond.

Of course, it’s not just incidents ECFRS spends its time on. The Service carried out over 17,000 fire safety visits to the public, over 4,000 inspections and audits at commercial properties and over 115,000 school-aged children benefitted from education visits

Over the course of the year 171 colleagues joined ECFRS - adding to the 1,528 strong workforce.

Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Services

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Essex County Council works with families to develop new SEND website

As part of its SEND improvement journey, Essex County Council has re-launched the Essex Local Offer website to help families and practitioners access the right support including updated information, new resources and improved access to services across education, health and social care.

The website, which is managed by Essex County Council (ECC), provides information about what Special Educational Needs and/ or Disabilities (SEND) support is on offer for children and young people in Essex.

The aim is to improve families’ experiences of the Essex SEND system, empower parents and carers, and ensure children and young people continue to receive appropriate support that meets their individual needs. There are different types of support that children and their families may need during their SEND journey. The new website makes it clearer how to access early help services and explains when a young person may require more intensive support.

ECC has worked with families and practitioners to develop and test the new website. Content has been updated and it is easier to move around the website to find relevant information more quickly.

Information is also presented in a new format which is clearer and more accessible for people using the site who may have SEND Cllr Tony Ball, ECC’s Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Our aim is for every child and young person to reach their full potential in life, to be the best they can. The launch of new Local Offer website is another positive step forward in our journey to improve SEND services in Essex. However, it is not the end. We know we have more work to do to ensure that every family feels the benefits of the changes we are making. I look forward to building on the progress we have made so far.”

The new website is one part of ECC’s efforts to transform the Essex SEND system and improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. It will also support SEND practitioners in their work with families.

The site is available here: https://send.essex.gov.uk/. ECC will continue to listen to families and practitioners’ views about the new website to continuously improve it. Individuals can share their views on the new site by emailing essex.localoffer@essex.gov.uk

Sad News of the passing of Tony Taylor

Having heard the sad news of the passing of Tony Taylor, his stepson Russel asked me to share this with readers.

It is with great sadness we have to share with you the news that our dad, Tony Taylor of Art Nursery, North Weald, recently passed away.

Tony left school & began work at Sopers Farm (part of which is now Newhall, Harlow). Ploughing fields with horses was regular work for him & he went on to study, then lecture in horticulture.

In the 1970’s Tony began growing roses (creating hybrids & naming some himself). He then bought the farmland at Vicarage lane & started Art Nursery.

Receiving a medal at the Chelsea flower show from the Queens mother was a notable achievement in his career.

Over the years he built the nursery & business up to become a garden centre & was very well known & had many friends in the area.

Any friends of Tony which would like to attend the funeral would be most welcome. It will be held at Greenacres Cemetery and Ceremonial Park, Kiln Rd North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6AD 1pm, Friday 20th of this month.

Christmas Market

Entertainment at Epping Town Council's Christmas Market was provided by children from Coopersale Hall School Choir, Coopersale and Theydon Garnon School, Epping Primary School Choir, the Ivy Chimneys Primary School Choir as well as Sorelle London Academy, Rock Choir and local musicians 'Hanna and Music' and Matthew Shepherd.

There were also visits from Elf on the Shelf, and two reindeer while there was a Santa's Grotto and craft stalls at Epping Fire Station.

Epping Library joined in with a festive event with a visit from two therapy dogs, Ronnie and Scrumpy, where the children could read to them as well as storytelling and a crafts session.

St John’s Church hosted the annual Christmas Tree Festival with craft stalls and some 60 decorated trees on display.

The town council's festive window competition was won by Cole's outfitters in Epping High Street with Piccola and SO Studios, local photographers, commended for their Christmas shop displays. The retail shop display was picked by local school children for the town council.

The atmosphere was wonderful, and the weather was great. Local families came along to enjoy the day, buy some Christmas presents and enjoy some mulled wine and food.

New reuse opportunity at recycling centres to support those in need

Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Harlow Recycling Centres now have donation points for residents to drop off their unwanted larger electrical appliances for the Lighthouse Furniture Project.

A new partnership between Essex County Council (ECC) and the Lighthouse Furniture Project has been launched giving residents new opportunities to donate electrical items for repair and reuse.

Residents visiting Brentwood, Chelmsford and Harlow Recycling Centres can now donate larger electrical appliances for repair and reuse and distribution amongst those in need.

Items such as electric cookers, washing machines, fridges and freezers are accepted and collected from the sites by Lighthouse.

They are then repaired and refurbished if required before being tested by Lighthouse engineers.

These items are passed on or sold at affordable prices in the local community.

This exciting new partnership benefits individuals and families in need, who may be struggling with the cost of living.

It also minimises waste in Essex by keeping items in use longer by repair and refurbishment.

The scheme may be extended to further recycling centres in the future.

Peter Everett, CEO of the Lighthouse Furniture Project said: “As a charity and social enterprise Lighthouse is excited about this opportunity to access electrical appliances from their local recycling centres.

“Each appliance we can reuse will help us meet the increasing demand for low-cost appliances that can be accessed by anyone that needs them.

“It’s great to know that as local residents donate to Lighthouse through the drop off points, their washing machines, cookers and refrigeration will be helping support others across Essex and making an environmental impact at the same time.”

Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “I’m delighted to see this partnership with the Lighthouse Furniture Project come to fruition and deliver positive impacts to support the local community.

“Working like this with others helps to protect our natural resources through the repair and the efficient reuse of materials.”

For more information on the Lighthouse Furniture Project and how you can support them, please visit http:// www.lighthousefurniture.org.

DaRT87 Book your transport

The new app for the DaRT87 (Demand Responsive Transport) minibus service makes travel simple and hassle free. Launching in time for Christmas trips and return to work and school in the new year, the app will make those peak and off peak journeys easier to handle. It is now even better value with a new flat-rate fare for journeys up to 7 miles. You can pay on board using contactless or use concessionary passes.

Passengers can book and track their booked vehicle using the app. Download the Flexiroute Passenger App from Apple Store or Google Play

Select Epping Forest from the regions list

Register your details

DaRT87 service

Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has funded the DaRT87 bus service since January 2021 following the withdrawal of the Arriva 87 bus service by Essex County Council. The service is managed by Epping Forest Community Transport (EFCT) on behalf of EFDC.

The DaRT87 is a pre-booked bus service. The service must be prebooked at least 24 hours in advance either for one-off trips, or block bookings.

You can use the new app or call Epping Forest Community Transport on 01992 579556 to book a journey.

Concessionary bus passes are accepted from 9:30am onwards. There is a flat-rate fair of £2 for a journey up to 7 miles and £5 thereafter.

The vehicle is an accessible minibus with DaRT87 displayed on the front of the vehicle.

There is no fixed timetable, however, journeys can be shaped by demand e.g. NHS staff working certain shifts and college start times.

The route of the DaRT87 runs from:

• Debden Underground Station and Debden Broadway

• Loughton (including Rectory Lane, Pyrles Lane and England’s Lane)

• Theydon Bois

• Epping (including Epping Underground Station, Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices and St Margaret’s Hospital)

• Epping Green

• Staple Tye

• Harlow Town Centre (Playhouse stop)

• Princess Alexandra Hospital

• Sainsbury’s (Fifth Avenue)

For more information visit the DaRT87 webpage or contact Epping Forest Community Transport: Call 01992 579556

Email efct@efcommunitytransport.org.uk

Visit the Epping Forest Community Transport website

Origins of the word ‘forest’

North Weald lies in the ‘Epping Forest’ district of Essex. But where did the word ‘forest’ originate? There are two commonly acknowledged theories, both of which will be explained in this article.

The first theory takes us on a linguistic journey through Latin, French and English…

• For centuries, Latin contained the word ‘foris’, meaning ‘outside’

• Between the 3rd and 7th centuries, the word ‘silva’ (meaning ‘woodland’) was added to it, to create the term ‘forestis silva’. This term meant woodland located outside enclosed parkland

• Between the 9th and 13th centuries, ‘forestis silva’ was shortened to ‘forest’ and was incorporated into French

• In the late 13th century, ‘forest’ began being used in English

• As the English language evolved over time, the definition of ‘forest’ was widened to mean a woodland area more generally – regardless of whether it was located outside enclosed parkland or not. This is how we use the word today

The second theory behind the origins of the word ‘forest’ also lies in Latin. Between the 8th and 13th centuries, Latin contained the words ‘forestis’ (meaning ‘game preserve’) and ‘forum’ (meaning ‘judicial body or court’). By combining the sense of these two words, the term ‘forest’ was arrived at –meaning woodland that the judiciary had specifically designated for hunting game. Then, when ‘forest’ was incorporated into English, it was used to describe a woodland area more generally. This is its present-day definition.

Regardless of which theory you follow, the word ‘forest’ ultimately comes from Latin and has a rich linguistic history dating back centuries.

by Amar

Photos: Terry Taylor sharing a wonderful photo of his amazing robins and wishes readers a very happy New Year.

Photos: June Peachey photos taken at

RIP Tony Taylor

I must start this month’s column by remembering Tony Taylor, who lived next door to the garden centre. Tony died in a tragic accident in a fire in his garage just before Christmas. Tony was the man who started Art Garden Centre back in the late 60’s, His initials Anthony Ronalad Taylor gave the name to the Garden Centre which we kept when we took over, 17 years ago. He was a very kind generous man, who helped me with his time and advice when I first took over. With his experience and knowledge that he shared with me, he enabled me to survive the first year of trading without making expensive mistakes, priceless information. He became a great friend over the years and I miss him terribly. He was well known throughout the village and in the early years very much part of the local community, he had many a story to tell and local people were always willing to share stories about Tony and the escapades he got up to. It will never be quite the same again without him popping in and sharing life’s experiences. RIP Tony and love to all his family.

January Gardening Hints

Not to much to write about in the January issue, as we all tend to hibernate somewhat. With a continuous wind and rain at present, no point in venturing out into the garden.

I always think now is the time to look at all the structures in the garden, fencing, sheds, arches, walls, netted areas, bean poles etc and identify what needs repairing or improving. Make a note of what’s to be done, and get prepared for when the weather changes and you can get out and achieve all the necessary before the sowing and planting season begins in earnest.

Some established plants in my garden are looking very sorry for themselves after the cold snap with December where you can cut back all foliage that has been damaged by the frost to give the rest of the plant chance to recover. Some plants will make it, sadly some will not, but don’t be hasty in throwing away or cutting down shurbs, plants, trees etc,, wait until the weather warms up and the days get longer. You will sometimes to be shocked to see new shoots appearing and the plant surviving.

Keep feeding the beds and providing clean water, especially during times of prolonged frosts.

Seed potatoes, onion sets, garlic cloves and extensive range of seeds will be on sale from mid January onward. Check our Facebook page for the exact time they are delivered.

As always take time to plan your garden for this year, and dream of warmer summer weather with a drink of your choice. Mine’s a nice homemade sloe gin. Cheers Nigel.

All that’s left is to wish all readers of this excellent magazine a healthy happy New Year.

Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre

RideLondon-Esssex

This one day festival of cycling returns to Essex on Sunday 28 May 2023, The route for RideLondon-Essex is confirmed and includes Epping, North Weald, Ongar, Leaden Roding, Great Dunmow, Felsted and Writtle

It is reported that there is a range of changes and improvements planned after extensive period of engagement with Essex residents, businesses and communities including:-

• Continued engagement with communities planned for the New Year

• RideLondon-Essex positively supports the delivery of the Everyone’s Essex objectives for economy, health and the environment.

• The inaugural edition of RideLondon-Essex took place in May 2022 with more than 22,000 cyclists of all ages, abilities and backgrounds taking part, raising millions of pounds for more than 400 charities along the way.

A second year of the partnership between ECC and LME will see this inspiring event return to Essex in 2023, with an estimated 25,000 cyclists expected to take part in the RideLondon-Essex 100 or 60 mile challenge rides. Once again, the event will showcase Essex to national and international audiences increasing tourism, and opportunities for investment to support the economic growth of the county.

As a direct result of the partnership, Essex now benefits from significant funding from the London Marathon Charitable Trust to support physical activity and sport opportunities across the county, and especially to areas along the route.

Photo: C. Jones

Following the event in May, £1M has been allocated to scale up the Essex Pedal Power initiative to make cycling more inclusive, increase active travel (walking and cycling) opportunities in schools, and power a small grants programme for Essex projects.

So far more than 80 applications have been approved, helping support young people, women and girls, less affluent communities and older residents to get moving in their local area. Groups, clubs and individuals can still apply through the Find Your Active Small Grants at Find Your Active Fund – Active Essex

An event review and community engagement process took place after this year’s event which included meetings, surveys and drop-in sessions with residents, businesses, local councils, stakeholders and ride participants. ECC and LME have now agreed the route for the 2023 mass participation rides will remain the same with the addition of a range of enhancements and improvements developed from the feedback and engagement process, including:

• Improved local access plans for communities on the route

• Increased provision of managed vehicle crossing points on the route

• Additional local drop-in sessions in February for further engagement with residents and businesses

• Enhanced engagement programme with businesses on the route to plan ahead

• Working with schools and community groups on the route to develop cycling and active travel initiatives.

Tel: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co

Post Christmas and the New Year

Well that all came and went, in a flash sadly once again, I really shouldn't be too surprised, as each year that passes seems to do the same. You spend so much time worrying about what to buy, doing your best to be discreet, Then once all your presents have been opened and discarded, the one thing they all really want is the receipt! So you got things wrong, whether it be the size or the style, It was the simple fact you tried to please the hardest of recipients, content with the fact you just got a smile.

I for one much prefer to give than to receive, as to be honest I’m far too fussy to please, Then to be totally honest, I only buy for my wife, allowing her to choose things for everyone else, telling myself its her expertise. I know that’s wrong, but know if I’d interfere, I’d only make everything worse, So I happily sit back and feel my job is done, if for some decisions I help coerce. With all that done and the New Year underway, I feel its hard to find anything to excite, As the days are still so short and everything is so damp, I find I look forward to simply saying Goodnight. Still I must try harder, as time is so precious and it’s up to us to make the most of what we’ve got, And to be honest again, when I see my wife and kids, I realise that I’m truly blessed with a lot.

So to all of you out there, longing for the summer and that warm summer breeze, Just remember if it wasn't for the winter blues and occasional nights that freeze, The summer would just come and go, no different to any other day. And though I moan I’m glad that on the whole, this country’s seasons still happen in their way.

Source: Andy resident poet.

Increased levels of abuse

Levels of domestic violence and abuse are known to increase around the time of major sporting events. Several different studies suggest that when it comes to team sports, incidents of domestic abuse across many countries increase during or after games.

According to research based on interviews with women who’d experienced domestic abuse during sporting events, abusive partners may use sports games as a way to exert control over their partners. This can take the form of:

• Psychological: Threats and controlling behaviours

• Sexual: Forceful or harmful behaviours during sex

• Emotional: Insults or withholding affection

• Financial: Monitoring spending or limiting access to bank accounts

Domestic violence can occur between parents, children, spouses, roommates, or any 2 people who share an intimate relationship.

Councillor Holly Whitbread, Chair of Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership said: “It is a sad fact that for some people whether their team loses or wins, the event is frequently marked by domestic abuse against their partner.”

But there is help available at the end of a phone or the click of a mouse to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

If you, or someone you know either personally or through work is affected in this way please be extra aware in the remaining weeks of the World Cup, and seek help and support from:

• Essex COMPASS

A single point of access funded by Essex County Council in partnership with the Office of Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to support victims of domestic abuse. Visitwww.essexcompass.org.ukor call the Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0330 333 7 444.

•

SETDAB

Southend, Essex and Thurrock domestic abuse partnership. Visit setdab.org

• Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid aims is to end domestic violence against women and children. Visit the www.womensaid.org.uk

•

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers can also help if you are too scared to speak up. You can talk to them 100% anonymously. Visit crimestop-

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club (based in Weald Bridge Road North Weald)

Bantham & Ongar bowls club is in Weald Bridge Road, North Weald, we are a friendly welcoming club, whom not only love bowling together but incorporate plenty of social events!

We play short mat indoors on Mondays & Wednesdays at 2:00 pm. Outside on a Thursday at 5:00 pm (April-October). However, this is an all-weather playing surface so can be used all year round. We currently have 3 qualified coaches to help those who would like to take up or try bowling for the first time.

We have excellent facilities within a well-appointed pavilion, which can comfortably accommodate 100 people, including a licensed bar, a well equipped kitchen, disability toilets and access, ample parking for cars and coaches.

We are also open to hire for parties, wedding receptions and wakes. We hold a Dementia Uk group short mat session weekly on a Tuesday at 10:30 am, Table Tennis on a Thursday evening at 7:00 pm, Bridge on Wednesday at 10:00 am, and various other groups including, Tai Chi, Whist, Slimming world, Bingo starting in the new year (Feb) on a monthly basis. Any enquiries please email the secretary – 01992 329034 or l.carpenter.49@hotmail.com

PREVENTING DOG THEFT

A national rise in the number of dog thefts has resulted in Essex Police stepping up their preventative measures.

While incidents of dog theft are low in the county, national figures show an increase over the last 18 months in reported incidents and the fear of theft.

As a result, Essex Police have reacted to the trend by –

• engaging with recommendations from the National Pet Taskforce

• introducing a process for all cases to be reviewed by a specialist officer

• establishing the ability to proactively respond to reports of pet theft

• establishing strong working relationships with the RSPCA, Dog Watch and Crimestoppers to promote prevention measures

Work has been undertaken to improve the recording of incidents of pet thefts with stronger processes introduced in the force control room and national learnings introduced wherever possible.

The Rural Engagement Team have increased engagement with pet owners attending country shows and other engagement opportunities to share best practice in preventing the theft of pets.

Source: Police, Fire, Crime and Commissioner, Essex

Tel: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

BIRD FEATURE - JANUARY 2023

Welcome to some nature related jottings. I am composing these notes as we are about to come out of a very wintry pre-Xmas spell of weather, hopefully the cold, slippery conditions of the last week will not be repeated for a good while. The snowfall that descended on the village overnight Sunday - Monday 11th / 12th December looked very pretty and left the streets, commons, woods & fields covered in a dazzlingly bright blanket of whiteness. Of course if it impacted on us for just a day or two then all well and good but the reality has proved very different. Bitter cold, very slippery roads and pavements, transport delays, the risk of frozen pipes etc. Snow always looks so beautiful and many Christmas cards portray an idyllic winter scene with a cheerful Robin thrown in for good measure. But out in the real world that Xmas Robin will have been struggling. We had a week or so of frosty conditions leading up to the snowfall, with another week of sub zero temperatures to follow. So for wildlife that has been a fortnight of truly challenging weather and the sad reality is that quite a few birds, especially smaller species, will not have survived. Most will perish unseen overnight but of course predators will benefit as they will find the corpses and take full advantage of the bounty. It was the other side of Ongar but I heard one report of a scavenging Red Kite being seen with a dead Barn Owl, a species that is very vulnerable to such cold snaps. Numbers remain low at the best of times so hopefully a few can survive this spell of weather. Water birds are obviously seriously impacted by frozen ponds & lakes, I took a walk around the area and all the small lakes at the disused golf course were frozen solid, as of course was the pond at Weald Common. The only water that had not frozen was at Cripsey's Brook where it flowed away from the water treatment works at Church Lane. In a stretch of less than 100 yards I saw a Little Egret, Heron, 2 Mallards and 2 Moorhens and then a Grey Wagtail. All taking advantage of the access to some potentially life saving unfrozen water. Of course the one advantage birds have is the ability to fly and certainly bigger species such as the Heron or Egret have the option of setting off to find suitable conditions. Most days saw virtually no discernable breeze but had there been continuing snow or strong winds then even these bigger birds would have struggled. Fish eating birds such as Kingfishers and Cormorants absolutely must find streams or bigger lakes where water is not frozen. In widespread icy conditions. Kingfishers will travel as far as the coast to survive but there are never any guarantees. Several times on bright, sunny but bitterly cold days I noticed flocks of Lapwings over our area. One flock numbered almost 100 birds. They fly over silently and a couple of times I only looked up as they were directly overhead, had I not done so they would have been gone and out of sight without me even realising they had been there. Which reinforces the point I repeatedly try to emphasise, nature watching is mostly a question of keeping your eyes and ears well and truly open. Some of my very best local sightings have literally been as a result of an unexpected encounter. I have not needed to be too observant to see the Fieldfares and Redwings that are about. On some days it has seemed as if every hedgerow, tree and bush has these winter thrushes present, either perched whilst they feast on fruits or berries, or sometimes underneath looking for fruits that have fallen to the ground. They will also take advantage of any worms etc they might find in the leaf litter that has accumulated around the base of the tree etc. Leaf litter is a micro habitat that can sometimes remain unfrozen whilst everything around it is covered in snow and iced solid. When these winter thrushes take to the air there can be scores of them in the flock and a couple of times in the last fortnight I have seen at least 200 or so flying over. Another member of the thrush family is the familiar Blackbird and they too will not only target berries and fruits but will avidly forage in leaf litter. Many times I have heard scrambling noises coming from under a hedge or shrub and closer examination has revealed the presence of 2 or 3 Blackbirds. During the breeding season they can be very territorial and will even fight to the death for territory or to secure a mate. However in such harsh weather survival is key and they tolerate each other when they have secured suitable habitat. Of course other birds are helped by the activities of Blackbirds, their foraging will expose prey under the leaves and Robins and Dunnocks can often be seen taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the disturbance of the ground. Livestock in fields can present enhanced opportunities for birds to find food. There are a couple of fields locally where cattle or horses are sited and just their movement can break up the ground and disturb all manner of grubs, worms, beetles etc. Where the feed has been scattered this will lead to an even greater concentration of the cows or horses and this can ensure that there is a good sized patch of grass that is uncovered, even in conditions such as those we have experienced in mid December. Rooks, Magpies, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws are all members of the crow family that will target such locations and from time to time I try to count just how many individual birds are present. Often it is well over 100 or so but on one recent day there must have been far more, probably in excess of 300 "crows" ranged across one particular field. With Starlings, Woodpigeons, Fieldfares & Redwings included there must have been more than 400 birds present, all driven by the instinct to find food to survive the cold. As always a Robin or two was on hand to benefit from the opportunities presented by the livestock. Every winter I hope to see Waxwings in our area. This species comes to the UK every year but in variable numbers. There is even a Twitter site that logs any reported sightings of this absolutely gorgeous bird. It is over a decade since we had a flock locally when almost 50 birds were present around the village hall and in some gardens nearby.

Sadly not a single sighting since then. They are berry dependent and are often noted in the car parks of large supermarkets where conveniently there are usually many berry bearing hedges and trees. If you are ever lucky enough to see a flock of these birds then you will probably realise why their presence in the UK in winter is deemed worthy of a Twitter log. Pictures do not do the species justice. Here's hoping for 2022/23 although so far numbers seem relatively low throughout our islands.

Other wildlife struggles in cold weather. Over 30 Fallow deer have been in the scrub areas near Weald Common, and they seem just that bit bolder with the need to find food helping them overcome some of their fears. They have tended to look across and carry on nervously browsing foliage rather than all just run off as soon as they see you. Of course if they think you are going to get too close then they will be off. It is surprising how quickly 20 or so deer can just melt out of sight in a small copse.

I saw a fox hunting through the snow at Weald Common, crouched down and moving forward as stealthily as possible. But its rabbit prey suddenly sensed the fox and bolted, leaving the fox to sniff the air and trudge off through the snow. Fox heaven at this time of year is to find a dead bird or mammal, this equates to minimum effort for a better reward, certainly more energy efficient than having to chase rabbits !

Just a few days of icy conditions have driven more birds into our gardens. There have been more Pied Wagtails in my turning, also I normally get an occasional Wren but there have been regular visits during the day, often checking out fence panels for spiders hidden in the nooks and crannies. The sheer number of spiders in our gardens is always highlighted on frosty days when you can see frosted webs over fences and in shrubs and hedges, even lower down in grassy areas. A valuable food source for hungry birds. I tend to grow vegetables in my small garden so there is not a lot of cover at this time of year and as a result I don't get as many birds as some of you probably do. However I do have a garage with a flat roof and in poor weather I can use this to put out food scraps, in consequence I get several crows turning up and as a sure sign things are cold I will also get a gull or two. It is only when conditions are bad that Lesser Black-backed Gulls risk looking for food so close to the house. They are large birds but very wary and sometimes miss out on food because by the time they pluck up the courage to land the smaller birds have polished it off. Fortune favours the bold.

Unfrozen water is not naturally available in these icy spells so providing a source of fresh water can be just as important as food. If you do have a bird bath never use any chemicals to keep it ice free, this would kill the very birds you are trying to help.

When all the snow melts conditions are going to be waterlogged for a day or two, we might be lucky and get one or two wading birds taking advantage of wet,muddy areas. Snipe and Woodcock have local populations and could be more likely to turn up. It will soon be all change and it will be interesting to see how the weather impacts on the local birdlife in a different way to the cold snap. The dynamics of the weather and the seasons alter over the whole year but this has been a particularly obvious example of how birds change their behaviours as they look to survive the fluctuating conditions.

Overall the number of species I have seen locally in 2022 is slightly down on last year but I will hope to add just one or two more to the list over the remaining couple of weeks of this year. To do that I will have to make sure I get out regularly and of course keep my eyes and ears open. I will summarise the year's birding in the next report.

All the best, Paul Corbet

Tel: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

The Alzheimer Society 01992 717676

Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 278 7855

Crimestoppers 0800 555111

Doctors High Street, Epping 01992 579270

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies) 01992 566500

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments) 01992 573838

North Weald Chemist 01992 523887

North Weald Library 033301 32683

North Weald Village Hall Bookings 01992 523731 www.northwealdvillagehall.org/

North Weald Parish Council 07572 507591

Queens Community Hall Bookings 07968 824283

Queens.hallcc@gmail.com

NHS Urgent help & advice 111

Essex Police 0300 333 4444 Epping Forest District Council 01992 564000 Police, Neighbourhood/local 101 Epping Town Council 01992 579444 Police, Emergency 999

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris Whitebread 01992 573557

MP Alex Burghart (MP for North Weald)

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

MP For Thornwood

0207 2191613 alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk

020 8508 8608 Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping 01992 561666

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow 01279 444455

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm) 01992 522183

Police Online reporting www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

RSPCA 01279 306058

Samaritans 24 Hours a day 116 123

Stuart Poulton 24 Hour

01992 522607 01992 572607

St Andrews Church 01992 577168

St Andrews Primary School 01992 522283

North Weald Airfield 01992 564200 Traveline 0870 6082608

LOCAL

3rd North Weald Beavers Tel: 01992 524672

British Legion, North Weald Branch Tel: 07973 867 827

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Tel: 01277 365200

Harlow Badger Group

Tel: 07941 185171

Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522464

Epping Forest Rotary Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum Tel: 01708 250820

North Weald Angling Club Tel: 01992 522303 www.nwdas.co,uk

North Weald Bantham & Ongar Bowls 01992 571535

North Weald Cricket Club Northweald.play-cricket.com

North Weald Scouts Group 01992 524672

North

Tel: is 01992 522677

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club Tel: 522803

North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon) Tel: 524631

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 523375 or 522052

Queens Hall Charity Tel: 522910

Taoist Tai Chi Society Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Theydon Jazz Club 01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com

Thornwood Seniors Tel: 577872

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk

West Essex Flower Club

Tel: 524631

Tel: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk