RideLondon—Essex

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.

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.

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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. Visit www.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-

7.45pm

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