North Weald Village Life July 2016

Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine July 2016

Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 114

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

NORTH WEALD VILLAGE LIFE About North Weald Village Life North Weald Village Life is an independent magazine and website, owned and published by a local resident who is dedicated to strengthening the local community, improving communication and promoting local businesses and suppliers to local residents.

Circulation The magazine is available free of charge monthly and is distributed from 20th of each month.

Copies can be collected from:    .

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News Shop, High Road Kings Head Garage, High Road North Weald Library Art Nursery, Vicarage Lane Newsagents, Coopersale Party Package Thornwood Happy Grow Nursery, Thornwood Davis Estate Agents, High Road North Weald Chemist

Subscription If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £18.00 for 12 issues. Please email me, download a copy of the form from the website or write to me at the address below.

Advertisers Advertising rates start at £19.00 for quarter page, £36.50 for half a page and £68 for a full page. Colour advertising rates are now available and there are some premium positions available at this current time. Please contact us for more information. The deadline for booking is the 5th of each month.

Contributions & Editorial If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these.

Please send them to us at the address below or via email.

Contact Details Telephone: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Address: 49 York Essex CM16 6HU

Road,

North Weald,

Epping,

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

What a month June was? I wonder if that is why I was called June – causing impact, keeping people on their toes and loving a good party. I am afraid not – apparently the explanation is a simple one according to my mum – I was due in June but due to complications the hospital in London became involved and I was bought into the world earlier than planned so I arrived in May. Now for the good parts of June, the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations – I watched the street party on TV on Sunday 12th June and I was really caught up with the whole atmosphere. Showing the true British survivor side – people were in the pouring rain, glass of Pimms in their hand and a soggy pork pie but with great big smiles. What a great idea it was to invite representatives from the 600 or so charities that the Queen is a patron of to enjoy the celebrations, many hard working and well deserving people who thoroughly deserved to be there.

It was also great to see so many of the members of the Royal Family doing a walk about and meeting with members of the public. Even a few opportunist selfie photographs were taken with the Royals. It was lovely to see how well the younger Royal family members namely Prince William, Prince Harry and of course Katherine were so involved in the day. The Queen and Prince Philip looked happy to see so many people and loved the simple but memorable display of music and dancing. I am sure one of the biographers who were being interviewed said the Queen loved a Piper and one played every morning for 15 minutes outside the window whilst the Queen enjoyed breakfast to start the day off. One little morsel of fact that I will remember as it gave a personal insight into the benefit of being a Queen, however I don’t think I would insist on this if I was made Queen (of North Weald!!). One thought occurred to me though- where was Prince Charles? I did not see him at all at the celebrations.

Now to the worst news, which of course has to be my favourite subject, the weather. I hope that the last few weeks are not a taste of what we have to come over the summer months. It is has been so humid, not an enjoyable heat at all, an uncomfortable and tiring heat. We seemed to have storms every day nearly, a rumble of thunder or a bolt of lightning is becoming the norm rather than unusual. As for the rain – we seem to have had a week’s downfall in an hour. The village has of course been flooded, homes have been damaged and roads closed.

That doesn’t even take into account damage to gardens, plants, wildlife etc.

On day this week, during the space of 60 minutes, I experienced bright sunshine, warmth, wind, torrential rain, thunder, and then sunshine again! The good old British weather—not great for the planning of summer clothes.

I don’t watch much TV, but I do enjoy relaxing in the evening watching one of my favourite shows, but I am now so fed up with messed up TV schedules. I know it is an important subject – should we stay or should we go from Europe – but how many times can Politicians say the same old rubbish, there is nothing definitive – all hot air and not helpful for us to make our decisions. Now we have the Euro football or whatever it is – what with the news dedicated to the appalling behaviour of the ’fans’ attending the actual games – how many games are there? And of course just around the corner we will have Wimbledon – if they can find any time to have the games shown on TV. So good old normal TV programme scheduling has taken a back seat, shown at really strange times, or not at all. It’s not as if I can sit in the garden and enjoy the weather!!

Have I moaned enough? I think so.

Hopefully see you around the village in the sunshine.

June Editor

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure any data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form electronically. Mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

JULY BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine                

Running Jogging Walking Swimming Netball Football Basketball Hockey Painting Tennis Zoo Park Picnic Camping Riding Cycling

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Congratulations to M. Galbraith won last months prize and will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. This month the lucky winner can also celebrate with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to July Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU’. Entries need to be received by 10th July 2016. Please ensure you put your name, address and telephone number on your entry so that I can telephone you if you are the lucky winner. Good Luck.

THE EPPING TREE COMPANY TOTAL TREE MANAGEMENT

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FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS Total Tree Management All aspects of tree surgery Felling, Pruning & Shaping, Hedges Trimmed, Stump & Root Removal Specialist contractors for preserved and conservation work

Tel: 01992 522437 Mobile: 07850 390079 ...Proprietor:

S. Dinsdale

www.eppingtreecompany.co.uk Email: info@eppingtreecompany.co.uk Page 4

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

What is the difference between Identity Crime and Identity Fraud?

London & Essex Kent’s Farm Boarding Kennels and Catteries

Your identity and personal information are valuable so it's important to protect them.

Criminals can use your personal details to open bank accounts and get credit cards, passports and driving licences in your name.

This is known as identity crime.

Identity theft Identity theft is when someone gains enough information about an identity (e.g, name, date of birth, address) to commit identity fraud.

It's the misappropriation of the identify of another person without their knowledge or consent.

Identity theft and identity fraud are two types of identity crime.

Identity Fraud Identity fraud occurs when a stolen identity is used to gain goods or services by deception e.g, open a bank account, gain benefits or apply for credit cards.

Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 12 Noon & 2pm - 4.30pm Sun 9.30am - 12 Noon Closed to the public on Bank Holidays Family run business since 1970.

Professional caring staff Extra large kennels, heating Door to Door collection and delivery service Export worldwide. Imports worldwide Quarantine Kennels & Cattery Pet accessories (www.dapperpets.co.uk) Grooming Parlour Kent’s Lane, North Weald, Essex CM16 6AX Tel No: 01992 522183/523499 Fax: 01992 522705

Criminals commit identity theft by stealing personal information, usually from documents they find in the rubbish.

A stolen identity can result in identity fraud which can affect your personal finances and chances of getting a loan, credit card or mortgage.

Bank and credit cards—If any of your cards are lost or stolen, cancel them straight away and never give card details or personal information over the phone or on the internet when other people can see or hear.

Don't carry cards unnecessarily. If you don't need them, leave them in a safe place.

Documents—If your driving licence is lost or stolen, contact the issuing organisation straight away.

Get in the habit of checking your bank statements. If you spot any transactions you didn't expect, contact the company concerned.

Destroy unwanted documents using a shredder. Don't throw away bills, bank statements, receipts or unwanted post in your name without shredding it first.

Keep personal information somewhere safe like a lockable drawer or cupboard.

Passwords and PINs— Keep passwords safe and don't store them anywhere that means they may be stolen such as your purse or on your mobile phone.

Try not to use the same password for more than one account.

Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Take a phone number and call them back to make sure they are genuine.

Remember a bank will never ask for your PIN or your whole password.

Source: K. Blake, Essex Watch Liaison Officer Page 5

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

The Ongar Ploughing Match

Thornwood Village Festival

Saturday, 24th September 2016 PLOUGHING THROUGH THE AGES – COME & SEE THE SPECTACLE

Sunday 26th June

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Thornwood Village Hall Stalls, refreshments, events and this year it will feature a dog show

See 50 + vintage tractors and horse teams ploughing Plus modern mechanical giants doing modern mechanical giant things

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The Hunt also parade, with hounds, so bring the children to see them all

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Try your hand at ploughing a straight furrow on a tractor - Lots to see

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Clay Pigeon Shoot—anyone can enter

Bacon rolls early, Ploughman’s & Pudding @ lunchtime, plus Bar,

plus mega raffle,

RACE 4 LIFE

Marks Hall, White Roding, Ongar CM6 1RT, (Middle of village on A1060)

North Weald Airfield

For more information, please contact: Helen McTurk, opmsecretary@btinternet.com Home: 01279.876151 Mobile: 07831.138403

Wednesday 13th July Starts at 7pm Raising money for Cancer Research

Photographic Section for this years Horticultural show are:-

ALL AT SEA CHILDREN IN SUMMER TIME

07432 843128 Page 6

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday

Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes

8.15pm & 9.15pm

North Weald Village Hall. Beginners at 8.15 and intermediate at 9.15. Contact Debbie on 07872 427946.

Every Monday

Taoist Tai Chi

10.30am —12.30

Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping. Tel: 01992 523854.

Every Tuesday

Taoist Tai Chi

7.30pm —9pm

Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Tel 01992 523854 for more information

Every 1st Tuesday

Ongar Flower Club

7.30pm

Zinc Arts Centre, High Road, Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £4.50 members free. If you love flowers, why not come along?

Every 3rd Wednesday

Crib Evening

7.45pm

North Weald Village Hall Lounge.£3.00 entrance includes snacks, and the bar facility.

Every Thursday

Bingo

7.30pm

Wheelers Farm Gardens, 9 games for £4.00, Good money prizes available. All welcome (over the age of 18 years)

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June

Wings and Wheels

Sunday 26th June

Thornwood Village Festival

12.30

Thornwood Common. Fun, stalls, refreshments.

Saturday 2nd July

St Andrews School Fete

pm

St Andrews School Fete, School Green Lane. Stalls, refreshments.

Sunday 3rd July

Epping Town Show

12—5pm

Stonards Hill Recreation Ground, Epping. Fair, Refreshments, arena events, music.

Sunday 3rd July

Cream Tea

2—4pm

North Weald Village Hall. Tickets £5—entry via ticket only. Contact George 523535 of Derek 522258.

Wednesday 7th July

W I Meeting

7.30pm

Sunday 10th July

Community Church Service

4.00pm

Sunday 10th July

Fun Dog Show

11pm

North Weald Village Hall. Maggie Radcliffe telling us ‘A Lady & Her Spitfire’ should talk as she often flew from North WEald St Andrews Church, North Weald All welcome.

Service organised by both Parish Council and Father James to celebrate the North Weald Community North Weald Village Hall

Monday 11th July

West Essex Flower Club

2.15pm

Wednesday 13th July

Race For Life

7pm

Thornwood Village Hall. Annual Luncheon is ticket only but visitors are welcome to join us join them for the demonstration by Susan Phillips. Pay £6.00 on the door.

North Weald Airfield

Saturday 16th July

The Jack Free Show

12l30

North Weald Village Hall. Tickets £8 on the door

Sunday 17th July

Air Fete—Celebrating 100th Anniversary

10am onwards

North Weald Airfield. Tickets £6.00 per person.

North Weald Airfield. See pack page of magazine for more details.

If you know of a local event, please let me know and I will include this in the events calendar and at www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Discussions on housing and parking at the Cabinet Meeting Housing, parking and listed building were among items discussed at the Epping Forest District Cabinet on 9 June 2016.

In her first Cabinet meeting since transferring to the Housing Portfolio from Finance, Councillor Syd Stavrou announced the intention to move toward planning application stage for 12 small sites in Waltham Abbey earmarked for phase 6 of the new Council House-Building programme.

Transport Portfolio Holder Councillor Gary Waller secured Cabinet approval as the Council moved towards transferring the management of its Pay and Display car parks from the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) to a new provider. Councillors agreed methods of tendering and length of contract as well as agreeing in principle to manage an additional car park in Waltham Abbey at the request of the Lee Valley Regional Park.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Council updated the Cabinet on the Transformation project. Among the projects designed to improve council efficiency and customer services, Councillor Whitbread was pleased to announce the start of work by PricewaterhouseCoopers looking at the future office accommodation needs of the Council.

Thrifts Cottage, a Grade II listed building in very poor condition should be renovated and brought back to life. Councillor Gary Waller obtained the support of fellow councillors to use the Council’s powers to return it to a good state of repair. The building adjacent to Thrifts Hall in Sewardstone Road dates back to the 18th century.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

NHS West Essex says ‘Don’t Bottle It up’ NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is directing people who may have an issue with alcohol to an online tool that can help identify any alcohol related issues.

‘Don’t Bottle it Up’ is an identification and advice tool - available online - for anyone in Essex to use, either for themselves, or for professionals to use with patients/clients.

The site includes ‘the alcohol test’, which one can take to find out how risky your drinking is, what to do if you are worried about alcohol, as well as alcohol facts, advice, tips for cutting down, how to help someone else and where to access support.

With figures suggesting that one in four people in the UK, and approximately 336,000 Essex residents, are now drinking at hazardous levels, the NHS and Essex County Council is looking to educate people on the effects that alcohol can have in society and to the individual.

Dr Rob Gerlis, chair of West Essex CCG and Harlow GP said: “The ‘Don’t Bottle it Up’ tool has more than 200 users each month already. Once a person’s level of risk is assessed it signposts people to the next steps if that’s what they need.

‘It’s received excellent feedback both from the public, health providers and hospitals.”

Further support is also available to Essex residents though a number of professional providers, and more than 200 dependent drinkers are already receiving treatment through these channels.

To complete the tool go to https://dontbottleitup.org.uk .

There are still thieves about As reported recently, burglaries from homes are still taking place in the village.

On Tuesday 7th June, an attempted burglary occurred in Wellington between 07.50hrs and 16.35hrs. Entry was attempted by causing damage to the ground floor flat, but luckily no access was gained and nothing was stolen.

Also on 15th June, a home in Beaufort Close was broken into in the early hours. Entry was via forcing the UPVC by smashing a front door pane of glass and items were stolen.

There are also reports of a woman and man walking around the area looking through windows and doors. Please be aware of this.

In addition to dwelling burglaries, thefts from garden sheds which is often the case at this time of year are also taking place.

Please stay safe, make sure your doors and windows are looked when you go out, if you see anything suspicious please report it.

If you have any further information on this or any burglary, please contact Essex Police on the 101 non-emergency number. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppersuk.org.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

07432 843128 Page 10

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Driving in floods

HOME GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE LTD

With the recent weather suffered by many, I have received many reports of flooded roads or hazardous driving conditions.

Please find below some advice when out and about driving in conditions such as this.

Many cars will start to float in as little as 12 inches of water. This can be extremely dangerous; as the wheels lose grip, and you will lose control - with the obvious risks and consequences.

The engine air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the car; just an egg cupful of water ingested into the combustion chamber is sufficient to destroy an engine. Water does not compress, resulting in bent or broken con rods or split engine block. Driving too fast, even in relatively shallow water can cause water to be ingested.

Even appropriate fording can cause costly damage. The catalytic converter, (part of the exhaust system) which works at extremely high temperatures, can crack upon contact with cold water, requiring costly replacement.

Only drive through flood water if you know it's not too deep. This will be no deeper than the lowest part of the vehicle's bodywork, (usually the bottom of the spoiler (front panel) or sill panel, (below the doors).

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Do not attempt to drive through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge approach - your car could easily be swept away, even at modest depths.

With standing water, physically test the depth of the water with a pole (wade in, if necessary, but only where it is safe to do so), or observe the depth against other vehicles that cross successfully. Just because other vehicles are successful does not mean it is appropriate to follow. If in doubt....don't!

If you have to drive through water, select a low gear so the engine revs are higher, slipping the clutch if necessary or, for automatic vehicle, select the lowest ratio and balance the throttle and brakes. Before entering, consider other drivers - pass through flooded sections one car at a time, don't drive through water against approaching fording vehicles.

Drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a large bow wave.

BASSETT BUSINESS CENTRE Hurricane Way (opposite Bookers Cash & Carry) We have a really nice small office to rent for £160 per week and a larger office with storage for £250 (both include WiFi, phone line, cctv and parking). Or, if you prefer, you could have a mailbox/virtual office with a phone line for £25 per week. We can also offer the use of a meeting room for up to 8/10 people for tenants and nontenants.

Always test your brakes as soon as you leave the water.

If the worst happens and you break down: firstly, ensure the safety of all involved, including other road users. Do not repeatedly try to start the engine, (this may cause further damage). Call for recovery and wait in a safe place.

Please ring 01992 524111 for more details.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Is your MOT valid?

Road policing officers are reminding drivers to check the expiry date of their vehicle's MOT after a number of drivers were found not to have valid certificates during a road safety operation in Essex recently.

Sgt Dave Rudd from the Casualty Reduction Unit said: “MOTs are extremely important as they help to ensure the safety of a vehicle for the driver, their passengers and other road users. However many people fail to realise that their MOT has expired.

Please remember to check when your vehicle’s MOT is next due.

Many MOT testing stations will send you a reminder for a small fee or why not put a reminder in your phone?”

Keeping safe with Crucial Crew Over 1,600 Year 6 pupils from Epping Forest and Brentwood took part in Crucial Crew, an interactive safety initiative to educate our young people about staying healthy, safe and well. The 10 year olds were given the chance to role play potentially risky situations, allowing them to learn about the best way to stay safe and avoid harm.

Over 2 weeks the children took part in scenarios that included

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road safety fire safety personal safety advice on cyberbullying the dangers of alcohol and smoking the benefits of healthy living

The Crucial Crew experience gives children the skills and knowledge to make sensible decisions about personal safety and lifestyle choices. This year the annual event was hosted at the Debden House Centre in Loughton during the first 2 weeks of June 2016.

Chairman Jeane Lea said: “Crucial Crew is a fun way to learn.

This fantastic and well-supported event allows us to offer awareness and safety advice to our young people just as they’re ready to take a big step in their lives and go to secondary school.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Hospice celebrates Queen’s 90th Birthday St Clare Hospice celebrated the Queen’s 90th Birthday in style – using the occasion to thank its 550 dedicated volunteers. The Hastingwood-based charity marked the Royal birthday by holding tea parties and celebrations around the Hospice as well as in a number of the charity’s 8 shops.

Bunting and British flags decked the charity’s dining room as staff gathered to thank their “Royal” volunteers on Wednesday 8th June. The party was themed to celebrate our monarch’s milestone birthday and a Royal family quiz was held.

Emily Stowe, St Clare’s Day Therapy Manager, who was part of the team who organised the Royal party for the volunteers , said “We really wanted to hold a special event to thank our wonderful volunteers – and to give them a chance to be king and queen for the day!

At the same event, a number of clinical volunteers were awarded long-service awards to recognise and thank them for their dedication.

Amongst the awardees was Beti Newton who received a 10 years’ service award for her time volunteering on the Inpatient Unit. Philip Ball.

For more information about how you can volunteer visit their website at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/get Celebrating the Queen’s 90th -involved/volunteer or contact their Voluntary Services Manager, Chris Crump, directly on Birthday chris.crump@stclarehospice.org.uk or call 01279 The Children at The Village Pre-School, held in 773722. the Village Hall every morning during term time, celebrated the Queens 90th Birthday.

Everybody was encouraged to come to the party held at the pre-school dressed in Red, White and Blue.

The party started with dance, Vickie their dance teacher also did party games with the children.

The children enjoyed decorating the cakes that they had made the day before ready for the party.

The children sat at the tables and were served party food which they all enjoyed and then had fun in the garden. All the children and staff had a great time.

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New Chairman and Vice Chair confirmed for Epping Forest District Council On Thursday 26th May, Councillor Jeane Lea became the new Chairman of Epping Forest District Council. Outgoing Chairman Councillor Liz Webster handed the reigns over to Mrs Lea at the first meeting of the Council since May’s local elections During Councillor Webster’s final address to fellow members as chairman, she thanked all her colleagues for their kindness, guidance and support. Mrs Webster said that she had met some amazing people during her year and thanked everyone for helping raise £4,600 for her Chairman’s Charity, the Royal British Legion.

Councillor Syd Stravrou nominated her friend and fellow Waltham Abbey councillor, Jeane Lea as the new Chairman of Council. The nomination was seconded by Councillor Chris Whitbread with unanimous support from the Council Chamber.

Accepting the honour, Councillor Lea thanked fellow councillors for their kind words and promised to do her utmost to uphold the best traditions of the chairmanship. She announced that her Chairman’s Charity will be the Herts Essex Air Ambulance.

Councillor David Stallan is the newly elected Vice-Chairman of Council. Many people will know Dave and his family from the local News Shop and now Post Office.

At the same meeting, Mrs Jill AngoldStephens received warm applause on presentation of a long-service medal for her late husband Ken who passed away earlier this year.

Business continued with the appointment other councillors to official positions, committees and outside organisations.

Council Leader Chris Whitbread has a new Cabinet. Following the election of Councillor Stallan as Vice-Chairman of Council, Councillor Syd Stavrou moves from the Finance to the Housing Portfolio. Gagan Mohindra returns to the Cabinet as the Council’s new Finance Portfolio Holder.

Councillors Richard Bassett and John Philip swap portfolios. Councillor Bassett takes on the Governance and Development Management Portfolio while John Philip takes on the stewardship of the Local Plan as Planning Policy Portfolio Holder.

Other members of the Cabinet retain existing roles.

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New showroom for local company Local company Long Island Shutters are proud to have recently opened a new showroom located at Woodside Industrial Estate in Thornwood. At Long Island Shutters we specialise in the supply and custom fitting of high quality, bespoke, plantation shutters. Our years of experience and dedication to achieve the upmost attention to detail have lead us to become one of the UKs leading suppliers and fitters of interior wooden shutters.

The company’s two Directors lead our team of highly knowledgeable shutter consultants and skilled carpenters by overseeing every order placed from beginning to end to ensure each client receives our renowned, ‘Excellent Long Island customer service’. We offer an extensive range of shutters to suit every pocket and have a company policy of never being beaten on price. Long Island Interior plantation shutters can truly alter and uplift the appearance of any home and we would welcome the opportunity to advise and work with you to obtain the luxurious look this window furniture brings.

For more information or to request a free no obligation survey please contact out team by either visiting the showroom or calling 01992 524 888.

Do you know someone who regularly gets behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

Drink and drug driving risks and ruins lives. Please do the right thing and call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You won't have to give your name, your details won't be recorded and you won't have to go to court.

When selling your car— BEWARE of the scam Police are warning members of the public of a potential scam involving people selling their vehicles.

Suspects are responding to adverts for vehicles advertised online and in newspapers under the illusion of buying the car. The false buyers are then asking to see if the spare key is working by asking the driver for it. When the spare key is handed over and tested, a second key is given back to the owner whilst the working spare key is retained by the suspects.

This key may later be used to either steal possessions from the vehicle or to take the vehicle itself.

Please remain vigilant when selling your vehicle and ensure that you always remain in possession of the keys for the vehicle.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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New garden area opened I know that many of you have already noticed the garden area in front of the shops including the Co-Op in High Road, North Weald is looking much tidier with plants and flowers having been planted in the garden area. I have received quite a few comments saying how much better it looks.

The garden was officially opened by Epping Forest District Council chairman councillor Jeane Lea on Tuesday 7th June.

The idea for the garden, which has transformed an area of land into floral beds, came from North Weald Bassett parish councillor and vicechairman Alan Buckley. He said “this area is the focal point of the village and he wanted to make it attractive. It is now far more pleasing on the eye for residents and passers-by."

A group of six volunteers helped plant the area with some 200 plants and four local businesses - GreenAcres Woodland Burials, Their support will cover the cost of maintaining the area for the first year.

Mr Buckley added: "It's the busiest part of the village and the garden has certainly brightened up and tidied up that part of the parish."

District council chairman Jeane Lea, who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, said: "I think it's very nice and it's brilliant Davis Homes estate agents, Stuart Poulton, that the community is working together, with the parish council and local businesses coming together, to brighten up the area." The Family Funeral Director; and Cinnamon Indian Restaurant - are sponsoring the initiative.

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Bradley Walsh hosts Heart of Epping Reception Television celebrity Bradley Walsh has said the Heart of Epping project will be a massive boost for the "sensational" St John's Church and for the Epping community as a whole.

The plans, which have received full planning permission, are for a community centre adjoining St John's Church providing community space, meeting rooms and a cafe.

Funding has already been raised to cover the cost of preparing the project and getting it to the planning approval stage.

Now the fundraising effort is focusing on raising £1m to build the facilities and an additional £1m to equip the new building.

Bradley Walsh, the television actor, entertainer and presenter of The Chase quiz show and Tonight at the London Palladium, hosted a special reception and presentation at the church on Saturday 21st May. He introduced various members of the church and local community who explained to the 100-plus audience what the new Heart of Epping building will mean to them and the town.

Bradley Walsh, who is one of the patrons of the Heart of Epping appeal, said: “It's something that this area has needed for a long, long time.

“There are some of us here who won't be here forever; that gives us a chance to leave a legacy. This is the hub of our community.

This place is sensational. When we get a community hall attached to the church, the church can only go one way, and that's up and up and up. We will do some fundraising. £1m will be the first stage.”

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, who attended the reception, said: “I was delighted to hear that the project has now received its full planning approval and that every effort is now being made to get the 'Heart of Epping' development to its next Stylish and contemporary pieces of furniture, stage. individually crafted to fit perfectly to any space & lifetime guaranteed.

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“St John's Church is already quite literally at the heart of Epping and a community centre building adjoining the church will only further strengthen the church's role as a focal point for the community in the town.

To make a donation to the Heart of Epping appeal visit https:// mydonate.bt.com/ c h a r i t i e s / stjohnthebaptistchurchepping.

For more information about the project, and to speak to someone about donations, email geoffrey_connor@priest.com.

Plans for the building can be www.eppinganglicans.org.uk/plans .

viewed

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http://

Battle of the Somme Commemoration Epping Forest residents are invited to take part in national commemorations marking the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Following an all-night vigil by airfield staff, residents are invited

by Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Jeane Lea to an early morning service of commemoration for people of all faiths at North Weald Airfield.

The service will begin with the sounds of distant battle at ‘H’ Hour 7.30am, the hour at which troops along the line left their trenches for the bloodiest day of fighting in British military history. The battle was to rage on at terrible cost on all sides until the 18 November, leaving families devastated by loss across the length and breadth of the British Isles.

Epping Forest District Council has joined with the Royal Gunpowder Mills and the Royal British Legion for the commemorations. Members of the public will be welcome to visit an educational exhibition for local school children currently being prepared at the airfield, this includes A reconstruction of a WWI trench and Indoor displays and exhibition Provided by Epping Forest District Museum and the Royal Gunpowder Mills, and Mills volunteers to talk to local schoolchildren about the First World War.

Chairman Jeane Lea hopes local residents will join her at the early morning service to be taken by Father James Rodley of St Andrews Church.

Events at North Weald Airfield will begin as dusk approaches on the evening of Thursday 30 June 2016. Airfield Officers dressed in the uniforms of the British Army of 1916, will invite the Vice-chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor David Stallan and other invited guests to light a brazier. Those staff will tend the brazier throughout the night.

As the hour approaches (7.30am) when troops left the comparative safety of their trenches, the sounds of battle will be broadcast across North Weald Airfield.

Members of the Vigil they will take their place by a symbolic trench as Father Rodley leads the service of commemoration with readings from the verses of the Great War poets.

Residents will be offered light refreshments at the end of the service in North Weald Control Tower, where the exhibition by Epping Forest District Museum and the Royal Gunpowder Mills will be on display. The exhibition will remain open to visitors and school groups between Saturday 25 June and 5pm on Friday 1 July.

The 1 July 1916 is the bloodiest day in British military history. The British Army alone sustained 57,470 casualties in the first 24 hours, of which 19,240 soldiers perished.

Over the next 141 days the battle claimed over 1 million casualties made up of German casualties 500,000, British casualties 419,654 and French casualties 204,253.

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Deputy Lieutenant opens garden in memory of wife A whole host of beautiful local gardens will be opening their gates to visitors during St Clare Hospice’s 22nd annual Open Gardens Weekend. The two-day event, which is being held on 25th and 26th June, is an opportunity to explore some of the area’s hidden treasures.

One of the new gardens opening its gates to the public for 2016 belongs to former St Clare Hospice Chairman and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Michael Chapman. He was Chairman of St Clare Hospice from 2000 to 2009, was moved to open his garden in support of St Clare following the death of his wife Janet at the Hospice in January 2016.

Michael said: “Jan and I first met in Theydon Garnon at a Christmas carols by candlelight service in 1963.”

“We both grew up locally, I am from Theydon and Jan was from Loughton, and we lived in various houses in Epping and Theydon Bois over the years. We moved to Goosebury Hall over 30 years ago and when we first arrived the garden was non-existent – it was just a muddy paddock. It was a blank canvas for Jan to design upon! I am still coming to terms with life without Jan. St Clare was there for us in our time of need and Jan had such a peaceful death at St Clare Hospice.”

Goosebury Hall is one of 27 gardens in the Harlow, Church Langley and Hastingwood area participating in this year’s Open Gardens Weekend. Entry to all the participating gardens is by brochure only. They cost £5 each and contain all the details and locations of the gardens that will be open over the weekend and are available to purchase from all eight of the Hospice’s shops as well as from The Laurels on Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood (corner of Glovers Lane), CM17 9JX. Refreshments, including homemade cakes and ploughman lunches, will be available at the majority of venues. St Clare will also be hosting a Family Fun Day at The Link in Harlow from 1.00pm-5.00pm on Saturday 25 June – entry is free with the Open Gardens brochure.

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Page 23

Proposal for changes to Fire and Rescue Service agreed too The Essex Fire Authority agreed proposals to change the future shape and size of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service at their meeting on Wednesday 8th June.

Councillors approved the second of three Options for Change which they had taken to public consultation between 1st February and 25th April this year.

Under this option the Service would have 66 fire engines, 18 of which would be whole time and 48 on-call; a reduction in whole time firefighter numbers from 570 to 432, with on-call firefighters numbers rising from 437 to 456.

Witness to accident required Essex Police are appealing for witnesses to a single vehicle road traffic collision that left a 19-year-old woman in a critical condition.

The Police were called by the Ambulance Service to the A414 between Ongar and North Weald shortly before 7.50am on 29th May. A silver Vauxhall Corsa had left the road before rolling over. The driver of the car, the woman, and an 18-year-old man who was a passenger, were initially treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics.

The woman was subsequently taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow before being transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for treatment to a serious head injury.

The man did not need hospital treatment. The road was closed for one and half hours while emergency services dealt with the incident, we carried out investigations and the vehicle was recovered.

Anyone who saw what happened or saw the Corsa prior to the crash is asked to call the Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 101.

The decision follows the largest consultation Essex County Fire and Rescue has ever carried out which saw more than 17,000 people make their opinion known. Option Two received support from 73% of respondents.

Cllr Anthony Hedley, Chairman of the Essex Fire Authority, said: “Today’s decision provides clarity on the future of the Service. Option two gives us the greatest scope to provide a robust response while expanding the Service’s role in prevention and protection.

“The Service will now work with staff, and their representative bodies, to create an implementation plan which will be presented to the Essex Fire Authority in September.

"I would like to thank all the people who made their opinions known and took part in the consultation. Their views were taken into consideration and played an important role in today's decision."

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Future of the Gunpowder Mills The PGL submitted a planning application for a children’s adventure holiday centre at the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey and this was refused at the full meeting of Epping Forest District Council on Monday 6 th June 2016.

The decision followed an earlier meeting of Planning Development Management Committee at which the application was provisionally approved before being referred at the request of councillors to Full Council.

A separate Listed Building planning application for the conversion, alteration and extension of several buildings to provide classroom and guest accommodation was approved.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is one of the most important sites of special scientific interest and heritage in the district. Gunpowder production is PGL has a number of children’s adventure holiday centres around the UK. However, after a long and considered debate, councillors felt any benefits of the proposals were thought to date back to the 16th Century. outweighed by the demolition of historic buildings, intensive use and harm to the heritage and environmental value of the site. They wanted to see more attention given The Mills is run by an RGM operating company. to the visitor centre and objected to the overall increase in the footprint of new buildThe original intention was to open the Royal ings proposed for the site.

Gunpowder Mills up to the public with the aid of a trust fund set up by the Ministry of Defence Councillors recommended that any future application footprint of new build should be and Lottery funding. substantially reduced, the cordite factory should be retained and that consideration should be given to the operating company.

However, in recent years, the site has been unable to meet its running costs without drawing In the second application, councillors agreed plans for conversion, alteration and exdown capital funds, leading to concerns about tension to a number of listed buildings for guest accommodation and classrooms. the long term financial security of the Mills.

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Page 25

BLOCK PAVING PATIOS FENCING WALLS

CRAZY PAVING FENCING CONCRETING SLABS

BRICKWORK TARMACADAM GRAVEL

Bassett Business Centre, Hurricane Way, North Weald, Essex CM16 6AA

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The Future of Epping Forest Paul Thomson, Superintendent of Epping Forest and Judy Adams, Chairman of the Friends of Epping Forest, presented the outcome of the City of London’s recent consultation to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee held recently on Tuesday 7th June.

Forest Management costs £5 million and attracts 4.4 million visitors each year. The Friends of Epping Forest have been active for 45 years and encourage enjoyment of the Forest. They see this as the best method of ensuring its future.

Pressure to open up the Forest for cycling, access for all and creating a safe place for visitors were among the top issues to emege. Maintenance of the forest including mowing and grass cutting were a main issue. The consultation found the concept of commoners’ rights and cattle grazing were mostly supported. An Introduction of fees and charges to car parks as well as speeding was also a big concern. Mr Thompson also expressed unhappiness at the granting of some recent planning applications.

Litter is an ongoing problem. 150,000 bags of rubbish are removed each year. People want to see more bins. Fly-tipping costs thousands of pounds a year. People do not want to ban commercial dogwalking. There is support for encouraging filming as a means of income generation.

Copped Hall is one historic site prompting debate about conservation. Paul Thompson and Judy Adams agreed that the Forest is not a park.

Forest Management costs £5 million and attracts 4.4 million visitors each year. The Friends of Epping Forest have been active for 45 years and encourage enjoyment of the Forest Pressure to open up the Forest for cycling, access for all and creating a safe place for visitors were among the top issues to emerge.

Maintenance of the forest including mowing and grass cutting were a main issue. The consultation found the concept of commoners’ rights and cattle grazing were mostly supported. An Introduction of fees and charges to car parks as well as speeding was also a big concern. Mr Thompson also expressed unhappiness at the granting of some recent planning applications.

Litter is an ongoing problem. 150,000 bags of rubbish are removed each year. People want to see more bins. Fly-tipping costs thousands of pounds a year. People do not want to ban commercial dog-walking. There is support for encouraging filming as a means of income generation.

Copped Hall is one historic site prompting debate about conservation. Paul Thompson and Judy Adams agreed that the Forest is not a park.

Horses have been part of the Forest landscape for centuries. Paul Thomson acknowledged current licensing arrangements could be improved. He also recognised the need to look at the deer sanctuary in Theydon Bois and advised management of the deer population is linked closely to road safety.

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Page 27

North Weald flooded

Homes along the High Road had to have water pumped out by the Fire Brigade, drains along Queens Road could not tolerate the amount of rain falling in such a short time and soon burst, resulting in homes being flooded.

Freak summer weather hit the village on the afternoon and night of Sunday 12th June.

The Library and Parish Council Office were flooded with both water and sewerage resulting in it being closed for a week.

After a weekend of humid conditions, the thunder and lightening hit the village along with torrential rain for many hours.

Duck Lane and roads in Thornwood were flooded and impassable.

Many local homes suffered from power cuts, some only for a few minutes and others for a few hours.

The main problem was the rain, it fell so hard and fast on hard dry ground which resulted in flash floods with many parts of the village suffering.

Art Nursery Garden Centre was flooded.

Photo: North Weald High Road, taken by Debbie Richards

Over the next few days, North Weald continued to experience heavy showers and storms making clearing up and drying out even more problematic.

Photos: Hone in Queens Road. Taken by S. Mouat

Thank you to everybody who let me use their photographs of the flooding.

Photo below:- Parish Council Office & Library . Taken by Sue DeLuca

Photo o the right of her garden:Photo taken by Lisa Harmen

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Free learning for two year olds Essex County Council recently confirmed that early learning at a nursery, pre-school, school or childminder gives children a positive start to life and their early development.

They can:

     

Have fun Learn through play Make new friends Experience new activities Get a good start to early education

If your family receives free school meals or certain benefits including income support or income based job seeker's allowance you can claim 15 hours per week of free childcare for your two year old.

Children who have special educational needs, are looked after by a local council, or have left care through adoption or a special guardianship are also entitled.

To find out more talk to the Family Information Service on 0800 055 6874

Responsible dog ownership A Companion dog show took place at the Town Mead Park in Waltham Abbey on Sunday 5 June 2016 organised by Epping Forest District Council. It raised an amazing £1,572 for the German Shepherd Rescue (West Essex) charity as well as promoting responsible dog ownership.

On the day there were 18 novelty classes, 8 pedigree and 5 obedience classes to compete in, as well as German Shepard dog rallies.

Bruce the Skye terrier took home best in show with Cindy the Pembroke Corgi taking home best veteran.

Helping with the judging were Chairman of Epping Forest District Council Councillor Jeane Lea and Waltham Abbey Mayor Councillor Helen Kane.

Chairman Jeane Lea said: “Our dog show is brilliant at bringing the community together and shows the strong bonds families have with their pets..”

She continued: ‘It is important to look after your dog responsibly. From April it has been a legal requirement to microchip your dog and you could be fined up to £500 if your dog isn’t chipped by the time they’re 8 months old. Something as simple as a microchip could reunite you with your pooch if they were to get lost.

Don’t delay, microchip your dog today!’

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Gardening Hints Despite the weather, July is just around the corner and this year we have different gardening challenges.

The mixture of sunshine and rain have helped the flowers, plants, weeds and grass to grow but the heavy rain and flooding causes a different mix of problems.

Soil can become waterlogged when water builds up, unable to drain away. This leaves no air spaces in the saturated soil, and plant roots can literally drown. The short-lived flash floods after a downpour seldom harm most plants dependent how often this happens. It is prolonged, saturated soil that causes the most damage.

Symptoms of waterlogging are not easy to tell but signs include, yellowing or decay shown on leaves, plants may also look like they are wilting similar to the signs if they do not get enough water and some plants may be stunted or die.

After flooding, you are advised to wash down hard surfaces and collect up debris to prevent drains blocking, soil surfaces being covered, and pollutants or contaminants lingering in the garden. Wear gloves to minimise contact with pollutants.

It is advised that you keep off the soil until it is workable, to avoid compacting it and worsening the conditions .

Remove damaged shoots from affected plants to encourage the healthy shoots to grow.

When weather conditions improve, water thoroughly in dry spells as plants will be more susceptible to drought stress.

Also when the weather improves and our dry warm summer weather returns (here’s hoping), remember that hanging baskets, tubs and pots need to be watered every day, even if it rains. Avoid watering and spraying the leaves and flowers instead direct the hose or watering can directly onto the soil. This will make sure they are watered properly and prevent the possibility of scorching if the plants are very dry. It’s worthwhile to begin feeding all containerised plants to keep them looking healthy, liquid concentrate tomato feed is great for all flowers and fruiting plants, I recommend at least once week. As usual, please continue to dead head all plants to encourage further flowering.

If you feel your hanging baskets are getting a bit leggy, don’t be afraid to trim them back, it will do no harm and it will make for a more compact baskets with more flowers in a couple of weeks.

As this is definitely my favourite time of year in the garden, take time to sit down, relax and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds all around you with a nice drink of your choice. Mine as always on a warm summer’s evening is a cold beer. Cheers!

Source: Written on behalf of Nigel, Art Garden Centre

ART NURSERY GARDEN CENTRE North Weald ‘s Hidden Secret Family Run Business

Hanging Baskets Bedding Plants, Fruit trees, shrubs & perennials Large selection of vegetable plants & seeds Trees Fruit tubs & shrubs Terracotta & glazed pots Rockery stone & gravel

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Home made snacks, cakes & soups Wide range of coffees always available

(on the same road as St Andrews Church)

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(Open weds to Sun 10.30am—4pm)

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CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church There are two significant events coming up in our community that I’m helping to organise – two very different events but at which everyone is equally welcome!

The first is, as you may already know, taking place at North Weald Airfield at 7.30am on Friday July 1st, as we commemorate the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.

The service will last about half an hour, but it won’t – obviously– be an act of celebration in any sense: the Somme saw a level of death and injury quite appalling even by the standards of World War 1. No – we’ll be invited, I hope, to reflect on the nature of war, our own (albeit indirect) part in the things that make war possible, and ask God’s help and grace to strive ever harder to make anything like the Somme an impossibility in the future. The Somme commemorations nationally are shaping up to be very significant, so please come along on what will, I’m sure, be a dry, bright Friday morning!

The second event to which everyone in the village is invited is, as I said, very different. It’s on Sunday 10th at 4pm, in St Andrew’s Church. We will be having an informal service to celebrate the life of our local community, and all those who contribute to it. The service will be followed by afternoon tea in the church hall, kindly provided by North Weald Bassett Parish Council. So do make a date in your diaries now.

And you might be wondering why I’m getting involved in things like this – surely, you might ask, the vicar is there for those who go to church? Well, in the Church of England, as I’ve mentioned here before, the parish church (and, therefore by extension, the priest-in-charge!) is there for the whole community, whether people go on a Sunday or not.

But more importantly, I think Christians should be there at the heart of community commemorations and celebrations – we’re not called to shut ourselves away as a sort of members-only “religious club”, but we’re there to be “salt and light” to the world, as Jesus said. And, whether it’s recalling the horrors of the Somme, or giving thanks for all that’s good in our community, Christians are called to bring those things before God in our prayers.

After all, God is interested in what we get up to: he came, through his Son, to take part in human history in a particular time and place.

So we commemorate, and we celebrate, and (as we do every Sunday at St Andrew’s) ask God to bless the people of our village.

Fr James. (contact me on jwerodley@yahoo.co.uk or 01279 451065)

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LETTER

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago, as I was held up at the ongoing but temporary lights by the shops, I saw a group of people planting up the new garden. I admired their efforts in the pouring rain.

On Bank Holiday Monday, I saw a small group of boys walking on the plants and pouring their fizzy pop on them.

I went over to them and told them how mean they were to disrespect the gardeners’ efforts. To be fair three boys walked away but one tried to be ‘extra cool’ disregarding me and carried on.

Another boy was coaxing him away—so good for him to do that.

It’s not clever or ‘cool’ for this kind of behaviour.

E. Jones

Editor’s comment: Thank you for your letter and for your actions.

The garden does look much better and a lot of planning and effort went into providing this garden area and of course it will need to be maintained.

I wonder if the ‘boys’ will be aware that the CCTV is now operational outside the shops, and any further criminal damage or mindless actions will be ‘caught on camera’ and will provide clear

Sad loss of a local lady It is with sadness that I report the sad loss of a local lady.

Some may know of her from the Limes Medical Centre where she worked very hard behind the scenes. Elizabeth (Liz) DelMolino died on 2nd May whilst at St Clare Hospice after being diagnosed with a terminal illness only a little while before.

Her family and friends celebrated her life at a service held at St John the Baptist Church, Epping on Saturday 28th May. Liz will be missed, she was a lovely kind lady always happy to help and had a great smile.

Our thoughts are with Liz’s family and friends.

Can you help?

The North Weald Parish Council have received an enquiry from a local resident who has been trying to locate the whereabouts of the bell that used to be in the bell tower of St John’s Church, Thornwood, which we understand was demolished in 1979/80.

I wonder if anybody might know where the bell could be?

If you do know anything, could you please contact Jo at North Weald Parish Council on 01992 523825.

Thank you.

Rogue Traders As reported in the magazine previously, doorstep or Rogue traders are operating more and more often where we live and maybe even where we work.

As you read this, they could be knocking on your relative, neighbour or friends door today offering unnecessary work or have they started work already and are now asking for a lot more money than the bargain price they initially quoted.

The victims of these doorstep/rogue traders normally are too embarrassed or concerned to report incidents so we are asking that if you have concerns you phone the Trading Standards helpline, run by Citizens Advice via 03454 040506.

Essex County Council Trading Standards have produced an animation which they are sure will raise awareness of this issue and would ask you to share the link below with family, friends, neighbours and any organisation(s) that are willing to share the animation with their members or followers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sZom540ipY Page 33

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A personal Thank You from Alan Buckley, Vice Chairman, North Weald Bassett Parish Council As many of you are aware, the garden is now in place outside the parade of shops in North Weald. I wanted to give my personal thanks for the time given by Victoria Robertson, who used her expertise and professional knowledge to create this garden which will encourage insects such as butterflies and enhance the village.

I would also like to express my thanks to the volunteers who kindly gave up their time to assist with the planting, namely George and Margaret Mulliner, Daphney Buckley and Midi De Luca. Also, once again, my thanks to our sponsors – GreenAcres Woodland Burials, Davis Homes Estate Agents, Stuart Poulton, The Family Funeral Director and the Cinnamon Indian Restaurant. Thank you also to Kevin Hebden, who will be providing the ongoing maintenance of the garden.

Lastly, thank you to the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Jeane Lea, for attending the opening ceremony.

Alan Buckley

Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest new & events

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Where locally did Oliver Cromwell enjoy a jug of Ale. Here are six questions about our village to test ‘just how much you really know’ about North Weald Bassett’s past. All the questions have been taken from the jottings of local history I have written about in Village Life over the past seven plus years (it’s amazing how the time has flown by).

At what local pub is it on record that Oliver Cromwell often called into when commuting between his home in Cambridge and Parliament in the 17th century.

The Talbot. (b) The Rainbow and Dove. (c) The Crossed Keys.

If you walked the whole 81 miles along the local Essex Way footpath that starts near Epping Station. What shoreline town would you be finally standing in.

Clacton. (b) Southend. (c) Harwich.

What local road off the High Road was once the site of a meadow used as an overnight resting place by Drovers walking Cattle, Sheep and Geese from Suffolk and Essex to the London slaughterhouses Kiln Road. (b) School Green Lane. (c) Bassett Gardens.

What was the name given to what is now a local fishing lake by workers at a local clay brick manufacturer once situated down Kiln Road.

Seven Springs. (b) Two Turtle Doves. (c) Ten Feet Deep.

In what period of time was our village’s ‘oldest recorded road’ that travels through North Weald Bassett to Moreton constructed.

Anglo Saxon. (b) Roman. (c) Norman.

What was the breed of our ‘only true native’ deer that would have roamed within the local ‘site of the oldest recorded Anglo Saxon Deer Park in England’. (a) Roe Deer. (b) Fallow Deer. (c) Muntjac Deer.

If you knew all the right answers to the questions (BCCABA) you must have read a copy of the booklet produced 2-3 years ago entitled ‘Happy Wandering in and around the parish of North Weald Bassett’. Which was a selected collection from the various articles I had written for Village Life plus much appreciated help and assistance from North Weald Bassett Parish Council in making it’s production possible. It was made available from the Parish Council Office to readers of Village Life and has since been given out to many members of the general public ‘wanting to know more’ about our much loved village.

The Parish Council is currently organizing a display illustrating the past 100 years of life in North Weald Basset for the forthcoming Community Day to be held on North Weald Airfield on Sunday 17th July 2016. In support of this I have updated and added to the Booklet extra pages of jottings of local history and walks/cycle rides in our beautiful essex countryside to help all the family (especially any tail wagging four legged friends you may have) enjoy the coming summer months. I understand that copies of this revised booklet are to be made available to people visiting the Parish Council’s display.

The Parish Council would very much appreciate the loan of any photographs or items of historical interest that could be used to enhance their display. Please contact on Tel. 01992 523825 if you have any such items.

If you are not planning to attend the community day but would like to obtain a copy of this revised booklet, I have some great news for you. Our Parish Council have ‘Come up Trumps Again’ and copies are now available from the Parish Council Offices/Local Library free of charge and a limited number of copies have been made available from our new Post Office and the Kings Head garage – just ask at the counter to obtain.

Finally, if any reader has a suggested subject or matters/questions relating to the village of North Weald Bassett (both now or long long ago) that they think would make an interesting article in future editions of Village Life. Let June the Editor know or you can email me direct on petewilk@tesco.net. I will research your suggestion and see what we can come up with?

The Happy Wanderer.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Local Bowls Club Secure National Lottery Funding Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club is among a small number of sports projects to secure a share of £9 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

Since 2011, Inspired Facilities has been helping breathe new life into tired community sports facilities and converting existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport.

Bantham and Ongar Sports Club secured the funding which will go towards the cost of replacing the surface of their artificial lawn bowls green. The grant of £ 54,530 will help towards the cost of removing the old, worn out surface and replacing it with a new modern green. The club, based in North Weald, was established 16 years ago and has members of all ages drawn from the local community including Ongar, Epping and Doddinghurst.

The club is proud to be completely disabled friendly and the new green means that it will continue to allow specialist bowling wheelchairs to be used. Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country. Since 2011, we’ve invested £102 million into more than 1,920 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs. It’s great to see Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.”

Club Chairman, Francis Czuba, said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment. To be honest, without it we may have been looking at closure, which would have been a sad loss not only for lawn bowls but also for the two hundred plus local people who regularly use the club. “ “This generous grant means that we can upgrade the quality of our playing surface and additionally ensure that we can continue to implement our plan to develop the club and make it a hub for sport and social activities in the local community, a club which can cater for people of all ages and abilities.”

“We hope the work will be undertaken once the outdoor bowls season ends in October. We then expect to have an official launch week in Spring 2017, where not only members but the public can come and try it out” Sir Eric Pickles, the local MP for Brentwood and Ongar, sent a message of congratulation to all club members and described the news as "fantastic". He hopes to be able to attend one of the launch days next spring. Many more communities are set to benefit from the hugely popular fund with the latest round of the Inspired Facilities now open. Community and voluntary organisations, councils and schools can bid for a share of £5 million to help upgrade facilities that can be unattractive, expensive to run and difficult to maintain, and to convert existing non-sporting buildings into venues that are suitable for grassroots sport.

Applying for funding has never been easier. Based on feedback from previous applicants, the Inspired Facilities Fund is now an open programme which means projects can submit applications as soon as they are ready rather than being restricted by a specific deadline. To find out more and bid, visit `www.sportengland.org/ inspiredfacilities.

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club For outdoor and short mat bowling Bowling Membership £60 per annum

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club holds a social night every Thursday evening at 6pm from April through to September which is open to anyone wishing to give bowls a try.

If you would like to try your hand at playing bowls and see what else is on offer, please come along. Visitors can sign up for a short 4 session introductory fun bowling course run by one of our 3 qualified coaches.

The club is fully accessible for those with disabilities and everyone will be welcome.

Other activities on offer at the club include table tennis, yoga, bridge, cribbage and whist. No membership is required for these activities, but sessional charges apply.

During the rest of the year (October to March) there is an open evening for short-mat bowls on Monday evenings at 7 pm.

We can be found behind The Talbot public house in Wealdbridge Road, Tylers Green, North Weald, CM16 6GP. If you would like any further information please contact Jim Heppel – 01277 362631 or jimheppel571@gmail.com Page 37

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Find an accessible holiday Have you booked your summer holiday yet?

If you have trouble getting around, the Living Well website has some suggestions on the type of holidays you might want to look for. There is a list of places where you can book, and information on how you can plan in advance to make sure you have everything you need when you get there. The website address is www.livingwellessex.org Essex County Council confirmed that there are many organisations out there who specialise in giving advice, and can help with the booking process.

It’s important that you ask the right questions when you are making your reservations to ensure that the travel provider or lodging than accommodate your needs.

Some simple forward planning can make your holiday run smoothly, and avoid any unnecessary issues or stresses.

St Clare to host Family Fun Day in Harlow St Clare Hospice will be hoping to raise vital funds for the charity by hosting a Family Fun Day in Harlow on Saturday 25th June. The Hastingwood-based Hospice will be welcoming the young – and the young at heart – to a fun-filled day at The Link social club in Harlow from 1pm to 5pm. Aiming to be one of the best family-friendly events of the summer the Fun Day it will feature a whole host of attractions.

St Clare Hospice Community Fundraiser Dani De’ath, the event organiser, said: “We really have pulled out all the stops this year to make it a great event. We will have everything on offer, from face painting, traditional fairground games and interactive science experiments for children – to live music and a whole range of classic cars from Custom Exotic Cars. We will also have special performances from local dance groups Hip Hop Pop and Dance Fusion, as well as playing host to our very own Disney princess! There genuinely is something to entertain the whole family.”

The Fun Day will offer a range of stalls to browse, as well as sideshows, games and competitions. The raffle will feature a cash prize of £250 with a tombola also offering the chance to win top prizes. Both hot and cold food will be available to purchase – from burgers to ice cream and candy floss.

Entry to the St Clare Family Fun Day costs £1 per adult and is free for children. For more information view the St Clare Family Fun Day event page: http://stclarehospice.org.uk/event/st-clare-family-fun-day/

Chelmsford Marathon is back The J’s Hospice charity is delighted to announce the return of the annual Chelmsford Marathon to the city on Sunday 23rd October This sporting event is organised by The J’s Hospice. Last year, 850 runners registered to take part, raising around £65,000 for the charity which supports young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families across Essex in the comfort of their own homes.

Participants can walk, jog or run through a 5km section of the Chelmsford Marathon route, enjoying the great atmosphere.

Registration is open now – please visit www.chelmsfordmarathon.org.uk for more information or to book your place. If you would like to help the charity as a volunteer at these events, please call 01245 475474 or send an email to info@thejshospice.org.uk.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

St Clare Hospice recognises importance of unpaid Carers St Clare Hospice recognised the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5million unpaid carers as it marked national Carers Week which took place during 6th—12th June.

As part of the national awareness campaign, the West Essex and East Herts charity is highlighting some of the ways its compassionate care extends to the whole circle of family, friends and carers, as well as the person who is ill.

St Clare’s Patient and Family Support Services team manager, Joanna Petts, said: “At St Clare we are committed to supporting our patients in every way we can and accompanying them on their journey – whatever stage they are at. A really important part of that is seeing how we can support the patient’s whole circle of family, friends and carers.”

“Caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness can really take its toll on a person – mentally, physically and emotionally. Often people who are looking after somebody say that their friendships are affected as they are less available to socialise. Unfortunately this can often lead to the carer becoming isolated. Whilst they may have care staff coming in to provide personal care for their loved one, most care packages do not allow the staff time to just sit and have a cup of tea and a chat – which is often what the carer really needs.”

“Our Community Friends visit those patients and carers who may be feeling lonely or isolated at home. Sometimes they may visit and sit with a patient so that their carer can have a break – perhaps to go to the shops, attend a fitness class, or visit friends. At other times they may visit the carer and the patient together – just providing that space to have a chat and a cup of tea with someone which can be so valuable. It’s just like having a friend round to visit really.”

Those who have experienced visits from St Clare’s Community Friends say that it has offered them a lifeline at a very difficult time in their lives.

One St Clare patient said: “The Community Friends service is absolutely excellent. We have a cup of tea, a piece of cake and a chat about all sorts of things. We have lots of laughs – it’s brilliant. I really look forward to the visits. I don’t know where the time goes when she is here. I am really enjoying it.”

Being a Community Friend is also rewarding for the volunteer themselves. Margaret Hopkinson, who has been a Community Friend at St Clare for three years, said: “I have been visiting the same lady every Monday afternoon for the past year, keeping her company while her husband pops out to attend a regular hospital appointment. She is mainly bed-bound at home, and she and her husband both wanted her to have a visitor so she wouldn’t be alone all day.”

“She is an interesting lady and we have lots of interests in common. She, like me, loves animals and gardening so we always have lots to talk about. She is a brilliant artist and I felt so honoured when she showed me her portfolio of work.”

“When I left work, I really missed the daily interaction with people and, although I have lots of friends who I could meet for lunch and walks, I missed the routine and responsibility of work so volunteering for St Clare was such a good option for me. It feels so right for me to be involved in the local community, and being a Community Friend has also changed my idea of what a hospice can offer.”

St Clare Hospice is currently recruiting for more volunteers to join their Community Friends team. St Clare will provide full training for the role and dedicated ongoing support.

For more information about the Community Friends role visit their website at: www.stclarehospice.org.uk/volunteervacancies/ st-clare-community-friends/ or contact St Clare’s Voluntary Services Manager, Chris C r u m p , d i r e c t l y o n chris.crump@stclarehospice.org.uk .

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Tel: 07814 863955

St Andrews Primary School School Green Lane, North Weald

Due to expansion at our School we require the following staff

CLEANER

General cleaning duties – 9 hours per week (after school) Term Time Only Band 1 Point 7

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

General Kitchen duties – 10 hours per week (11.30-1.30) per day Term Time Only Band 1 Point 7

MID-DAY ASSISTANT 5 hours per week (12.00-1.00) per day Term Time Only Band 1 Point 7

ALSO

RELIEF MID-DAY ASSISTANT Required as and when

Please Contact School Office 01992 522283 For Job Description and Application Form

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Calming Waters You put in the plug and then you turn on the tap, As the water eagerly rushes, to complete its first lap.

Then you add some bubbles, which you stir to create Quickly before the water becomes too hot, for then it’s too late.

You watch as all the bubbles seem to laugh and sing, As the tones constantly change as the water gushes in.

Before too long everything’s all just right, As you can already sense the relaxation, that you’ve craved all night.

So as you lay back in bliss, your feet leave the ground, Caught up in this wonderful buoyant heaven you’ve found.

In no time at all you’ve drifted away, Letting go of all the turmoil you’ve endured that day.

Just slowly dissolving in your own blissful vat of ecstasy, Knowing that probably for the first time that day, you’ve nowhere else to be.

Caught up in a world of pure pleasure and calm, Forgetting all as you’re suddenly lost, in a world that can bring you no harm.

Yes suddenly it’s just you and a feeling that’s so sublime, As you almost nod off losing all sense of time.

Though sadly there’s always something that’ll disturb the peace, Bringing you back to the real world, that for just a short while, had somehow ceased.

Still as you step out and pull the plug, watching those feelings as they drain, causing you sorrow, Have no fear and worry not, as you can do it all again tomorrow.

Source: Andy – resident poet. I love a long hot relaxing bath with lots of bubbles, a good book (that doesn’t matter if it gets wet) and a large glass of Bacardi and coke – I am so easily pleased!

A

HA HA

H

The Shoebox

A

Thank you to A. Burns who sent in this joke. I think it may appeal more to the female readers—I must admit I had a chuckle.

H

JOKE

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the show box and took it to his wife’s bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totalling £95,000. He asked her about the contents.

“When we were to be married” she said. “My grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.”

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

“Honey” he said, “that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?”

“Oh” she said “That’s the money I made from selling the dolls”.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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What a Year I’m afraid to say that actually so far 2016, you have been nothing but bad, Firstly by you taking so many true legends and stars that we once used to have.

Then not stopping there you also decide to take our families and friends leaving so many in despair, As you then go on to cause so much pain and infliction to the already suffering people still here.

I really don’t know what your agenda is and what exactly it is you are trying to achieve, But it’s destroying the faith in which so many had and so desperately still need to be able to believe.

Nearly every day you see stories of people either being killed or losing their life in the attempt to be free, What is the message you are trying to point out, as the reason behind it totally baffles me.

To top off all this horrific distress you’ve also ensured the weather just adds to the pain, So please, please, stop all this despicable carrying on as we can’t all be the ones to blame.

I know we are all human and unfortunately have this built in need to destroy, Whether it be on mass by destroying forests and habitats to even a small child breaking up a toy.

It’s always been my belief we were created in God’s image and sadly the thing we do may be from, what today may be called, a defective gene.

Though we do still have the ability to love and have compassion, upon which I’d hope we’d be judged by the powers unseen.

It’s not too late to turn things around and make this a year that’s remembered for all the right reasons, The powers to be could make a start by restoring all our normal seasons.

For as a whole we are a good race and do our best to ensure everything is right, So I do feel that what seems like a punishment should now stop and put an end to this plight.

Then maybe what’s left of the year could be a total reversal, As we try to rebuild the beliefs we may have lost, Turning all our own fates around and re-finding the happiness that so far 2016 has cost.

Source: Andy – resident poet.

Green-fingered accountants volunteer in Hospice gardens A team of kind-hearted accountants braved the inclement weather to lend a much-needed, green-fingered hand in their local Hospice’s gardens.

Six members of the team from Loughton-based firm, Haslers Chartered Accountants, volunteered a day of their time to support St Clare Hospice as part of their community programme. The team’s spirits were not dampened by the torrential downpours which fell in the charity’s gardens on Monday 13th June and their support means that the beautiful grounds continue to benefit patients and families.

Laurence Jacobs, Chairman of the firm, said: “We chose to support St Clare because they are our local Hospice, but also because we have a very personal connection to the charity. Sadly we lost one of our employees, Charlotte James, who passed away at St Clare’s in 2014 at the age of just 20 years. Every year we support local charities through volunteering and a group of us wanted to give something back to the Hospice in memory of Charlotte.”

Commenting on their day in the Hospice gardens, Laurence said: “We thought we would be lucky with the weather, choosing to volunteer in June, but as always the British weather was unpredictable! There was a huge, torrential downpour but we all still stayed outside – sweeping, weeding and sprucing up the gardens. The grounds of the Hospice really are beautiful and you can see what a difference it makes to patients and families to have peaceful surroundings. It was good for our team-building to persevere even against the elements!”

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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BIRD FEATURE Hello. These notes are being compiled during a rather damp period in the middle of June.

The upcoming month of July should see most birds having completed their breeding for this summer. However some will try to raise a second (or even third) brood if the weather and food supply allow it. Often a pair will breed again if their first eggs or nestlings are predated. Any breeding attempt can take a severe toll on parent birds as the demands of successfully rearing their young cannot be overstated.

July can often appear to be a quieter month. The majority of adult birds are no longer breeding and they will become more skulking in behaviour as they recover from the stresses of the spring, and many will undergo moulting where their worn feathers are replaced.

With the thick foliage and less singing it is easier for birds to remain undetected.

Of course there are also this year's young birds in evidence. Although areas such as ours appear to be a relatively benign environment there are still many dangers for inexperienced young birds. Some will simply fail to adapt to life on their own, not being able to fend for themselves when trying to find food. Many more will fall victim to predators. Birds such as Sparrowhawks will find easy pickings where young birds can lack the necessary alertness and fitness to evade predators.

Even in our back gardens and quiet habitats around the village it is still survival of the fitness for wild birds.

A Cuckoo has still been heard occasionally around the Weald Common area. If a Cuckoo chick has been raised by an unwitting host bird in our area then there may be a young Cuckoo in evidence during July. I have previously seen a juvenile Cuckoo locally so I'll see what turns up this summer.

I have already mentioned in reports this spring that Sky Larks have not been very evident this year. Since the last report I have only heard two - one briefly near Vicarage Lane and another by the airfield. I have heard none at all in the Weald Common area which has normally been a very reliable site for this species. Maybe they have just been singing when I haven't been about to hear them ...

There have certainly been a few thundery afternoons and evenings of late where no Sky Lark would want to be rising into the sky in the face of approaching storm clouds. However one feature of these conditions can be the appearance of our familiar aerial summer visitors Swallows, House Martins and especially Swifts. These birds prey on the flying insects that often swarm ahead of storms as they try to fly away to avoid the oncoming rain. Sometimes it is a handful of birds but I have seen flocks of over 50. Swifts are the most prominent species for this. As dark, potentially thundery clouds develop you can often notice a few of these fast flying Swifts that suddenly appear, twisting and wheeling as they chase their insect prey.

On one such recent afternoon I could make out a small flock of Swifts which were really high in the sky, so high that they were nothing more than fast moving dark specks. Had it been sunny then they would have been lost in the glare of the sun but they could just be seen. Within a minute or so they were flying lower and lower, reacting to the movement of the swarm of insects that they were chasing. And then very quickly they were gone, flying on ahead of the following rain clouds. A big enough storm can force swarms of billions of insects to get on the move, meaning rich pickings for those species that predate them.

One of the other swarms that attract avian predators are flying ants and slower species such as Starlings and even gulls will feast on these as the individual ants are carried upwards on currents of warmer air. That is something you can witness at times during this late spring into early summer period.

Last summer I saw a pair of Spotted Flycatchers at the top of Weald Common but this was late in the season and I don't know if they had been breeding there or were just moving through on migration. I've not noted any so far this spring / summer but I shall continue to keep an eye out, this is a rapidly declining species in the UK so would be a good sighting.

If you feed the birds in your garden then it is fine to continue to do so but whole peanuts should not be supplied due to the risk of them ending up being fed to young birds who cannot deal with them. As I have stated on previous occasions it is advisable to keep feeding areas clean, avoiding the build up of uneaten food or droppings. And a supply of fresh water will be a boost for garden birds.

Do practice good hygiene both for the birds and yourself.

If you get out and about then there is always something to see so enjoy any nature that comes into your view ....

All the best, Paul Corbet.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society

01992 717676

North Weald Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Cats Protection

0333 200 1484

North Weald Library

01992 522896

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 257 1909

North Weald Village Hall Bookings

07870 465129 northwealdvillagehall.org/

Crimestoppers

0800 555111

North Weald Parish Council

01992 523825

Doctors High Street, Epping

01992 579270

Queens Community Centre Hall Bookings

01992 522910

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

Police, Epping Station

0300 333 4444

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

Police, Neighbourhood/local

101

Epping Forest District Council

01992 564000

Police, Emergency

999

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

RSPCA

01279 306058

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Chemist

01992 523887

Traveline

0870 6082608

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers

North Weald Preservation Society

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 01992 524672

Tel: read 01992 522618/522630

Tel: 522910

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Cricket Club

Rapier Cycling Club

Tel: 01992 522955

Northweald.play-cricket.com

Tel: 524631

Dance Factory

North Weald Kickboxing

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 07976 786404

Tel: 07433 2843128

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Scouts Group

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 01277 365200

01992 524672

Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Badger Group

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

Tel: 576038 Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522196

Tel: 522464 Epping Forest Rotary Club

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Tel: 522803

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

North Weald Women’s Institute (Evg)

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522258

North Weald Angling Club

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 01992 524071

Tel: 523375 or 522052

Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk West Essex Flower Club Tel: 524631

In this issue‌..

North Weald floods 90th Celebrations

Local Events

Essex Fire Service plans Latest crime fighting advice New Garden Area for North Weald Local News

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