North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community
FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly
Issue: 151
March 2019
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Redbridge T 0208 989 8444 E redbridge@bluebirdcare.co.uk
So here we are a quarter of the way through the year already, into March. The weather however makes me think that we are in Spring, with warm temperatures and on a few days—sunny blue skies. I do love the sun, but this time of year it is so low that when driving it can really cause a problem to see, but I am not going to complain. I have been out and about viewing universities again for my middle daughter. It really does make me feel old that a second daughter will be going in a few months to university, just leaving me with my youngest daughter at home. Many people have asked me about Andy, he is feeling a little better, even getting out of the house to see friends which is much better than the last 18 months where he has only been out of the house to go to the hospital or doctors. Small steps but definitely in the right direction. Andy was delighted to have received a letter from a reader who loved his poem in last month’s issue and said how it reminded her of her husband. So in March we have pancake day/shrove Tuesday and Mother’s Day to name a few of the occasions coming up.
Pancake day is a funny day, my girls do enjoy pancakes but I hate them. I do try and join in and cover my pancake in sugar and lemon or sometimes golden syrup (I love golden syrup on anything). I have never ever managed to cook and flip a pancake successfully—does anybody else manage that or is just TV cooks? My pancake even sticks in the pan or does go in the air but collapses back in the pain like a mess having not turned over in the air and settled flat down in the pain as they show you on TV. So my pancakes don’t sound very appetising do they but the girls always nag me to make them. Perhaps I should just buy shop made pancakes. Did any of you tune in to hear the recent radio show on BBC Radio Essex all about North Weald. I was asked to go to the station for a live interview—it was terrifying but I am glad I did it. Dean from EOR and Elizabeth a long term resident had recorded interviews played also. Great for North Weald. Over the last week, I have tuned in to watch some of the Independent Examination of the Local Plan at Epping Forest District Council on and off. Some of it does make interesting viewing, some of it doesn't to the lay person. So many abbreviations!!
Cover photo: This photo was chosen because of the appealing tasty cake and the warming cup of tea or coffee.
Contents March 2019 issue Page No.
5. Club 195 Licence revoked 6—7. Events 9. New Police Air Base 13. 10 years of Befriending 16. Motorcyle run 17. Cash boost for high street 21. Meeting Cunning Hens 25. Gardening Hints 26. Letter to the Editor
31. Church Chat 34. Eppingen 36. Poem 37. CAB advice—save money on gas and energy 38. Birds Column Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk 07814 863955 Write to: 49 York Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6HU www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Subscription: If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £25.00 for 12 issues. Contributions & Editorial: If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us via letter or email. Advertisers: Please email or telephone us for full advertising rates and sizes. Booking
Kind regards June Editor
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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
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MARCH BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pancake Lemon Sugar Shrove Tuesday Syrup Flip Blueberry Frying Pan Day Fruit Batter Flour Spoon Milk
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Congratulations this month who 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 March Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU. Entries need to be received by 10th March 2019. 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 Your local Tree Surgeons Approved by the Local Authority & established for over 25 years You can be assured of personal attention Fully Insured
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: 01206 384262 Mobile: 07850 390079 .Proprietor:
S. Dinsdale
www.eppingtreecompany.co.uk Email: info@eppingtreecompany.co.uk Page 4
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Club 195 licence revoked Club 195 nightclub in Epping has had its licence revoked following concerns about incidents of violence at, or in the vicinity of, the premises. The club had its licence suspended earlier this month after Essex Police applied for a review. The revocation follows 8 incidents of violence between October 2018 and New Year’s Day 2019. Incidents include:-
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2 large scale fights in December involving people who had been inside Club 195 An assault in the vicinity of the premises in December where a man was struck with a belt and lost the sight in one eye and it was later established those involved had been in the club earlier that night 2 incidents in the early hours of New Year’s Day – one where someone was stabbed inside the club and one involving a large fight nearby
At a full hearing on Tuesday 29th January 2019, Epping Forest District Council’s licencing sub-committee revoked Club 195’s licence and now has 21 days to appeal the decision. Members of the licencing sub-committee took the decision based on the following:
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Repeated and very serious crime and disorder associated with the premises Lack of confidence in management in how they have implemented their current policies and procedures Lack of confidence that the designated premises supervisor has proper control of the premises
Lack of faith in management being able to successfully implement additional conditions Chairman of the licencing committee Councillor Paul Keska said: “Seeing so many serious incidents where people have been badly hurt in such a short period of time cannot be tolerated. Ensuring people’s safety is a top priority. Local residents should not be subjected to so much crime and disorder on the streets of Epping.” “From all the evidence shown to us we unfortunately have very little faith now that the licence holders of Club 195 are able to prevent such incidents being associated with their premises.”
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Please don’t forget to mention to any advertisers That you found their details in the
North Weald Village Life magazine
Holiday at Home with an Easter theme Tuesday 26th March. 10am - 3pm. North Weald Methodist Church hall. Holiday at Home with an Easter theme. Light lunch and hot/cold drinks provided. Open to anyone of an older generation but who are still young at heart. no charge but donations welcome.
St Clare 10k Sunday 7th April Advanced registration costs £12 or £15 on the day (£10 or £13 for affiliated runners). The deadline for advanced sign-ups is Monday, 1st April. The registration desk will be open at 9:30am on the day, with the race starting at 10:30am. The event is open to people aged 15 and above. The race starts and finishes at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Essex, CM17 9JX. For more information, or to register, visit stclarehospice.org.uk/ event/st-clare-10k-2019. Alternatively, please call the St Clare Challenge and Events Team on 01279 773754.
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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.
Every Tuesday
Baby & Toddler Group
1.15pm— 2.45pm
Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 per family.
Every Thursday
Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time— starts again on Thursday 13th September
10.30am— 11am
North Weald Library. For under 5’s and their parents/carers (term time only) Songs, rhymes and stories. Free to attend
Every Thursday
Bingo
7pm— 9.30m
Wheelers Farm Gardens, £4 for book of 8 pages (2 games per page) Option Flyer £1. 50p for small raffle and cup of tea/coffee. Over 18 only
Every Friday
Reiki Healing/Hands on Healing
1pm—3pm
North Weald Village Hall. The healing is free with donation.
Every Friday
Medium doing Clairvoyance
3.15— 4.15pm
North Weald Village Hall. £3 per entrance. With free raffle ticket.
Every Saturday and Sunday
North Weald Airfield Museum
12 noon— 5pm
North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way
Every second Saturday of the month
Ploughmans Lunch
12noon
North Weald Village Hall. In aid of NWSS. All welcome
Every second and Fourth Wednesday
Theydon & Abridge Jazz
8pm
Abridge village hall. Enquires davedyer24@gmail.com or phone 07903 879209
Every Tuesday
Board Games Session
2.30— 4.30pm
North Weald Library. Learn new games. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm. All ages welcome Free drop-in session
Saturday and every two weeks (starting March) Date to be confirmed.
Laughter Club
Am
Wednesday 6th March
North Weald WI
1.45pm
Monday 11th MArch
West Essex Flower Club
1.45pm
North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Places are limited so to book a place or for further information contact Tim on 07956 670712 or email on friendlylaughteryoga@gmail.com friendlylaughteryoga@gmail.com North Weald Village Hall. The intriguing title of this month’s talk is Photography crime scene art. Come alone and learn more. Members free. Visitors welcome £3.00 on the door. Thornwood Village Hall. Demonstrator Lee Berrill with arrangements entitled “Imagine;. All welcome. Visitors pay £5.00 on the door.
Tuesday 26th March
Holiday at Home with an Easter Theme
10am— 3pm
North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Light lunch and hot/ cold drinks provided. Open to anyone of an older generation but who are still young at heart. no charge but donations welcome.
If you know of a local event, please let me know and I will include this in the events calendar on www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk. There is also a Facebook Group— North Weald village Life events—events are posted by myself and members that are taking place7 throughout Essex, Page Tel: 07814London 863955and Hertfordshire. Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Planning Applications Planning File No: 026878 Application No: EPF/0136/19 Applicant Name: Mr Christnel Solomon Officer: Alastair Prince Location: 5 Bassett Fields , High Road , North Weald , Epping CM16 6EF Proposal: Single storey rear and side extension.
Planning File No: 030235 Application No: EPF/0237/19 Applicant Name: Robert Staples Officer: Steve Andrews Location: 68 A Weald Bridge Road North Weald Bassett Epping CM16 6ES Proposal: Erection & assembly of a factory manufactured, detached, single storey, timber frame, garden annexe in the rear garden.
Any representations on applications should be made in writing, by Monday 4th March, 2019 Comment online at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/iPlan or by post to: The Director of Planning and Economic Development, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ Any enquiries should be made to the Application Processing Team T: 01992 564436 E: appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
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Work has started on the new Police airbase Building work has started on a £4 million police airbase at North Weald Airfield with the first flights taking off before the end of 2019. Construction of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) airbase at North Weald Airfield is expected to run until autumn. Police helicopters and police planes will be able to fly from the base which will operate 24/7, 365 days a year, and primarily serve London and the South East. Crews in these aircraft will be regularly supporting police colleagues on the ground to find missing people and search for suspects. They’ll also provide an aerial view to help local police ensure crowd safety at major events and support police forces bring many other crimes in action to an end. North Weald will be among a network of 14 NPAS bases offering support to the 43 police forces of England and Wales. NPAS collectively responds to more than 20,000 incidents every year. Councillor Anne Grigg, Portfolio Holder for Commercial and Regulatory Services said: “North Weald Airfield has a long standing history of protecting our community since opening as an airfield in the 1st World War, and becoming a Battle of Britain airfield in the 2nd World War, providing a home to spitfires and hurricanes. It is good to see North Weald continuing to play a crucial part in the local and wider community in the 21st Century.” Temporary Chief Constable John Robins said: ““Police air support is a vital tool available to police forces to help keep communities safe. Flying at average speeds of 138mph, combatting crime and disorder, searching for missing people or providing support to officers on the ground by air is 20 times faster than other options and saves local police valuable time when it matters.” The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of West Yorkshire, Mark Burns-Williamson Chair of the NPAS Strategic Board said: “The construction of the new base represents the continued progress of the National Police Air Service and is recognition of its crucial role in keeping people safe.” “This addition will further bolster our nationwide network, offering an increased level of support in preventing and detecting crime, whilst protecting some of the most vulnerable in society.” “The round the clock nature of the base also means it will be a key hub of activity, which will make a significant contribution to policing and police aviation services.”
Planning permission was granted for the scheme by Epping Forest District Council last year. Building work is being carried out by Kier Group. Phil Oades, Regional Director for Kier Capital Projects said: “Working collaboratively with the National Police Air Service, we are delighted to be starting work on the new airbase at North Weald Airfield. Over the last 3 years, we have worked with NPAS to deliver vital new buildings and infrastructure to bases across the country. We look forward to carrying out this work which will directly benefit residents in London and the South East.”
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Together we can help rough sleepers Epping Forest District Council is on a mission to help people off the streets and reduce rough sleeping in the district. According to the latest figures from the Government, homelessness is on the increase in England. There is no single reason why someone can end up without a home; personal circumstances and wider factors both play their part.
The Council is committed to helping rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness and have launched their ‘Together we can help rough sleepers’ campaign. Many people want to help rough sleepers but don’t always know how to. The campaign, which is being run in partnership with Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme (CHESS), aims to raise awareness of the best ways to help, ensuring that support is directed into homelessness charities and street teams who can provide vital services. The campaign encourages people to help get rough sleepers off the streets by reporting rough sleepers through StreetLink, a service that centralises reporting of rough sleepers. Streetlink says outreach teams have helped record numbers of people facing nights sleeping outside, after alerts from the public. The campaign also asks those who wish to give money, to donate to CHESS.
However, there’s certainly no harm in offering someone food, a hot drink or a blanket. The council are doing everything they can to make sure there is a route off the streets for every rough sleeper in the district. They work with CHESS running outreach services, responding to calls made via Streetlink, offering shelter, clothing and facilities. The help and generosity of residents makes a huge difference to charities like CHESS who work with hundreds of homeless people each year. These donations are helping to change the circumstances of rough sleepers so they can rebuild their lives and move away from street homelessness for good. During extremely cold weather, the Council activates its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), to help rough sleepers into accommodation. Further information is available from the Council’s Homelessness Team, they can be contacted at homeless-
So why don’t we encourage people to give their spare change directly to rough sleepers? Many people have different views about giving money to people on the street, and there isn’t any right answer to this issue. But by donating to homelessness charities people can be assured that their money will be used to help tackle the issue properly. ness@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or 01992 564165.
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Save our Library North Weald Bassett Parish Council councillors and staff as well as local residents have met with local MP Alex Burghart to discuss Essex County Council's proposals for the future of library services, and the possible closure of North Weald Library. Mr Burghart, whose Brentwood and Ongar constituency includes North Weald Village, visited the High Road library this morning. He said: "I understand that Essex County Council is looking to save money but I am always very interested to hear how those decisions are impacting on local communities so I was very pleased to meet representatives of North Weald to hear how they are keen to keep library services open in the area." He added: "I've been shown how a number of different, important local groups use this site and it's clear that there is potential to use this site for other purposes as well (as a library) and I very much hope that the parish council and the county council will be able to have that conversation." North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman councillor Alan Buckley thanked Mr Burghart for taking the time to visit North Weald and listen to the comments of parish councillors, parish council staff and members of the community. He said: "It was a very informative meeting and we appreciate his support and look forward to future discussions. I would also like to thank the local residents for their input."
Buy With Confidence Essex Trading Standards have welcomed Epping Forest ReUSE to our approved trader scheme, Buy With Confidence. They are a registered charity and not for profit social enterprise supporting people who need access to affordable furniture, white goods and household items. Why not check them out Epping Forest ReUSE. They are located in Bower Hill, Epping.
If you want to include an announcement for a birth, death, marriage, anniversary or birthday of a local person —please send these to me via email and I will include it in a future issue
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At an event on Saturday 9th February in the North Weald Village Hall where hard copies of the questionnaire were available together with help and advice on completing this, it was great to see a further 30 questionnaires were completed on the day providing more feedback on the views regarding the library.
HAYDEN LANDSCAPES LTD DRIVEWAY AND PATIO SPECIALISTS DRIVEWAYS ARTIFICAL GRASS PATIOS BESPOKE OUTBUILDINGS FENCING TREE SURGERY DECKING SHED BASES BRICKWORK TURFING GATES GARDEN DESIGN AND MUCH MORE
Call: 07877496903
or 01277412522
For a free no obligation quotation WEBSITE: www.haydenlandscapes.co.uk EMAIL: haydenlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Local Bus Consultation December I think I mentioned this in last month’s issue but I wanted to remind readers of the Essex County Council (ECC) review of the way it supports local bus services which operate on evenings and Sundays and is carrying out a public consultation.
The consultation also includes proposals regarding delivering ECC services differently and devolving ECC funded local bus services to communities. The consultation runs until 22 March 2019. For more information on the consultation, you can find it here surveys.essexinsight.org.uk/Eveningandsundaybusservices# The consultation documentation states: ‘ECC has a strong record for supporting local bus services, especially when compared to the situation with many other local transport authorities across the country, where there have been significant reductions in the level of support offered. ECC remains committed to supporting an effective and efficient bus service network offering value for money to the taxpayer in the services it provides. However the strong financial pressure on all local government funding means that ECC has to look very carefully at how it provides all its services to make sure that the limited funding available is focused where it will do most good.’
Watch out for leaflets advertising rogue traders
A copy of the consultation is also available from ECC libraries or by phoning: 03457 430430.
During the bad weather, Essex County Council Trading Standards is warning Essex residents about approaches from traders cold calling or using leaflets, offering roofing repairs or tree and garden services. We know these have been active in North Weald as highlighted recently by a local resident.
If you have any queries, please contact passenger.transport@essex.gov.uk . Please have your say, don’t moan if you lose any bus services or do not get buses in the evening or weekend when you could use them.
It is widely recognised that this is not the best way to advertise if you're a legitimate trader. They are becoming more concerned about the circulation of leaflets with fake or incomplete address details that are often associated with very poor workmanship and distraction burglaries. The regularly publish leaflets that concern us them on their social media pages. Look out for your neighbours too! If you have any concerns 03454 040506 Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline.
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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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10 Years of Befriending Services Voluntary Action Epping Forest is celebrating ten years of its Befriending Services, having helped over a thousand older, isolated and vulnerable people in the Epping Forest area over the decade. Befriending Services offer weekly social clubs, trips out, home visits, friendship, help and advice to socially isolated people over 65 years. Befriending services include social clubs in North Weald, Loughton and Waltham Abbey three times a week. Clients enjoy afternoons of games, raffles, professional singers and bands and dancing. The Befriending clubs provide a new lease of life to many residents who were previously lonely and isolated at home, rarely seeing or hearing from anyone.
Home visits are a vital part of the VAEF Befriending services, offering a ‘friend’ for companionship, a smile, a listening ear and information on other services brought to them in their own homesVAEF’s Befriending Services have been supported by funding from The Big Lottery, West Essex NHS, Co-op Community Fund and from the Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation. VAEF is always looking for volunteers to help with the work of the Befriending project. Marathon runner Anny Huang will be donating her sponsorship money raised at this year’s London Marathon in April specifically for VAEF’s Befriending Services.
As well as offering weekly social clubs, Voluntary Action Befriending offers fortnightly day trips such as theatre visits, boat rides, trips to the seaside, afternoon teas and much more. These outings provide much needed stimulation to many while reducing their social/rural isolation and improving their quality of life.
The service also provides door to door transport for those people unable to travel unaided and uses the Befriending Service’s own minibus (funded by the Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation). The vehicle has a tail lift for those using wheelchairs with a dedicated driver and assistant who collect clients from their door. .
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Please remember
George Fairall
to mention to Advertisers that you found their details in North Weald village Life Magazine or website
Epping
07714 264 312 01992 522950
Www.ratedpeople.com/profile/gf-plastering
Supporting vulnerable residents with home security—FREE OF CHARGE Voluntary Action Epping Forest provide a number of services in Epping Forest supporting vulnerable and elderly residents and have secured funding to fit security equipment to eligible properties free of charge. Do you know a vulnerable, elderly or disabled person who could benefit from Voluntary Action Epping Forest’s support? Their police checked handyman is able to fit keysafes, door chains, door bolts, window locks and security lights all free of charge. Voluntary Actions Home Safety service addresses the need to support older, disabled, vulnerable people in the District by keeping them safe in their homes and the community by ensuring access to their homes is provided in a safe and secure way. With many older, vulnerable residents on limited budgets this funding will enable them to have a police approved keysafe fitted in addition to necessary security devices which secure their homes and increase their safety. The keysafes fitted also assist health professionals visiting residents, access homes securely, which supports their role in the community in addition to the peace of mind the security devices provide to vulnerable residents and their families knowing their homes and access to them is secure. This funding is available for a limited time only. If you would benefit from this support or know someone who would, please call Voluntary Action Epping Forest for more information. For further information, please contact Voluntary Action Epping Forest on 01992 910 701 or jfoile@vaef.org.uk.
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Return of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run from Welwyn to North Weald Registrations have opened for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s (EHAAT) Motorcycle Run on Sunday 12th May which will see hundreds of bikers taking to the roads of Hertfordshire and Essex. Starting at Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, the 60 mile route will finish at North Weald Airfield, home to one of EHAAT’s two Airbases and the Charity’s AgustaWestland 169 helicopter. At North Weald participants and spectators will be able to enjoy a Family Fun Day. The Family Fun Day, which provides an ideal spot to watch the hundreds of bikes arrive, is free to attend with a suggested donation of £5 to assist with covering the event’s costs. Attractions this year will include the amazing Two Brothers Racing Stunt Team, back by popular demand, and the popular ART Rider Training. With a series of bands providing live music, trade stalls showing off the latest kit and bikes, a bike show and a kid’s zone, there will be something to keep everyone entertained.
Jen Wall, EHAAT Volunteer and Events Lead said: “The ride out from Welwyn to North Weald is always a great day for the riders and the new route, introduced last year, was very popular as it allowed learners to take part.” Registration for the event, which is supported by sponsors Specialist Aviation Services and Woodlands Group is £10 for a single rider and £15 for a rider and pillion.Registrations have opened for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s (EHAAT) Motorcycle Run on Sunday 12th May which will see hundreds of bikers taking to the roads of Hertfordshire and Essex. Jen Wall says: “Each mission costs £2,200 on average, so if 1,000 riders raised just £30 each we would have enough to fund 14 potentially life-saving missions. If you think it might be tricky raising sponsorship, when you buy your ticket you’ll have the chance to donate £30. Selecting the Sponsored Ticket option when you add your ticket to the basket could make all the difference.” Throughout the Motorcycle Run and Family Fun Day, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance will be using the hashtags #RideSafe and #MotorcycleRun to raise awareness of their safety message and to promote the event. Book your place now at ehaat.org/events-calendar or call the EHAAT Events Team on 0345 2417 690
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1.5m cash boost for small high street shops A government-funded scheme to boost small high street retailers is said to benefit hundreds of Epping Forest businesses from £1.5m. Councillors have welcomed news of the cash injection who have witnessed their local shops and services disappearing from the high street. This help comes in the form of rate relief offered to eligible retailers with a rateable value below £51,000. If they qualify for the scheme retailers could receive a one-third discount on their business rates bills. This scheme starts in 2019/20 and runs through to 2020/21. Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Councillor Helen Kane said: “The discount is one-third of the rates bill after all other reliefs have been applied. Advice from Government is that all retailers that meet the qualifying criteria will receive the relief.” Shops such as florists, bakers, stationers, off licences, opticians, markets, garden centres and many more are among the businesses that could benefit as long as their rateable value is below £51,000. There is no relief available under this policy for properties with a higher rateable value.
“We already have a well-established Discretionary Rate Relief scheme covering charities, voluntary and not for profit organisations such as St Clare Hospice, sports clubs and the scouts” said Cllr Kane. “I estimate that with this new money we can pump an extra £1.5 million back into the local economy, providing just the boost many of our small high street businesses need right now.” The Government will fully reimburse local authorities for the lost business rates income arising from relief granted under this scheme. Business such as banks, estate agents, vets, dentists, doctors, solicitors, accountants, insurance agents and Post office sorting offices do not qualify.
Alzheimer’s society support The Alzheimer’s Society have created a brilliant video showing what they do and how important their services are to the lives of those they work with. They hold information hubs across west Essex which are open to attend:
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Harlow Moot House, The Stow, Harlow CM20 3AG, on the first and third Monday of each month between 10am and 1pm Loughton The Methodist Church Loughton, on the first and third Monday of each month between 10am and 1pm Ongar Zinc Centre, Ongar, on the fourth Wednesday of each month between 10am and 1pm
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Council opposes "dreadful" home plans Plans for a detached four-bedroom house to the rear of 11 Kendal Avenue, Epping, are being opposed by the town council. The application also proposes a raised driveway and detached garage. Councillor Tony Church told Tuesday's planning and general purposes committee: "This is the Mayfair of Epping. We need to keep larger houses in Epping. This is garden grabbing. "I think it's an absolutely dreadful idea for Kendal Avenue. It's a huge building." He added: "It will be detrimental to the street scene by losing trees as we have always said it's a leafy street." The committee opposed the application saying it would be overdevelopment and detrimental to the Green Belt. Councillors are also concerned about traffic issues and the loss of trees.
How would you change the travel to Council facilities? Epping Forest District Council are asking for you to Help them understand how you travel to theirCouncil sites and what improvements they can make to help you travel more actively. They would like to ask you how you travel, how long it takes you and whether any improvements would encourage you to make more sustainable travel choices. The Council has a number of different sites around the District, from the Civic Offices in Epping to Epping Forest District Museum in Waltham Abbey. We are trying to understand how our visitors travel to us and identify ways that we can improve our accessibility and encourage our visitors to make more sustainable travel choices. We’re encouraging all visitors to our sites to complete a short survey that will help us decide what needs to be done at each site to improve access for walking, cycling and public transport. If you have visited us at any one of the sites below recently and you would like to give us some feedback, please complete our short survey before Friday 1 March 2019. • Civic Offices, Epping • St John’s Road depot, Epping • Epping Sports Centre, Hemnall Street, Epping • Oakwood Hill depot, Loughton • Broadway Office, Loughton • Parsonage Court, Loughton • Limes Centre, Chigwell • Housing Office, Limes Farm, Chigwell • North Weald Airfield, North Weald • Norway House, North Weald • Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey • Townmead depot, Waltham Abbey Visit www.pclconsult.co.uk/efvisitorsurvey to complete the survey . Page 18
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Pet Owners Now EmBARKing on Dog Friendly Bucket List Adventures Dog lovers creating a list of life’s ‘must do’ adventures are now likely to consider inviting their beloved four legged best friends along for the ride. May Joy of local dog holiday service, Barking Mad Dog Care Enfield and Harlow, explains: “Whilst we are kept extremely busy caring for dogs whose owners are jetting off to exotic locations, there seems to be a growing trend to also create travel memories with your pet – with some people even going so far as to create a bucket list of the animal’s very own!” It is easy to see why dogs make such fantastic bucket list travel companions because: they don’t complain when things don’t go to plan, they’re always happy to be photographed, they love just being with you and don’t ask, “Are we there yet?” Barking Mad aficionado Karen Robinson said, “This summer I plan to walk my Border collie, Paddy, along the silver sands of Charlie’s Beach on the remote Hebridean island of Eriskay. Most of the items on my bucket list include my dog!’ John and Elaine Warburton, franchise owners with Barking Mad Dog Care said: “Our dogs are such a huge part of our lives that we obviously want to include them in our bucket list plans. We'd definitely like to walk the West Highland Way, complete a moonlit marathon round Loch Leven and someday the Coast to Coast (Oban to St Andrews). To do these walks with a dog or two by your side would be amazing - we just love being out on the hills with ours.” Famously, author Jilly Cooper admitted that she hadn’t been abroad for 22 years because she would miss her dog too much. The bond between a dog and its owner can be incredibly strong and the fear of your dog being unhappy while you are apart, can be enough to prevent some people from travelling abroad. Barking Mad Dog Care customer Kathryn said (via Trustpilot) : “I was so nervous about leaving my fur babies, I had not had a holiday for 11 years so that I didn’t have to leave them. It’s such a relief to (now) know there is someone out there who will care for your dogs just as much as you do.” The most popular bucket list wish was to ‘see the Northern Lights’, a feat which is possibly achievable with a dog from a UK destination such as Scotland’s west coast islands. However, number 2 on the list was to ‘travel on the Orient Express’ which is obviously not achievable with a four legged friend in tow, as dogs aren’t allowed. Mandy Joy continues,“We love the fact that dog owners are creating special memories with their pets. For our customers, dogs are real members of the family and time and time again we encounter relief and gratitude that they have found a solution to the guilt of leaving their pet behind hen they really can’t take them. Owners are delighted that their dogs can thave a holiday of their very own with one of our loving host families, whilst they are completing the adventures on their travel wish list that aren’t dog friendly.” Barking Mad is part of the Franchise Brands plc group of companies and is the UK’s favourite dog holiday company, as verified by TrustPilot. Contact Barking Mad at www.barkingmad.uk.com to find your dog’s home from home today.
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Grandson raises £1k for local hospice after skydive challenge A Grandson from Epping successfully completed a skydive challenge on Saturday 5th January 2019, in memory of his grandmother and in aid of West Essex and East Herts charity, St Clare Hospice. Joseph Loder, (21 years old, from Epping) took on a skydive challenge at Hinton Skydiving Centre in Hinton to raise vital funding for St Clare Hospice after the charity cared for his grandmother, Angela Chandler, during October 2017. Angela, a resident of Loughton, sadly died in November 2017 in the care of St Clare. After collecting sponsorship money from his skydiving challenge, Joe has raised more than £1,200 in vital funding for the Hastingwood-based hospice – after originally setting his fundraising goal at just £100! Having smashed his target, Joe bravely took the plunge out of an aircraft at 13,000ft for his beloved Nan and St Clare. Commenting on why he chose to take on this challenge, Joe said: “I was both very excited and nervous for my skydive challenge as it is not something that I would usually do. However, I wanted to do something that was completely out of my comfort zone so that I could raise as much in vital funding for St Clare as possible! St Clare Hospice relies on the generosity of its local community to be able to provide its specialist, palliative care for all those who need support – people like my Nan, who needed St Clare in her final weeks. That’s why I took on this skydiving challenge; to help ensure that others can access the care that my Nan and our family did. I want Nan to be as proud of me as I am of her – and although it has been such a tough year without her, I have felt like she has been with me every step of the way.”
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Henpower Project—Cunning Hens in North Weald
I was fortunate enough to go along and see the hens in their own home, looking very happy. Residents were making themselves pretty decorated tiles that will be hung up above the new hen home to name it.
I was invited to see a new project having been implemented in Cunningham House in the village and to meet the new Cunning Hens.
I was told by Melanie, Home Manger, that often the chickens come in and sit on the table or floor with the residents.
The Henpower project was launched to tackle loneliness among older people and those living with dementia. Creative ageing charity Equal Arts teamed up with staff at Cunningham House and with funding of £4,000 provided by Epping Forest District Council has resulted in professional artists working with residents to learn how to look after their new feathered friends. The idea is that it will boost wellbeing amongst residents and encourage community engagement with local children .
One of the male residents has taken to the hens and helps clean and care for them on a daily basis. Another resident, Sarah, was delighted to join us and collected four very fresh eggs recently laid including a blue egg. I was lucky enough to be presented with these eggs before I left. Don’t worry, if any local people would like to get involved, there will be a range of volunteering opportunities later in the year. If you are interested in any of these please email volunteer@equalarts,org.uk. Sarah Bracey, from Equal Art’s HenPower helps the residents in the weekly sessions. This sounds a fantastic project and I am sure will bring lots of great opportunities to spend time with the friendly hens especially in the better weather.
Already volunteers from the area’s Youth Council have been to help make the chicken run more secure. Children from the ;ocal pre school, Scribbles, will coming along to meet the hens.
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Condition of highways How many of us have commented on the condition of roads, not only the number of potholes but also how quickly repairs break down? Well Highways sector stakeholders agree we have a ‘roads crisis’ in the UK, they blame planning, scheduling and bureaucracy for hampering progress and believe digital technology is being significantly underutilised. Research carried out by Re-flow across the UK Highways Sector has identified a number of areas that can highways employees feel could improve the management and delivery of our infrastructure projects. Media reporting on the state of the roads in the UK was considered to be much fairer than the reporting on the maintenance of the roads, highlighting that highways workers feel that their work isn’t recognised justly. Workers themselves agreed that we currently have a roads crisis, but they drew the line at calling it a national emergency. They believe that the main challenges for effective road infrastructure projects are: • Lack of effective scheduling and monitoring • Too much bureaucracy • Poor communication between delivery teams. Furthermore, 76% of respondents feel that digital technology in the sector is being significantly underutilised, highlighting another area for improvement. Mike Saunders Managing Director of Reflow said: “While the situation is clearly difficult, the results have been heartening because there are things within our capabilities in the UK highway industry community to improve the management and delivery of our infrastructure projects.” Other highlights include: • 73% agree public opinion is important in measuring road surface quality • Poor planning and a lack of funding are considered the top reasons for the state of our roads being regarded as ‘generally poor’ I am not sure what this means for the future of highway repairs, including scheduling and quality, but we can only hope this research helps.
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What changes are happening to the bus timetable? This notice was seen on a bus stop in Ongar, and relates to the timetable for the bus service 420/420A.
So if you use the bus service often, this would be a good opportunity of find out and maybe have your say on the change of timetable.
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March Gardening Hints What with the snow and now the wind it doesn’t really feel like it, but spring is on the way, the daffs are starting to sprout leaves and some shrubs are forming their leaves and buds. Our seed potatoes are selling well at the nursery, please have a look on our Facebook page (Art Nursery Garden Centre/ @ArtNGC) if you’d like to have a go at growing your own potatoes this year, you’ll find full instructions on there, however if like me you don’t have Facebook please feel free to pop into the nursery and have a chat with myself or Lisa, we’d be happy to advise you. If you have fruit trees and bushes now is a good time to give them a boost by feeding them with fish, blood & bone or Growmore, you can also give them some well rotten manure. You can warm the soil by a few degrees using cloches or covering the ground with garden fleece, this will give you a head start for growing some of the hardier vegetables like lettuce, radish, onions, spring cabbage and leeks. As the ground will now start to to warm slightly the weeds will be shooting up, use a hoe to keep on top of them, if need be use a weed killer such as Round Up. I like to leave a patch of my garden to grow wild as many of our much needed insects are in decline due to our gardens being to pristine. If you haven’t already invest in a bug hut, or make your own using logs, straw, old broken bamboo canes, decaying wood/logs. If you’re Garden is big enough you could make a large bug hut by stacking pallets and then filling some of the gaps with the above mentioned materials. We also need to encourage bees into our gardens, so when buying shrubs or perennials have a look on the labels as some will tell you if that particular plant is liked by bees. Once the frosts have passed prune back roses quite hard, cut them back to 2 or 3 shoots from the ground, then give them a good feed and top dress with manure. As soon as the soil is dry enough to walk on without your boots picking up 6” of mud start tidying up your flower beds, cutting back dead leaves and flowers this will encourage new growth. Lightly turn the soil over around existing plants and shrubs. You can also add some goodness to the ground buy applying some Growmore or well rotted manure. Your beds will then be ready to plant up once the weather breaks. Although some summer bedding will be in sale soon please don’t be tempted to buy it unless you have a heated greenhouse to keep it in, we are still at risk of frosts up until around the third week of May, however we have had frosts in June before now, it can take just one frost to kill of soft bedding plants and then you’ll be paying out again! If you’re new to gardening please pop in to the nursery and see us, we will always do our best to advise you. Now is the time to bring your EMPTY hanging baskets & containers into the nursery, we’ll plant them up and get them growing ready for you to collect at the end of May. As always take a few minutes to sit back and look at your garden and plan what you’d like to get done this year. Cheers, Nigel (Art Nursery Garden Centre)
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LETTER
M. P. Warren Painting & Decorating Established for over 30 years Local, Trusted and Professional Service Interior and Exterior All Aspects of Decorating Undertaken Reliable and Tidy
Dear Editor,
Once again June thank you for NWVL, we would be lost without it. I picked up the February issue in the week and the article re the above puzzled me somewhat in regard to the £1,500 for a 'buffer' barrier around the ends of, and on, the low wall outside the parade of shops. Does this refer to the wall round the flower bed or is it the wall 'inside' the parking area that embraces the back of the flower beds? If it is indeed the latter I was always under the impression it belonged to a Mr. Patel who owns the parking and the shops, in fact the wall even has a notice on it saying 'Private Parking'. If this is the case why is the council paying for these 'buffer' ends? Again re the article I have to say I am totally against the expenditure of £805 for a speed gun to be used by Community Speedwatch Volunteers. I think this is a very slippery path to go down having volunteers doing the work of the police and you have to wonder where something like this will end, i.e. spying on your neighbours. I believe there is a need for the traffic to slow down when out of range of the already in place camera, but why not in the form of speed bumps?
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I would be very interested to know what other readers think of the above. All best wishes, J. Ross.
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Editor’s Comment: Thank you J. Ross for your kind comments regarding the magazine and for your letter. I can only comment from my knowledge and voicing my opinion. I know a lot of voluntary work on behalf of the Parish Council has gone into the making the area by the shops look better with planting etc. I cannot comment with who the responsibility lies but I do believe it improves the area and hopefully avoids just littering collecting and it being a bit of an eyesore. However I cannot comment on what wall the buffer refers to, perhaps someone can clarify this.
Regarding the Speedwatch, I can understand your concerns, however I for one, a few years ago was considering being trained to use one of these. We know that people speed through the village and this causes a lot of concern especially for families, elderly, dog walkers and of course car drivers. With increasing traffic through the village I think it is even more of a priority. I also appreciate that some residents have offered to train and use this in their own time with the aim of improving safety. Personally I hate speed bumps and would prefer the speedwatch camera but this is just my opinion. As J. Ross suggests I welcome other comments from readers.
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Council Tax freeze Epping Forest District Council Cabinet is recommending approval of another freeze in Epping Forest District Council’s Council Tax. The average yearly Band D Council Tax cost will remain at £152.46. With the exception of a one-off increase to fund three extra officers with Essex Police last year, Epping Forest District Council has not increased its share of the Council Tax since 2010. Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Gagan Mohindra said: “This is another great budget for the Council and the District. With the phasing out of the Government’s Revenue Support Grant, we are aiming to maintain and enhance local services at the same time as we become entirely self-financing. Very few councils are able to do both, but we are continuing to reap the rewards of excellent long-term financial planning and innovation.” Presenting his budget to Cabinet on Thursday 7th February, Councillor Mohindra outlined some of the ways the Council is achieving the zero increase.
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Commercial Property – rental income through the Council’s commercial property portfolio valued at £114 million including North Weald Airfield, industrial estates, Epping Forest Shopping Park, and high street shop units. The National Police Air Service – NPAS at North Weald is the latest major tenant whose rental payments support local District Council services. Fees and Charges – income from pay and display car parks, licence fees and planning application charges are some of the ways the Council recoups the cost of services without increasing Council Tax. Major Contracts – high levels of recycling in partnership with waste contractor Biffa help to reduce the cost of landfill tax paid by the Council. The recent contract with Places Leisure is generating long term savings and the capacity to build new leisure facilities. The brand-new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre was opened in November while the contract also supported strong investment in existing centres in Epping, Ongar and Loughton. Further Contract Opportunities – another brand-new leisure centre is planned in Epping as part of the St John’s Road redevelopment. This will also include other commercial as well as residential developments contributing towards the Council’s long-term investment income. The New Homes Bonus – although much reduced, the Government still provides some allowance for the extra cost of new homes developed within the District.
Innovation and Investment – The Council is achieving savings while protecting services though a range of internal changes to the way it works. The redevelopment of part of the Civic Offices site with many staff moving to new offices or using new technology to work from home will contribute towards a more efficient Council. New partnership opportunities will provide further benefits to those already in place with organisations such as Essex Police, Essex County Council and local town and parish councils
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Blue plaque for Copped Hall owner A blue plaque is to be put on the wall of Hemnall Social Club by Epping Town Council in memory of Ernest Wythes, the one-time owner of Copped Hall. The well-known philanthropist paid for the building of the St John's Church tower and also provided the church bells. He also gave the money for the building of the Literary & Mechanics Institute in Hemnall Street (now Hemnall Social Club) and provided land for the Women's Institute Hall, which is now occupied by the town council offices and Epping Hall. Mr Wythes name is already carved on the front of the social club building and a meeting room is named after him. Councillors agreed unanimously to the plaque.
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North Weald Cricket Club Season Preview Following last year’s promotion, achieved during a tense final league match of last season, the Saturday league side are looking forward to competing in Division 2 of The Herts and Essex Cricket League. Training sessions are already underway as the club looks to continue it’s progression in the league.
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We have 3 pre-season Saturday friendly matches, starting on 13th April, before the league season commences for real on 4th May. We will also be entering The Herts and Essex Cricket League T20 Cup for the first time in 2019, after winning the T20 Shield for the past two seasons running. Our Sunday team will continue to play local friendly fixtures. Our first match is on 5th May at home to Canewdon, with weekly fixtures throughout the summer until mid-September. For the past 12 seasons the club has run regular tours, playing matches in Czech Republic, Croatia, Romania and Montenegro. This year’s tour is closer to home, we will be playing three matches in Bristol between 2 nd and 5th July. All Star sessions for 5 to 8 year olds will be running on Wednesday afternoons at The Queen’s Hall from 27th February to 20th March, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Outdoor junior training sessions start on Sunday 5th May 10.00am to 11.30am. The junior team will also be playing matches and participating in junior cricket festivals throughout the summer. If you would like to join our club please contact Carl Ginn on 07761 501584, visit our website northweald.play-cricket.com or pop up to the ground when we are playing and introduce yourselves. All ages and abilities are welcome Page 28
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Heart Your Hospice’ community art project celebrates dozens of entries West Essex and East Herts charity, St Clare Hospice, is celebrating the community spirit throughout its catchment area after receiving dozens of entries to its community art project, ‘Heart Your Hospice’. The ‘Heart Your Hospice’ community art project launched in October 2018, as part of St Clare’s campaign for Hospice Care Week (8 th-14th Oct) – a nationally celebrated awareness-raising week around hospice care in the UK. This closed on Valentine’s Day (14th February). St Clare received more than 150 hearts, comprised of postal entries from local people; from St Clare patients, staff and volunteers; and from groups within the community. The project also saw Sally Muylders deliver around 20 mythbusting workshops to local community groups within West Essex and East Herts, around the care and support hospices can offer. Sally said: “Our plan, now, is to put together everybody’s beautiful, decorated hearts into one huge heart that represents St Clare and what the charity means to local people. On the success of the project, and what it means to St Clare, Sally added: “This year, we will continue to develop St Clare as ‘a hospice without walls,’ connecting local communities with the hospice and our work, and ensuring that no one has to face death, dying and loss alone.” St Clare is set to reveal the finished Heart Your Hospice art piece during Spring this year. Page 29
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I am sometimes asked if St Andrew’s, North Weald, is one church that is likely to be closed and based only on the facts that I know I have to say that I think it is very unlikely that this would happen. This brings me round to the matter of church membership and attendance and I recall that in my early days of association with St Andrew’s there was a frequent accusation heard in the village that the Priest who came to North Weald in the ’fifties had driven people away by closing the choir and ‘fringe’ organisations and was therefore very unpopular. However it is now getting on for ten years since Fr Trevor Thorpe retired but without any sign of those earlier disaffected returning.
Roger Linsdall
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Discussions have begun in the Epping and Ongar area on the possible closure of churches which, with falling numbers of worshippers and increasing costs of building maintenance, are becoming unsustainable. Some of these churches are of a high architectural standard but taking Ongar as an example, there are five places of Christian worship just about within a single square mile. (‘Ah, yes’, you might say, ‘but there are three different denominations represented’ to which my reply has to be ‘Ah,yes, but this is to our everlasting shame for having in the past been so headstrong and self-willed that we have broken and splintered the body of Christ’).
In fact Fr Thorpe was a dedicated and hard-working priest who cared very much for his parishioners and he frequently went out of his way to help those in need. Following the sudden and unexpected resignation of Fr James at the end of September we are back into another interregnum and dependent upon visiting clergy to officiate who may be either retired or assistants. It was our hope that after Fr James went we would be able to form a good relationship with the Team Vicar at Epping and this hope has been fully realised in the forming of a really good working relationship with the Rev Lee Batson, who is also the Area Dean. Fr Lee is a good and serious man of God but to his credit he also has a nice sense of humour. When I recently formally thanked him at the end of a service he had taken, I took the opportunity congratulating him on becoming and Honorary Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral and asked whether this now meant we could only approach him on all fours to which he replied “The Rubrics of the Church of England say that the only ones that have to do this are Lay Ministers!” On March 6th , which is Ash Wednesday, we start once again into the forty days of Lent which is not intended to be a open season for kill-joys but a time of reflection, Prayer and fasting. Yes, Christians also fast! And on the subject of prayer I have to say that I have seen time and time again the happy results of prayer. Meditation is a bit trendy at the moment, but to see the results of Christians offering prays steadily and purposefully is rewarding. We shall be observing Lent with a series of five midweek short talks starting at 8pm on Thursday March 14. The talks to be followed by the ‘Stations of the Cross’. It would be good to see you then and/or on Sundays at 9.30am but please note that currently some of our Sunday services are not with communion. Source: Edwyn Gilmour
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Salt Schemes Following several nights of sub-zero temperatures, schemes by Hertfordshire and Essex county councils to grit additional roads this winter have been welcomed by our area’s health and care organisations. New schemes from Essex County Council include a new salt storage barn, the use of ‘routebased forecasting’ enabling them to be more efficient and a ‘Salt-bag Partnership’ to support individuals and communities when they need extra help. Deborah Fielding, Chief Executive Officer Lead, Hertfordshire and west Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, commented: “These schemes will make a big difference to those who need to get to a healthcare service or simply take their children to school when there is frost or snow. I know that NHS staff and patients will welcome the extra efforts that councils are going to this winter to help keep key roads clear of snow and ice.” Essex County Council’s ‘Salt-bag Partnership’ has distributed tonnes or half tonnes of salt to town and parish councils, community organisations and charities. Individual councillors have been allocated bags of salt for local use, in addition to agreed gritting routes. When a local councillor or voluntary group knows that older or more vulnerable people might struggle to get out, they can use some of this salt on their pavement or drive.
Teacher Retention Crisis Following the release of the DfE’s teacher recruitment and retention report, which lays out the latest government strategies aimed at targeting the teacher staffing crisis, an education recruiter has praised the proposed plans, but also urged that more support is given to schools and academies around strategic workforce planning. The report, titled the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy, outlines four key areas that the DfE will focus on: creating supportive school cultures, which includes ‘an active focus on reducing teacher workload’ ; offering support for early career teachers, such as a ‘funded 2-year support package for all new teachers’ ; supporting careers that remain attractive to teachers as their lives develop, through a new ‘job-share service’ ; and making it easier for people to become teachers, by creating a ‘one-stop shop application system.’ Commenting on the report, Baljinder Kuller, who has over 15 years’ experience in education recruitment, and is now Managing Director of online supply teacher portal, The Supply Register, said: “The staffing shortages within the education sector have been critical for some time, and the fact that the Department for Education has made such a strong attempt to identify the problems causing this is truly commendable. The commitment to expanding flexible working and tackling excessive teacher workload is especially impressive, and something we’ve advocated for a long time. However, what the report fails to identify is that effective workforce planning is key to success, and that schools and academies may need support in this area.’’ ‘‘Unless school leaders have the time, resources and expertise to implement the suggested strategies, they won’t be successful. Many schools and academies are trapped in a vicious cycle where understaffing means they do not have the means to enact the DfEs recommendations. However, with a dedicated workforce planning strategy, which deploys existing skills effectively, education leaders can begin boosting retention today, and free up time to focus on long term approaches.’’
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Keeping birds healthy The winter season here in the UK can be the toughest few months for our native birds. The greatest challenge for wild birds in cold temperatures is to find food and to ensure they eat enough of it to build up and maintain adequate fat supplies to store and use for energy. This feat becomes increasingly difficult during hard weather conditions when heavy frost, ice and snow hits home and disguises normally easily available natural food such as berries, acorns, seeds and worms. Alongside the plummeting temperatures, shorter days can also prove difficult. For the majority of British birds who are diurnal, a decrease in daylight hours means later to rise and earlier to nest, therefore decreasing their periods of activity for finding food day-to-day.
High street retailer Robert Dyas are sharing their top tips to help keep our feathered friends in fine fettle and guaranteeing that they winter well, ready for spring and new arrivals. So, whether you have acres of garden or simply a small window box, you can help the UK’s birds spread their wings this winter. Believe it or not, our birds can be fussy little things and different species prefer different varieties of food. Whilst sparrows and finches favour seeds, tits opt for fat balls or peanuts, whilst thrushes and robins love fruit and worms. Starlings on the other hand are exception to these rules and will feed on almost anything. It’s vital to leave out an assortment of feeds to make sure nobody is left out. There are many different bird seed mixes on the market. However, Some of our own household food can do wonders for birds and it’s a brilliant way to use up discarded leftovers that we might normally throw away. Fruit cake, unsalted nuts or chopped up fruits such as apples and pears can be left on a bird table or feeding station and inject some variety into your birds’ menu. If you have pets such as cats and dogs though, do watch out for any fallen fruits as certain types such as raisins and grapes can be very poisonous for our household mammals. Avoid any mouldy foods as pickings for birds, due to bacteria which can cause respiratory infections. Don’t put too much leftover food out at one time, as anything not eaten will become rotten and could encourage unwanted visitors such as mice, rats and squirrels. Anything salty should be evaded too, as high levels of sodium can be poisonous for small birds. Never give milk to birds. Their stomachs are not designed to digest such a food and thus it could result in fatality. Fermented dairy products such as cheese, however, are fine and much enjoyed. A mild cheese, grated and sprinkled onto your feeder or under bushes or hedgerows, are a great way to encourage robins, wrens and dunnocks to feed from your outdoor space. Just like us, birds also need to drink and bathe every day - even when it's freezing outside. A pond or bird bath is a great source of water for them and can encourage more to visit your garden and your source of food. During chillier spells, it’s a good idea to check your water sources each morning in case they have frozen overnight. Dirty bird feeders and bird tables not only look unattractive in your garden, but more to the point, can spread diseases. Leaving stale or mouldy food out provides a breeding ground for salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and at times, causes death among species such as greenfinches and house sparrows. Make sure you throw away any old and discarded food daily and clean your feeders and tables regularly to keep your visitors healthy and happy. Page 33
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THE EPPING -EPPINGEN ASSOCIATION The Epping-Eppingen Association is a town twinning between the two towns; Epping and Eppingen in Southern Germany in the tate of Baden Wurtemberg. The organisation is nonpolitical , on- religious and has as it’s sole aim the promotion of friendship between the two towns and their satellite villages. The two towns have similar populations and both have beautiful forests on their doorsteps. Although Eppingen has all the modern amenities it has at it’s heart a beautiful old town with Each year exchange visits are organised and in alternate years there is a German language course in Eppingen and an English language course in Epping. The language courses are complimented by cultural visits. Very few twinning associations provide such a thing. In summer there is a festival in the old town known as the Altstadt fest. For a whole weekend the town is vibrant with the smells of every type of cuisine and the sound of all types of music. Our association takes part taking some of our English culture to the festival. The association has now existed for almost forty years and many long lasting friendships have been forged. We are looking forward to organising celebrations for our 40th anniversary and also to a state garden show to be held in Eppingen in 2021. Preparations for this show are already under way. Some of the plans are very ambitious and we hope to be involved in some way.
There is no necessity to speak German if you wish to be involved. Membership is only £5 a year for a family and there are also other social events. If you wish to know more visit our website www.epping-eppingen.co.uk or contact Joy Eldridge 01279 428622. We hope to hear from you.
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Remembering Margaret Holland At the end of 2018, a remarkable local lady called Margaret Holland unfortunately passed away. Her daughter Yvonne wanted to share her memories of Margaret with readers, below in her own words Yvonne shares her memories. Margaret Evelyn Holland was born in Oxford on 6 April 1943, the only child of Ruby and Frank Staines. She spent her childhood in Coopersale where her mother managed the Children’s home and her father was a butcher for Churches in Epping. Margaret took after her fathers side of the family for her height and her mothers side for her temperament. She was wilful and quick witted so when once called an “overgrown nuisance” by a rather short teacher she responded with a somewhat haughty “we don't breed weeds in our family”, which did, of course, earn her several hundred lines of “manners maketh man, and woman”. In her late teens she met and dated Brian Holland and, 2 days before her 21st birthday, on 4 April 1964 they were married, shortly after moving to Marconi Bungalows, North Weald. Margaret continued working for a short while as a legal secretary in London before the birth of her first child Yvonne in June of 1965 when she gave up work and settled into the role of mother and housewife. The family was completed in May 1968 when their son David was born. While her husband worked Margaret had time to make friends amongst the many people she came into contact with through her children and whilst going about her daily life. Naturally friendly and confident, she would stop and talk to everyone and anyone she met.
Once her children started school, at St. Andrews in North Weald, Margaret took a part time job as a cleaner at the same school quickly getting to know many of the teachers there and remaining friends with With her love of knitting, crochet, cross stitch, flower arranging and many other crafts she joined the Women’s Institute and later became involved in their drama group, taking part in many productions they put on over the years. Her fondest role being when she played a punk rocker and dyed her hair multiple colours for the play. Like most girls Margaret was a “daddies girl” and her father Frank would come for dinner each Sunday whilst her mother worked. After dinner he would take Yvonne and David out, in his Morris Minor, to visit his brothers Farm in White Roding giving Margaret and Brian a few hours peace and quiet. After she sadly lost him to cancer in 1977 Margaret took over ownership of her fathers car and could often be seen around the village in the little green Morris Minor she named Little Ermentrude or “Little Erm” for short. After losing her mother, also to cancer, in 1986 and with her children growing and spreading their wings Margaret decided to get a part time job with more hours at Great Stoney school in Ongar, where should would cook school meals. Being Margaret though she threw herself into caring for all around her which led to her forming friendships there and assisting with school trips, such as one to Alton Towers where she could be seen joining the children on the rides that none of the teachers dared to go on. Losing her job at the school was a blow, as she loved working with the children, but she used her love of crafts to obtain another job in the Wool Shop in Harlow, where she would love to help others and inspire them into challenging themselves to try more complicated patterns. Another great love was animals and being unconventional she felt sorry for the rabbits out in a hutch in the garden on their own. This led to the first of many “house rabbits” and to Brian having to put a cat (rabbit) flap in the back door so that the rabbit could let itself out into the garden when it wanted to. Sadly, in 1994, Margaret's marriage started to break down and, after her separation and subsequent divorce she needed full time work to support herself. This led to her seeking work at St. Margaret's Hospital in Epping, firstly filing but later as a receptionist. Margaret used this new found freedom and income to join friends on holidays abroad where she loved to spend her day's sightseeing or lazing around in the sun. She also threw herself into her hobbies often working on several kitting, crochet and cross stitch patterns at once, and would often be found in the evening sitting in her chair, rabbit at her feet, with a cross stitch in hand. Unfortunately, Margaret suffered numerous issues with her sight, having 13 eye operations to save her sight but this did mean she was no longer able to fly abroad for holidays. Her failing sight also made it harder to work on the hobbies she loved. Undeterred Margaret took to Facebook and reached out to friends she had made throughout her life and, through them to others. She made new friends from all over the world and shared experiences and their cultures, travelling and enjoying life through them. Margaret passed away on 20 December 2018. Although she is no longer physically here she was known and will be remembered by so many. She could never even pop into the shop for a loaf of bread without talking to almost everyone in there and making an impression on Page 35 Tel: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Advertising space available in the magazine now Booking deadline 5th March
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England in her Glory As the days now slowly start to draw out, it’s as if nature has taken its cue, With all the flowers starting to bud and open, while animals start to awake to skies so vast and blue. Still as I sit in the early morning and listen to the birds, all clambering to sing and tweet. Though there in the background is man’s desire to disturb nature, with the already full motorways dull roar as if its trying to compete. Why do we strive to work so hard but never take the time to just simply look around, Yes you might have earned the right to afford a big fast car that drowns out natures pure and beautiful sound. While your idea of a holiday is to go far away and sit for two weeks in the sun, When if you just take the time to stop and look around and give this beautiful country a chance to show you its very special and wonderful own kind of fun. We have forests and natural beauty of which many other countries try so very hard to simple compete,
That’s available to us all free, not just to the few rich that class themselves elite. So the weather may change at anytime, causing some to become angry and distressed, When if you just gave it a chance British Countryside, beaches and forests are quite simply up there with the very best. Then maybe the next time you simply stop and look all around you and take a deep breath too, Just possibly this beautiful country of ours may quite amazingly dumfound you!! Source: Andy—resident poet. Enjoying the warmer days and thinking of the season to come.
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Citizens Advice: Might you need someone to manage your affairs? You might need someone else to manage your affairs for you for a number of reasons. You may be ill or disabled, either temporarily or on a long-term basis, you may be planning to be out of the country for a while, or you may be unable to make decisions for yourself because of mental illness or other reasons. What you need will depend on your circumstances. If all you need is for someone to be able, temporarily, to operate a bank account for you, you can just write to your bank. Many banks have their own form, called a form for third party mandate, which they will ask you to complete and return to them. If you receive social security benefits, Universal Credit or tax credits you will have various responsibilities such as filling in forms, answering queries and letters and informing various offices about changes in circumstances. If you cannot manage this you can ask for someone else, usually a relative but sometimes a friend or neighbour, to be made your appointee. You should contact the office which deals with your benefits or tax credits. You will need to fill in an application form, and someone will arrange to visit you and the person you want to act on your behalf. If you want someone to do more than deal with your bank and any benefits you need to consider whether to grant someone a power of attorney. There are two main types: ordinary power of attorney and lasting power of attorney.
An ordinary power of attorney is appropriate if you just need someone to manage your finances on a temporary basis. If you want someone to be able to manage your affairs long-term or permanently – perhaps because you may develop dementia - you should consider making a lasting power of attorney. The whole purpose of a lasting power of attorney is to ensure that if you lose the mental capacity to look after your affairs there is someone you trust who is ready and willing to take over. You can appoint more than one person to be an attorney but they have to be able to work together. There are two types of lasting power of attorney: financial and property, and health and welfare. You can set up either or both. You can apply online via the Gov.UK website or download the forms. Lasting powers of attorney have to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. What if someone loses the capacity to make decisions but hasn’t made a lasting power of attorney? In that situation a relative or friend can apply to the Court of Protection either for a decision on a particular matter or for someone to be appointed as a deputy, which gives them broadly the same powers and responsibilities as an attorney. The Office of the Public Guardian supports and supervises deputies. There is a lot more detail on all this on the Citizens Advice website - www.citizensadvice.org.uk including information about the safeguards against exploitation. The nearest branch to North Weald is at 50A Hemnall Street in Epping. We are open for drop-in from 10.00 to 2.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Elsewhere, the branch in Loughton Library is open between 9.30 and 1.00, Monday to Thursday .You can also get advice over the phone on 03444 770 808, although this service is very busy at the moment and you may have to hang on for a while before an adviser is able to answer. Source: Paul Stockton
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BIRD FEATURE - MARCH 2019 Welcome to the bird feature for March, I am writing these notes in mid February. We had a dusting of snow on the 1st of the month and then some very strong winds during the following week. These are conditions that pose significant challenges to many of our birds and of course bad weather will often lead to an increase in the numbers of birds that will visit our garden feeding stations. They can also lead to various movements as birds seek to escape the harsh weather and I witnessed one such example on that snowy 1st of Feb - a Red Kite flew low over the general area of Weald Common, slowly checking out the ground hoping to find food as this magnificent looking bird of prey feeds mostly on carrion. The worst of the weather that day was to the west and therefore I think it is no surprise that this was the direction the bird appeared from. There is a well established population of Red Kites to the west of London as a drive along the M40 would confirm and I am sure several individuals flew east that day to find better conditions. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to see the one that graced us with its presence. As I have said many times you never quite know what can turn up and keeping your eyes peeled can pay dividends. Interestingly the brief cold snap saw an immediate increase in the numbers of our winter thrushes - Redwings and Fieldfares - which have largely been absent so far this winter. Roving groups of up to a dozen or so birds were noted and a day or so later I saw a mixed flock of up to 200 birds in a large field between our village and Ongar. However a week or so on and the numbers have diminished and on my latest walk I saw the grand total of zero. If we were to get another cold snap then I would expect to increase as before. These thrushes breed in Scandinavia and as March goes on it is likely that we will see another rise in sightings as they head east before crossing the North Sea to return to their breeding grounds. The autumn and winter have generally been drier than average and certainly I haven't seen any Snipe at Weald Common. This is an occasional visitor that prefers damper conditions. Having said that I believe half a dozen were seen at Thornwood LNR so there are some about the area. During mid January there was a mixed flock of Siskins and Redpolls which popped up in the general area of Weald Common. I saw a dozen or so on 3 occasions but on one afternoon there was a flock of 30 plus foraging in birch trees. Both species are small finches and target trees of various species which provide them with small seeds to eat. They can turn up in gardens so there is every chance some of you may have had some of this flock in your garden. The Siskin is greenish and yellow with some black markings and the Redpoll is a streaky brown bird with red markings on the head. A lovely addition to garden birdlife at this time of year. There have been a lot of Magpies to be seen - groups of ten or so have been around and indeed on one occasion I saw a flock of 16. They move noisily through trees, hedges and bushes and will readily come into gardens. I have also seen a small number of them checking out abandoned nests which they will take over and build up into the large structures that Magpies are famous for. Gulls have been around but in smaller numbers than I would have imagined. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been frequent visitors to the village, often flying low over residential areas on the look out for food. These are big gulls with dark upper parts of the wing. The two I have been seeing consist of one bird with almost black upper wings and a second bird with lighter wings. Expert gull watchers can 'age' gulls by the plumage which in younger gulls will gradually change from year to year until they reach full adult plumage. For the last few years there have been a couple of Common Gulls frequenting the rough grass areas of Weald Common but no sightings this winter - maybe it is due to the drier conditions that I mentioned earlier. They used to forage for worms etc with flocks of Rooks and Jackdaws but if the ground is too hard they are unable to get at the worms. In addition to Magpies scouting potential nest sites there have been other signs of birds getting ready for the breeding season. As many as 4 Song Thrushes were singing at Weald Common a couple of days ago and I even heard a lone Skylark as it rose upwards singing as loud as it could. This is probably the earliest I have seen a Skylark do this, funnily enough it was a lot easier to spot in the sky without the glare of the summer sun. Dull is best. There have been plenty of Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons undertaking early courtship and I also saw a single Starling sat on chimney pot singing aloud.A few Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been drumming, where they advertise their breeding credentials by tapping rapidly on hollow tree trunks and branches. It is a sign that resonates through wooded areas. By March there should be all sorts of activities and of course a few of the earlier summer visitors will be arriving in the UK. One bird that seems to be doing better in our area is the Greenfinch. There was a spell of several months where I didn't see any at all but since last summer numbers have gradually increased and now I note this species on nearly every walk. This species declined in the UK generally with a disease cited as the main reason but there has been a definite upturn around our area. Another finch that is doing well is the Bullfinch, which when seen well is a stunning looking bird. A striking combination of grey, black and red with an obvious white rump seen as it flies off. During the spring period they can turn up in gardens pecking at the buds of bushes and trees, particularly fruit trees. Where nest boxes have been provided you may well see birds checking them out. Blue Tits and Great Tits are the most likely species to take advantage of them in our area and I know people who have enjoyed seeing several young birds fledge from nest boxes in their gardens. Of course not everything is sweetness and light in the bird world at breeding time. The male birds (mostly) have to secure territories and partners and this can involve fierce competition. Britain's official favourite bird is the Robin but in truth the Robin can engage in fights to the death with rival males and they do not tolerate incursions into their territories. Similarly the familiar Blackbird will engage in vicious battles that as with the Robin can lead to one of the birds being pecked to death. March is a good time to do a bit of birdwatching as the breeding season makes birds more active and with the foliage still being quite sparse they can be easy to spot in trees, hedges etc. And of course it is getting warmer ,,, much more comfortable than cold wintry days. If you are out and about, take time to appreciate what is around, you just never know what may turn up. All the best, Paul Corbet. Page 38
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Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society
01992 717676
North Weald Chemist
01992 523887
Cats Protection
0333 200 1484
North Weald Methodist Hall
01992 522143
Citizens Advice Bureau
03444 77 0808
North Weald Library
033301 32683
Crimestoppers
0800 555111
North Weald Village Hall Bookings
01992 523731 www.northwealdvillagehall.org/
Doctors High Street, Epping
01992 579270
North Weald Parish Council
01992 523825
Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)
01992 566500
Queens Community Hall Bookings
07522 473024
Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)
01992 573838
NHS Direct
0845 4647
Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383
Essex Police
0300 333 4444
Epping Forest District Council
01992 564000
Police, Neighbourhood/local
101
Epping Town Council
01992 579444
Police, Emergency
999
EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris Whitebread
01992 573557
Police Online reporting
www.essex.police.uk/doitonline
MP Alex Burghart
0207 2191613
RSPCA
01279 306058
(MP for North Weald)
alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk
MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP
020 8508 8608
Stuart Poulton
01992 522607
MP For Thornwood
Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk
24 Hour
01992 572607
Hospital, St Margarets, Epping
01992 561666
St Andrews Church
01279 451065
Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
01279 444455
St Andrews Primary School
01992 522283
London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)
01992 522183
Traveline
0870 6082608
North Weald Airfield
01992 564200
LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers
North Weald Preservation Society
Queens Hall Charity
Tel: 01992 524672
Tel: read 01992 522618/522630
Tel: 522910
British Legion, North Weald Branch
North Weald Cricket Club
Rapier Cycling Club
Tel: 01992 614415
Northweald.play-cricket.com
Tel: 524631
Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer
North Weald Scouts Group
Taoist Tai Chi Society
Tel: 01277 365200
01992 524672
Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625
Harlow Badger Group
North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s
Theydon Jazz Club
Tel: 07941 185171 Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex
Tel: 522196
Thornwood Seniors
Tel: 522464
Tel: 577872
Epping Forest Rotary Club
North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club
Tel: 07855 911323
Tel: 522803
Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum
North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)
Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk
Tel: 01708 250820
Tel: 522700
West Essex Flower Club
North Weald Angling Club
Queens Hall Bowls Club
Tel: 524631
Tel: 01992 524071
Tel: 523375 or 522052
01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com
Three Valleys Male Voice Choir