North Weald Village Life May 2022 magazine

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine

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Issue: 189 MAY 2022 www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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All the best people are born in May! Every family has a month, I believe, in which many family birthdays and anniversaries fall in and mine is of course May, as I am sure I have mentioned before.

However, I may just try to and forget one birthday, which is mine which does fall in May. Many people say you should celebrate reaching another year older and I know deep down they are correct because of Covid and Cancer have taken many people, we should indeed celebrate still being here. However, I just can’t Cover photo: Chosen as I help feeling older every birthday. thought this looked so refreshing. Yun. I wonder if I will ever accept my age. I don’t feel my age, I don’t want to be my age—I want to be 21 again. I don’t really believe I am my age—until of course someone asks me or … I look in the mirror!! They say the mirror never lies—I wish it would sometimes.

Okay, enough about me. We have a busy few weeks in the village May Issue coming up don’t we. RideLondon at the end of May and the very Page No. next weekend we all celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. You can find out more both in the magazine, 4. Brain Teaser Regarding the Community Jubilee events, please get involved, 6. & 7. Events come along, man a stall for an hour while you are there, donate a tin of beans or an unwanted Christmas present, bake a cake for 8. Planning applications the community tea or help and support in any way. I would be 12. Taxi Storage Opposition very grateful.

13. North Weald Assembly Many of the local clubs and societies have closed because lack of volunteers, or volunteers that have been working hard behind the 13. & 14. North Weald Civic Awards scenes getting older or falling ill. We have a great village and 16. Thornwood Homes Application many people want to support and encourage our community but 17. RideLondon Road Closures and event update it needs help from local people.

Let’s start with the North Weald Community Jubilee Event, get 19. Essex Supports Ukraine Families involved and find out what our community is all about. There are 24. Update on Homes for Ukraine Scheme so many ways you can get involved. Please drop me an email or give me a call, my details can be found on the right hand size of 35. Church Chat this page.

33. Gardening Hints One evening, whilst walking down York Road recently, I came 37. Citizen Advice across a thin fox. He ran across the road in front of me down an alley way, he (or she) stopped and I stopped and we looked at 39. Poem each other and he turned around and walked back towards me, 40. Bobbin Robin which did surprise me a little. He was not timid or scared of me, 41. May bird column maybe he could sense that I was concerned about him, but he was so skinny. He came back to where I was. I must admit I was a little worried so I walked off slowly—he didn't follow. Our rubbish, including recycling, had before that been strewn across our garden in the morning for a few nights previously so I guessed it was a fox. There is mixed concern, I hate animals suffering and Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk would happily put out a bowl of dog food a couple of times a 07814 863955 week but am I encouraging it to be reliant on me rather than beWrite to: 49 York Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6HU ing in the wild and would it come into my back garden where I www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Subscription: If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have dogs and I certainly don’t want that.

I repeatedly remind myself how lucky we are to have so much have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £25.00 for 12 issues. wildlife so close to us. The wonderful deer, rabbits, badgers, Contributions & Editorial: If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, hedgehogs, squirrels and of course the wonderful assortment of recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us via letter or email. birds. We have a regular pigeon family ready to nest in a bush in our garden. They nest there every year. It is wonderful to wake up in the morning and listen to the birds singing—the best sound 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 in the world. hereby disclaim, any liability to any party, or loss or damage caused by errors or Anyhow take care and happy reading. resulting from negligence, accident or any other concerns. North Weald Village Life does not officially endorse any advertisement material included within this Enjoy!

Contents

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.

June Editor Page 3

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May BRAIN TEASER • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sky Blue Sun Fun Warm BBQ Walks Plants Patio Hose Water Salad Allergy Bee Wasp Life

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Thank you to R. Smith and well done for winning the March Year Brain Teaser.

Just search and find the words, ring them and then send your completed wordsearch to me by 20th May. Please send it to:March Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, CM16 6HU. This month’s prize is a box of chocolates.

Don’t forget to include your name, telephone no or email address and home address.

9.30am 9.30am on

18.30

SPECIAL OFFERS Each individual class is £7...BUT WAIT...if you bring a new friend to a class, then that introductory class will only be £5 EACH for the both of you!

Don’t forget though, after the introductory class is over, normal prices for you and your friend will resume. … UNLESS of course—you bring a new Friend!

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PLUS Pick any TWO classes a week for you to attend and you will only have to pay £10 for the TWO!!

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New sustainable travel app for Essex launched A free-to-use sustainable journey planner, the new TravelEssex app helps people in Essex to plan their journeys and travel by foot, bike, bus and train anywhere in the county.

Providing real-time travel information, users are given detailed expected journey and departure times for walking and cycling routes as well as bus services, including First, Arriva, Hedingham, and Stephensons, as well as Greater Anglia and C2C rail, National Rail and London Underground trains.

To download the TravelEssex app, search for it on the Play or Apple app store. For more information visit www.travelessex.co.uk

Climate Change Action Plan Epping Forest District Council has previously pledged to do all it can to be carbon neutral by 2030. The Climate Change Action Plan presented to Overview and Scrutiny for comments set out to demonstrate actions being taken by the Council.

It focuses on the identification of carbon emissions and the actions to reduce them both within the Council and across the wider district area. The plan aligns with the corporate objectives of keeping the district moving sustainably.

Get active and save money From goal posts and tennis nets to crazy golf sets and circus show kits, residents can now borrow a new range of equipment to get active from libraries across the county.

Find Your Active has teamed up with the BLUEPRINT to a Circular Economy Project and the Essex Library Service to loan free equipment to get residents active.

The £5,000 additional funding from Find Your Active sees new items — including basketball hoops, football kits and more — added to the current Essex Library of Things stock.

The service will also help to reduce waste by encouraging residents to borrow, return and share items, instead of purchasing products, using them once and sending them to landfill.

The Essex Library of Things launched in September 2021 and 247 library members have since requested to borrow items.

Residents can borrow items free of charge from Chelmsford, Witham, Great Parndon (Harlow), Clacton-On-Sea and Laindon Libraries, as well as the mobile library service.

Although not in North Weald or Epping, Harlow is not too far and it may be a good idea for the summer holidays to order yours now and you can have some found outside without any requirement to purchase equipment.

Find out more about the Essex Library of Things and start borrowing today at loveessex.org/libraryofthings.

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Events Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee can be found pages 10 and 11.

There are events planned at every hall in the Parish—so something for everyone.

Don’t forget to send details of any events you are holding in the local the area.

St Andrew’s Church Events - Sundays 10am: “Sunday Morning Church”: an informal, all-age service with crafts and songs.

3pm: Holy Eucharist: a contemplative, prayerful service.

- Weekdays Every Tuesday, 7.30-8.30: Bible & prayer group via zoom.

First Wednesday of the month @12: Rosary Group. A calming and meditative prayer group.

Beginners welcome.

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It is great to see more and more local events taking place as slowly more people want to get back out and meet people.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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If you run a community event or charity event, don’t forget to let me know so I can share the details with readers—just email me June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

North Weald Allstars Jazz Session 1st Saturday of each month 12pm onwards Tickets available on the door—£12

Memory Café 4U Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month 10am—12pm At St James’ Church Hall, Ongar Welcoming café especially for those with varying degrees of memory issues and those who love and care for them.

Enjoy activities, bingo and more.

Ploughman’s Lunch Held in the North Weald Village Hall Every Second Saturday each month - This is organised for the the benefit of the Senior Citizens Society, a North Weald institution.

North Weald WI Meeting North Weald W.I. Dates for your diary. W.I. future meetings at the Village Hall starting at 1.45pm are our Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday 4th May and the next month Wednesday 1st June with a most talented speaker Victoria Robertson with a talk entitled Gardens, living art sculptures. Visitors welcome £4.00 on the door

West Essex Flower Club West Essex Flower Club West Essex Flower Club’s Spring meeting is to be held at Thornwood Village Hall on Monday 9th May starting at 1.45pm. Our demonstrator is Terri Potter with arrangements entitled ‘This Way & That’. Visitors welcome £6.00 on the door

RideLondon, festival of cycling 29 May 2022 Full day of events and road closures

New Bus Service to Chelmsford With thanks to Mary Terry who has asked me to informed local residents of a new bus service that runs every Tuesday of the school term and goes into Chelmsford.

The bus starts at Debden Broadway 8.40am and picks up in Epping at 8.58am North Weald at 9.08 and Ongar at 9.17 it then travels on picking up passengers at bus stops till it reaches Chelmsford at 10am.

Mary has confirmed It is a pleasant journey. The Concessionary bus pass can be used before 9am on this number 35 bus. The bus is usually a black coach .

It leaves Chelmsford for the return journey at 13.45pm and gets to North Weald by 14.07pm.

I agree with Mary, that if these bus services are not used then they are often discontinued. This would seem a great way to get some of the bigger shops and I know a lot of people who go shopping in Chelmsford.

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Planning Applications Application No: EPF/0662/22 Officer: Caroline Brown Applicant Name: V Sharma Planning File No: 020300 Location: The Rosaries, Harlow Common, Hastingwood Harlow CM17 9ND Proposal: Proposed detached double garage including a storage area.

Application No: EPF/0777/22 Officer: Ian Ansell Applicant Name: Mrs Annette Aldridge-Allen Planning File No: 003750 Location: 219 High Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping Essex CM16 6ED Proposal: Conversion of existing integral garage to an appointment only medical skin clinic, (maximum patients per week = 10).

Epping Forest District Council www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk 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 or E: appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Any representations on applications should be made in writing, by Monday, 16 May, 2022

Please don’t forget to Mention to advertisers that you saw their advert in North Weald Village Life

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Don’t forget to visit our website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife Also Instagram and Twitter

Mobile: 07885 871508 www.nmonkplumbingandheating.co.uk

Home Office Funding Secures Future of Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Partnership was today awarded over £5 million from the Home Office to continue its fight against drug driven violence, county lines and knife crime.

This funding, distributed across the next three years, not only guarantees the continuation of the Violence and Vulnerability programme over this period but is a large increase on previous funding acknowledging the success of the work underway across Essex.

This funding has also been generously boosted for 2022 / 23 by contributions of £500k from Essex County Council and £600k from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex as announced in their budgets in February.

Working together, the Partnership aligns activity to prevent violence and protect the vulnerable alongside strong, robust enforcement activity with the priorities of: • Identifying and tackling organised crime gangs, County Lines and drug supply.

• Delivering a proactive, robust local enforcement programme in partnership with communities.

• Reducing the risk of young or vulnerable people being exploited by gangs and help those involved in gangs to break away.

The Partnership has developed a strategic approach that is delivering significant results in the fight against violent crime; this is informed by a strong evidence base and the lived experience of individuals and communities which underpin its public health approach to tackling violence and its root causes. The unique focus on vulnerability recognises that there are underlying factors that contribute to serious violence, and it is these factors the Partnership is responding to by addressing vulnerability , providing early interventions and targeted, tailored programmes.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership said: “Violence in our communities affects us all; the vulnerable who are groomed into a life of crime, the families living without a loved one, the victims of drug driven crime and all of us in wider society who want to live free from the fear of violence.

“This continued funding from the Home Office allows us to continue at pace, with the progress we have been making across the County to support young people and their families. The generous increase to funding is confirmation that what we are doing works and is making a real difference.”

The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit was set up in 2019 to tackle the growing threat of County Lines within Essex, since creation the Unit has: • Worked with over 50 local charities and voluntary sector organisations to fund localised projects • Given out £500,000 in funding to local groups • Worked with more than 2,000 young people and children to better understand their experience of serious violence and what they would like to see in response to the issues which impact on them • Delivered 5,000 hours of detached youth work across Essex • Delivered training to a wide variety of professionals working with children and young people – helping them spot the signs of exploitation and identify those at risk Worked with Essex Police to safeguard vulnerable individuals identified through operational police work • Supported over 10,000 individuals through support, positive activities and intervention programmes over the last three years. This includes working with 1,200 individuals at risk of offending by delivering bespoke support packages to change and address behaviour Page 9

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1952 Style Tea Party Bar, Picnic Area, 50’s Vehicles Bring your own picnic/gazebo Free Admission

Traditional Afternoon Tea Stalls & lots more Hastingwood Village Hall, Sunday 5th June 2pm—5pm Free Admission

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WE NEED YOU Let’s come together to support these events and celebrate the Queen’s achievement of 70 years.

The Queen’s Hall is holding a fun day for the community on Thursday 2nd June, loads of activities, many of them are free. We want to involve all of the community.

You can get involved in many ways:• Bake a cake for the community tea in the afternoon. We want to offer complimentary tea, coffee and cakes as part of a community tea. We have so many people who can bake cakes in the village. You can involve the children too. Pleas contact me for full details of where to drop these off prior to the event—June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk. You can drop them off at the Kings Head on the Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st May. • We need help on the day. We have stalls that need manning, tea and just to supervise, as it will be help yourself, cakes to cut up, children’s craft and races to supervise, just being there to assist—even if it is just for an hour. Please help.

• We need tombola and raffle prizes for the day. Again these can be dropped off at the Kings Head Garage anytime from now until Wednesday 1st June.

• If you are a business you can sponsor certain areas of the day.

• Both Hastingwood and Thornwood would also love extra volunteers for their events.

Please email me June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk (07814 863955) or dawn.hallcc@gmail.com for offers of help, details on where to donate prizes, cakes etc.

We are trying to organise this so that this fun celebration will be available to everybody, you don’t need to spend money as a lot of things will be free—no admission, free movies playing the day, free entertainment (hopefully) free races and children’s craft and the free afternoon tea. There will of course be food and drink to purchase on the day.

The day will end with lighting the beacon at 9.45pm which is happening nationwide.

We need helps, volunteers and donations— the more we get the bigger event we can organise.

We are all part of the community—now is the time to work together.

Do you have anything from 1952?

On the Sunday 5th June, a 1952 style tea party is being organised in Thornwood.

They would love to display kitchenware, gardening equipment, or anything from 1952 to show or remind what a difference the last 70 years has made not only to the Queen but to many things.

If you have anything, could you please contact Shirley Hawkins who is arranging this.

She would be very grateful and she will take the utmost care. Please contact her on shirleyhawkins996@gmail.com or telephone 01992 577100 or Mobile 07838 767594.

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Council repeats opposition to taxi storage A planning appeal over the parking of un-used London taxis on farmland in North Weald is being strongly opposed by North Weald Bassett Parish Council.

GB Taxi Services is challenging an Epping Forest District Council decision to refuse temporary permission for the change of use of land at Chase Farm in Vicarage Lane West to store the vehicles.

The issue first surfaced when planning permission was sought for the temporary storage of the taxis - which the applicant said were not required in London because of the COVID-19 pandemic - off Duck Lane in Thornwood.

Councillor Andy Tyler told Monday's parish council planning committee meeting: "Green Belt is Green Belt. If it's not supposed to be on their that's the end of it.

"The last time this came up he (the applicant, GB Taxi Services director Paolo Bolognini) said they were there because of the COVID pandemic. The bottom line is it's Green Belt, get rid of it."

Councillor Terry Blanks said: "It was because of COVID in the first place that they first appeared in Thornwood.

"The one thing that really distresses me is when they first approached Epping Forest District Council with a planning application they (the council) didn't just throw it out straight away.

“That's exactly what they did with the King's Head Garage when they wanted to put a container there. Why didn't they do that with this? - 200 old taxis on a farm where they can basically disintegrate."

He added: "I understand a lot of them have been robbed of their catalytic converters. This is clearly something Epping Forest District Council got wrong in the first place and then to add insult to injury they let them do it again.

"It shouldn't have been allowed in the first place."

"Twice is enough - how long has this got to go on?"

Councillor Anne Grigg said the parish council should repeat its objections "and make the strongest case possible to the inspector".

Monday's meeting was told the decision to refuse permission was taken by the district council on 24th September last year with the appeal dated 2nd December.

Any comments about the appeal must be submitted to the planning inspectorate by 11th May. The appeal will be decided by an exchange of written statements and a site visit by an inspector.

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North Weald Annual Assembly On 4th April, residents attended the annual assembly of North Weald Bassett Parish Council in Thornwood Village Hall.

Chairman, Alan Buckley informed residents of the work the Parish Council have been undertaking over the last 12 months. Essex County Councillors Christ Whitbread and Jaymey McIover and Epping Forest District Councillors Holly Whitbread and Les Burrows were in attendance also added a brief outline of the work they had been doing.

Andy Cook, Community Police Officer, Essex Police also updated residents on crimes that had taken place this year to date in the parish.

Questions from residents included asking about road closures for RideLondon and one from David Lodge who asked about the Battle of Britain and the Church Service for Remembrance Sunday. It was explained that these were British Legion events and the Act of Remembrance was organised by the Parish Council every year, David added that more should be done to observe these.

Another question was from Jimmy Waters, who mentioned the pavements throughout Thornwood were dangerous and damaged.

Holly Whitbread said she would look into this.

Street lighting was discussed throughout the parish and Susan DeLuca confirmed that there was a supply problem with bulbs nationwide.

De Spence, Thornwood resident, asked a question concerning the breakdown of the Parish Council budget. She referred to communication from Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill who broke their budget down and she was invited into the offices of the Parish Council who said they would of course go through the budget with her.

SPECIAL AWARD - Was presented to The Civic awards took place at the end of the AsKen Knight and sembly and they included people who put the community first North Weald during the COVID-19 lockdown have been recognised in Preservation for North Weald Bassett Parish Council's Citizen of the Year work undertaken in awards. the parish over the There were many worthwhile winners and these were preyears in continuing sented with their awards from parish council chairman counto make North cillor Alan Buckley at tonight's Annual Parish Meeting.

Weald Bassett a lovely place to live.

WINNERS OF GROUP OF THE YEAR: The winner was Lazy Salsa Sunday for their continued fundraising efforts for good causes).

The Runner-Up was Wheelers Farm Gardens Community Allotment for their efforts in befriending, learning a new skill and working together.

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CIVIC AWARDS CONCITNUED CITIZENS OF THE YEAR—John and Kathleen Wood for the help given to residents in Thornwood, nothing is too much for them.

SPECIAL LIFETIME AWARD—Was awarded Doris Holden in recognition of her commitment to village organisations and her long association with North Weald. Doris turned 100 during Covid lockdown and the community was upset that they could not celebrate tis with her.

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION AWARD David Towe for keeping the area free from litter.

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION AWARD Jimmy Waters for being the eyes and ears of Thornwood Common.

COVID VERY SPECIAL COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD - This was awarded to Dhruve Vasani, North Weald CHEMIST for going above and beyond. This was very well deserved and well done Dhruve, Pretti and the team at the chemist.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD –This award was awarded to Doreen Cleary for being the eyes and ears of North Weald Village.

COVID SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - June Peachey, North Weald Village Life, for disseminating information and help within the local community.

Editor’s comment:- I was delighted to be nominated and surprised to be awarded this award. I felt it was important to continue with producing the magazine throughout Covid as I wanted to reassure the community they were not alone, ensuring communication and did not want to disappoint the readers.

The help within the local community during Covid lockdown was only implemented with the help of my co-ordinators namely Kate Collins, Natalie Kelberman, Tracey Spall, Rachel Bass, Will Stallan and Father Tom and all the volunteers that helped during that time.

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Children offered parents' top primary school preference Essex County Council have confirmed that 89.51% of primary school age children starting Reception Year in September 2022 were offered their first preference.

More than 16,000 parents and carers in Essex discovered the outcome of their primary school applications on Tuesday 19th April, with those who applied online getting confirmation by email or via the website.

Out of a total of 16,067 applications that were received on time, 14,382 pupils who are due to start in Reception Year in September 2022 have been offered their parent or carer's first preference of primary school.

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We continue to invest in creating additional primary school capacity so that as many parents and carers as possible receive their first preference of school for their child.”

A full breakdown of figures for 2022 is below, along with last year’s figures for comparison: 2022

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First preference school – 89.51% (89.75% in 2021)

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Second preference school – 6.45% (5.95% in 2021)

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Third preference school – 1.54% (1.93% in 2021)

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Fourth preference school – 0.50% (0.80% in 2021)

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2% of pupils could not be offered one of their parent’s preferred schools and have been offered a place at the nearest school with a place available.

(1.68% in 2021).

More information about school place planning in Essex is available here: https://www.essex.gov.uk/schoolorganisation-and-place-planning/ school-organisation-and-placeplanning-service

Don’t forget to visit the website www.northwealdvillagelife.co. uk Regular updates of news, Events etc.

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Thornwood

homes

application

A number of "concerns" and "observations" have been expressed by North Weald Bassett Parish Council over outline plans for up to 62 homes off High Road, Thornwood.

The parish council has decided to express no formal objection to the application for the 'Rosario' site next to Camfaud industrial site, but wants a number of guarantees to be agreed should Epping Forest District Council be minded to approve the scheme.

Councillors want a designated area of open space to remain in perpetuity and appropriately managed for the community, and an ongoing financial contribution to ensure its maintenance.

The council also wants the speed limit along the B1393 lowered, a speed camera to be installed near the development, footpaths to be added along the B1393 along with a new pedestrian crossing and a new bus shelter.

An allocation of 40% of 'affordable' housing for local Parish families is a "must", the council adds.

The parish council has also said it will not support any access - for vehicles, including emergency vehicles and pedestrians - from Carpenters Arms Lane.

The parish council has asked to meet with the developer, the district council planning officer responsible for the application, and the local district councillors to ensure all of the parish council's points are considered and agreed before any application is decided. #

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Thirteen local residents attended the parish council planning committee meeting which considered the application.

Concern has been expressed over the number of proposed homes with the parish council wanting to see all proposed development sites in the Parish "looked at collectively in conjunction with one another and the traffic from each site viewed and considered as a whole".

These other sites include the Latton Priory site near the M11 junction and potential development sites off the A414 Canes Lane / Rayley Lane / Church Lane area.

The full comments made by the parish council can be viewed on the council website in the Planning Minutes for the meeting of April 24, when these are available, which is when the application was discussed.

Please don’t forget to Mention to advertisers that you saw their advert in North Weald Village Life

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RideLondon Cycling Event RideLondon, a festival of cycling, returns for its eighth edition from Friday 27th May to Sunday 29th May 2022. This year however it is goes from London to Essex.

Saturday 28 May 2022.

On Saturday 29th February, there will be temporary road closures of up to 45minute periods for stages one and two of the professional women’s cycle race – the RideLondon Classique.

More than 100 miles of road closures will be in place throughout the day on Sunday 28th May, significantly impacting some areas of Essex, for the RideLondon-Essex 100, the mass participation ride that will feature up to 25,000 cyclists.

The festival of cycling is a London 2012 Olympic Games legacy event and was developed by the Mayor of London. Last year, RideLondon entered into a new partnership with Essex County Council that will see the event take place in the county for the first time in 2022.

On Saturday 28th May In addition to the temporary closures, High Street, Epping will be closed between St Johns Road and Lindsey Street from 04:00 to 20:00. Local access and HGVs making deliveries will be permitted from Bury Lane, B182 to St Johns Road until 13:00 and after 15:00.

In North Weald, the High Road will be closed from the Talbot Roundabout for approximately an hour from 12.00—13.00.

On Sunday 29th May, You can see details of road closures below:Epping New Road, A104 Epping Road, B1393 High Road, B1393 High Street, B1393 Palmers Hill, B1393 The Plain, B181 Epping Road, B181

05:00 12:00 05:00 12:30 05:00 13:30 05:00 12:30 05:00 12:00 05:00 13:00 05:00 13:00

High Road, B181, North Weald Bassett High Road, A414 Epping Road, A414 Fyfield Road, B184 Ongar Road, B184

05:00 13:00 05:00 17:00 05:00 17:00 05:00 13:30 05:00 13:30

During the event, there will be stewards and volunteers to help you along the route. If you require assistance that is not a 999 emergency during the event, please ask these event staff. There will be pedestrian crossing points located along the event route. These will be supervised to help pedestrians cross the road.

If you have questions or concerns you can contact the help desk of RideLondon. If you need help with travel routes, or have questions please get in touch with them at helpdesk@ridelondon.co.uk ,

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On arrival, Essex fire crews confirmed that a factory measuring 50m x 50m was 95% alight and 100% smoke-logged. Access to the building is extremely limited and crews from Essex and Hertfordshire are working hard in difficult conditions to tackle the fire as quickly as possible.

There was a large plume of smoke over Harlow Town and residents were told to keep windows and doors closed.

At 11.00am, the fire was under control and, thanks to the hard work of crews, has been contained to one building.

Around 60 of our firefighters are at the scene, including colleagues from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

At 1.30pm, Fire crews were making steady progress to extinguish the fire using an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) from above as well as from the ground.

At 4.30pm, having been at the scene for nearly 36 hours, they left the site and handed over to security staff at the site. A fire investigation had been carried out, and had concluded that the fire started accidentally.

Source: Information & Photos—Essex County Fire & Rescue Services Page 18

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M11: Appeal after unexplained death Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after officers were called to an incident on the M11 on the evening of Monday 11th April.

Officers attended reports of an unattended dark-coloured van on the hard shoulder of the M11 between the Redbridge roundabout and Loughton shortly after 8pm.

Once at the scene, officers found a man within the vehicle who required hospital treatment. He was taken to a nearby hospital. He has now sadly died, and we are treating his death as unexplained.

If you have any information please contact Essex Police, you can submit a report online or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

You can also call 101. Please quote incident 1121 of April 11.

Essex supports Ukrainian families New arrangements for the Ukraine donation hub at the Civic Offices in Epping.

The donation hub, now called the Essex Support for Ukrainian Families opened at the Civic Offices, Epping in early March 2022 and the generosity of the public has been overwhelming.

As donations continue to be given the hub has changed its opening times to allow for the donations to be sorted more efficiently.

Donations can be made Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm until the end of June 2022.

Please do not leave any items outside the Civic Offices when the hub is closed.

Our volunteers running the hub asked for: • Tea / hot chocolate / coffee • Canned meals / tinned fish and meat • Powdered soups • Pot noodles • Nuts • Fruit / energy / protein bars • Fruit pouch desserts • Long life bread • Biscuits / chocolate • Baby food / formula • Water purification tablets • Sanitary items • Medical / first aid • Military clothing / items Items no longer needed are bedding and duvets, men’s, women’s and children’s (over 5 years) clothing, and towels.

If you would like to volunteer at the hub, please call 07810 283676 drop in or message via the Essex Supports Ukrainian Families Facebook page.

The pay and display car park at the Civic Offices in Epping will remain closed until the end of April.

The car bays and motorcycle bays will be suspended while staff and volunteers organise your generous donations for the people of Ukraine.

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Ink Cartridge Recycling at Libraries If you have a printer at home, Essex Libraries are now offering you an eco-friendly way of disposing of your empty ink cartridges.

Instead of throwing them away in your rubbish bin, take them to your local library instead for recycling.

Every library has a new Ink Bin recycling box to put your empty home-use ink cartridges in.

Once they are collected, they will be sorted, refilled and put back on the market as remanufactured ink cartridges. This will stop them ending up in landfill.

Dedicated Epping Forest policing team At the Epping Forest District Council on 11th April, an annual budget of £180,000 was agreed for 3 years, to fund the provision of 3 full-time Police Officers by Essex Police – a sergeant and 2 police constables from June 2022 to June 2025, to be jointly tasked and directed by the Council and Essex Police.

It has also been agreed that Essex Police will supply an additional officer at no cost to the Council, increasing the number of dedicated officers from 3 to 4.

The Ink Bin company is an Essex business set up in 2019 by local teacher Becky Baines. Their main aim is to return ink cartridges back into the Circular Economy.

So, start saving and recycling your empty cartridges now and you’ll have the satisfaction knowing you are doing your bit to save the planet!

Don’t forget to visit our website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife

This is a dedicated police resource for the district, which the Council introduced in 2018. Their work has been invaluable in supporting the EFDC community safety team to deal with various issues, especially anti-social behaviour during the pandemic.

Copy Deadline for Event Details For the June Issue 15th May

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Volunteering at St Clare Hospice St Clare Hospice is looking for anyone with an interest or experience in retail – either in our shops or virtually:

Volunteering for St Clare Hospice’s ecommerce team One area of volunteering that has grown over the last year is in our e-Commerce team – eBay, Depop, and Vinted.

Jacqui and Anne have volunteered in e-Commerce for 6 and 8 years. They are part of the life cycle of a donation, from the time it arrives in eBay to the time it is packed and ready for its new home.

At the start of their shift, they sort through donations, checking for unusual or valuable items, research them, and check things like Lego sets or jigsaws are complete. They photograph the items, write the wording for the listings, and when sold, pack the items carefully, so they are ready to be posted to the buyers.

Anne said she liked the social aspect of volunteering and feeling that you’re contributing. Jacqui added “You feel as though we are doing some good.”

Volunteer Shop Assistants Needed!

Volunteering in St Clare Hospice’s charity shops is a great way to make new friends, do something for your local town, and learn new, or brush up old skills. Would you like to join our shop volunteering team? Your role could include: Operating a till Helping customers Sorting stock Filling shelves Go to stclarehospice.org.uk/volunteer to find out more or ring 01279 773729

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New Men’s Boot Camp to Open Many local people will know of Jaine from AbFabFit Club who is known to run a ladies gym based in Thornwood along with two other sites in Waltham Abbey and Bishops Stortford.

Jaine prides herself on not only focusing on exercise but also health and happiness of all of her members.

Due to popular demand, Jaine is now launching a new local men’s only bootcamp based at Upper Clapton Rugby Club in Thornwood. She is looking forward to using her skills and experience to help local men feel fitter, lose a few pounds & reduce aches and pains and even encouraging a few local friendships.

Climate Change Action Plan The Climate Change Action Plan presented to the Epping Forest District Council Cabinet on 11th April set out actions being taken by the Council to deliver its pledge to do everything in its power to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The Climate Change Action Plan public consultation run from 12 October 2021 to 26 November 2021.

During this time the Council has been able to make progress on various actions including:

•

Supporting residents make their homes more energy efficient through grant funding • Over 2250 trees have been planted in Debden and Chigwell • 2 electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in Oakwood Hill car park

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Partnership Agreement with Conservators of Epping Forest At a recent Epping Forest District Council Cabinet meeting held on 11th April, members discussed a report concerning the potential impact of residential development on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in relation to additional visitors using the Forest for recreational purposes.

A partnership agreement between EFDC, the Conservators of Epping Forest and the London Borough of Redbridge has been approved while other neighbouring authorities are progressing reports through their committee processes.

It covers the delivery of site access management and monitoring measures (SAMM) for the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) The SAC is an area within Epping Forest containing land subject to international protection for its biodiversity value and the Council has a legal duty to protect it from the effects of development.

Members heard about the Council’s proposal to secure funding from development to meet the SAMM Strategy costs apportioned to the district.

Ongar Wildlife Society (OWLS) In May we welcome Professor Tim Sparks with a talk on climate change entitled Spring Forwards, Fall Back; are the Seasons Changing? This is a topical subject that will have wide appeal and impacts on all forms of wildlife in this country as well as ourselves.

A few words about recent meetings.

In March, professional nature photographer, Bob Johnson gave a fascinating presentation entitled The Kingdom of the Ice Bear in which he told of his excursions to the arctic on a small ship based in Spitsbergen. He featured a host of unique photographs and video recordings showing the wildlife of the area with emphasis on polar bears – their features, family life and antics.

In April local wildlife enthusiast and historian, Martyn Lockwood told us all about The Yew Tree and its Place in Mythology. The Druids held the yew tree sacred in preChristian times because of its qualities of longevity and regeneration. Drooping branches of old trees are able to root and form new trunks where they touch the ground. Thus the yew symbolised resurrection in Celtic culture. These themes continued into the Christian era when yew was buried with the deceased and boughs of yew were used in processions and to decorate churches at Easter.

Other talks this year will focus upon apples, African wildlife and more.

You are invited to join OWLS this year. Visitors pay just £5 but you can become a member for an annual fee of only £25. To help you locate our venue, Toot Hill Village Hall, the post code is CM5 9LR. Keith Snow Page 23

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Update on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Central government are to advise regarding the issue of guests arriving without accommodation, but not necessarily presenting to the Housing Authority of the Port of Entry.

The latest data as of 11th April, indicates there have been 803 requests from Ukrainians matched with 544 sponsors in the Essex County Council (ECC) area. All these applications are at various stages of checking and approval.

Guests need to be sympathetically supported to ultimately get to the area where family live and be accommodated. Border Force are looking into collecting improved data on arrivals, the Red Cross can then look to see how many volunteers they can provide to meet demand.

DBS checks for sponsors continue with both adults and children’s social workers involved.

Although no guests have arrived at Southend as yet, this is expected to change, so a welcome point may be established.

The first editions of the ECC Sponsor packs are now online, There is a focus to look at a at a more sustainable way to acincluding the translated versions of the packs for Ukrainian fami- cess interpreters. lies.

The districts, borough and city councils are looking at the best Accommodation checks are being carried out by district, bor- mechanisms for distributing the £200 payments for guests. This ough and city councils. will be issued via pre-paid card.

Safeguarding guidance has been issued to 142 Social Workers ECC continue to support Ukrainian families and their sponsors from ECC’s Children and Families service, who have been to help them settle into their new communities. This includes briefed to assist. Over 90 Social Workers have come on board meeting any welfare needs as well as children and young peoto undertake safeguarding checks and social worker visits have ple’s educational needs. All families arriving from Ukraine will commenced. need to follow the established process for mid-year school adTranslation services are being made available by the Essex missions.

Welfare Service.

ECC continue to work closely with schools to ensure that all Stansted Airport is seeing greater numbers of Ukrainian arrivals, children are placed in schools within a reasonable distance from with on average 177 coming through arrivals every day last their homes. The educational needs of all children living and week. Up to 20 Ukrainian arrivals per day are now arriving at arriving in Essex remains our top priority and we will continue to Harwich, with low numbers also set to arrive via Southend. support both families and schools with school admissions along Most Ukrainians are being met by a family member or sponsor with other needs the families may have. and do not need support on arrival.

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CHURCH CHAT Summer I recently read “Into The Wild”, which details the true story of Chris McCandless who, in April 1992, gave all he had to charity, burned the money in his wallet, and took off for a life of wandering. For two years, he walked and boated and hitch-hiked and lived off the land as much as he could. His letters tell the story of a young man fiercely in love with the wild and in search of a Truth-Beyond-Truth. ne of his letters reads; “God has placed [joy] all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living”.

After two years of wandering, Chris McCandless was discovered dead in an old bus in the wilds of Alaska.

Before he met his end, he discovered something powerful about living and God; something he would never have known if he hadn’t taken that risk.

Two thousand years earlier, another walked away from all he knew to wander and live in God’s love. He, too, ended His journey with death, this time on a cross. One more, in the name of love.

As the earth begins to wake up, as summer breaks over us like the dawn, the call of the wild only seems to grow stronger. There is something strange and other and yet home about the wild. It calls to something primordial and almost-forgotten in us.

Some people believe that God is fully present within creation, as well as without it. Perhaps it is the GodWithin-Wild who calls to us, who plucks at the heartstrings of the soul and unspools our longing, and challenges us to take risks.

Perhaps, around and underneath and within the sunlit leaf veins and the creeping moss, in the rain-on-river droplets and the soft munching of the fallow deer; perhaps in the blush of the mushroom, and the aching cry of the fox; perhaps within all of these things there is the hum of the Divine.

If we listen, we can hear it calling to us.

With love and blessings, Jaime St Andrew’s Church Events - Sundays 10am: “Sunday Morning Church”: an informal, all-age service with crafts and songs.

3pm: Holy Eucharist: a contemplative, prayerful service.

- Weekdays Every Tuesday, 7.30-8.30: Bible & prayer group via zoom.

First Wednesday of the month @12: Rosary Group. A calming and meditative prayer group.

Beginners welcome.

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IMPORTANT Defibrillators Recently I understand defibrillators from both Thornwood and North Weald have been needed to help people who have become unwell whilst awaiting emergency services.

So to ensure all residents are aware of the location of our defibrillators, here are the details. Once you ring emergency services to inform them of someone needing emergency assistance, they will give you the code required to access the defibrillator looked in coded cabinets.

North Weald:- Outside the Methodist Church Hall.

Thornwood—Outside the Parish Hall.

ONGAR NATURE WATCH Regenerative farming

BBC Countryfile recently featured a dilemma facing farmers, including those in our area. In the face of pressure to become green and take more responsibility for the countryside, how can farming habits change while remaining economically viable? Presenter and farmer, Adam Henson spoke to his neighbour David Wilson, who is a regenerative (and proudly organic) farmer, to find out more about one of the big new trends in agriculture called regenerative farming, to see what ideas might work on his farm.

Farmers not only produce our daily food, they can also influence conditions on the planet by employing farming methods that lock in carbon as well as providing places for wildlife to thrive.

Farmland covers a vast area of the countryside in UK, accounting for 72% of the total area of land, so any change in farming practice will have a huge impact. Regenerative farming provokes strong opinions and passionate debate. There are those who are sceptical of the claims being made, while others believe that it is the future of farming, and the way to solve climate change.

Soil health is at the heart of regenerative farming. Soils that are structurally sound and rich with organic matter and micro-organisms are better able to retain water and store carbon. The theory is that healthier soils lead to healthier plants and, hopefully, healthier profits, while helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Typically, most regenerative farmers follow these principles: 1.

Minimize soil disturbance 2.

Soil micro-organisms create soil fertility, but disturbing them through tillage or by using chemicals destroys the soil structure that is their home. Interestingly, there are more micro-organisms in a teaspoon of soil than there are people on Earth.

2. Maximize crop diversity By increasing the range of crops and animals, pest and diseases are reduced while, at the same time, biodiversity and soil health are enhanced.

3. Keep the soil covered This protects it from wind and water erosion, while preventing moisture evaporation and weed seeds from germinating.

4. Maintain living roots year-round Most growers keep soil covered by maintaining living roots in the soil as much as possible through the year – typically by growing cover crops between cash crops. This also retains nutrients for the micro-organisms in the soil.

5. Integrate livestock Livestock grazing of cover or cash crops on arable land provides a natural source of organic matter in the form of their dung, which encourages new plant growth, so stimulating the plants to add more carbon to the soil.

Keith Snow

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AN EXCITING SUMMER OF EVENTS AT THE EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY The big one! Our 10th Anniversary Event and Steam Gala will take place on 2, 3, 4 & 5 June.

To commemorate the occasion the Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society has produced a 44-page booklet, priced at just £3.50, to chart our progress since reopening in 2012.

We hope you will find this to be a fascinating insight to our work. Copies will be on sale at our shops in North Weald and Ongar.

19 June our Father’s Day Classic Car Show will take place at North Weald. The Father’s Day car show is being staged and organised by the MG Car Club Anglia Region, with members cars on show from Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. The Anglia region is one of the largest of the 12 regions that make up the MG Car Club.

We expect a good selection of cars on show at North Weald, covering the MG story from sports to saloons; spot the car you always wanted, the bedroom poster cars of years gone by and the car your dad had back in the day. All the owners are approachable and don’t be afraid to ask them questions!

26 June come and meet the roaring, walking Dinosaur - he's normally very friendly, except when hungry! Plus meet the baby dinosaurs on board the train!

Don’t forget the Penny Salon Micro-Gallery at Ongar Station, they will be showing ‘River Thames: Docks and Shipping’ up to 22 May. An interesting and entertaining programme of presentations is planned for the future: 10 years of the Epping Ongar Railway, 50+ Years Behind the Lens - A Transport History in Photographs and Esoteric Steam 2 This Steam and Pleasant Land.

Please visit our website at: www.eorailway.co.uk for full details.

Why not come along and volunteer on the Railway to help us operate these events? We have opportunities available in all departments, including catering, track maintenance, buildings and infrastructure maintenance, steam and diesel locomotive operation and maintenance, carriage & wagon restoration, together with numerous customer facing roles on operating days.

You can obtain further information by emailing: volunteering@eorailway.co.uk or if you are ready to join go to: www.eorailway.co.uk/membership/ where you will find the membership application form at the top of the page under ‘Join the Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society’.

Robert Good Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society

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Offer to fit sensory smoke alarms for the heard of hearing Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is raising awareness of its free offer to fit sensory smoke alarms that can alert people with reduced hearing to a fire in their home. The Fire Service offers a free home visit to all Essex residents where staff visit your home to give safety advice on how to prevent a fire.

You can book a free visit for yourself or someone you know by calling 0300 303 0088 or by visiting www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book.

When booking your visit, a member of the team will ask a series of questions to understand your level of vulnerability to a fire and to see if you need smoke alarms fitted at the property. The Fire Service recommends you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and can supply and fit smoke alarms as well as sensory smoke alarms for free if required.

A sensory smoke alarm is fitted to the ceiling in the same way as a regular smoke alarm and is wirelessly linked to an additional device.

This device is placed in the line of vision of the person who requires the sensory alarm while in bed (i.e. on the bedside table or wallmounted nearby).

This additional device is attached to a vibrating pad that is placed underneath a pillow in the bed.

Multiple linked alarms can be placed throughout the home, so that all alarms activate in the event of one alarm being set off.

When a smoke alarm on the ceiling is activated, a high-intensity flashing strobe light is set off inside the bed-side device and subsequently, the pad will vibrate underneath the pillow, alerting the person and enabling them to be aware of what actions they need to take which may involve evacuating the property.

Between April 2021 and March 2022, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Prevention team fitted 7,540 smoke alarms and 1,125 sensory alarms.

Paul Pemberton, Inclusive Prevention and Partnership Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We recommend that every home has at least one working smoke alarm on every level of the property.

“We understand that many of our residents might not be able to hear a regular smoke alarm. Essex has one of the highest numbers of sensory impaired communities across the country outside of Metropolitan areas and it’s important that we recognise that the standard smoke alarms we provide might not be suitable for all our residents in Essex. Whether that’s because of their reduced hearing ability, or maybe medication that they take, it would make it harder for them to be alerted by just an audible smoke alarm on its own.

“We want to make sure that everyone in our county has the same protection from working smoke alarms. We work with numerous partners to provide the appropriate solutions and equipment to alert someone in the event of a fire, if they would have difficulty in doing so.

If you want to book a free home fire safety visit for yourself or someone you know, please call 0300 303 0088 or visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book.

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Gardening Hints for May After a very dry March and April, with lots of frosty nights when we hope May will be bring warmer days and nights so we are can still expect to spend time in our gardens.

Be aware of late frosts which will kill tender bedding, basket plants, tomatoes and cucumbers.

May is the month to get your ground ready for planting runner beans, but don’t be tempted to plant them until the second week in May. You can also sow cabbages, turnips, cauliflowers, carrots, brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce, radish and salad onions.

Early potatoes should now be showing through, make sure you keep earthing them up to prevent possible frost and it also prevents future potatoes going green.

Now is the time to mulch well established trees and shrubs in the garden. Top dress with a general feed, Growmore is a good all round balanced fertiliser.

We have a good selection of roses available and suggest you spray them once a month with Roseclear to keep green fly and blackspot at bay.

Don’t forget if you have empty baskets, troughs and pots, that you want refilling it is not too late to bring them into the garden centre to be filled with plants of your choice.

This is the best time to sit in the garden, listen to the birds, and enjoy the smells and sounds with a drink of your choice. Mine is a nice cold beer! Cheers!.

Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre.

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PHOTO GALLERY This month we have a wonderful collection of local photos.

Please send in your photos to me at June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Photo: Terry Taylor—Amazing Robin

Photo: Jake O’Leary—Hedgehog visiting his children’s play area

Photo: Lisa Hyams-Price taken in her garden Page 34

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PHOTO GALLERY

Photos: Both of these were taken by Lisa Hyams-Price in her garden

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7.45pm

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Citizens Advice: could Universal Credit help you?

Many families are facing a cost-of-living crisis, particularly over energy costs. If you are on low or moderate earnings you are likely to be among those worst affected. It may be worth your while to investigate claiming Universal Credit, even if you are already receiving tax credits. But there are some risks and pitfalls. I’ll suggest later how you can check and make an informed decision.

Universal Credit is a benefit available in principle to both working and non-working people over 16 and under pension age. The amount you get depends on a range of factors including your age, whether you are single or a couple, whether you have children, whether you have other caring responsibilities, whether you pay rent, and whether your ability to work is impaired by illness or disability. Your income from most other sources affects how much you get, as do most forms of savings and capital, apart from your home.

Universal Credit is not tied to the cost of living or inflation-proofed. The Government decides how much is to be paid and how the different factors are to interact with each other. So the fact that your financial situation has got worse recently doesn’t automatically mean that you are now eligible for Universal Credit. But some recent changes to the way earnings affect how much is paid may well have made it more worthwhile for a lot of people.

The easiest way to check whether an application would be worthwhile is to use a free online calculator: https://benefitscalculator.turn2us.org.uk/ or https://www.entitledto.co.uk/ . We would not advise applying for Universal Credit just on the advice of the Job Centre or a Department for Work and Pensions helpline. That is because Universal Credit is complicated, and there have been many examples of inaccurate advice being given. If you are receiving tax credits or a means-tested benefit such as Housing Benefit, and you apply for Universal Credit, your tax credits and means-tested benefits will automatically stop. If it turns out you are not eligible for Universal Credit you cannot go back. We have recently represented a client who found herself in exactly that situation. Fortunately, we were able to persuade a tribunal that she was entitled to Universal Credit, but only after well over a year’s delay.

The other thing to remember about Universal Credit, which the online calculators don’t cover, is that it is a debt-collection system as well as a benefit-paying system. If you owe money to DWP because of overpaid benefit, or you owe money to HMRC because of overpaid tax credits or underpaid tax, your Universal Credit will be reduced to pay off those debts. Unlike most debts, which can’t usually be enforced after six years, there is no time limit for DWP or HMRC to recover those debts through Universal Credit. It can also be used to collect other debts, including arrears of rent, service charges, and council tax, and some loans and fines.

Claims for Universal Credit usually have to be made online. If you need help with the process of applying you can phone our national Help to Claim service on 0800 144 8444, between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. For more general advice you can phone us at Epping Forest Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7855 between 9.30 and 2.30, Tuesday to Thursday. Calls to both these numbers are free.

We are also in person at the Hub at the Civic Offices in Epping every Thursday between 9.30 and 2.30 if you want to talk to someone face-to-face.

Source: Paul Stockton

Survey on Palliative Care If you – or someone you know – has been personally affected by palliative care, Healthwatch wants to hear from you.

leigh Hospice, so your experiences will help shape the future of palliative care services for local people of all ages in mid and south Essex.

Whether cared for by a hospital, hospice or community serPalliative care is treatment, care and support for someone with vice, we would like to know what you most wanted and needed a complex or incurable condition, and those at the end of their during this time, and if there were any barriers to accessing life. It focuses on the quality of someone’s life, managing phys- these. ical symptoms, offering emotional and practical support to the The survey can be found at healthwatchessex.org.uk. The will patient, their family and friends. Palliative care can take place take five minutes and will be completely anonymous, unless in the home, hospital, care home or a hospice. you have more to say and would like to leave your details. You can also contact us on 0300 500 1895 if you need to access Healthwatch are working with Havens Hospices, St. Luke’s Hospice Basildon and District, Saint Francis Hospice and Far- the survey in a different way..

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Awareness of the exploitation of vulnerable children on public transport On Tuesday 26th April campaign, known as Operation Henderson, is running to raise awareness of child exploitation at stations and transport networks in Essex.

The initiative is being run in partnership by Essex Safeguarding Children Board, Southend and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnerships alongside organisations including British Transport Police, Essex Police. The Violence and Vulnerability Unit and TFL. Local outreach workers and community police will be engaging with passengers, businesses and young people at train and bus stations along identified key routes in Essex, to raise awareness about signs of exploitation and where to report concerns.

As well as members of the public, all staff working within and around a station, from ticket collectors to engineers, coffee shop workers to cleaners, play an important role in safeguarding vulnerable young people.

Research and local data have shown transport networks are used by vulnerable young people who may be at risk of sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, and trafficking.

Report concerns To report concerns about child exploitation contact: • Police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency)

•

Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 If there are concerns about suspicious activity at a train station, contact British Transport Police: • Call 0800 40 50 40 Page 38

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Dare to Dream With the longer sunny days teasing us all, about a beautiful summer yet to come, Am I so wrong in hoping that this year will bring us all a long and glorious one.

I know there is so much pain and suffering going on in the world all around, Does that make me selfish to hope for a summer in which my inner peace may be found?

The thought of relaxing and laughing with a cool drink in hand, May seem barbaric to some and hard to understand.

Of course I condone the atrocities carrying on causing such pain and destruction, to a country only guilty of where it lays, Though after two years of our own sorrow, I can’t help but long for my own warm happy days.

Am I so wrong to want a time of laughter and fun with my family and friends, A time for which I can dare to dream and let lose without a feeling of guilt and need to make amends.

I do have such empathy and concern for all the people forced into a war, But isn't feeling free and happy, what they are all actually fighting for.

Surely it would be wrong to deny our freedom of choice and ability to let loose and have fun, And to enjoy travelling and holidays that for two years, our own little battles has prevented them from being done.

Life is short so we should all enjoy it when we can, taking in precious memories should they appear, That to me, isn't being selfish or oblivious to another’s plight ,but making the most of life while it is here.

Source: Andy—resident poet.

•

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•

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•

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•

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BIRD FEATURE - MAY 22 Welcome to some bird & animal jottings for the month of May. As spring surges towards summer we have had some fine weather & there have been returning summer migrants to emphasise the changing seasons.

My first observation relates to butterfly sightings - more specifically Orange Tip butterflies. This is my favourite butterfly and it is a species of spring & early summer. The simple colour of white with a splash of bright orange on the wing tips is surprisingly attractive, a real stunner that cannot be mistaken for any other species. I have seen a few so far this spring, the first was just before the Easter weekend when we enjoyed some fine days with plenty of sunshine.

My second observation is the return of the Cuckoo. I heard one on Good Friday and there have been frequent Cuckoo calls since then with a couple of good sightings as a bonus, both at Weald Common. This species has seen serious declines in numbers and distribution in recent decades but luckily we still get them on an annual basis. Of course it is not such good luck for those species that are targeted by the Cuckoo, laying a single egg in the host's nest and leaving the Cuckoo chick to eliminate the competition.

As yet (last week of April) I have not seen a Swallow or House Martin. There have been reports of them coming to the UK but as I say my eyes have not spotted any. With the mostly fine, dry weather I am surprised that neither species has been in evidence or I've just been unlucky in my observations.

There has been no shortage of summer warblers - the Chiffchaff was the obvious first arrival but Blackcaps & Willow Warblers soon followed and now Whitethroats are to be seen in scrubby areas with brambles and nettle beds. With luck I might get to spot a Garden Warbler or Lesser Whitethroat. Plus Sedge Warbler in reedbeds in the margins of suitable ponds and small lakes.

During the autumn and winter we usually see plenty of gulls in the area, especially Black-headed Gulls. It is a feature of farmland and open grassy areas to see flocks of gulls foraging for food or just loafing. When they fly off to their roosting locations then they can be an evocative sight, passing overhead in loose formations. Gulls are adapted for living in oceanic environments so even the worst of any weather in Essex cannot hinder their day to day lives. In the summer months many of the gulls will move away from our area to settle at their breeding colonies which include Lea Valley.

There have been reports of a Barn Owl in the area. I was aware of sightings near Ongar and at Greensted but I have now learnt of a couple of sightings of a Barn Owl hunting in fields off Weald Bridge Road. This may have been an individual passing through the area, it would be unlikely that a breeding pair are around here. Great as it would be.

We should get a few Linnets frequenting the area, at this time of year they often forage for weed seeds in quiet residential areas. Male Linnets are handsome fellas in the breeding season with distinctive crimson parts of their plumage. If disturbed they will fly a short distance as they utter their twittering call, settling again to resume feeding.

Another handsome bird in breeding plumage is the Yellowhammer. As the name suggests it is largely yellow in appearance with a distinctive wheezy call that has been variously described over the years. You are most likely to come across this species atop hedgerows adjacent to quieter roads.

There are a couple of less familiar summer visitors that may just be spotted locally. The Yellow Wagtail can be seen in farmland areas, they are not common but I have seen them as close to the village as the fields behind Queens Road. Not a certainty to turn up but a very attractive wagtail when seen clearly. Tree Pipit is another that we get occasionally, they can sing in flight in the manner of Skylark but settle back on trees rather than on the ground. Very limited numbers but a possible.

Early May sees the peak of the dawn chorus and if you know some of the songs of individual species then it can enhance the experience of listening to birds in full song, all trying to outdo their rivals. In this modern era of internet searching it is possible to listen to a range of bird songs before venturing into the countryside. Sometimes it is only by knowing certain songs that you can locate species, and of course the more songs you know the more likely you are to be able to recognise an unusual type of bird. One bird that is relatively widespread locally is the Goldcrest, a tiny bundle of feathers that mostly frequents conifers. If you were able to get to know its song and call then you would locate quite a few of them in this area. If you do have access to the internet then I would recommend looking up species videos uploaded by the BTO, you get to see similar birds and hear their calls and songs. BTO stands for British Trust for Ornithology. As an example you would look up Skylark BTO on You Tube and it would give you a short tutorial on Skylarks, Meadow Pipit and Tree Pipit. Once you get used to searching for different birds then you can really expand your knowledge in a short time. I have been birdwatching since the early 1960s and I still find such tutorials very useful - and trust me, I am not very good with modern computer technology, I don't even have internet on my phone. If I can do it, anyone can.

Of course if you do have an interest in wildlife then no amount of internet searching can compensate for time outdoors looking and listening. I picked up an interest in natural history 60 years ago and I have never lost that fascination with wildlife, particularly birds.

One of the bonuses is that wildlife watching generally involves being in the countryside or even further afield in more remote areas, soaking up the sights and sounds of landscapes and nature. Having said that you can be in the village and see interesting wildlife so keep alert when you are out & about.

During May we should start seeing Swifts back in our skies. They are the last of the summer migrants to get here and generally the first to leave the UK. Whilst here they live in the air, rarely ever landing and only at height when they do. Phenomenal fliers that are a welcome addition to our summer avian community. I have seen a few Ring-necked Parakeets locally. It is a species that pops up fairly regularly but then either side of Easter I saw 2 or 3 on six successive mornings, the first time I have seen them on so many days in a row.

Anyway, if you get a chance to enjoy local countryside then keep those eyes and ears open, you just never know what is about. A good variety of butterflies will be on the wing so it could be worth trying to I.D.as many as you can over the next few weeks to enhance your experience of the North Weald wildlife.

Paul Corbet Page 41

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Advertiser Directory Furniture

Aerials & Satellites T J Aerials & Satellites

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Beauty Nails Couture

RSL Interiors—Kitchens & bedrooms

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CJA Upholstery

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Hairdressing

Café & Restaurants The Mess Hall Diner

Hair by Jasmine

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Garden Centre/Gardening

Car MOT, Servicing & Tyres APM Tyres

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Art Nursery Garden Centre

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Kings Head Garage

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Ernest Doe

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Matts Motorz

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Glazing

Carpets & Flooring Little Carpet Co

2

LJK Flooring Services Ltd

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Home Glazing Repair

18

Kennels & Catteries

Cleaning

London & Essex Kents Farm

Boss Cleaning Services

23

Maid in Essex

8

Steve’s Window Cleaning

16

Online Shopping Local Bodyshop —Sparkle & Shine

20

Council North Weald Bassett Parish Council

15

Painting & Decorating

Computer Services Andrews Computers

5

35

Jim’ll Paint It

25

LVM Painting & Decorating

13

S I Painters & Decorators

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Plastering

Dancing Hamilton School of Dancing

G F Plastering

6

17

Plumbing & Heating

Electricians Turner & Sons

15

Estate & Letting Agents Montagues

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N Monk

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Pikes Plumbing & Heating

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Robert Rayment

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Property Services

Events Epping Ongar Railway

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Beam

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Mini Shooters

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KLF Property Services

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Village Hall

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Handy Andy

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Bassett Building

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Fitness J D Fitness

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Yoga Swan

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Funeral Services Daniel Robinson & Sons

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Stuart Poulton Ltd

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Residential Home Abbeyfield Cunningham House

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Home Instead

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Tree & Garden Maintenance GTF Tree Care Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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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

0808 278 7855

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

07572 507591

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

Queens Community Hall Bookings

07522 473024

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

NHS Urgent help & advice

111

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 White-

01992 573557

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

MP Alex Burghart

0207 2191613

RSPCA

01279 306058

Samaritans 24 Hours a day

116 123

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk

MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP

020 8508 8608

MP For Thornwood

Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

St Andrews Church

01992 577168

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

Traveline

0870 6082608

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers

North Weald Bantham & Ongar Bowls

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 01992 524672

01992 571535

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

Theydon Jazz Club

Tel: 07941 185171

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

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 522303

Tel: 523375 or 522052

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Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

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