North Weald Village Life October 2015 Issue

Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine

Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 110 OCTOBER 2015

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Photograph Courtesy of David Bland—Bassett Photography

Wind Turbine application

Syrian Refugee Crisis

A planning application for a wind turbine has been submitted to Epping Forest District Council, the site of which would be Newhouse Farm, Vicarage Lane.

The Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Chris Whitbread, has expressed his sympathy for the plight of the refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria, which is quickly developing into a humanitarian response at a national level following the Prime Minister’s decision that the United Kingdom will assist up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next 5 years.

Many people will have seen wind turbines on their travels, we certainly saw lots when we recently went on our holiday in Devon.

A wind turbine harness the wind's energy to create electricity. The wind turns the blades and as they rotate they are used to drive the turbine of the generator, which creates an electrical current.

If you would like to find out more about this planning application, you can visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/plan—the application number is EPF/1811.15.

Cllr Whitbread said “This is such a rapidly developing issue, which I know will be of concern to many residents across the District. I have watched, as have many residents, the distressing images on our television screens. It is quite right that Britain plays its part in this crisis and we await greater clarity from the Government on their proposals.”

“The Council is already in discussions with public sector organisations across Essex and we understand that Essex County Council have set up a group to address a pan-Essex response.”

“At a more local level, Epping Forest District Council has not yet been asked by ministers to provide any assistance to Syrian refugees that may arrive in the UK as a result of the Government’s decision and, indeed, may not receive any request.”

“However, if the Council does receive a request for assistance, we will of course consider all of the issues, including the humanitarian issues of the refugees fleeing conflict.”

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

I have an action packed issue this month! I have dedicated a feature on Battle of Britain to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. I spent a couple of hours with Arthur Moreton and have to say I learnt a lot about the crucial role RAF North Weald and the community played in this Battle and the village even has some battle scars to prove it. I am sure many local schools and groups learn about the Battle of Britain and wonder why they do not visit the airfield or the airfield museum to learn more about the local involvement.

Circulation

Our village has become famous (again) with the filming of Strictly Come The magazine is available free of charge monthly and is Dancing, the BBC1 show, in Tempest Mead and at the station a few weeks ago. I am not personally a fan of the show, but I did tune in to see the redistributed from 20th of each month. of the filming and did enjoy recognising our village. It did only last Copies can be collected sults about 3 minutes though, which does not show much for the full day of work from: they did just to perfect this 3 minute exert—you must never underestimate the work that goes into all the filming for shows.  North Weald Post Office    .

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

On a note of dismay, the Village Hall has been vandalised again, and made dangerous. If you walk across the little bridge up across the fields off the main path there is now a warning to say that it has been damaged and unsafe.

Autumn has arrived with a vengeance, I have even heard some of you have put the heating on—we have not done that yet but I do enjoy the evenings being cooler, it is much nicer to sleep. However the rain and wind have also arrived. I do believe we have only 3 seasons a year now— Autumn, Winter and Spring.

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

We are made and have introduced two new members of the family, namely Biscuit and Bella. If you are passing our house and see us sitting out in our front garden—we have not gone mad we are watching our two new rabbits running around the front garden and eating the dandelions, kicking in the air, digging and having fun.

Advertisers

I am delighted to confirm that my daughter did excellently in her GCSES, we are very proud of her. So for those parents who worry about their children Advertising rates start at £19.00 for quarter page, £36.50 for half a page and £68 for a full page. Colour advertising rates going to a local primary and secondary school—brilliant results can be are now available and there are some premium positions achieved with good teaching and lots of hard work—and it is all worth it. available at this current time. Please contact us for more information. The deadline for booking is the 5th of each month.

For those of you who remember the bus crash earlier this year when a school trip from Epping St Johns ended in disaster when a double decker Contributions & Editorial ripped its roof off trying to drive under a bridge minutes away from Thorpe Park, the latest news is that the bus driver has been charged and was in If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. court and received 6 points on his licence and a fine of just over £500. The Please send them to us at the address below or via email. stress and injuries caused by this deserves, I personally feel, a much stronger sentence. It wasn't an accident in my view—it was dangerous driving.

Contact Details

Please remember I am happy to receive, news, letters, photos, recipes, and do look forward to receiving these and sharing them with readers.

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

Road,

North Weald,

Epping,

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you around the village (in between downpours).

June EDITOR

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

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OCTOBER BRAIN TEASER —Win a box of biscuits                

Conker Autumn Acorn Hedgehog Rain Wind Leaves Puddles Umbrella Apple pie Blackberries Crumble Custard Bare Nuts Logs

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Congratulations to Mrs Hatchman 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 October Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU’. Entries need to be received by 10th October 2015. 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: 01992 522437 Mobile: 07850 390079 Proprietor: S. Dinsdale

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

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Former St Andrews pupils are amongst the high achievers This year, pupils who attended St Andrews primary school in the village are yet again amongst the high achievers of Epping St Johns Secondary School.

London & Essex Kent’s Farm Boarding Kennels and Catteries

To name just a few:George Wheeler achieved 2 A* and 6 A grades Elise Walker achieved 3 A* and 4 A grades Georgina Peachey achieved 1 A* and 4 A grades Teachers at Epping St Johns were delighted with the achievement of all their students.

Well done to those above and everybody else who received their GCSE results, they should be proud of their hard work and achievement.

Veterinary surgery expansion plans North Weald Bassett Parish Council has voiced no objection to plans to extend North Weald Veterinary Surgery into the adjoining house.

Anil Nathan has submitted change of use plans for 42 High Road, North Weald, with a single-storey link between the existing surgery and the house, and a rear extension.

The parish council's planning committee is asking that visitors to the surgery are encouraged to use the surgery's car park.

A final decision will be taken by Epping Forest District Council.

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

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

Trish is ‘Woman of the Year’!

A North Weald slimmer who says she feels like a new woman since losing 3st 3.5lbs has been named the Epping Slimming World ‘Woman of the Year’ because of her inspiring weight loss and contribution to the group. The result was announced by special guest Epping mayor Michael Wright.

Trish Gough has been chosen to represent the Epping Slimming World group in the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2015 competition which aims to find the UK and Ireland’s top female slimmer. Slimming World’s 'Woman of the Year' competition recognises the achievements of women in making longterm healthy lifestyle changes for both themselves and their families.

Trish joined Slimming World in February 2014 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size. She said: “I started to put on weight after two very personal bereavements. I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable - or both, in fact. With Slimming World it’s completely different, I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. I don’t feel deprived and after losing this weight I’m the slimmest – and the happiest - I’ve been in such a long time!”.

Kelly Harris, who runs the Epping group, said: “I’m so proud of Trish and the ladies who were nominated.

The Epping Slimming World group is held every Thursday (5.30pm-7.30pm) at the Quakers Meeting Hall, Hemnall Street.

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BANTHAM & ONGAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB North Weald, CM16 6GP (A414) For your outdoor and short mat bowling - Bowling Membership £40 per annum OTHER ACTIVITIES OPEN TO ALL - membership not required Short Mat Bowls – Monday – 7.00pm - 9.00pm -£2.00 inc. refreshments Bridge –Wednesday – 10.00am to 1.00pm - £2.00 inc. refreshments Cribbage – Thursday – 9.15am to 12noon - £2.00 inc. refreshments Table Tennis – Thursday – 7.00pm to 9.00pm - £2.00 including refreshments (qualified coach) – Starts 1st October Yoga (qualified instructor) – Friday – 12.00pm to 1.00pm and Saturday – 9am to 11.30 - £8.00 per session Whist Drive – Friday – 7.30pm every other week For further information contact: Jim Heppel – 01277 362631 or jimheppel571@gmail.com,

www.banthamandongar.org.uk

W I AUTUMN BAZAAR 7TH NOVEMBER 2015, NORTH WEALD VILLAGE HALL, WE WILL HAVE A RAFFLE, TOMBOLA, PLUS OTHER STALLS. COME AND HAVE A LOOK ROUND AND THEN HAVE A HOT LUNCH OF SOUP, JACKET POTATO, HOT CRUMBLE/PIE AND CUSTARD.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING Friday 25th September 2015 You are invited to join us for our Macmillan Coffee Morning, when we serve tea/coffee & homemade cakes from 10am to 12 noon We then go on to serve light lunches, ploughmans, quiches, bacon & sausage rolls, various other rolls & salads as well as homemade desserts from 12.30pm to 2.15pm Take part in the raffle, buy cakes or bric-a-brac from our well stocked stall.

Venue: Thornwood Village Hall, Weald Hall Lane, Thornwood, Epping, CM16 6NB Would you like to help us beat last year’s total of £1,284 and bake us a cake – delivery to the hall on the morning of the 25th.

All cakes are sold, nothing is wasted.

Hoping to see you there.

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LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday

Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes

8.15pm & 9.15pm

Every Monday

Taoist Tai Chi

Every Tuesday

Baby & Toddler Group

Every Tuesday

Taoist Tai Chi

Every 1st Tuesday

Ongar Flower Club

10.30am —12.30 1.15 – 2.45pm 7.30pm— 9pm 7.30pm

Every 3rd Wednesday

Crib Evening

7.45pm

Every Thursday

Bingo

7.30pm

Every Thursday

10.30am

Friday 25th September

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time Sessions for under 5’s.

MacMillan Coffee Morning

Friday 25th September

MacMillan Coffee Morning

Wednesday 30th September

St Clares Coffee Morning

Saturday 3rd October

Preloved Sale

10.30am —12.30

Sunday 4th October

Sunrise Swim

7.06am

Wednesday 7th October

WI Meeting

1.45— 4.15pm

Saturday 10th October

Ploughmans Lunch

12.00

Saturday 10th October

St Clares Open Day

11am— 3pm

Monday 12th October

West Essex Flower Club

1.45pm

Saturday 24th October

1940’s Dance

7pm

Sunday 25th October

Pumpkin Plod

2pm

Saturday 7th November

W I Autumn Bazaar

Saturday 7th November

Trip to Wisley Garden Centre

Tuesday 8th December Coach to Isee If you know of a local event, please let me knowTrip and willLondon include this Lights & Sights

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10am— 12.30pm 10am— 12.00 10am

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

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

Queens Hall, School Green Lane. £2 per family (Term time only) Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Tel 01992 523854 for more information Zinc Arts Centre, High Road, Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £4.50 members free. If you love flowers, why not come along?

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

Wheelers Farm Gardens, 9 games for £4.00, Good money prizes available. All welcome (over the age of 18 years) North Weald Library. for under fives and their parents/carers.

North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Tea, coffee, raffle, cakes, bric a brac

Thornwood Village Hall. Coffee and cakes and then 12.00—2.15pm—lunches.

Wheelers Farm Gardens. Tombola Raffle Bric a Brac and more. All monies donated to St Clares North Weald Village Hall. Organised by North Weald Mums. For more information please contact Nwmums@gmail.com London Fields 50m Heated Outdoor Pool. On your own or in a team. Challenge to swim 77 metres.

Entry £10 per person includes a ot drink. Raising money for Haven House. Over 16. www.entrycentral.com/sunriseswim North Weald Village Hall. Talk is The History of Weather Forecasting, speaker Mr Ian Currie. Please note time change.

North Weald Village Hall. All welcome.

St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood. All welcome.to find out more about the work St Clare Hospices does.

Meet staff, ask questions, take part in mini workshops.

Thornwood Village Hall. Afternoon watching David Wright’s Flower demonstration entitled “Saturday Night at the Movies”. Including Autumn Plant Stall.

Everyone is welcome. Tickets £4.50 on the door.

North Weald Village Hall. Tickets £10. Please contact 07941 389232 to book. Treble Trouble and Bass Clefs. Licensed Bar. Vintage craft stalls. Raffle. In aid of British Legion Pumpkin Plod 2nd year. Choice of 2k, 5k or 10 walk.

Prices range £5. Suggested sponsorship £10/£20 for a family. Www.entrycentarl/com/pumpkinplod. To raise funds for Haven House North Weald Village Hall. Raffle, tombola, other stalls, soup, jacket potato and much more

Coach leaves Thornwood Duck Lane. Coach Fare £10.00 will also pick up in North Weald. Free Entry.

Please contact Iris Smith 01992 577872—Thornwood Seniors Sent.

Leaving Wheelers Farm Gardens and returning approx.

3pm in the events calendar and at www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk.

10.30pm. £20 per person. If interested call Lin Hannam 01992 265390. You can also enjoy and chips and the Hyde Park Christmas Market

8.30am

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

First stage of Green Belt review The first stage of the green belt review for the Epping Forest district has been completed. Councillors received a report at a recent Cabinet meeting on the strategic level review which identifies broad areas. Completion of the review and any proposals to alter existing boundaries will become a significant part of the supporting documentation in the new Local Plan.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Council reported that from the analysis of the first stage, the second stage of the green belt review will identify areas where the green belt policy designation should remain.

Identification of any parcel of land as a potential area of development does not mean that the council agrees or approves of it.

Planning Portfolio Holder Richard Bassett strongly emphasised that the review does not constitute any decisions by the council.

Questions were also raised about proposals to carry out the second stage review in conjunction with Harlow. The council’s legal adviser Mark Beard said that the review should be viewed as an evidence gathering process. Council Leader Chris Whitbread said the ‘duty to cooperate’ was not a ‘duty to agree’ and proposed that cabinet proceed to the second stage review independently.

Broadband The rollout of Superfast Broadband to rural parts of the Epping Forest district was welcomed by councillors at the meeting of cabinet on 3rd September. Responding to comments on the different types of broadband being introduced nationwide, Portfolio holder Alan Lion assured councillors that the fibre installations being installed by Gigaclear were of the highest quality.

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£120,000 boost to help people stay in their own homes Cabinet increased the disabled facilities grants budget for 2015/16 to £0.5 million with the inclusion of an extra £120,000, with further additional funding bids to be made for three years up to 2018/19. Grants are used to help people remain independent in their own home. Grants are awarded to eligible residents based on occupational therapist referrals to the council.

Epping Forest Shopping Park update Epping Forest District Council completed the purchase of Polofind’s interest in the Epping Forest Shopping Park on 3rd July.

Asset Portfolio Holder Anne Grigg updated councillors on progress toward the development of the new shopping park including highway works, approval of the most recent planning application on 10th June, architectural drawings, utility company works, health and safety, appointment of the main contractor, marketing and letting of the units and other matters. The council aims to have the complex fitted out and occupied by tenants in time for Christmas 2016.

Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk or visit our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife/

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Carbon Monoxide: Get ready for autumn Essex County Fire and Rescue Service urge homeowners to make sure that your home and family is safe from carbon monoxide this Autumn.

With autumn fast approaching, homes across Essex will soon be switching on central heating and lighting fires for the first time in months. Now is the best time to get your boiler checked, your chimney swept, gas appliances tested, flues inspected and carbon monoxide detectors installed to make sure you’re safe.

Odourless, colourless and deadly carbon monoxide is the potential silent killer in our homes.

When it enters the body it prevents blood from carrying oxygen to cells tissues and organs. The symptoms can be hard to detect and are often confused with food poisoning or a cold.

Carbon Monoxide can be caused by gas, oil, coal or wood burning heaters and will gradually fill an unventilated room creating a deadly, yet almost completely undetectable, atmosphere.

Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick said: “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer which seeps into your home without any smell and creates symptoms which can easily be confused with a winter cold.

“The only certain way to be sure that your home is safe is to make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed, but at this time of year it’s a good idea to make sure that you have your boiler and appliances checked by a qualified engineer, your chimney swept and fire place checked and above all fit carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

“They are the only certain way to stay safe. They will warn you of danger before poisoning begins and help you keep yourself and family safe from this deadly menace.”

Council has “serious reservations” over store for agricultural chemicals North Weald Bassett Parish Council has "serious reservations" over plans for an agricultural chemical sprayer and chemical store proposed for farmland in North Weald.

Padfield (Hayleys) Ltd has submitted plans for the steel portal framed structure with a lean-to at one end in a field next to Horse Shoe Farm, London Road.

Speeding concerns Parish council concerns over speeding in Hastingwood are to be raised with police at the new Local Community Meetings.

Councillor Brian Eldridge raised the issue at Monday's council meeting saying the speed of traffic in Mill Street, Hastingwood Road, Foster Street and Harlow Common was an increasingly serious problem.

He described the 40mph speed restriction as "comical" with traffic speed increasing.

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Planning committee chairman councillor Baden Clegg told Monday's meeting the council had "serious reservations" about the plans.

Councillors are objecting saying the structure is too big for the proposed purpose.

The council is asking Epping Forest District Council to seek clarification that the sprayer's booms have to be extended when cleaning is in progress.

Councillors are also seeking assurance that there would be no runoff into water courses from the proposed use.

A final decision will be taken by Epping Forest District Council.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Sixth form provision at Epping St John’s School Sixth Form students at Epping St John’s School have been speaking about the benefits of the school now having its own Sixth Form, days after the launch of the four-school sixth form consortium in the district.

Epping St John’s School together with Roding Valley High School and Debden Park High School in Loughton and King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy in Waltham Abbey form the Epping Forest District Sixth Form Consortium.

Ryan Tooze, the Head of Sixth Form at Epping St John’s School, said: “Each school has their ‘host’ subjects to teach and any speciality subjects will be distributed around the different schools.

“At Epping St John's we will host the majority of our core subjects English, Maths, Sciences, Geography, History, Philosophy and Ethics and other similar subjects - and then if anybody wants to study any sort of specialisms like Media, Computer Science then, as a consortium, we can share that amongst each other and they can travel through the different sites.”

Sixth Form student Lauren Collyer said: “It means you have familiar teachers that you really know and you have a bond with, you can trust them to teach you. It’s just nice knowing where you are.”

Hamza Murtaza is studying economics at Debden Park and History, Philosophy and Psychology at Epping St John’s. He said: “Even when I have to go and do Economics the transition is pretty simple, it’s a cab service from here. Everything is organised really well.”

He added: “Usually in the first year of sixth form or college you have to get used to the new teachers, the new environment. (At Epping St John’s) it’s great, you know all the teachers, they’re friendly and you are confident with them."

Larissa Raab said: “We know all the teachers and we’re really familiar with how they teach. It’s nice to know they are going to be there for you if you need them.

“The size of the Sixth Form is also really good. There’s only 30 students so it makes it easier to ask questions in class. The class size is a lot smaller than an average Sixth Form.”

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Raising money for life-saving air ambulance Chairman Liz Webster donated £50 today to Ben Usher, an Operations Officer at North Weald Airfield, for his charity trek and climb of Mount Kilimanjaro later this month. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, is 5,895 meters high and around 40km wide and is the highest free standing mountain in the world.

Ben hopes to raise £2,000 for the Herts Air Ambulance who are based at North Weald Airfield. Ben has raised over £1,500 towards his target of £2,000.

Ben Usher said: “Supporting the Herts Air Ambulance was an easy choice for me. They are based at North Weald and I see daily how busy they are, carrying out life-saving work for the critically ill or injured people in the community. This important service relies solely on donations from the public.”

“I’d like to thank Chairman Liz Webster and everyone else who has kindly donated to my JustGiving page. Any donation big or small is greatly appreciated and it all goes a long way towards me reaching my goal, and ultimately saving lives.”

Help Ben raise his target of £2,000 for the Herts Air Ambulance by donating at https:// www.justgiving.com/Ben Usher5/

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St Clare Hospice Open Day An open day for everyone who would like to understand a little more about hospice care is being held at St Clare Hospice next month.

To raise awareness and understanding, the Hastingwood-based charity is hosting the event on Saturday, 10th October for people to find out more about the services local people can access and how St Clare works together with other healthcare providers to improve the lives of those living with a life-limiting illness, and their families and carers.

St Clare’s new director of patient care Philip Ball said: “So many people fear the word ‘hospice’ because they think it is just a place where you go to die. Sadly, too many people in west Essex and the border of East Hertfordshire don’t receive the help they could receive from St Clare because of these fears and misperceptions and a lack of understanding about the wide range of services available, not realising that hospice care is about life and living, not just death and dying.

“If you’re interested in finding out more about the support St Clare is able to offer those facing one of life’s most difficult journeys, then please do come along and join us on the day.”

From 11am to 3pm, there will be the chance to chat to St Clare staff and volunteers, have questions answered, take part in mini workshops and have a guided tour around the Hospice.

The open day is being held to coincide with the end of national Hospice Care Week, which runs from October 5 to 11. This year’s theme is ‘Connecting care’.

Full details about the St Clare Open Day are available at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/open-day.

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www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Battle of Britain - 75th Anniversary Many people will be aware that it is the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain this year but how many local people are aware of the role RAF North Weald and its community played in this epic Battle?

Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in WW2 when this country stood alone against Hitler’s seemingly unstoppable military power.

‘It really was not just one of the most vital moments in the history of Britain, but in the history of Europe and the World’ - to quote David Cameron.

Emphasis this 75th year is on EVERYONE. The pilots and aircrew, but also radar operators, air raid wardens, firefighters, nurses and maintenance teams; and the community without who’s support and commitment to carry on all who played a vital role in the battle.

It goes without saying that North Weald Airfield was at the centre of this activity, but this would not have been possible without the involvement of local residents who played their very own important role and without them perhaps history may have had to be rewritten.

I have been lucky enough to spend some time with Arthur Moreton, local historian and font of all knowledge when it comes to the Battle of Britain, the Airfield and much more. Together we have compiled the following pages to highlight or even remind how important North Weald village was in the Battle of Britain.

Some of the information is an extract from Arthur’s book—North Weald Airfield in the Second World War and I would like to thank Arthur for suggesting this feature and for allowing me to refer to his book, use his photographs and his knowledge.

The Beginning The Battle of Britain really began in the late spring of 1940, although the official start date is the 10th of July, with the Luftwaffe initially targeting coastal towns and shipping. On the opening day of the battle 56 Squadron were in action over a convoy off the North Foreland; and the North Weald squadrons became heavily involved in the frequent savage battles above the crawling lines of little ships running the gauntlet along the south and east coasts.

Many good men were killed or severely wounded in fierce combats with the enemy. Everybody at the airfield felt the losses intensely, but under Wing Commander Beamish’s command all at RAF North Weald pulled together to do whatever was necessary to give the pilots the best possible chance in combat

One day in history—24th August, the first major raid on North Weald

Photograph: British and German air tracks—a Dogfight! If you were to look up above you, the skies were look just like this with all the trails left by the battling aircraft.

Saturday 24th August was a fine and sunny day with clear skies. This was the day when North Weald experienced their first major raid, more than 200 bombs fell on the airfield and village.

At around 4.30pm, German bombers and fighters, harassed by the defending RAF Hurricanes, headed for the airfield at around 15,000 feet and proceeded to drop bombs in a straight line through the western part of the village across the Epping to Ongar road, before hitting the airfield itself. Some witnesses have referred to the way the bombs fell as appearing like a sheet of rain when looking from a distance with bombs being dropped straight down all at the same time from the numerous German aircraft.

Nine boy soldiers from Essex Regiment, who had just arrived and were attached to the airfield for ground defence, were told to take shelter in a trench nearby in what is now Hampden Close.

Unfortunately all nine were killed by a direct hit. A few years ago a plaque was erected alongside a tree at that place in their memory. The Officers Mess, the Officers and Airmen’s Married Quarters, a power house and other facilities were heavily damaged.

In North Weald High Road, the old village Post Office, a cottage opposite the Kings Head and the Woolpack Pub were wrecked.

Other nearby houses were damaged, a Miss Metcalf of Ongar Park Hall Farm was killed, water mains were hit and the Epping to Ongar Road was closed.

Many bombs intended for the airfield fell among the community in this and the other major attacks that were to follow, but life had to go on and local people continued to work on the airfield despite the dangers.

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Pubs

Photograph: The Woolpack Pub

The pubs in the village at the time of the Battle of Britain included of course the Kings Head and the Queens Head, which some of you will remember (this is now the site of Lysander Court but was formerly a large popular pub).

In addition to these, there was a pub called The Woolpack, which I did not know. This was based on the corner of the High Road, near the station (close to the he Kings Head Garage) and flats were subsequently built on the site.

Apparently the Woolpack was a popular ‘hiding’ place for RAF personnel when the sirens sounded during the raids until of course the 24th August.

‘One Saturday morning quite early a German plane flew low over North Weald Aerodrome, and just after lunch the bombers came. Whether Jerry was a bit out in his calculations, or whether there was sufficient wind to deflect the fall of the bombs I don't know, but all the bombs with a few exceptions fell on the Railway Side of the road. The old Woolpack Public House received a direct hit but the Kings Head escaped except for one solitary incendiary. The North Weald A.F S. were sheltering in the slit trench they had dug behind this Pub and were indeed lucky to come out alive as the field was pockmarked with craters. ‘ Exert from Epping Fire Brigade Diary 1940

Ongoing battle Photograph: The Kings Head

Resistance movement in North Weald On 28th August, a special unit was formed at North Weald on the orders of Winston Churchill. 419 flight, equipped with Lysander aircraft and based in huts on the north east corner of the airfield, hat was took agents to and from France to aid the resistance movement that was then in its infancy.

Their movements were clouded in secrecy, although local farmers have told of frequently seeing the aircraft landing, taking off and at least one 56 squadron pilot is known to have flown missions for them. The unit moved to RAF Stapleford Tawney (a small Airfield near Aybridge) before moving to Stadishall in October 1940.

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German attacks on the airfields of south east England continued into early September and the battles that took place in the skies over Essex were particularly brutal.

So brutal in fact that 56 squadron lost 11 aircraft in just five days of fighting and 151 was reduced to just ten serviceable machines. The loss of pilots on 31st August was so high that both squadrons became non-operational and were withdrawn to Boscombe Down and Digby to reform. Replacement squadrons 249, 46 and 25 had little time to get used to their new surroundings before plunging into action.

On Saturday 3rd September, North Weald came under attack again. No 249 had just landed and were refuelling when the station warning sounded. Hurricanes, fighters including those with tanks partially replenished, rushed to get airborne before the bombs fell.

However with height disadvantages there was little they could to stop the bombs falling on the airfield. The damage was substantial, leaving 5 people dead and 39 injured. Two hangers were hit and gutted by fire, living quarters and the old operations room were again damaged and the newly opened operations block room took a direct hit and survived, while the tannoy and station warning systems were also put out of action.

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Bombed but not beaten “I looked over the side. To my surprise we were directly over North Weald and far below, the whole aerodrome was hidden beneath a huge, spreading grey-brown pall of smoke and dust. They’d bombed us! The airfield! The blighters had bombed our airfield!”

Tom Neil– 249 Squadron, 3rd September 1940

Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few

Photograph: Target map of North Weald used by German bombers and fighters.

In addition to the pilots and squadrons, we should remember the ground staff, and of course all of the local people, Despite the threat of bombs, looking after a family and doing your usual daily work, many local men and women took on crucial volunteering roles.

Many women, despite having a family to look after, had to do some of the roles that traditionally men had undertaken because they were away serving in the armed forces, this included hard manual work such as working on farms and in factories.

Volunteers were crucial to Woman’s Land Army, Home Guard, and Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS), to name but a view of these roles.

The work was hard for everybody, leaving not a lot of time to rest so if a rare moment arose, a cup of tea was a well earned reward.

The ground crew, RAF and WAAF, were just marvellous. All maintained our Hurricanes in the most professional manner… some pilots were known to scramble in their pyjamas.

Not a recommended mode of dress for baling out!

If you had trouble with the motor; you had to refuel the aircraft by hand… you used to get doused in petrol every day, you could always tell a bowser driver on the field, there’d be a yellow halo right round his body where the fumes were coming off his overalls.

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Education

Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary

At the start of the Battle of the Britain, the local village school located close to the airfield and next to the church was closed to protect the security of the children and staff.

Children were home schooled where possible, with the headmistress visiting each home in the morning to set the work for the rest of the day and parents had to ensure their children undertook their studies.

Later, the school was reopened at a different site, namely Willingale Tree Farm.

Some children were evacuated from London boroughs to North Weald. In reflection, this may not have been the best decision.

North Weald Airfield - 2015

The end is in sight ... or is it?

The climax to the daytime air offensive came on 15th September, now celebrated as “Battle of Britain Day”, when the Germans sent their strongest fighter escort in support of their bombers. Despite this, the RAF pilots successfully destroyed a third of the bomber force: and within two days Hitler had postponed the planned invasion of England indefinitely.

However, the young pilots were still in demand to combat the raids now centred on London and throughout this period North Weald played a pivotal in the struggle to keep the skies above clear of enemy aircraft. Losses were heavy.

On 29th October just a few days before the Battle of Britain officially ended , the station was bombed again out of all proportion to the size of the raid. 249 Squadron had just become airborne and No. 257 were commencing their takeoff, when at 4.40pm, a formation of Bf 109s flashed over the camp, scattering 100kg bombs and machine gunning as they went.

This attack was an agonising end to a defensive battle that had seen North Weald and her resident squadrons emerge with a great deal of credit. A total of 41 aircrew from North Weald and it’s satellite airfield were killed during the Battle of Britain along with 17 people who died on the ground during raids on the airfield.

Thanks to them and their comrades, in the ground and in the air, the airfield was never put out of action.

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………. and at the going down of the Sun - we will remember them.

The “Spirit of North Weald” Hurricane Gate Guardian

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North Weald became Strictly Street Stylish and contemporary pieces of furniture, individually crafted to fit perfectly to any space & lifetime guaranteed.

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On Friday 28th August a part of North Weald became a film set when the BBC cameras and all of the professional dancers came to film the pre launch video for the new Strictly Come Dancing Show.

After filming "The Locomotion" at North Weald station and having lunch at the Kings Head, the dancers and cameras transformed Tempest Mead into Strictly Street with a gold glitter postbox and Strictly Street signs.

The dancers then rehearsed and filmed a short sequence to "Dancing in the Street " followed by the Strictly Theme when they were joined by dancers from local dance schools and a Marching band.

My wife and I were out walking and fortunately I had my camera with me and we were lucky to be able to capture this exciting event.

Here are some of the images of the dancers and local residents. More images can be seen on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/ bassettphotography.

Source: David Bland—Bassett Photography

With more than 35 years' experience, CJA Upholstery is a small, friendly business who provide a comprehensive range of upholstery services to clients in Essex and Hertfordshire.

Contact Us 01992 893 964 / 07904 359 333 Northam, 45 North Street, Nazeing, Essex EN9 2NH

www.cjaupholstery.co.uk A group of local dancers joined in with the dancing in the street for the filming. Debbie Garrard, from Time4dance, teaches Ballroom and Latin American dance classes every Monday at North Weald Village Hall.

Debbie said 'we were delighted to be invited to help with the filming, it was a wonderful opportunity for local people to get involved and dance with the 'Strictly' professional dancers.

If you would like to learn to dance give a Debbie a call on 07872 427946 or email dance@time4dance. com where you will be made to feel very welcome.'

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Photo of the month

LETTER Dear Editor,

Keith Hill from Thornwood sent in the photograph below of a Kingfisher seen in his back garden, he was delighted to see this and wanted to share it with readers and of course Paul Corbet who writes our bird column every month.

I would like to say a big thank you to Dhrue at North Weald Chemists for all the help he gave to me when needing to get some Emergency Medication issued for my father who is 85 (as the chemist in Epping would not issue it).

Not only did he give us expert advice in getting the medication issued, he was there every step of the way to point us in the right direction. My father does not normally get his medication from Dhrues shop as he can’t drive and it is therefore difficult for him to get from Epping to North Weald simply to just pick up medication, but this did not stop Dhrue offering fantastic customer service.

So I would like to say a big thank you to Dhrue your service on that Saturday was second to none – you are a true asset to this village and obviously its surrounding towns.

Sue De Luca.

A loss for the village It is with sadness that I write that Mrs Eunice Marshall died in Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow on 14th August after having been in hospital for some weeks.

Many people will know Eunice from her years as owner of Dormar Playgroup which took place every morning at the Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Eunice was a caring person who loved being around children, her family and had her cats.

Many children will recall how kind ‘Mrs Marshall’ was. The playgroup was very popular with local parents and children, all three of my daughters went to her playgroup and thoroughly enjoyed their time spent there. Eunice retired approximately 8 years ago and has since then enjoyed looking after her grandchildren.

We were lucky enough also to know Eunice as a neighbour and friend. She leaves a son and daughter, their families and a dedicated husband, Brian.

The funeral took place on Friday 4th September, with a service at Greenacres Burial Park, Kiln Road followed by a burial at North Weald Cemetery. Afterwards friends and family gathered at North Weald Golf Club to celebrate her life.

Brian, Eunice’s husband, would like to thank everybody who attended the funeral and would like to say thank you for being part of a lovely service.

I know many people will miss Eunice and our wishes are with Brian and his family.

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CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church One of the more unfortunate misunderstandings about Christianity is that it’s purely about a “personal” relationship with God – how to “get to heaven” after we die, and so on. And I have to admit that a lot of the language that Christians use, in their worship and talking about God, can give exactly that impression. But the problem with just focusing on “us” and God is that we are tempted to ignore the rest of the world as we do so – and, for Christians, Jesus’ teaching, example and (most especially) his death and his resurrection point to something much greater. Jesus didn’t come to tell people how to get to heaven – he came to tell people that God had come to them! And ever since, Christians have been called to play their part in making known what we call the “kingdom of God” in the world – after all, we say in the Lord’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

As I write this in early September the newspapers and TV are full of images of people fleeing to what they hope is safety and a better life in Western Europe. Now we may have different ideas about the best way of dealing with this crisis, but what Christians say is that we can’t ignore it, and simply focus on “us” and God – because God is actually calling us to help do something about it. So we should pray for the politicians of Europe faced with hard choices, and we should think about how we as a community – both in Britain and indeed perhaps locally – can respond. True Christianity never diminishes the problems of the world because of a misplaced understanding of what Jesus taught: instead it asks for us to reflect on our common humanity as God’s children and reach out constantly to those in need, especially when we consider how extraordinarily well-off most of us are compared with those escaping from Syria and elsewhere.

And in another example of working together as a community in God’s name, our St Andrew’s Day celebrations on Monday 30th November this year will include a party – for everyone in North Weald who wants to come! We’ll be having a special service and then the party at 7.30pm that evening – please note the date. I’ll have more news next month.

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

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Gardening Hints & Tips for October I can’t believe I am writing the October gardening column, where did that summer go. I think the older you get the quicker the seasons go by, anybody else agree?

Generally now the summer bedding, hanging baskets, tubs and plants are looking past their best. So now is the best time to replant and repot for Autumn/Winter colour.

There are many different plants and bulbs you can use in pots, tubs and baskets. I generally plant spring flowering bulbs in the base, dwarf daffodils and tulips are always good. Also bedding hyacinth makes a good spring show for flowering plants, the most hardy are pansys and violas. The violas also come in many colours that are trailing. Also good to plant are heathers, cyclamen and many hardy evergreen small shrubs with different coloured foliage.

When next summer arrives, these can be taken out and planted in the garden, making them very good value. Alsop polyanthus, sweet William, Aubretia and wallflowers planted now make a fantastic spring display. Snowdrops and crocus are perfect to be planted now for late winter early spring display. Daffodils, tulips planted October/November will flower from March – May with many bright colours.

As autumn continues, tidy up all your borders pulling out any remaining weeds. Cut back perennials and clip back any untidy hedges and shrubs. Roses can be cut back in October by about a third, for the winter, just to prevent wind damage, with proper pruning to take place next March.

On the vegetable plot, pick and dig up the remaining produce, then prepare the ground for next seasons crops. Digging in well-rotted manure or composted material will help break down clay soil and add important nutrients. Also by digging this will aerate the ground and allow the frost to break up the soil. This will help the structure of the soil and make it easier to rake into a fine tilth ready for next seasons sowing and planting.

Keep the lawn free from falling leaves and windfall fruit. October generally is the last time the lawn is cut. On the final cut, raise the blades slightly to help protect the lawn through the winter months.

October is generally when I reflect on how the spring and summer was, what plants/crops were a success and which ones struggled.

If you would like to discuss any success or failures you have experienced please come and share them. This is how we all learn and it’s how I continually hear about great ideas and tips.

As always take time out, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and smells of your garden with a drink of your choice. I have to say as it’s turned a bit colder mine would be a hot soup or only occasionally a small sloe gin. Cheers!

Source: Nigel—Art Garden Centre

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

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Rockery stone & gravel

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Vegetable plants & seeds

TELEPHONE 01992 523346 Vicarage Lane West, North Weald CM16 6AL

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

(on the same road as St Andrews Church)

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(Open weds to Sun 10.30am—4pm)

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St Clares Coffee Morning

VILLAGE FEET Mrs Rita Smith DipCFHP MPSPract

07464 698273 Professional Qualified Foot Care Home Visits for: Toenail cutting & treatment for corns, Callus, verruca, ingrown toenail & other foot conditions

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30th September 2015 10 O'clock.

Wheelers Farm Gardens Tombola.... Raffle... Bric a Brac....

Cake Stall..... Cloths..... and Bookstall.

Tea / Coffee Cakes / Biscuits Stall ÂŁ1.

We Would love people to come along and support the local Hospice, All monies will be donated to St Clares Hospice.

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North Weald Once again to the forefront of the country has our small village been thrust, Seen by millions of people, although maybe unbeknown by some us.

Yes we are in the credits of strictly with all the dancers gyrating in the streets and on a train, With all the usuals and even the Len Goodmans ‘Seven’ customary score utilised again.

We’ll just have to all accept, we are a village that needs to be shared with the world, As for so many reasons we are a true wonder to be held.

Whether it be cycling, dramas, adverts or a dance show filled with glitter, Obviously when it comes to finding a great little village there is simply no place better.

North Weald we salute you!

Source: Andy – resident poet.

LETTER LETTER

Dear Editor,

I have just picked up my September issue of N.W.V.L. and must admit that as usual always turn to the Gardening Hints first.

I always mean to do what Nigel says, but somehow get side tracked by his last sentence and do tend to sit back with a large glass of cold dry white thinking about the gardening chores. I do have one excellent tip I would like to share with your readers and that is to go to Art Nursery for all your plants, seeds and other gardening needs. I f you need time to decide you can always have a lovely freshly cooked bacon baguette, coffee or tea and in my case trade insults with Tom! Art Nursery is truly a gem for all gardeners and would be gardeners, with no gimmicks, I would be lost without them.

Jean Ross

Dear Editor,

The sunshine was glorious today after days of heavy rain. I spent the day with my family in Tempest Mead or perhaps more famously known, for one day only as “Strictly Street”.

The professional dancers, extras and crew came to film for the show which starts soon. Some of the filming was done at the Railway of course. Well, a group of us were just beside ourselves with excitement . We were “buzzing” all day long!

All the famous dancers were just so lovely, friendly and happy to pose for photos, selfies and sign autographs. My granddaughter drew a lovely “good luck” picture and gave it to her favourite dancer and apparently it was going to be put on Twitter— so exciting!

As there is just one entrance/exit to Strictly Street—sorry—Tempest Mead, there were residents that need to come and go. It meant filming was halted, cameras moved but it was don with the greatest respect for the residents. Just one person in a noisy, red car seemed to need to come and go all too often! Sour grapes maybe or just the frontages of the properties nearest the entrance and around the first bend were required.

My daughter and I chatted with the Production Manager, a lovely lady. She expressed her gratitude to the residents of Tempest Mead, apologising for any inconvenience. No apology needed.

It was a charming, great event. We felt very chuffed to have witnessed the whole day. Even though what we see on TV will be condensed. WE saw it all.

Can’’t wait for the show.

Sincerely E. Jones.

Editor’s comment: Thank you for sending in this letter, and sharing your experience. I am lucky enough to have had some roving reporters and a fantastic photographer (namely David Bland— Bassett Photography) who covered this for me and allowed me to share the excitement with readers.

Another famous event for North Weald!!

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Hedgehogs—have you seen one recently have a particular love of hedgehogs, I know they are spikey and usually covered in fleas (well in my experience they have been) but they are very cute. Where I grew up I often nursed a baby hedgehog back to health.

They are of course also famous characters, an example of this is Beatrix Potters Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. In a recent BBC wildlife poll, hedgehogs were named our best loved national species.

However, how often do we see them? Have our children ever seen one? They are now increasingly rare and to highlight this they have been named as a conservation priority.

Moving on

There are reasons behind this decrease, many are killed every year on our roads and of course the decline in the number of hedgerows due to development reduces the availability of shelter and food.

Well with summer inevitably over, We start to look forward to all the Christmas cheer.

Though for many that brings with it the memories Of the loss of someone that was held so dear.

Autumn is of course the time when the hedgehog starts to prepare for hibernation and there are things you can do in your garden to help them get ready. 





If you are tidying your garden or burning leaves please move them to a new site first as this is ideal for a hedgehog to shelter under.

If you have seen a hedgehog and want to feed them, they are nocturnal, so some cat or dog food left out for them in the evening would be ideal—the old advice of bread and milk is not a good idea as this is not good for them.

Be careful when strimming, a lot hedgehogs are killed ever y year by strimmers.

For life and death Sadly walk together hand in hand With the latter never seemingly to follow Any kind of humane plan.

Although without the joy of life Death would have no effect on us at all, So we should all embrace what we have Living each and every day to the full.

Sadly this was unfortunately brought home to us When a truly lovely neighbour and friend sadly died, Leaving behind a hugely bereft husband and children Filled with all the turmoil such a horrific event supplied.

Except I believe that someone’s life Will forever continue to go on, Being relived by all those touched by that person Long after they’ve moved on.

I for one still see and hear my father so very clearly in my mind Nearly ten years since he’s gone.

Still passing on snippets of his wisdom to my family And still feel his eyes should I do something wrong.

So as we hopefully all look towards Christmas And all its related cheer.

Though not necessarily with you physically Your loved ones will always be near.

Not wanting you to feel guilty about enjoying Something that you once used to share.

But by taking their place in your heart and memories That way they’ll always be there.

In which case we can all look to the future together Feeling all the happiness life should supply.

That way no-ones ever actually gone Should they just simply move on as they’ll never really die.

Source: Andy – resident poet.

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Update from Ongar Flower Club The summer is flying by and it didn't’ feel like a month since our last gathering but so it was, as a bunch of flower arrangers met to enjoy a demonstration entitled "Take A Bunch", by Shirley Perkins. As we helped Shirley unload her car, we enjoyed an early peek at the goodies that were to come.

Now we all like to give (and receive) a nice bottle of wine, and Shirley showed us how to decorate one in a very novel way. Using a very nifty plastic holder which clipped on to the side rather like an Alice band (this is tricky to describe!), she made a little arrangement of small roses and greenery which curved round the bottle. And after enjoying the wine, you could now enjoy the flowers...an empty bottle had never been so attractive.

New Scheme to communicate with perpetrators A scheme which will allow victims of crime and anti-social behaviour (such as neighbour disputes) the chance to communicate with the perpetrators has been launched.

The Essex Restorative Justice Hub facilitates safe communication between those involved in a crime or conflict and allows victims to ask questions and receive meaningful reparation for the harm that has been caused.

Restorative Justice results in high victim satisfaction and a reduction in reoffending as it encourages those who have caused harm to take responsibility for their actions. It is a voluntary process and everyone must consent to take part.

If you have been involved in a crime or Anti Social Behaviour and you feel that this process could help you, or If you would like to become a volunteer as a Restorative Justice Facilitator and become part of the RJ Hub (full training is provided) please contact restorativejustice@essex.pnn.police.uk or ring 01245 291609 .

The second arrangement was in a modern style, with a half block of foam whose sides were neatly covered and pinned with leaves, sitting on a square, glass dish. Cutting the heads off nine large headed roses, Shirley placed them in rows of three with thin strips of iris leaf (a cheaper alternative to bear grass - top tip) placed over the top, like handles. This was very pretty and ideal as a gift to a hostess (easy to transport and no vase etc to worry about).

Now a wreath frame does not mean a funeral..

Shirley made a delightful circular arrangement using all small flowers and several different greeneries. Finally placing a beautiful crystal candle holder in the centre, it would grace any dining table.

Shirley entertained us with anecdotes and floristry tips. One to note is that a wire cooling tray placed over a bucket of cold water makes an ideal rack for slotting through gerberas for conditioning without tangling. And now with gladioli now in the supermarkets so reasonably priced, you must get yourself a bunch.

Gladioli always perform better with the tops pinched off. And from just a few stems you can create a lovely design by cutting a stem or two in half. Shirley made a beautiful crescent design using the gladi leaves looped - make a small slit a few inches from the top and push the end through.

Why not come along and join us for our next one, Tuesday 6th October when Diane Blomfield will be demonstrating for us "It's All Art" (sounds intriguing) and then another diary date: Tuesday 3rd November when we have our now famous "DIY" evening. This is where members step up to the plate and share their floral ideas. 7.30pm at Zinc Arts Centre, visitors and guests ÂŁ4.50. Don't forget all the designs are raffled and we all enjoy a coffee and chat halfway through. See you there, Source: Jenny Stone (Tel 01277 899727)

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Paintings help raise funds A range of beautiful cards featuring the original artwork of a St Clare patient are helping to raise funds for the Hospice. Marilyn Taylor donated the cards featuring her botanical watercolours to generate vital funds for the Hastingwood-based charity so that other people can benefit from the specialist care and support she has received from St Clare.

Marilyn, a former teacher who lives in Epping, said: “I thought I was going to St Clare to die; I was so weak. But, the way St Clare cares for people is an eye-opener. St Clare literally gave me back my life, my sense of self and my independence.”

Marilyn, who has two sons, was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in May 2014. When she first came to the Hospice she said she felt “totally helpless”, but thanks to St Clare’s expert care she was able to regain enough strength to go home.

“I thought that was the end of my journey,” she said. “When I was first transferred to St Clare’s Inpatient Unit, I didn’t think I’d ever go home again. But right from the start, the staff and volunteers gave me so much encouragement in so many ways. It was challenging, but they were so supportive. They make you feel like a real person, and not just a patient.”

“Marilyn’s cards come in four designs in packs of eight. They are available for a suggested minimum donation of £3 per pack, or £5 for two packs, from all eight of the St Clare Hospice shops as well as from the Hospice reception.

Baffled by the Benefits System? How the CAB can help Most people at some time in their life receive some kind of state benefit. Almost all parents get child benefit, almost all elderly people get the state retirement pension, people on low incomes can get tax credits and housing benefit, and there are many more variations. People who have never claimed anything in their lives can suddenly find they need help because of an accident or a bereavement or a divorce.

The benefits system is complicated. Decisions about benefit entitlement, and the way the system is administered by the government and local councils, can make a huge difference to people’s lives. For these reasons queries about benefits make up the biggest sl ice of the workload of a Citizens Advice Bureau, both here in the Epping Forest District, and throughout the country.

What can the CAB do to help? First, we can advise you on what benefits you may be able to claim and we can calculate what that should mean, approximately, in cash terms. You don’t have to come to see us in order to do this. You can go to our website -https:// www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ or to an independent online calculator - https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators.

Secondly, we can help you analyse and assess alternatives to your present position. You may, for instance, want to know how your overall financial situation would be affected if you start working full-time rather than part-time, or if you give up paid work to care for a disabled relative. Or you may have been told that a relative is going to leave you money in their will and you want to know how that might affect your entitlement to benefits. It’s useful for you and the relative to get advice on this because there may well be perfectly legitimate alternatives in preparing the will which will avoid any unintended adverse consequences.

Thirdly, we can help you to deal with the officials who administer the system. Sometimes it is not clear what decision has been made and why. Sometimes – inevitably in such a huge system – mistakes are made. We can draft letters for you to send and in appropriate circumstances we can try to speak to officials on the phone to try to sort out problems.

Finally, if you get a decision about benefits that you don’t agree with we can help you to appeal (provided of course that we agree that the decision is wrong or at least arguable). For most benefits decisions you can require the DWP, HMRC or the council to reconsider and if you’re not happy with the outcome you can appeal to an independent tribunal. While we haven’t the resources to represent you at a hearing we can help you with all the paperwork including what evidence to provide and drafting written submissions setting out your case.

So here’s a reminder of how you can contact us: online at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/; by phone on 03444 770 808; or a t a drop-in session at St Mary’s Church Centre in Loughton High Road from 9.30am to 1.00pm Mondays to Wednesdays, and on Fridays (i.e. no sessions on Thursdays) or at Waltham Abbey Town Hall from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Source: Paul Stockton, Citizens Advice Bureau Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Tel: 07814 863955

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Harry’s Great Historical Mystery Since the discovery of Richard III remains in a municipal car park and his lavish reburial, renewed interest is now being given to finding the remains of Harold II - England’s last Anglo Saxon King. His unconfirmed final resting-place is the only one missing from the historical records of our monarchy. All this interest in Harry started me to ponder on how the Battle of Hastings and its dramatic change of English rule may have affected our ancestors.

Records from the Domes Day book show that North Weald Bassett did not actually exist as such in 1066 but the area that is now our village was part of two family estates known as Walla (North Weald) and Walda (Thornwood). Both were situated within one of the largest and most densely wooded areas of Essex. An environment I find hard to visualize today when one looks out at our current landscape of near treeless Golf Courses, Airfield and Cornfields. The population of both these entire estates was only 41 persons and greatly outnumbered by the red squirrel and roe deer who then freely roamed these woods (alas no longer with us).

Our ancestors would have been under the yoke (rule) of the Norman Baron Peter Valognes, who was given large areas of land in 5 Counties (which included much of Essex) by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings. He was only one of the hundreds of Norman barons (who also introduced the use of castles) installed throughout England to enforce the harsh rule of the new king William.

This took nearly twenty years to complete during which time there were many uprisings, much bloodshed and the wanton destruction of the Saxon way of life. There is no record that our 41 ancestors rose up against their local baron, so I presumed that they were too busy looking after their 1 Horse, 3 Milk Cows, 5 Pigs, 30 Piglets, 5 Sheep and 3 Milk Goats - to have had the time. (Animals as recorded in the Domes Day Book).

Returning to modern day and the search for Harold’s remains, it appears that there are at least six different versions of events following the battle and where his body (or parts) could be.

Waltham Abbey. Harold’s mother is given his remains by William and she travels to Waltham (Abbey) and buries them under the main Alter.

Waltham Abbey. Harold stopped off at the Abbey to pray on his march to confront William and two monks then accompanied him to Hastings. There are two versions on what these monks did after the battle.

They asked William for his body and then buried him by the Alter at Waltham. (b) Harold’s mother gave them a casket containing the king’s head and heart ( he was decapitated and butchered by the swords of four Norman Knights) before she interned his remains under the floor of Bosham Church. The monks returned to the Abbey and buried the casket under the Waltham Alter.

St. Michaels Church – Bishops Stortford. Two people claiming to be distantly related to Harold say that the four Norman caskets in the crypt contain the bodies of Harold, Edith the Fair (his mistress) and his two brothers (also killed at Hastings).

Holy Trinity Church – Bosham, West Sussex. Bosham was the ancestral home of the Earl of Wessex family (Harold). His mother did not travel to Waltham but buried him under the church floor with his forefathers at this Bosham Church.

Harold did not die at Hastings. Although wounded he escaped to Europe where he attempted to raise an army against William but failed. He spent the next 40 years wandering as a hermit monk repenting the woe that his defeat had caused the Saxon people. Later when near to death he confessed to a young Waltham Abbey monk as to who he was and requested that he be given a final restingplace within the abbey.

Currently the organization that found Richard III are awaiting confirmation from English Heritage to carry out a ‘Sonar Under ground Survey’ on parts of Waltham Abbey’s grounds. Unfortunately all the church’s involved have so far refused all requests to unde rtake a much closer scientific examination of the graves as they are in consecrated ground. In an effort to overcome these objections requests have been made to the Church Diocese to ‘update it’s thinking and join the modern day world’ and allow the use of the advance d technology we now have, for there to be any real chance of resolving this historical mystery. Perhaps it may help if I have a few words in the local vicar’s ear - he may be able to pull a few strings with his ‘number one governor’ upstairs and alter this stalemate in the current quest to find Harry.

If you fancy a fascinating and intriguing session on the Internet search ‘King Harold’s Battle of Hastings’ some of the entries read better than any ‘Who Done It’ book you may have read.

‘My vote goes with Harry being at Bosham’.

The Happy Wanderer.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Bird Feature—October Hello, welcome to the bird related jottings for the October edition. These notes are being written at the start of the third week of September and some recent lovely sunny weather has given way to a more autumnal feel with a few heavy showers scudding through. I am told that a recent article has pinpointed the first couple of weeks of September as statistically the most reliable weeks weather wise, with more chance of warm and dry weather compared to the summer. This year certainly seems to have followed that pattern.

Anyway, the relatively good weather has resulted in some good sightings of some of our more familiar summer visitors, notably Swallows and House Martins. Indeed I have seen flocks of 20 - 30 of these insect chasing species plus occasional sightings of 2s and 3s. There is every chance that the flocks were birds passing through our area on migration. Many of these will be birds that were born this year and they will be undertaking their first migrations. Within a few weeks of leaving the nest these relatively small birds will travel as far as Africa to spend the winter months, flying over mile upon mile of land that they will never have seen before. And then undertake the return journey next spring when the majority will come back to the very area that they were born in. Depending on the weather it is possible that there could be one or two of these species still to be seen into October although of course you would have to be lucky enough to be looking out at the right time and place.

I mentioned in the September report that you could get a warbler or two passing through our gardens during the autumn and indeed I was alerted by a loud 'hweet' call on about 5 or 6 occasions during the first fortnight of September - a quick check resulted in seeing single Willow Warblers foraging in the rear gardens of my turning. This could have been the same individual being seen on separate days, but I am sure there are others frequenting the gardens of North Weald this autumn and it is most likely that you will know it is there by hearing that 'hweet' call, It is then a question of looking out for the bird as it makes its way through bushes and trees looking for insect food. The Chiffchaff is almost identical to the Willow Warbler and at this time of year with no "Chiff-chaff" call to be heard it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint which of the two species you are looking at.

I have been informed by a reliable (I think!!!) source that there are a couple of Little Egrets back in the area. They have been seen in the Weald Bridge Road vicinity. This is a bird I have mentioned several times previously. A very striking bird with lovely all white plumage. In our area they frequent small brooks and damp fields and have even been right in the heart of the village adjacent to the brook by Wheelers Farm Gardens and on the grass by the village hall. Hopefully these early sightings will be the first of many through the autumn and winter. A bird that was once an extreme rarity in the UK but which has colonised southern areas over the last couple of decades.

I am just starting to notice that some of our more familiar birds such as Robins and Blackbirds are becoming more obvious again. There is a period during the latter part of the summer when several of our common species become more skulking as they recover from the stresses of the breeding season and also undergo moulting which renews their feathers. There has been a spell over the last few weeks where I hardly saw a single Robin, yet earlier in the spring and summer I could hardly go anywhere in the village without seeing one of these pugnacious red breasted livewires. Now coming into the middle of September I am starting to see Robins about the village and indeed there is an individual that has started sporadic singing from the top of a tree in a neighbour's garden. Robins will be establishing territories for the autumn and winter months and it is perhaps surprising to realise that many of the Robins we do see over the next few months will actually be 'foreign' birds that have come to the British Isles from colder areas such as Scandinavia and continental Europe.

I have seen some large flocks of gulls recently, following tractors as farmers have ploughed fields. On one occasion near Bovinger there must have been over 200 Black-headed Gulls present with a smattering of larger gulls, namely Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. I have seen one of the latter species flying low over the village on several occasions during the last few weeks, a big gull which has obviously dark plumage on the upper part of the wing. It has just seemed to be banking and wheeling as it flies over housing areas and members of this species are known to frequent gardens if there is some obvious food such as scraps or fruit for them to devour. They dwarf Magpies, Jackdaws etc although they will initially be very wary before they land in a garden. Based on how many times I have seen this (presumably the same) bird I would be surprised if more of you don't get to notice it around the village.

Other wildlife is about as well, of course. I have seen quite a few dragonflies during the last 2 or 3 weeks although I am not sure what species I have seen. Away from ponds etc you don't always get a good view of dragonflies as they are normally whizzing by in pursuit of insect prey and you can't make out the colours or patterns. When you see them next to a body of water they tend to fly back and forth and also land on waterside vegetation which gives you a chance of a good view. There were quite a few butterflies on the wing during the warm spell at the start of September, I managed to confirm that I had seen a Common Blue but there were a couple of species I saw that I haven't checked out yet. One was a beautiful mottled brown and yellowish colour and I don't ever recall seeing one before. I will have to check a book to try and pin down the species involved. I was also at a spot that had grassy and weedy vegetation and there were literally dozens of grasshoppers jumping around. I think some were bush crickets but again I can't be sure what other species were present. It seems ironic that for over 50 years I have been watching birds and trying to learn all the different species yet all grasshoppers / crickets are 'grasshoppers', all dragonflies / damsel flies etc are just 'dragonflies' and most butterflies (and moths) are, well, butterflies and moths apart from a small number of the more obvious species such as Peacock, Red Admiral, Orange Tip etc. I must make an effort to try and identify more of the individual species rather than just lump them together. I'm sure there are some naturalists around the UK who could identify many hundreds of different insect and animal species.

If you are unsure of what bird you may have seen then it is worth checking a book to see if you can pinpoint the actual species. When I was a youngster (knee-high to a grasshopper or should that be bush cricket) I remember that there were various suggestions as to how to recognise different birds, most books used to suggest sizing the birds in relation to sparrows, pigeons, crows etc and then there were other things to look for such as bright plumage or marks, method of flying (some are fast and straight, some 'bound', some just seem to 'flit' etc) and various other pointers. Of course these days you can log onto a computer and look up a bird identification site and you can even get to listen to the song / calls made by whatever bird it is you are thinking you have seen. If you do have access to a computer one good, straightforward site is the Royal Society for the Protection of BIrds (RSPB) which has an identification section including audio clips of the species. You don't have to be a member to go onto their website and it is an easy site to navigate.

Anyway, a quick reminder to keep bird feeders clean and also providing a fresh, clean supply of water can be a real bonus for our garden birds. If you do handle feeders etc then remember that there are some diseases that are passed on by wild birds plus the risk of a build up of toxins in stale / mouldy bird food so just be aware of the need to prevent yourself being unwittingly contaminated. By the time of the next edition the weather will generally be that bit colder, the daylight hours that bit shorter but I'm sure loads of you will be out and about, be it walking the dog, over the park with the kids or just enjoying a nice walk - just keep an eye out as you go about your business as there is plenty to see and an awareness of the nature around us can enhance your day-to-day experience.

All the best, Paul Corbet Page 29

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Essential Local Numbers

Essential Local Numbers

The Alzheimer Society

01992 717676

North Weald Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Cats Protection

01992 579539

North Weald Library

01992 522896

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 257 1909

North Weald Village Hall Bookings

07870 465129

Crimestoppers

0800 555111

North Weald Parish Council

01992 523825

Doctors High Street, Epping

08445 769797

Queens Community Centre Hall Bookings

01992 522910

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

Police, Epping Station

0300 333 4444

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

Police, Neighbourhood/local

101

Epping Forest District Council

01992 564000

Police, Emergency

999

Epping Forest Burial Park

01992 523863

RSPCA

01279 306058

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Scribbles Pre School

01992 523846

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

Early Years—St Andrews

01992 522283

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

Traveline

0870 6082608

North Weald Chemist

01992 523887

The Red School

01992 522073

North Weald Golf Club

01992 522118

Village Pre School

01992 572662

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY

3rd North Weald Beavers

Jujitsu Weald North Club, North Angling Weald Club

North Weald Queens Hall Bowls Women’s ClubInstitute (Evg)

Tel: 01992 524672

Www.parklodge.co.uk Tel: 01992 524071

Tel: 523375 522258 or 522052

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Preservation Angling Club Society

Tel: 01992 522955

Tel: 01992 523417 524071 or 522618

Queens North Weald Hall Charity Wireless Station Bowls Club522910 Tel:

Coopersale Horticultural Society

North Weald Bassett Cricket Club & District Rural

Tel: 574945

Tel: Northweald.play-cricket.com 523417 or 522618

Dance Factory

North Weald Bassett Kickboxing Singers

Tel: 07976 786404

Tel: 522258 07433 2843128

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Weald Cricket Cricket Scouts Club Group Club

Tel: 01277 365200

Northweald.play-cricket.com 01992 524672

Tel: 522910 Seniors Thornwood Rapier Cycling Club Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Badger Group

North Weald Weald Kickboxing Kickboxing Seniors Society for over 70’s 524279 Tel:

Tel: 524631 Three Valleys Male Voice Choir Thornwood Seniors Tel: 01279 415563

Tel: 522196 North Weald Scouts Group North Weald 01992 524672Wireless Station Bowls Club Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s North

www.3valleymvc.org.uk Tel: 577872

Tel: 576038 Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex Tel: 522464 Epping Forest Rotary Club Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

Tel: 522803 Tel@ 522196 North Weald Women’s Institute (Evg)

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522258

Tel: 07855 911323

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Tel: 522803 Rapier Cycling Club Queens Hall Bowls Club Tel: 524631 Tel: 523375 orSociety 522052 Taoist Tai Chi Queens Hall523854/07803243625 Charity Tel: 01992

Three Essex Valleys Male Club Voice Choir West Flower Tel: 524631 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk West Essex Flower Club Te: 524631 www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Inside this issue: Battle of Britain Anniversary Special Strictly Comes to North Weald Local Events

Letters

Local News Gardening Hints