North Weald Village Life 2016 Issue

North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 122

October 2016

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.davis-homes.co.uk 01992 676500 sales@davis-homes.co.uk

 4 Bedroom Detached Family Home

 4 Bedroom SemiDetached Chalet Bungalow

 Stunning Modern Kitchen/Diner

 Kitchen/Lounge/Diner With Bi-Fold Doors to Garden

 Downstairs WC  Lounge With French Doors To Rear Garden

 Luxury Fitted Bathrooms  4 Double Bedrooms

 Garage Blenheim Square, North Weald

OIEO £585,000

Weald Bridge Road, North Weald

 4 Bedroom Detached Family Home

 2 Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment

 Kitchen/Breakfast Room

 Master Bedroom & EnSuite

 Master Bedroom With En -Suite Shower Room

 Modern Fitted Kitchen

 Purpose Built 1 Bedroom Annex

 Luxury Fitted Bathroom  Gas Central Heating

 South Facing Garden Elm Gardens, North Weald

OIEO £550,000

 Allocated Parking Space OIRO £675,000 Kendall Road, Waltham Abbey

 2 Bedroom SemiDetached Bungalow

OIRO £300,000

 4 Bedroom Town House

 Luxury Fitted Kitchen

 Master Bedroom with En Suite

 Lounge

 Family Bathroom

 Modern Fitted Bathroom

 Downstairs WC

 En-Suite To Master Bedroom

 Double Garage  Perfect Family Home

 Dining Room Hows Mead, North Weald

OIRO £599,999

Lysander Court, North Weald

professional | reliable | successful

OIRO £425,000

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

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

Copies can be collected from:    .

    

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

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

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

Contributions & Editorial If you would like to contribute editorial, poems, recipes, letters or anything else, we would be delighted to receive these. Please send them to us at the address below or via email.

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

Epping,

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Now I have to start with my favourite subject—the weather!! But, for a change, I won’t be complaining. We have had an extension to summer with hot temperatures and dry conditions being enjoyed into the middle of September. How lucky are we? I will add, I am ready for Autumn though, the nights are drawing in and it is dark by 8 o’clock so I would welcome cooler days and evenings. I may regret saying this though.

The forest ground is littered with leaves, these seem to have been falling since August, maybe it is the dry conditions that has caused this? The trees still seem to have quite a lot of leaves, I love the different colours but I don’t like seeing bare branches.

I have been busy out and about over the last few weeks. Starting off with the Horticultural show in the village hall, you can see some details and photos of the first prize entries later in the magazine. I have been to several meetings focusing on the future of the village and also the Chief Constable Challenge meeting, which you can read about in the magazine.

I also went for a tour of the newly extended St Andrews Primary School in the village. I saw the new classrooms which were great, incorporating smaller break out rooms for one to one tuition and a room dedicated to special needs. I am going back on the 5th October to their open day and will take some photos to share with you. Everybody is welcome to come along on this day and you can find out details in the magazine.

For those of you who know me (or even read this column regularly) you will know that I love a Bacardi and coke, this is my stress buster and when I have a glass in the evening it helps me to relax. Well for October, I am joining in with GoSober for the entire month of October by not having an alcoholic drink. Only three other times in my life have I gone this long with a drink (shamefully) that is when I was expecting and feeding my three girls. This will be a long month for me. I didn't take part in Race For Life this year so I thought I would do this instead. If anybody would like to donate, you can do this by visiting www.gosober.org.uk/users/june-peachey-2 all monies raised is for MacMillan Cancer Support.

I have reached a milestone in my life recently with my eldest daughter passing her driving test. I know it will help, with less of a taxi service required and she may even help out with taxing her two sisters around.

However what I had not anticipated is the worry when she is out and about driving and she hasn’t even left the village yet (she only passed a couple of days ago). Andy is quite relaxed as he went with her to give her some extra experience whilst she was learning and he has said she is a natural born driver.

I took a few times to pass my text and I still remember to this day the first time I went for a sole drive—nerve racking, I was so scared but my daughter couldn’t wait.

Hopefully see you around the village.

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.

Page 3

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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

Yacht Porsche Learjet Ferrari Maserati Lamborghini Rolls Royce Bentley Aston Martin Jaguar Orient Express Lexus Limousine Hummer

I

R

A

R

R

E

F

P

R

O

L

L

S

P

L

A

M

B

O

O

B

E

N

T

L

S

A L

O B

L R

E M

A S

R A

J J

E A

T G

M U

A A

Y R

S E

I

E

E

C

Y

O

R

S

L

L

O

R

R

M O

N E

H L

M A

I M

L R

E S

J X

E S

L O

B E

Y A

P X

U

P

O

R

A

A

U

A

R

R

N

F

E

S

A

S

T

A

S

T

S

E

Y

T

E

T

I

N

I

H

G

R

O

B

M

A

L

R

N

N

L

S

L

E

A

T

A

M

C

E

R

E

E

A

L

A

L

L

A

S

U

H

Y

E

I

M

A

S

E

R

A

T

I

H

T

L

F

R

L

N

I

T

R

A

M

N

O

T

S

A

O

Congratulations this month to Mr Waters who won last months prize and will be celebrating with a box of biscuits This month the lucky winner can also celebrate with a box of biscuits. 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 2016. Please ensure you put your name, address and telephone number on your entry so that I can telephone you if you are the lucky winner. Good Luck.

THE EPPING TREE COMPANY TOTAL TREE MANAGEMENT

SEASONED LOGS AVAILABLE 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

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

How is the Chief Constable Challenged?

London & Essex Kent’s Farm Boarding Kennels and Catteries

On the evening of Thursday 15th September, Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commission for Essex and the Chief Constable held a meeting at Epping Forest College in Loughton.

An update on policing in the Epping Forest District started the meeting, which unfortunately highlighted the lack of police resources including the reduction of PCSOs from 450 to now only 100 in the area.

Of course 101 was mentioned and discussed at length, it was agreed that there are ways in which this could be improved but would need a significant investment. One way to reduce the 101 resources required would be to encourage people to report non urgent crime online however it was agreed that feedback was needed to improve this facility including an update on incidents, investigations etc.

One member of the audience said that other 70,000 people had hung up after waiting to call 101 which is unacceptable as these people had reason to contact the police.

Approximately 40 people were in attendance at the meeting and many had questions that they wanted to ask. Many questions were asking why particular incidents had not been followed up or police support was unavailable.

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

Councillor Jackman said that she thought that people in Essex may pay more council tax is they knew the money would provide them with more PCSOs controlling their streets. Roger Hirst said that this Roger Hirst outlined the new Police and Crime Plan during the meeting. This plan should set out the policing priorities and aims was a difficult decision to make. for Essex.

HOME GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE LTD The Local Company You Can Really Trust!

We specialise in the repairs to all makes of windows and doors

Broken Down/Misted Sealed Units Replaced Locks/Hinges Renewed Conservatories Cleaned/Repaired Cat & Dog Flaps Fitted Front Door Panels Renewed Handles Replaced Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium

A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Priorities include 1.More local, visible and accessible policing, 2.

Crack down on anti social behaviour, 3. Be tough on domestic abuse, 4. Reverse the trend in serious violence, 5. Tackle gangs and organised crime, 6. Protect children and vulnerable people and 7. Improve safety on our roads Each priority was discussed and questions were asked from the audience. Halloween in North Weald was used as an example of good policing but the Chief Constable was asked what measures had been put in place this year as North Weald had 4 years experience of anti social behaviour with little police presence. An apology was provided and it was agreed that this would be a priority for 2016.

You can have your say in these areas and others in the online public survey. However you must have your say before 7th October and this plan will come into effect in early November.

The survey can be found at essex.pcc.police.uk, you can email them at policeandcrimeplan2016@essex.pnn.police.uk or writing to them at Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, 3 Hoffmanns Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1GU. I know many of you have views in relation to the police, so please make them known by completing the survey and let them know if the policing priorities are the correct ones and why. If you don’t tell them they will report that everything is correct and policing in Essex is good.

CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794

Page 5

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Celebration of opening of the new St Andrew’s school building

INVITATION TO ALL PROSPECTIVE PARENTS

WEDNESDAY 5th OCTOBER - 9.10AM CELEBRATION WORSHIP and a tour of the building or 1.30PM AFTERNOON TEA and tours of the building

Open Morning & Head Teacher Presentation You are invited by Mrs Julie Lorkins, Head Teacher, and her team to join them for an open morning on Thursday 10th November at St Andrews Primary School.

The children, staff and governors of St Andrew’s School would like you to join them in a celebration of the opening of their new building.

Talks will take place at 9.15am and 10.30am.

Tours will take place throughout the morning.

You do not need to book to attend the Open Morning.

RSVP office@st-andrewsnorthweald.essex.sch.uk Or 01992 52228

New Parent Tours

Fireworks & Bonfire Party

You are invited to come along and enjoy a tour of the newly extended St Andrews Primary School.

The Squadron, North Weald Airfield Friday 4th November 2016

These tours are being held at1.30pm on Wednesday 19th October

Gates open 5pm

9.30am on Friday 25th November

£2 per person

9.30am on Tuesday 10th September.

Balloon glow, kids disco, hog roast, Tickets available from the Squadron.

Please give them a call to book your place on these tours.

Please call

Rutting season nearly upon us

01992 522283 for more information

St Andrews Primary School, North Weald

As the nights draw in, there are reports that a large stag and deer have been seen on the edge of Epping Forest along the Epping Road, so please be careful when driving.

Also it is the rutting season towards the end of October where their behaviour can become unpredictable, they must not be approached.

The rutting season is their breeding season and they have other things on their minds and do not pay attention to passing traffic.

St. Andrew's Church

Deer must not be approached at this time of year if you see them in the forest and please keep your dogs away from them.

North Weald Bassett invites you to

So please be careful when travelling to and from the village.

FAMILY COMMUNION FOR HARVEST FESTIVAL Sunday 16th October at 9.15am Page 6

Tel: 07814 863955

0743

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday

Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes

8.15pm & 9.15pm

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

Every Monday

Taoist Tai Chi

10.30am— 12.30

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

Every Tuesday

Taoist Tai Chi

7.30pm— 9pm

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

Every 1st Tuesday

Ongar Flower Club

7.30pm

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

Every Tuesday

Baby & Toddler Group

1.15pm— 2.45pm

Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 per family.

Wednesday 5th October

Celebration worship & Tour of new school building

9-10am

St Andrews School, North Weald. Celebration workship and tour of the building. RSVP 01992 52228

Wednesday 5th October

Afternoon tea & tour of new school building

1.30pm

St Andrews School, North Weald. Afternoon tea and tour of the building. RSVP 01992 52228

Wednesday 5th October

North Weald WI

1.45pm

North Weald Village Hall. Speaker this month is Mr B D’arcy about The Crown Jewels—The Royal Regalia (please note the time).

Saturday 8th October

Litter Pick

10.00

Church Car Park, Vicarage Lane. Organised by North Weald Bassett Preservation Society. All welcome, please come along and help.

Sunday 9th October

Harvest Festival

9.30am

North Weald Methodist Church.

Sunday 9th October

Harvest Afternoon Tea

3-5pm

North Weald Methodist Church. No charge but donations to Mary’s Meals. All welcome.

Monday 10th October

West Essex Flower Club

1.45pm

Thornwood Village Hall. Adele Kent will be our demonstrator with arrangements entitled “Take an Old Shopping Bag” Autumn Plant Stall also. All welcome, visitors pay £5 on the door.

Saturday 15th October

The Jack Free Show

12.30

North Weald Village Hall. Ticket £8 on the door

Sunday 16th October

Family Communion for Harvest Festival

9.15am

St Andrews Church

Friday 21st October

Open Meeting—North Weald Preservation Society

8pm

Methodist Church Hall. All welcome.

Friday 4th November

Fireworks & Bonfire Party

5pm

The Squadron, North Weald Airfield. £2. Tickets available from The Squadron.

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

Page 7

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Do you need to know anything about the new Local Plan? Yes you do!

You will probably not be aware that every district is required to have an up-to-date Local Plan which needs to be in place in early 2017.

This may not mean much to you initially.

However, Epping Forest District Council cannot do ithiswithout input from residents. This local plan focuses on development of all areas in the Epping Forest District, includes houses, businesses, leisure facilities, shops, open spaces etc.

Epping Forest District Council have introduced a new Planning Our Future website, www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/planningourfuture, which they hope will be a one stop shop for all the information about the Local Plan and what it means for Epping Forest District, registering for updates, as well as a quick and easy way to provide feedback.

Councillor John Philip, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy at Epping Forest District Council stated: “This is your Local Plan. Get involved and give us your feedback. Our new Planning Our Future website has been launched two months before the start of the consultation, so that everyone who wants to can get involved in the different events we are holding across the District in November and December.”

Epping Forest District’s Full Council will meet on 18 October to agree whether the Draft Local Plan can go out to consultation for six weeks. If approved, the consultation on the Draft Plan is expected to run between 31st October and 12th December. There will be local meetings, displays and opportunities for people to find out more about the local plan, what they need to do etc This will be a chance to have a say over the direction of the Local Plan document before it is submitted to the Government. The document will be a blueprint for all development in the District up until 2033.

The Local Plan is not simply about how many homes are needed, but guides where the new homes are most sustainably and suitably located in Epping Forest District. It also supports the success of local businesses. It sets out the retail and leisure requirements. It will ensure the right facilities and infrastructure are delivered by developers. It will protect and enhance the District’s natural environment.

Please do not think that you don’t need to get involved with this, it is important that you have your input for development for the area you live or work. There are 55,000 households in the Epping Forest District Council so it is important that as many people has possible in North Weald have their individual input. If in 2017 plans are approved for housing development in your road but you know that this should not have happened because there are better areas for this development where the ground does not flood or closer to amenities etc, you will not have the opportunity to complain unless you got involved with the Local Plan.

Page 8

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New special school places Essex County Council is set to spend about £85million creating more than 400 new special school places across Essex. This investment comes following an increase in the number of young people in the county being diagnosed with autism and with a growing demand for special school places.

The £85million includes £42million from the Essex Schools Forum, as well as £43million of capital funding from Essex County Council.

Exact proposals have yet to be finalised but the new places are likely to include:24 new places for pupils with autism or social emotional and mental health needs in the Epping Forest district. Subject to planning processes, it is hoped building works will start in 2018.

Citizens Advice in Epping now in new premises We are delighted to be able to let North Weald Village Life readers know that the CAB now has new premises in Epping. We are in Ernest Wythes House in Hemnall Street. This is a brand-new building on the site of the old CAB. We share the building with our landlords, the Theydon Trust, and two of their residential tenants. We have four interview rooms, as opposed to one at our temporary premises in Bower Hill, so we now have the space to offer a more extensive and more convenient service to people in Epping, North Weald and Ongar.

We are recruiting more staff so that we can offer a full service. At the moment we do not have enough staff to run drop-in sessions so we are only offering pre-booked appointments. We hope to offer drop-in sessions before the end of the year but for now you will still need to go to either our Loughton or our Waltham Abbey branch initially. Loughton is open to the public in the morning from Monday to Wednesday and on Friday, and Waltham Abbey is open on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Or you can contact us via the Essex Adviceline on 03444 77 0808. Alternatively, you may find the answer to your query on our website – www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Page 9

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

The Unusual Suspects Epping Forest District are aware that residents recycle plastic drinks bottles, food and drink cans, jam jars, cardboard boxes and newspapers, but the following unusual suspects are often missed.  Aerosol cans

      

Foil trays Beauty crème jars Toilet roll tubes Toothpaste boxes and tissue boxes Perfume or aftershave bottles Plastic shampoo, shower gel and moisturiser bottles Washing up liquid bottles, soap dispensers, bleach bottles and spray cleaners

There are lots of places around the home that the Unusual Suspects can be found. If everyone in the UK recycled one toothpaste box, it would save enough energy to run a fridge in over 2,000 homes for a year.

Don’t forget your perfume or aftershave bottles - the glass from all your little scented bottles is recyclable.

Keep an eye out for aluminium deodorant and air freshener aerosol cans. If everyone in the UK recycled one aluminium deodorant aerosol can, enough energy could be saved to vacuum over 480,000 homes for a year. Or, if everyone in the UK recycled one air freshener aerosol can, enough energy could be saved to run a fridge for over 91,000 homes for a year!

Plastic shampoo, shower gel and moisturiser bottles can be recycled too.

In the kitchen the unusual suspects help to keep things clean – washing up liquid bottles, soap dispensers, bleach bottles and spray cleaners can all be recycled. Just remember, it’s best to remove the trigger spray and pump dispenser tops, as these aren’t currently recycled.

Councillor Will Breare-Hall Environment Portfolio holder said: ”Thanks to the dedication of the district’s residents, Epping Forest is one of the country’s top recycling authorities. Recycling is an important way of helping protect and improve the environment, so we all need to keep up the good work.” ”Recycle Week is an ideal time for Epping Forest district residents to take a fresh look at their recycling habits, to see if there are any opportunities for them to recycle even more.

There are lots of items that can be recycled, but some are lesser known or more ‘unusual’ than others. It’s these that we’re trying to raise awareness of.”

There are many great benefits to recycling, as many materials can be recycled over and over again with no loss of quality.

In the Epping Forest district your recycling is taken to Biffa’s recycling sorting facility in Edmonton where the materials from residents clear sacks are sorted and separated into different types of materials before being sent to manufacturers who make it into new products.

This saves resources, helps the environment, reduces energy use and supports a thriving recycling economy.

07432 843128

Page 10

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

A Record 3.2 million square metres of road surfacing A record 3.2 million square metres of road surfacing have been completed across Essex this summer.

This is the most that has ever been surface dressed over this period in the county.

Essex County Council uses surface dressing as it offers a long-lasting and skid-resistant surface by rolling stone chippings into a layer of sticky bitumen binder.

This mammoth road surfacing effort came thanks to a new 'Etnyre' machine allowing highways staff to surface dress roads in one sweep.

3.2 million square metres is the equivalent of surfacing more than 12,000 tennis courts!

The record road surfacing programme completed on time despite a wet June hampering early efforts.

Businesses in North Weald Targeted Over the weekend 4th and 5th September a number of businesses were broken into on North Weald Airfield.

A large trailer which was parked but full ready for collection early the next morning was also stolen.

At just after midnight on Monday 5th September, a white VW Golf car was witnessed parking on the forecourt, and a man left the car, broke into the front door by smashing the panel.

He was seen to be in the garage for only a few minutes prior to leaving. Nothing was taken.

Full details of the car including registration details have been provided to the police.

Again in the early hours of Saturday, from the rear of the premises, a window was smashed at the Kings Head Garage but entry was not gained.

Please be careful and aware if you own a business in the village or local area.

If anybody has any information you can ring 101 or contact Crimestoppers.

Page 11

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

You can now report non-emergency crimes at council offices Epping Forest District Council have provided an online reporting point where people can report non-emergency crimes and minor traffic collisions to Essex Police.

A computer terminal has been installed in the reception area in the civic offices, High Street, Epping, for members of the public to access Essex Police’s website and online reporting services.

The terminal will also provide residents with access to our reporting services for issues such as fly tipping, noise nuisance, missed bin collections, benefit fraud and links to Essex County Council where highways issues can be reported. The front counters of both Epping and Loughton police stations closed to the public in April this year. Loughton remains an operational base.

Chief Inspector, Denise Morrissey said: ”We know people have an emotional attachment with their local police stations. They provide a reassuring, visible presence in the community.” ”However the reality is that many, including Epping, were greatly under-used by the public and we cannot afford to keep buildings open which are expensive to maintain at a time when we are having to make huge financial savings.” ”We also need to modernise the way in which the public can contact us. Many people prefer to report non-emergency collisions and crimes online and our new website allows this.” ”Thanks to our partners at Epping Forest District Council people can now walk into the council offices and use this computer terminal to access information about Essex Police and our online reporting services whilst going about their other daily business.” ”However we would still encourage people who need us in an emergency or who are in immediate danger to dial 999.”

Councillor Gary Waller, portfolio holder for Safer, Greener and Transport at Epping Forest District Council said:“Anyone with a home computer or smart phone can access the Essex Police website anywhere, but for the significant number of local residents still offline, or for those visiting the town who are away from their computer or device, the computer access point at Epping Forest District Council will be a real bonus.” ”Residents will be able to report nonemergency crimes whenever the offices are open. We are not the police and our office is not a police station, but I hope people will appreciate the ability to drop in and use our facilities when the need arises.”

Page 12

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Beware Pickpockets

LETTER Dear Editor, Many residents living in the Epping Forest District reside in rural locations where, perhaps, neighbourhood watch is not a viable option. For these residents it is difficult to keep in touch with what is going on around them in the way of criminal activity. Knowledge is power and if you know the current crime trends it is much easier to address the safety of your own property.

However, if there is no Neighbourhood Watch in your area and to start one wouldn’t be practical, there is an alternative. I manage an email group which is called the Rural Communities Email Family. There are currently around 200 members who receive regular updates from me regarding suspicious activity in our rural areas.

All you have to do is send your email address to me at tony.ellis@essex.pnn.police.uk and I will then add you to the contact list. The details that you send me will be stored by me and only used to send you information about current crime trends and other information which might affect your quality of life. All emails will be addresses via BCC so no other members will receive your email address.

However, this isn’t a one way passage of information and I don’t have the time to trawl through all intelligence that comes in to the Police each day. If you see anything suspicious I would like you to share it with me at the time by email and I will ensure that information goes out to all other members warning them to be vigilant. It will also be fed into our Police Intelligence System and could be used to support future policing operations.

If you fit the above criteria you are most welcome to join us and I look forward to working with you.

Tony Ellis, Crime Prevention Assistant, Epping Forest District Essex Police Tel. 101 ext. 319383

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Recently a local man was the victim of a pickpocket, his wallet and cards were stolen.

On 1st September this gentleman went to pay for his shopping in Poundland, Waltham Abby, when he realised his wallet was missing.

The staff were fantastic, they telephoned the police initially on 999 but was told they should have telephoned 101.

The Poundland staff were very reassuring, providing tea and ensuring he left with his shopping. He has since been back to pay for his shopping and to thank them for their support.

Unfortunately despite CCTV at the shop potentially having footage of the pickpocket contained on it, it has not been checked by Police to date.

Well done to the staff at Poundland, it is very upsetting when this happens and you really helped our resident so a big thank you.

Please watch out for Pick pockets.

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 13.

North Weald Annual Horticultural Show This year the show took place on Saturday 20th August in the North Weald Village Hall.

Although the number of entries were lower than previous years, the quality of entries were as high as ever.

It was thought the weather conditions played a role in the way flowers, vegetables and fruit had grown recently.

It was a shame that not many children had entered in their categories, not only is it great to take part and enjoy submitting their entry, but they do win a cash prize.

Amongst the winning entries, the following were awarded first prizes. 

Mrs L. Dorras for her arrangement entitled ‘90 Glorious years.’



Mrs M. Mullier for her arrangement entitled ‘Petite Jewels’.



Mrs V. Robertson for her apple pie.



Mrs L. Dorras for her flower arrangement entitled ‘Happy Hols’.



Mr G. Mulliner for his shallots



Mr D. Tringham for his runner beans.



Mrs J. Bingham for her soft fruit

The cakes, breads and pies certainly looked to eat and the flower arrangements were stunning.

I particularly like the handicraft entries as well.

Well done to everybody who took part.

Page 14

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

All-Party Parliamentary Motor Group continue birthday celebrations On the afternoon of Saturday 15th October, the All-Party Parliamentary Motor Group and the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group will continue the 90th Birthday celebrations of HM The Queen.

90 British Vehicles representing the cream of the British Motor Industry will be lined upon the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

The first is a Bullnose Morris Oxford Tourer which was manufactured in 1926, the last Jaguar F-PACE in 2016, one for each year of her majesty’s life.

The vehicles will be inspected on behalf of HM The Queen by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

Jimmy and Barbara Waters of Thornwood Common will represent 1979 in their Austin FX4D Taxicab.

Have you considered cloth nappies?

According to Essex County Council cloth nappies are a great alternative to disposable nappies, and can offer great financial, health and environmental benefits.

For this reason they are offering a £30 refund on the purchase of cloth nappies or on a cloth nappy laundering service.

To claim your £30 refund you must: · Be an Essex resident (excluding Southend and Thurrock) · Have a receipt for cloth nappies or a laundering service (dated within 12 months) · Have a total purchase amount exceeding £30 · Only make one claim per baby per household If you are eligible, please fill in your details online at www.essex.gov.uk/nappies.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 15

Keeping our children safe The district’s primary schools are being encouraged to sign up for the NSPCC ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe.’ programme. This initiative aims to visit every primary school in the UK to bring about a long term reduction in child cruelty.

The Speak Out. Stay Safe. programme is fully funded for all schools. It consists of an assembly presentation for all children followed by an hour long workshop for Years 5 and 6. With the help of the NSPCC mascot Buddy, the programme provides child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops delivered by specially trained staff and volunteers.

It aims to help children understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs of abuse know how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse know how to get help, and the sources of help available to them, including the Childline service.

Councillor Helen Kane, Leisure and Community Services Portfolio Holder said: “The NSPCC Speak Out. Stay Safe. programme works with schools to support children’s learning in an appropriate and engaging way. It’s important for children not to be afraid and to tell someone they trust.”

“This programme reinforces that message and that children have the right to be safe, to be listened to, and to be able to find help and support.”

Helen Marriner from the NSPCC Schools Service said: “We’d love to visit every school in the Epping Forest district and empower children to speak out to a trusted adult or Childline about any worries they have. We’re committed to providing a comprehensive service to help schools keep children safe.”

“We also provide information and resources to parents as the programme links directly to the curriculum. If you want us to visit your school please contact your head teacher. Alternatively you can contact me direct by phone or email, or you can always find more information on our website.”

Helen ended with: “We aim to give a generation of children the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect – every childhood is worth fighting for.”

If you would like to find out more information, please visit nspcc.org.uk/schools.

Page 16.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Epping St John’s School celebrates GCSE success Students and staff at Epping St John’s School are celebrating the school’s best GCSE results in recent years.

Despite the progress measures getting tougher and the curriculum becoming harder the school, under new leadership, has successfully reversed a previous decline in overall results to increase its GCSE pass rate to 47 per cent of students achieving five or more A*-C grades including English and Maths.

In addition, rates of progress have increased in most subjects, with English achieving above last year’s national average.

This year 70% of students achieved a C grade or above in English and 50% in Maths; again an improvement since 2013.

Under new government measures, the school has also achieved a Progress 8 Score that is within its threshold and all students are now averaging a C grade across eight subjects.

Subjects that performed well this year are Spanish, French, English, Art, Catering, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Students achieving exceptional grades include:

MINI SHOOTERS JUNIOR COACHING Saturday Mornings & Monday Afternoons

SUPPER SOCCER

3-5 Year Olds (Nursery—Reception) Saturdays 10.30am—11.30am £5.00 per session

MINI SHOOTERS

Twins Alex and William Mehew— (18 A*s between them), Leo Dolan ( four A*s and six As), Amy Lacy-Kerr (three A*s and three As), Emma White (three A*s and three As), Nia Mohammed (two A*s and four As), Holly Allison (one A* and four As),

5-7 Year Olds (school years 1—2) Saturdays 10.30am—11.30am & Mondays 4.30pm—5.30pm 7-11 Year Olds (school years 3—6) Saturdays 9.30am—10.30am. £6.00 per session or £5.00 per session if you block book To book your son/daughter on any of coaching sessions

Kacper Szatkowski (one A* and four As), Tyler Anthony (six As),

Please call 07469

717 386

Or email info@mini-shooters.club

Charlotte Askew (six As), Lucy Glass (five As) Leonora Troshupa (five As).

Headteacher Allan Osborne said: “Today our community can celebrate the wonderful achievements of our hard working students and skilled teaching staff.

“Since I arrived in January I have overseen significant changes and I am proud that our new ‘Journey to Outstanding’ strategy Is evidenced in these marginal gains for students, giving them better opportunities for the future “We shall celebrate success today and build upon these gains to accelerate progress tomorrow.”

Tel: 07814 63955

CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTIES A range of birthday party packages available starting from £12.00 per child Min requirement of 10 children Includes invitations, Dedicated party coach, Photograph, Certificates, Commemorative football for the birthday child Unlimited soft drinks

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 17

Page 18

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Do you like writing?

Budding writers are being given a chance to share their Essex stories and see their work in print - together with a performance at the Essex County Council-sponsored Essex Book Festival.

If you like writing or just want to have a go at writing, then an Arts Council-funded creative writing project, Essex Belongs To Us, could be right up your street.

Working with Essex Libraries and Essex's Cultural Diversity team, the project's organisers see it as a way of developing creative skills and creating writing opportunities. One of the end products will be an exciting Essex Belongs To Us book featuring writers' work.

Malcolm Burgess, Project Manager, said: “We've based the project around the theme of Essex and its infinite variety. Essex represents a microcosm of the entire country – urban Essex, rural Essex, suburban Essex; all are part of the county's fascinating make-up.

“Quiet and peaceful Essex. Bustling and dynamic Essex. On-the-edge Essex. Famous, even infamous, Essex. We're asking people to give us their own word picture of the county. Essex as you see it, past, present or even future.

“Some of us are long-term residents, others are newer arrivals and may have stories about our journeys getting here.

“Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, prose or poetry, we want to hear about your Essex and how Essex belongs to you.”

Cllr Anne Brown, Essex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, added: “Everybody has their own story to tell about their experience of Essex and this is the perfect opportunity to put that down on paper.

“These events not only allow people to share their views on the county, but will also result in a book that will offer readers a timeless snapshot of modern day Essex. I look forward to reading the wide variety of entries.”

The final deadline for work is 1st November 2016. The project is open to all writers aged 16 + who live in Essex. More information about how to enter is on www.essexbelongstous.org.

Here writers can also check out writing tips from well-known Essex authors like Martina Cole, Rachel Lichtenstein, Lee Rourke and Martin Newell.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 19.

Page 20.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Great Eastern Railway Footbridge Installed at North Weald Station The footbridge at Epping Ongar Railway's North Weald Station was officially opened today by Mr Frank Messenger. The bridge, which links platforms 1 and 2 had been under going restoration for over 5 years and today marked a proud moment for the Railway's volunteers.

Frank Messenger, local resident and donor to the bridge fund said, ”Having called the village home for 45 years we agreed as a family to boost progress in the bridge project by offering to match the donations previously made. At the time I suggested that it motivated by a desire to see the completion of the bridge in our lifetimes!”

The bridge is an original Great Eastern Railway bridge that previously spanned the Central Line at Churchfields in South Woodford.

The original features of the bridge have been kept with clever use of modern materials where needed. It replaces a demolished concrete bridge built at North Weald Station.

Doug Pinkney, Project Leader for the project said, “The project started in May 2015 and at the time it was lots of rust and little else, as the original bridge had been in very poor condition. For many months it seems that my team was taking more away of the bridge than replacing. However that changed earlier this year and in July 2016 our structural engineer gave us the go ahead, we finished the steps, painting and handrails and I am very proud that the bridge was opened today.”

Prior to the installation of the bridge passengers had to cross the platforms the long way via the foot crossing. The bridge makes that journey quicker and also gives fantastic views over the whole of the North Weald Station site.

Roger Wright, Managing Director of Epping Ongar Railway said:

“As the passenger numbers for the Railway increase we need to make our stations ready for them. The footbridge is very much a part of this and demonstrates that the Railway is going from strength to strength.”

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 21

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

Your local Garden Centre



Pot Sale



Christmas Shop opening in October



Spring Bulbs



Winter Baskets



Perennial Sale

LOGS COAL CALOR GAS

Fireworks Coming Soon Orders being taken now

Home made snacks, cakes & soups Wide range of coffees always available (Open weds to Sun 10.30am—4pm)

TELEPHONE 01992 523346 Vicarage Lane West, North Weald CM16 6AL (On the same road as St Andrews Church) Page 22.

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

October Gardening Hints At the time of writing we are experiencing a heatwave, very strange in Mid September, but that’s the good old English weather. This good settled weather has meant the hanging baskets, pots and tubs are still looking good. If you keep them watered they will continue for another four weeks at least.

C. J. A. Upholstery Stylish and contemporary pieces of furniture, individually crafted to fit perfectly to any space & lifetime guaranteed.

If your baskets have gone over, because of holidays etc, it is good time to plant your Autumn colour. At the Garden Centre I have a wide range of plants suitable to plant now such as pansys, cyclamen, heathers, callunas, solanums and many evergreen shrubs. If you are unsure what to plant come in and discuss your needs and I will always endeavour to guide you in the right direction.

Complement your furniture with stunning Fabric, 1000’s of fabric to choose from.

October/November is ideal time for planting spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulip, crocus, snowdrops, hyacynths allium and bluebells. Also wallflowers and sweet William planted now for a fantastic spring display.

Why buy new furniture when we can re-upholster your existing piece?

Keep falling leaves swept up especially from the lawn. Generally during October the lawn is cut for the last time. For this I always raise the blades slightly to leave the grass longer in preparation for the winter frosts and snow.

Generally speaking I have found this a good year for fruit and vegetables. As you finish cropping tidy away all diseased and dead foliage and dispose of this. Hoe of any remaining weeds in preparation for digging over empty parts of your plot. I always take this opportunity in the Autumn to introduce well rotted manure. This will improve the texture of the soil, adding nutrients and improving moisture retention for next season.

Quality furniture – Made to last a lifetime 28 years at Omega Furniture

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

If you have had a good flowing season, please come into the Nursery and share your experiences. If you have struggles with certain aspects of your garden, then again come into the Nursery to see me ad I will try and point you in the right direction for hopefully future success.

It is always good at this point of the calendar to reflect on your garden, what plants did really well in your baskets and tubs and perhaps those that didn't and make a note so that the same mistakes are not made next year.

As always I think it is very important to take time to sit in your garden with a drink of your choice and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells all around you. Normally this time of the year it might be a soup but as its still warm, then it has to be a cold beer! Cheers!

For those of you that have been into the Garden Centre recently, you will have noticed a new member of staff—Lisa. She has been very instrumental in trying to bring me into the 21st Century. She has opened a Facebook page for you to ‘like’, Art Nursery Garden Centre (which I am still trying to come to terms with) so please give us a look.

Also Lisa has just reminded me to mention the dreaded word ‘Christmas’. This year we are massively extending our Christmas range. The new shop will take shape from the end of September, see Facebook for continuous updates!

Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre (up past St Andrews Church, Vicarage Lane).

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Page 23.

Page 24,

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Community Agents – supporting elderly, vulnerable people in Epping Forest Community Agents is an Essex-wide project, providing support to vulnerable older people and their informal carers.

Most of the people Community Agents help want information and advice. Many want to know how to maximise their income and others help with continuing to live independently.

With the support of Community Agents more than nine out of ten people who contacted them in the past year are still living independently in their own homes.

The community project is a partnership between Essex County Council, the Rural Community Council of Essex, British Red Cross, Age UK Essex and Neighbourhood Watch Essex.

It is a free service and most of the initial visits normally are made within two working days of the enquiry. Community Agents are easy to talk to and a fountain of knowledge about how to access services, benefits as well as local clubs and groups to help combat feelings of loneliness.

Community Agents helped a lady who is poorly and has to go to hospital regularly. Her husband, 78, is her full time carer and drives her everywhere but he is concerned that his eyesight is failing.

She was worried that her husband was becoming worn down with all the things she used to do and looking after her. She was becoming frustrated that her health wouldn’t allow her to continue doing things around the home.

Community Agents provided information on community transport, emergency care planning and benefits. They also arranged for grab rails in the bathroom, a perching stool for the kitchen sink so she can prepare meals again, a handrail for the staircase and a ‘message in a bottle’ – a ?? containing all emergency information about the couple in case of illness.

For more information or to arrange a free visit from a Community Agent please call: 0800 977 5858 or 01376 574341. Alternatively email: enquiries@caessex.org.uk or visit: www.communityagentsessex.org.uk

North Weald Village Life needs YOU! Please do not forget that I love to share your thoughts, jokes, recipes, articles, photos, knowledge, news, ideas etc with readers, craft ideas etc.

Please email me— june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Page 25

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Introducing Brooke & Sons In addition to all our local businesses and services we have in North Weald and the local area, did you know we had a company in the village who can help you get the most from your garden machinery, tools and even kitchen knives and scissors? I must admit I didn’t until I went and met father and son, Mick and Paul from Brooke and Sons.

I know that many people rely on their petrol lawnmowers and when they go wrong they can be very expensive to replace, so now you have another option, not only to have this repaired but if you live in the village it will be collected and returned free of charge, which again can be problematic in arranging to get this often cumbersome and heavy machinery somewhere for repair.

Whilst talking to Mick and Paul, they did provide me with a helpful hint in relation to petrol lawnmowers which is not to forget to drain the petrol from the mower before you put it away for the winter months, otherwise come Spring and you go to start it up your problems could start. Some of you will be doing this already but perhaps for new owners or users of petrol lawnmowers this may not have occurred to you, or may even explain why you have problems when you get to Spring.

In addition to the garden machinery, we all have knives that we have bought (or been given or passed down by relatives) that we do not want to throw away especially when the only problem is they are blunt. So again Mick and Paul can help, they sharpen most things and if in doubt, why not give them a call and they will happily tell you if they can help. The same can be said for tools.

Brooke and Sons is located near to Bookers, it is not on the airfield but if you head towards Bookers but don’t turn into their gate and keep on going past the Bassett Business Units, you will come to two hangers and Brooke and Sons is the one to the left – just follow the lawn mowers!!!

Again, as can be said for many local businesses, with experience and services such as this on our doorstep we really do not have any reason not to use Brooke and Sons. For those of you who know me, know that I love craft and sewing so I will be a customer with my pinking shears that have been driving me mad because they are getting so blunt.

So give Mick (father) or Paul (Son) a call on 01992 524284.

Local Lawnmower & Garden Machinery Service and Repair Workshop 

Free pick up &delivery service for petrol lawnmower servicing (within 10 miles)



Free pick up and scrappage for unwanted petrol lawnmowers



Engine oil stocked

WE ALSO PROVDE A SHARPENING SERVICE FOR BOTH DOMESTIC AND PROFESSIONAL CUSTOMERS Including scissors, knives, secateurs, chisels, blades and tools Quick fast turnaround Professional Service

01992 524284 / 07906 268618

BROOKE & SONS Ltd Formerly North Weald Saws

Page 26

Tel: 07814 863955

www.brookeandsonsltd.co.uk

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Help Countycare bag Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help’ initiative Countrycare is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Tesco’s has teamed up with Groundwork on its Bags of Help initiative, which see grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to environmental and greenspace projects.

Countrycare and their volunteers undertake a wide variety of community-based activities and coordinate a regular programme of practical conservation work in our District.

If given the grant Countrycare will use the money to improve the pond at Nazeing Triangle Local Nature Reserve. The old dipping platform which has become rotten and unsafe will be replaced. The new platform will be wheel chair accessible and will allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the pond.

A new board to help people identify what they can see in the reserve will be installed. Pond margins will be planted up with native aquatic species. This will improve the habitat for invertebrates and amphibians encouraging a greater biodiversity in the pond.

Voting is open in the Epping branch from 26th September to 9th October. Tesco customers can cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

This is the second round of the initiative: the first round saw approximately eight million shoppers vote in Tesco stores up and down the country earlier this year.

The Dolphin Tale Hello I’m a dolphin, as happy as can be, I often shout to my pod, you can’t catch me.

I swim through currents and reefs so fast, Everyday of my life, I have a blast!

Jumping in and out of the waves is what I do best, But the thing about being a dolphin is that I have no rest!

What is that I see in the distance?

Suddenly it disappeared in an instance!

I leave my pod without any warning, And I don’t see them until the next morning.

Source: Eva (aged 11).

Eva informed me that she saw dolphins and whales very close on holiday in California and this is why she wrote the poem.

Thank you Eva for sharing this poem with me and the readers, it is fantastic.

If anybody has a poem they have written and they would like to share it with readers please let me know.

Page 27

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

W . J. CRUMP Crash Repairs Established local company High quality car repairs Body Repairs Approved Insurance Repairer

Telephone: 01992 522351 Tylers Green, 284 High Road, North Weald CM16 6EG

CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church As I write, we’ve just a really great weekend at St Andrew’s, with a wedding on Saturday and a baptism on Sunday. It was good to welcome people both from our own village and exotic places further afield, like Boston (USA), Bury St Edmunds and even Barnet! And it’s reminder of just what a lovely building we have in a lovely setting. As I point out to visitors, St Andrew’s really is, in many ways, an old-fashioned country church, even though we’re not that far from the M25 and perhaps North Weald itself isn’t perhaps your typical country village….mind you, having your church effectively in the middle of a field does mean that it’s hard to keep it warm in winter!

But we’ve also been reminded this last weekend of something that’s very important to me, that I’ve mentioned before in this column: as a parish church, St Andrew’s is there for the whole community. And so it’s important that whatever we do – or any parish church does – and however we go about our life together, nothing puts up barriers to the community we are there to serve. During the many years that the previous vicar, the Revd. Thevor Thorpe, was at St Andrew’s, the church adopted what’s known as an “Anglo-Catholic” style of worship (sometimes known colloquially as “bells and smells”) which is quite formal, though offering a great spiritual richness to those who become familiar with it. But our church council has also been talking in recent months of how we might offer some different things in our worship – perhaps occasionally less formal, but trying to keep some of that spiritual richness. And so we’ve now started a service called “Family Communion” – to happen eventually every month, but for now on certain Sundays which we’ll publicise in advance (see below!)

Our family communion service is, I think, quite similar to what you’ll find in some other parish churches in our part of Essex. We still sing hymns with the organ, say our prayers and take the bread and wine of Communion (or a blessing), but instead of a sermon from the pulpit, I’ll do a more interactive “talk” about the Bible readings we’ve heard. And although – of course – children are especially welcome, the same welcome extends to young, old and middle-aged; people who’ve never been to a Christian church before or those who used to go and would like to come again. And we have tea, coffee and biscuits afterwards.

Our next family communion services are: Sunday 16th October at 9.15am – Harvest Festival Sunday 20th November at 9.15am - “Christ the King” (and look out for our December service with Nativity play – date tbc) So do come with families, friends, neighbours – whoever! And do contact me if you have any questions.

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

Page 28

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

New number for power cuts—105 105 is a new three-digit number that people can call to report or get information about power cuts.

This number is being launched in September 2016.

You can now call 105 to report or get information about power cuts in your local area.

You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, you should call the emergency services too.

105 is a free service, available to people in England, Scotland and Wales.

You can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones.

Many people don’t know they should contact their local electricity network operator if they have a power cut. They often mistakenly call the electricity supplier they pay their bills to.

That’s why the electricity network operators have introduced 105 – to give you an easy-to-remember number to call that will put you through to the local people who can help.

Page 29

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Evening and Weekend GP Service nominated for awards The Evening and Weekend GP service, which has been running across west Essex for nearly year and seen 30,000 patients, is a finalist in the sought-after HSJ award. The team has been shortlisted in the Using Technology to Improve Efficiency category, due to their exceptional work in getting the service up and running across all 35 GP practices in Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford.

To add to this achievement, the service has also been shortlisted for two awards in NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group’s Best of West Awards which celebrates local health and care champions.

Debbie Bodhanya, chief executive of Stellar Healthcare, said: “I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and to be recognised nationally is a huge endorsement of the effort we have put in. The service offers a real benefit to patients in the area and we hope to continue to grow the service and to utilise the latest technologies to trailblaze new ideas.

“Being shortlisted locally in the Best of West awards is the cherry on the top and demonstrates the impact we had on the local health economy and how we are valued by patients in the area.”

Alastair McLellan, Editor, HSJ, said: "With the NHS experiencing a tough time as funding fails to keep up with demand, the HSJ Awards are once again the best reminder of the excellence the service is capable of. Taken together the entries to the HSJ Awards represent work which, directly or indirectly, has saved thousands of lives and enhanced many times that number. The awards will be presented at an inspirational ceremony on 23 November 2016 at Intercontinental O2, London.”

The NHS West Essex Evening and Weekend GP Service is based out of five hubs across west Essex and offers routine appointments with GPs, nurses and healthcare assistants over the weekend and until 10pm in the evenings.

All GP practices in west Essex take bookings for the service, which is staffed by local GPs, healthcare assistants and nurses. You can book routine appointments, health checks and treatments. You can also ask for an appointment to discuss or manage long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and skin conditions.

The service is also trialling video consultations which can be booked through your GP practice.

Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club For outdoor and short mat bowling Bowling Membership £60 per annum Now that the outdoor season is finished, Bantham & Ongar Bowls Club holds a social night every Monday evening starting at 7pm playing short mat bowls indoors.

If you would like to try your hand at playing bowls please come along. The club is fully accessible for those with disabilities and everyone will be welcome.

Other activities on offer at the club are listed below. Membership is not required but sessional charges apply.

Short Mat Bowls – Monday – 7.00pm - 9.00pm Bridge –Wednesday – 10.00am - 1.00pm Tai Chi – Wednesday – 7.30pm - 8.30pm (experienced instructor) Cribbage – Thursday – 9.15am - 12noon Table Tennis – Thursday – 7.00pm - 9.00pm (qualified coach) Yoga (qualified instructor) £8.00 per session Friday – 12.00pm - 1.00pm and

Saturday – 9am - 11.30am Whist Drive – Saturday – 7.30pm every other week We can be found behind The Talbot public house in Wealdbridge Road, Tylers Green, North Weald, CM16 6GP. If you would like any further information please contact Jim Heppel – 01277 362631 or jimheppe-

Page 30

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Update from Ongar Flower Club The September demonstrator, Gill McGregor’s theme was "Autumn Approaches". Gill's colour theme for the six designs she created throughout the evening was predominantly golds, oranges and all shades of green. Best known for her contemporary style, she decided to prove to us she can do traditional too, by creating as her first design a beautiful country-feel arrangement incorporating a large piece of yew wood, and a metal heron (a lovely "find" at Chelsea Flower Show). Using greenery from the garden, she made a lovely design of orange gladioli, lime green anastasia chrysanthemums, and to finish, gorgeous cherry brandy roses. A big, bold and beautiful start to the evening!

In complete contrast, the only word to describe the n e x t d e s i g n w as c o n t em p o r a r y .

The Porcelain Pot The porcelain pot That lived under the bed I’m not using that I’ve heard it said.

You’ll soon change your mind In the middle of the night The outside toilet Can give you a fright.

The candle blows out It starts to rain The door shuts behind me I don’t like this game.

The technique Gill used is known as "hedging", and this is where three blocks of greenery are blunt cut to different heights. In any flower arrangement there should be a minimum of four different textures and four different shapes, and this is exactly what Gill used. Grouping different foliage to create key areas of interest, the bronze Cala lilies which formed a bold curving line, finished the design in a really stunning way.

The next demonstrator for theOctober meeting is none other than David Thomson, a very popular and well-known national demonstrator who has entertained us so well in the past. Do join us for what promises to be a fun and floral evening...we will have extra seating for this one! For this special bumper packed meeting, visitors £6....everyone make a note of the date Tuesday 4 October 7.30 Zinc Arts Centre. And our Christmas DIY evening Tuesday 1 November...you need to book your place for this one!

Source: Jenny Stone 899727

S. I. Painters and Decorators Established 1980

Quality Painting & Decorating Service

You can’t find the paper Your feeling around The latch lifts up Your heart starts to pound

       

It’s only mum Thank goodness for that And a pet that was grinning The sly cheshire cat.

I’ve told you before To use the porcelain pot That’s what it’s there for Be embarrassed not.

It was really quite pretty It had handle and lid If I’d still got it now It would fetch a few quid.

So the porcelain pot That lived under the bed A Victorian chamber I heard it said.

Written by Pat Noon Page 31

Tel: 07814 863955

Interior & Exterior Specialist Domestic & Commercial Plastering Professional & Reliable No job too small or too large Locally based in North Weald Free Estimates All work is guaranteed Telephone: 01992 524 560 or 07860 494095 Email: stephaniesinteriorsltd@live.co.uk Www.stephaniesinteriorsltd.co.uk Check out our customer references at www.yell.com/S.I.Painting and Decorating Ltd

Thank you to Adrienne Burns for sending in this amusing and quant poem.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Our Local Badgers are doing well In last month’s Village Life, I read in Paul Corbet’s Bird Feature about his concerns regarding our local Badgers and the number of dead seen by the roadside. I can assure Paul and readers that all of the local Badger Setts that I know of are reported as doing well and the young are up to their nightly romps and mischief. Luckily all these setts are not near major roads, so they are fairly safe from the ‘dreaded motor car’.

As Paul has confirmed it is very rare for a member of the general public to have seen badgers in the wild. Your best chance of being able to see these beautiful creatures ‘at home’ is by supporting one of the Badger Help Organizations. They arrange visits to areas known for Badger activity and may also help you to visit one the various Badger Sanctuaries.

In my previous article about Badgers I wrote about the local Epping Forest District Badger Group who have now combined with a much larger badger organization based in Harlow which now covers Harlow, Sawbridgeworth and the whole of Epping Forest District. The group can always do with more volunteers and would welcome families or individuals who would like to become members of a cause that gives one ‘great satisfaction’. Just phone Derrick 01279 503332 for further details.

This group is just one of the many that exist all over the British Isles, dedicated to encouraging a tolerance and appreciation of Badgers. Helping to preserve their habitat and well being and to render aid to any badger in need, with the aim that it is returned to the wild. All groups are also actively fighting the barbaric practice of ‘Badger baiting’ where dogs are allowed to attack a captive badger in a confined space. Yes people, who can only be described as ‘sick individuals’, are still carrying out this morbid practice. They are also fighting to stop the government’s current Cull of Badgers taking place in various parts of England. he Badger is legally protected by the 1992 Badger Act, which means it is an offence to willfully kill, injure or capture any badger. Or to damage, destroy or obstruct a badger sett (badger’s home).

One of the biggest threats to the badger’s existence is the motor car with hundreds being killed or injured on our roads each year. If you ever see a badger that has been hit by a car or injured in any other way please contact the Essex Badger Help Line on 07751572175 (why not keep a copy of this number in your car). Give them clear instructions as to where to find the badger. They will contact the nearest Badger Group, who will attend the scene and give help/take to a Vet. Even if the animal is dead, they will still attend to record the accident. If it is a female, they will try to recover any cubs that she had been rearing and put them in a special badger sanctuary where they will receive specialist care until they are ready to be set free back into the wild.

If you ever discover an injured badger - cover it with a blanket and leave it to calm down. Don’t try to give it food/water or put the animal in a car, because they could recover and become very active and cause havoc to your driving skills? Always call the Essex Badger help line, so they can organize skilled help.

If you have access to the Internet – There are some great pictures, stories and lots of Tshirts, Mugs and other great merchandise you can buy to help the badgers cause on: www.Badgerland.co. ukwww.ubg-uk.orgwww. badgers.org.uk.

The Happy Wanderer

Page 32

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

A Summer’s Dream As the rain falls against my window I lay down upon my bed, With the visions of family summers now casting dreams inside my head.

With all our kids now sadly back at school and leaving so early ensuring not to be late, The day’s seem so empty and eerily quiet from the never ending squabbling or as they call it a debate!

The whole summer has sadly gone in a flash that’s left me missing all the mayhem that having three kids brings, Leaving me trying hard to substitute that constant battle that all parents have with a plethora of other things.

Though it makes no difference to how much I do to fill my day, I do simply miss all my kids in every single way.

My wife and I often chat about how great it will be when once again it’s just us two, Although being parents and on call 24/7 is something that I think that we’ll always do.

We love all our kids so very much and want them all to succeed in every single way, But I have to admit I dread the day that they will move on as both of us deep down just long for them to stay.

Sure we argue even more as they grow into adults and sometimes their independence causes rifts that’ll make us all sob, Still on the other hand teaching them to stand up for themselves and have opinions surely means that we’ve done a good job.

Whichever way you look at it the summers of old have sadly now well and truly gone, So as I lay upon my bed dreaming of family summers the odd tear may well in my eyes though that can’t be wrong.

It’s just the sad realisation that our kids are growing up and having thoughts of lives on their own, I guess as a parent its just so hard to think that your primary use has now been out-grown.

Though we are so proud of what they’ve become and will support them in whatever they wish to do, For all parents as time passes no matter how hard you fight to delay that day it’s the one guarantee for which we all knew.

Maybe relegated to a lower rank as a parent you’ll always be there, And that more than anything will always be their safety net as they’ll always know how much you care.

Source: Andy—resident poet. I am not sure what he was thinking when he penned this poem.!!!! The day flies by so quickly when they are here or not here and usually we are flying around to some after school event, filling in school forms etc and that doesn't include trying to do some work. It is nice having peace and quiet sometimes.

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

Page 33

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

BIRD REPORT - OCTOBER 2016 Welcome to the report for October. I am typing this in the middle of September during a mini heatwave and I have noticed a pair of Woodpigeons nest building in a nearby tree, the weather appears to have spurred them on to attempt another brood. I suspect when the warm, sunny spell gives way to cooler, wetter weather then they will abandon the attempt.

The Swifts have departed but there are still quite a few Swallows and House Martins about. I have seen 2 or 3 flocks of up to 30 individuals and this is a feature of the beginning of their annual migration. Those flocks could be local birds, including this year's young, as they group together prior to departure or could be flocks of birds that spent the summer elsewhere and just happen to fly through our area on their journey south. On some of these bright, sunny days it can be hard to see them against the glare of the sun but they normally give their presence away with their twittering as they fly around. They can be in evidence during the evenings when they become that bit easier to spot.

Other migrants are still in evidence, particularly Chiffchaffs which have been daily visitors to mine and adjacent gardens and can pop up in any hedges, bushes or trees. At this time of the year they utter a sharp 'taweet' call rather than the loud, distinctive 'Chiff-chaff' that they repeat over and over earlier in the spring and summer.

Mixed flocks of tits and finches are starting to be in evidence. They form roaming groups that forage together. You could have a tit flock that contains Blue Tits, Great Tits and Long-tailed Tits but also with the tiny Goldcrest tagging along so it is always worth casting your eye over these groups if you notice them going by.

Finches do flock but not in the numbers that were once the case. I remember as a child seeing groups of well over 100 flying around farmland as they fed in stubbly fields, hoovering up spilt grains and weed seeds etc.

Bigger birds that increasingly flock together are Rooks and Jackdaws which can often be seen at dusk flying over the village as they head back to their overnight roosting locations. Gulls are also known for their flocks and again will feed as groups and then be seen flying over the village as the day draws to a close. They can often be seen flying in a V formation, with their pale plumage and quiet, sedate flying making an evocative spectacle. I have recently seen some quite impressive flocks feeding at freshly ploughed fields, on one occasion there must have been a couple of hundred, mostly Black-headed Gulls but with about 30 Lesser Black-backed tagging along, dwarfing their smaller cousins.

When you see a flock of birds feeding in a field or grassy common etc it can often look almost serene but this can hide the reality of life in the wild. There is always a pecking order so to speak, there are dominant birds which will be helping themselves to the best pickings with the added bonus that subordinate birds will have to forage at the edge of the flock, making them that bit more vulnerable to predators. The subordinate birds get the more meagre feeding spots and they have to spend less time feeding and more time looking out for predators which over time can make them weaker and less able to cope with colder weather. It is indeed survival of the fittest.

October may well see the arrival of the winter thrushes, Redwings and Fieldfares. Most will have been at their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and continental Europe and then set off for the British Isles and other less cold parts of the continent. On relatively calm, dry October nights you can hear Redwings as they migrate overhead making their calls in the dark. You can glimpse them in the pale light over settlements or if it is a moonlit night.

Robins are more in evidence now after a lull in activity during late summer. There are individuals to be hear all over the village, singing their rather melancholy song from a perch in a tall bush or small tree etc. They can sing on into the dark. As autumn progresses many of the Robins we will see will actually be migrants from continental Europe. This is also true of some other species such as Blackbirds.

Hopefully during the autumn we will see the return of Little Egrets to the main part of the village such as Weald Common and fields near the allotments and I am also looking forward to seeing some Grey Wagtails as their are always a small number that appear to winter in our area.

One bird that should be seen flying back and forth throughout the village is the Jay. This is the time of year when they start gathering acorns which they hide in woods etc to rely on as a food source during the winter. Jays are a colourful member of the Crow family with a distinctive white rump. I would expect them to be much in evidence, flying with purpose and you can sometimes actually see acorns held in their beaks as they fly over. Many an oak tree has grown over the years thanks to acorns dispersed by Jays.

One quick reminder, if you have a feeding set up then always try to keep the feeders and the area around them in a clean condition and also keep any water supply fresh and clean. Think hygiene !!!

I hope you have been able to enjoy the many dry and sunny days that we have had of late, if you are out and about then keep your eyes open.

There are quite a few dragonflies around the pond at Weald Common and of course we are coming up to the deer rutting season when there are increased opportunities to hear and see deer. One word of warning, this is the worst time of year for road accidents involving deer as they tend to focus on the rutting season and are more prone to just rushing across the road rather than being more cautious. Worth bearing in mind especially driving through wooded areas during evenings and nights.

All the best, Paul Corbet.

Page 34

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society

01992 717676

North Weald Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Cats Protection

0333 200 1484

North Weald Library

01992 522896

Citizens Advice Bureau

03444 77 0808

North Weald Village Hall Bookings

07870 465129 northwealdvillagehall.org/

Crimestoppers

0800 555111

North Weald Parish Council

01992 523825

Doctors High Street, Epping

01992 579270

Queens Community Centre Hall Bookings

01992 522910

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

Police, Epping Station

0300 333 4444

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

Police, Neighbourhood/local

101

Epping Forest District Council

01992 564000

Police, Emergency

999

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Police Online reporting

www.essex.police.uk/doitonline

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

RSPCA

01279 306058

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

North Weald Chemist

01992 523887

Traveline

0870 6082608

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers

North Weald Preservation Society

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 01992 524672

Tel: read 01992 522618/522630

Tel: 522910

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Cricket Club

Rapier Cycling Club

Tel: 01992 614415

Northweald.play-cricket.com

Tel: 524631

Dance Factory

North Weald Kickboxing

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 07976 786404

Tel: 07433 2843128

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Scouts Group

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 01277 365200

01992 524672

Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Badger Group

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

Tel: 576038

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s

Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522196

Tel: 522464 Epping Forest Rotary Club

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Tel: 522803

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

North Weald Women’s Institute (Evg)

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522258

North Weald Angling Club

Queens Hall Bowls Club

Tel: 01992 524071

Tel: 523375 or 522052

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