North Weald Village Life October issue

Autumn is here

There is no doubt that we are in Autumn. The weather has changed, it is so cold at night time and early in the morning. But the good news is that we have had rain and amazingly the grass has turned green instead of the brown colour it was. I always get caught out and wear the wrong thing. As much as I don’t want to see the back of summer, I hate this bit between seasons. Talking of changes, we now have a King, King Charles III. The death of the Queen shocked many, she was an amazing and inspiring person. I am not particularly a Royal fan, but the death of the Queen rocked me. It did of course bring back personal memories of losing my mother in law just a few weeks prior to this.

The queues of people waiting to visit the Queen lying in state was amazing. I didn’t go myself but I do know many local people who did and they are so glad and said it was a memory they would always treasure.

I did watch the funeral, well some of it, and I found it terribly sad. However, I hope that the Queen and Prince Philip are reunited.

So we are fast approaching the Halloween and Firework season. I must admit I did enjoy walking around North Weald last Halloween for the best decorated house competition with Tony Carter. Not having young children any longer, I never realised how creative our residents were and how much hard work goes into decorating. Maybe this year I will take a walk around to take some photos, I am a big kid at heart.

The lights are starting to draw in, so please take care driving around. The deer rutting season is nearly upon us. They won’t be taking care when crossing the road, so please drive carefully as you drive through the forest. Also be careful when walking with your dogs in the forest, during the rutting season deer can be a bit unpredictable so please keep your dogs away and on the lead.

At the end of October, the Methodist Church and Hall is due to close I believe. I have not been made aware of the plans for this building. I know many local people are sad that this has happened, it was the venue for many local groups.

The Church itself was where I got married and all three of my girls were christened their, so a lot of memories for my family. It is very sad that it is to close. Another loss for the village.

On a positive note, I did see that the Cinnamon Restaurant has been nominated for a top award Restaurant of the Year Essex, which is fantastic. Whatever the outcome to be nominated is a fantastic achievement. Please take care, wrap up, enjoy the Autumn sun and the changing colours of our local scenery.

photo

as I thought this look very seasonal and beautiful horse.

CONTENTS

October Issue

Page No.

Brain Teaser

. Parish Council suggests ‘Warm Bank’

& 7. Events

Planning Applications

Robbery in Theydon Bois

Nominate Citizen of the Year

Service for the late Her Majesty

Time to ensure chimney is ready

The Fireworks Code

Griefline

Letters

Church Chat

Halloween Advice

poem

Photos

Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

863955

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you to G. King and well done for winning the September Brain Teaser.

search and find the words, ring them and then send your completed wordsearch to me by 20th October. Please send it to:

Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, CM16

to

name,

This month’s prize is a bottle of wine.

TEASER—Win a bottle of wine!

T S O R F C O T G L O L V E P

F C L F A L T H C T I W E U C

W G R U F R S T E A D U C A O

E I K F G R C O L O I L M N D D U H T A S O F C C C Q S R S T S S O C C O A H S Y U O V L N H A E L O S L H V O W C O L G I A H W L U E I O R P K F P U D K R F R A A D L A Y S S U S O U P V R D F S G H P C E E F O R F M T O C I O A A I U I B V C O A U N R H A R L T L E A P U O S A P I T F V G A B J I U C D P L N D W A E H J H A R V E S T F U G W R S O M H U O K X H E L O A M I E U S U O I C U A L A F L U M P T

X P U S O U L E F R G T U N K

Parish council suggests 'Warm Bank' if library return approved

North Weald Bassett Parish Council is seeking the support of the parish's district and county councillors over its wish to move its offices back into North Weald Library.

The parish council wants its district and county council representatives to lobby the county council on behalf of the resident and parish council.

The library is currently open Tuesdays (9am to 1pm), Thursdays (2pm to 5.30pm) and Saturdays (9am to 5pm).

The parish council says it could offer to provide a library service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 1pm, when parish council staff will be in the building.

The parish council has also suggested that it could run a 'Warm Bank' at the library where local residents could keep warm in the winter, enjoy a book, have a cup of coffee and a biscuit and enjoy the company of other residents.

Ukrainian visitors and host sponsors' event

An event was jointly organised by Epping Forest District Council and Voluntary Action Epping Forest and it took place at the Community Hub in the Civic Offices in Epping. The event was supported by many local services and organisations including Citizens Advice, Epping Forest Foodbank, the Department for Work and Pensions and many others.

The event was titled “What Happens Next” as the government sponsored ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme reaches its initial 6 month milestone.

The evening was compered by Nick Robinson, Community Response Hub Manager at Voluntary Action Epping Forest.

Advisors on health, childcare, housing, employment and benefits, education, community service, and much more gave up their evening to meet the many visitors who attended. They either advised them or signposted to other services that could help them further. NHS colleagues were on hand to offer free health checks and flu and Covid vaccinations as well.

More than 100 people attended and a craft table kept the children busy and engaged while their adults were seeking advice.

Every Thursday Ukranian visitors are getting together at St Mary’s Church, Loughton where further support is available.

Meetings take place at the Smith Room at the church In High Street, Loughton between 10am and 11.30am. Refreshments are available and there’s time to chat and forge friendships.

Contact Caroline Macdonald or more information. Email caroline@stmarysloughton.com or Call 0790 3983812.

North Weald Methodist Church

Closing service will be held on 23rd October at 2.30pm followed by refreshments. All are welcome

West Essex Flower Club

Thornwood Village Hall on Monday 10th October is the place to come for an enjoyable afternoon.

Starting at 1.45pm demonstrator Lorraine Thompson will entertain us with flower arrangements entitled ‘In the Style of’.

Come along and spend the afternoon at this friendly club, New members welcome, visitors pay £6.00 on the door.

North Weald W.I.

North Weald W.I. meet at our Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month starting at 1.45pm. enjoying an interesting speaker and a friendly get together.

We welcome visitors, pay £4.00 on the door.

Walking in Memory – Who will you remember?

Where: St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, CM17 9JX

When: Sunday 16th October 2022, 10.30am 2pm walk sets off at 11am

For more information on taking part in Walking in Memory, please contact the Fundraising team on 01279 773750 or email fund@stclarehospice.org.uk

HOME INSTEAD Memory Lane at Theydon Village Hall Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month 2.15p.m. 4p.m (for the month of October only the event will be on the 5th October) This event is free and includes refreshments, quiz and music entertainment. To book your place call Maureen on 01992 666777.

HOME INSTEAD Singing for the Brain Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month 10.30a.m. 12 Noon at Theydon Village Hall. (for the month of October only, this event will be on the 5th) This event is free with refreshments. To book your place call Maureen on 01992 666777.

Copy Deadline for Event Details

For the November Issue—20th October

For the December Issue 20th November

North Weald Allstars Jazz Session

1st Saturday of each month

12pm onwards

Tickets available on the door £12

Ploughman’s Lunch

Held in the North Weald Village Hall

Starts at 12.00

Every Second Saturday each month - This is organised for the the benefit of the Senior Citizens Society, a North Weald institution.

NEW Community Thornwood Market

Saturday 3rd September 2022 9.30 1pm

Thornwood village hall

Lots of different styles including food, local artisans

Ongar Farmer’s Market

Sunday 4th September 2022 10am 2pm

Pleasance Car Park (Next to Chipping Ongar Library)

Lots of different styles including food, local artisans

FIREWORKS EVENTS

Scouts Annual Fireworks Display

Saturday 5th November

St Andrews Primary School

Everyone Welcome

Gates open 6pm

Display at 7.30pm

Bar, sweet treats, hot drinks, bbq Adults £4. Children £2.50. Under 3’s Free.

Tickets on sale at www.pta events.co.uk/ fostas

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

Memory Café 4U

Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month 10am 12pm

This is a free event

At St James’ Church Hall, Ongar

Welcoming café especially for those with varying degrees of memory issues and those who love and care for them.

Enjoy activities, bingo and more.

Ongar Music Club "French Songs and Operatic Delights"

First Concert on Sunday 16th October. The doors will open at 2.30pm, and a celebratory drink will be served on arrival. The performance will commence at 3pm.

Tickets are £8.00 Members and £10.00 Non Members. There will be a limited amount of tickets available at the door, so please purchase your tickets via the link below. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ongar music club/ french songs and operatic delights/2022 10 16/15:00/t krrgqkj

Please contact our Box Office if you wish to reserve a ticket and cannot do this via the internet. 07979791945

North Weald Airfield Fireworks

Event organised by Ongar Round Table & Hoddesdon Round Table

Two displays 6.30pm for little ones and a second one choreographed to music at 7pm. Street food and bar Free parking.

Tickets Adult £8, child £5.00, Family 2 adults/2children (U16) £20.00

To book tickets: Facebook Ongarroundtable or Facebook Hoddesdonroundtable

Planning Applications

Application No: EPF/1986/22

Officer: Muhammad Rahman

Location: Land adjacent to Apron 2 North Weald Airfield, Merlin Way, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6HR

Proposal: To erect a small aircraft hangar (Hangar X) at a new location at North Weald Airfield between Hangar 10 and Apron 2 (Plot 2).

Application No: EPF/2008/22

Officer: Loredana Ciavucco

Location: 55, Higham View, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6DH Proposal: Rear single storey extension with a monopitch roof with rooflights. First floor rear windows altered to facilitate first floor room layout changes

Application No: EPF/2049/22

Officer: Caroline Brown Location: 10, Vicarage Lane, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6ET Proposal: Loft conversion and addition of dormers to front side and rear.

Application No: EPF/1976/22

Officer: Caroline Brown

Location: 279, High Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6EE Proposal: Variation of condition 2 'plan no's on EPF/0124/22 (Erection of Replacement Dwelling)

Application No: EPF/2096/22

Officer: Robin Hellier

Epping Forest District Council www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Comment online at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/iPlan or by post to: The Director of Planning and Economic Development, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ

Any enquiries should be made to the Application Processing Team T: 01992 564436 or E: appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Location: 250, High Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6EF Proposal: TPO/EPF/05/82 (Ref: A1) T1: Oak Crown reduce by up to 1.5m as specified.

Any representations on applications should be made in writing by: Monday 10th October 2022

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

Robbery in Theydon Bois

Essex Police are investigating a robbery which took place in Theydon Bois during which a number of items of value were stolen. They were called to Loughton Lane, in Theydon Bois, shortly after 5.20am on Tuesday 20th September.

Three men had entered the property and threatened two people, a man and a woman, with weapons before leaving with a number of items, including Rolex watches, other jewellery and iPhones.

Each of the suspects are men and were dressed in black tracksuits, aged in their mid 20s and were wearing hooded tops. We believe they left in the Loughton direction.

Thankfully neither victim was seriously injured. They are both being supported by our officers.

Detective Inspector Tony Atkin, who is leading our investigation, has reassured the community that this is hopefully an isolated event and that there is no wider risk to the community.

Essex Police would like to encourage anyone who was in the area or has dashcam footage of cars driving in Loughton Lane between 4.45am and 5.30am on Tuesday September to get in touch.

Please contact them at www.essex.police.uk.

Arrests for Cable Thefts

On the morning of Tuesday 27th September, Essex Police confirmed that three men had been arrested in connection with an investigation into a number of cable thefts which caused a significant amount of damage.

They are investigating 25 thefts which took place in rural areas in north and west Essex, as well as in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

In total, about £1m worth of cable was stolen from the sites. That sum does not include the impact on the public and businesses.

The investigation is being led by specialist officers from our Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

As a result of their work, warrants were executed at a number of properties in Stondon Massey on Tuesday 27 September, shortly after 6am.

Three men aged 20, 22 and 41 have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal. They have been taken to custody for questioning.

In the afternoon of the following day, Wednesday 28th September, Essex Police confirmed two people had been charged in connection with an investigation into cable thefts which total about £1m, they were charged with conspiracy to steal.

Two men aged 20 and 22, living in Stondon Massey appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court later that day.

A 41 year old man has been released on bail until October.

£1.7m awarded to Essex councils to tackle county homelessness

Ten council partnership awarded funds to further help rough sleepers into suitable sustained housing.

Almost £1.7m of funding has been awarded to a partnership of ten Essex councils via the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) to support rough sleepers transition from the streets and into sustained accommodation.

The Rough Sleeping Initiative was first announced by central government in 2018. The fund was put in place for local authorities to make an immediate impact on levels of homelessness and rough sleeping in their area.

The 2022 25 fund will be targeted at local support for those who are homeless and will include additional outreach workers, support to access mental health services, emergency beds and funding to help homeless individuals with rental deposits.

Over the past two years, Essex County Council (ECC) has developed a partnership with nine city, borough and district councils, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Epping Forest, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring and Uttlesford.

This partnership seeks to reduce people sleeping rough by providing support via a Rough Sleeper Outreach Team which builds relationships and trust with rough sleepers.

Cllr John Spence, ECC Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Through hard work and collaboration our Essex partnership has been successful in securing this funding, which will be a huge step in continuing our work to help the homeless across Essex.

“The partnership between ECC, our borough, city and district partners and voluntary organisations have been working tirelessly to deliver much needed support to some of the county’s most marginalised citizens.”

The funding, alongside ECC’s wider work on homelessness and rough sleeping, helps to achieve the aims of the Council’s Everyone’s Essex ambitions, to promote the health, care, and wellbeing of all residents across the county.

In the following case study names have been changed, or shortened, to protect the identity of individuals Jane Smith was living on the streets when she was approached by a Rough Sleeper Initiative worker, Jill, who supported her into safe accommodation at Chess Homeless Shelter in Chelmsford.

Jane said: “I don’t know where I would be without the services available, they truly are valuable. Jill got me off the streets, into a shelter and a rehabilitation programme I’m now looking forward to a positive new chapter in my life.”

If you have concern about someone sleeping rough in Essex, please visit the Streetlink website: www.streetlink.org.uk.

Warning

Anyone caught breaking into the Lower Swaines recreation ground in Epping which is currently undergoing refurbishment after a fundraising campaign will be reported to police, the town council

warned.

Several incidents of people breaking into the closed off site have been reported to Epping Town Council since the refurbishment work started last week.

The work is being overseen by the town council, which is responsible for the site, following fundraising and planning by Epping Playground Association.

Town Clerk Beverley Rumsey said: "I was very disappointed to learn that people are entering the closed off site and causing damage after all the hard work that has gone on to fundraising for this playground.”

Time to nominate your Citizen of the Year 2023

Every day there are people in our district selflessly supporting others in the community our unsung heroes .

Now it’s that time of year where we recognise some of these wonderful people through our Epping Forest District Council Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Team of the Year 2023 Awards.

These awards have been showcasing people in the community who go above and beyond, making positive changes in the Epping Forest district, for many years.

It might be a good neighbour or charity worker, or a team of people who perhaps run a club for youngsters or older people.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 awards. Nominees must be over 18 and live or work in the district in order to be considered.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award is open to 11 to18 year -olds who have made an outstanding contribution to young people and activities in the Epping Forest district.

Further information and a nomination form can be found on the website www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk.

If you know an individual or group of people who fit the bill and deserve to be recognised, make sure you fill in a nomination form by Friday 25 November 2022.

Service to Commemorate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Exerts from Her Majesty The Queen’s first and last Christmas messages were read at special service of commemoration at St John the Baptist Church in Epping on Wednesday 14th September.

Prayers were led by students from Epping St John’s Church of England Secondary School, at the service conducted by Reverend Cannon Lee Batson.

Hugh Pegrum, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex read an extract from the first Christmas broadcast by Her Majesty The Queen in 1952. Councillor Mary Sartin then read an extract from Her Majesty’s final Christmas message broadcast in 2021.

From Christmas Day 1952

Above all, we must keep alive that courageous spirit of adventure that is the finest quality of youth. And by youth, I do not just mean those who are young in years, I mean too all those who are young in heart, no matter how old they may be. That spirit still flourishes in the old country and in all the younger countries of our Commonwealth.

On this broad foundation, let us set out to build a truer knowledge of ourselves and our fellowmen, to work for tolerance and understanding among the nations and to use the tremendous forces of science and learning for the betterment of man's lot upon this earth. If we can do these three things with courage, with generosity and with humility, then surely we shall achieve that 'Peace on earth, Goodwill toward men' which is the eternal message of Christmas, and the desire of us all.

From Christmas Day 2021

And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness, a change to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last 70 years social, scientific and cultural and also to look ahead with confidence.

I am sure someone somewhere today will remark that Christmas is a time for children.

It's an engaging truth, but only half the story.

Perhaps it's truer to say that Christmas can speak to the child within us all.

Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not.

In the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential.

It is the simplicity of Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing, simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith.

His birth marked a new beginning.

Epping Town Council Mayor, Councillor Barbara Scruton read gave the Bible reading from Revelation 21.1 7

Hospice calls on local people to leave a gift in their Will

Leaving a gift in your Will can make a huge impact, with more than half a million pounds donated to St Clare Hospice through gifts in Wills in the past year.

St Clare Hospice CEO, Sarah Thompson, said: “St Clare is a local charity mostly funded by local people a significant amount of money comes to St Clare in the form of gifts in Wills. If those were to disappear, then the range of outstanding care St Clare provides could be at risk. St Clare currently cares for around 1,500 families each year, both at the Hospice and in peoples own home, as well as providing free bereavement support.”

“In the past financial year we have received over £580,000 through gifts that people have left to the Hospice in their Will, which is a significant amount of income. In fact, it is enough to fund our entire Inpatient Unit for more than 16 weeks. The team on the Inpatient Unit give vital care which enables family members to become husbands, wives, sons and daughters again, rather than carers.”

Writing or amending a Will is easy to do either by using a solicitor or online. Any gift, no matter how big or small, will make a difference to St Clare Hospice and the local people they care for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For more information, visit St Clare Hospice’s website: stclarehospice.org.uk/leave a gift in your will or email fund@stclarehospice.org.uk

New Namaste Dementia Care service to support those with advanced dementia and their carers

St Clare Hospice has launched a new, one to one service to support people living with advanced dementia, and their carers, across West Essex and East Hertfordshire.

Namaste Dementia Care delivers personalised, one to one, Namaste Care activities to people living with dementia in their own homes and in residential homes. Namaste Care offers a person centred approach and the service involves trained volunteers supporting people with advanced dementia to engage in meaningful activities to promote an improved quality of life.

This is the second phase of St Clare Hospice’s Namaste Dementia Care project, which originally launched in January 2021, and initially offered training in the Namaste Care techniques to unpaid carers and paid care staff in the region. This new service sees the project expand to deliver a hands on service to local people.

Namaste Dementia Care volunteers visit weekly, for a period of up to 10 weeks, and offer a tailored package of sessions to suit the individual. Activities used are designed to stimulate all five senses, which has been shown to really help people with dementia to connect and engage with others. Namaste Care activities can include: hand massage, music, memory boxes, poetry and gentle movement.

Compassionate Communities Manager at St Clare Hospice, Fiona Venus, oversees the project and said: “We’re delighted that we are launching this exciting new service, Namaste Dementia Care, and are able to offer a hands on, personalised service for people living with advanced dementia. Namaste Care is an internationally recognised care programme, developed by Joyce Simard in the USA, for people with advanced dementia. The

word ‘Namaste’ is a Hindi greeting that means to ‘honour the spirit within,’ and is the guiding principle of Namaste Care.”

“Our team of volunteers are trained in performing Namaste Care activities with people living with dementia, and teaching those activities to the person’s carer or loved one as well, so that they can use the techniques in their daily life to help them enjoy their time together.”

Namaste Care Project Co ordinator at St Clare Hospice, Joanne Morrison, runs the project and said:

“Namaste Care really does make such a difference, and it is wonderful to see people with advanced dementia getting enjoyment and responding to the activities. It could be something as simple as listening to a favourite piece of music, or offering a hand massage, but these small things can make a big difference. Suddenly you can see a person’s eyes light up, or they might hum along, or even respond to you. They may seem like small things, but for a person with advanced dementia and their carer, it can mean a huge amount. Being able to encourage the family and carers to use these ideas in their everyday life, means we can support them to improve their quality of life even after the sessions have ended. And that is what I think makes it so special.”

Namaste Dementia Care is a free service for people with advanced dementia living in West Essex and East Herts, including nursing homes.

To access this service please contact Joanne Morrison on 07534 031702 or email namastecare@stclarehospice.org.u k.

Find out more online: stclarehospice.org.uk/Namaste/

The team are looking to recruit more people to train as Namaste Dementia Care volunteers. Find out more and apply online: stclarehospice.org.uk/ volunteervacancies/

How networking helped a new business owner

Coming from a public sector background, I was under the impression that I lacked skills and credibility in a “business” setting.

Transitioning to being a mortgage and protection adviser was daunting enough but I knew I had to put myself out there to build relationships and create connections if I wanted my business to grow and flourish.

I found the Epping Forest Business Group when searching for local networking groups online and immediately felt like it seemed different to other groups I had seen. I liked the diverse mix of members in the room and loved that it is based in the heart of Epping with a mission to help businesses within the area. Even better, they did not have a mortgage and protection adviser as a member.

Being naturally introverted, I had to take myself out of my comfort zone to approach the group and came along for a visit. I didn’t want another adviser to take the seat so had to take action. I was immediately hooked.

Roll on a year, my accountant is in the room, as is my personal trainer both keeping me accountable in different ways. I have had and gifted photography sessions and have a great network of referral partners. I have arranged more mortgages for the contacts of the other members than the members themselves as they are always looking out for opportunities for me.

The world of business can be a bumpy and lonely place at times. Thursday morning is a highlight of my week. Listening to others’ successes and triumphs as well as their trials and difficulties has taught me so much about running a business.

If you are looking to grow your business network in a fun and relaxed group, take a chance and come and visit. What have you go to lose?

James Horgan

County zones could benefit from low-tax, reduced restrictions and less regulation

More high paying jobs and business opportunities could be created across Essex as the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently approved the possible creation of pilot Investment Zones in the county.

In his autumn ‘mini budget’ statement to the House of Commons, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced new pilot Investment Zones could be created, allowing some county areas to benefit from low tax burdens, reduced planning restrictions and less regulation tailored on a zone-by-zone basis.

Essex is one of the counties in which Investment Zones could be created. Essex County Council will now enter into discussion with the Government and prepare an expression of interest to be submitted later in the year.

More detail on pilot Investment Zones can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/the growth plan 2022 factsheet on investment zones/the growth plan 2022 investment zones factsheet

Essex County Council statement on Energy Bill Relief Scheme

A statement from Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, on the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “Businesses across Essex have been understandably extremely worried about the rising cost of energy, so the announcement of the Government’s Energy Relief Bill today is most welcome.

“At ECC we’ve been clear of the need for support for businesses on energy bills and we have already produced a summary of support services, which may be able to help businesses during this difficult period. This will continue to be updated as more support becomes available. I would encourage all businesses in Essex to find out more at: www.essex.gov.uk/ cost of doing business. Firms which are looking to review their finances can also receive support directly through our Backing Essex Business service by visiting www.backingessexbusiness.co.uk.

Develop better working relationships

Something I’ve learned time and again is the importance of relationships at work. Doing good work matters, and in many companies good work is reliant on the support of others to produce and deliver good work.

By taking the below into account, I think we can all pay more attention to the quality of the relationships we have.

Seek Out Collaboration

People really like to help one another. We all have experience, skills and strengths. When people have a reason to collaborate with others, they can take all those things and make great things happen. Whether you have an idea, an improvement or an important development, find others who can support and help you deliver for the company.

Develop Your Business Understanding

Just what does someone in finance do? Why does marketing matter? How does a salesperson get to be so confident? How does HR help a business? These are questions many of ask when we’re in a company. The best thing you can do is find people in those teams and ask them to meet for a coffee to learn more about their work. You’ll make great connections internally, and often those connections can provide increased opportunities for collaboration.

Listen Openly to Others

Things at work don’t always, well, work! Sometimes the system is not good enough. Sometimes a process is too difficult. Sometimes the service or product needs work to make it better. When people have things to say about making things better, or want to make change happen, an important step is to listen really openly to what they have to say. It’s normal to feel defensive if the change might affect us, but listening openly means we give new ideas and opportunities a chance. When people feel heard, they really want to make the best of a situation.

Praise Others for Good Work

It’s rare for us to hear when we do good work. From a lot of management and leadership research we know that when people are praised for their good work they will want to do and achieve more. And it’s not just the big stuff like making a big sale, but the everyday stuff like completing a report or resolving an issue for a client. When people are praised, they feel great and are motivated to keep achieving. This isn’t an exercise in celebrating mediocrity, it’s paying attention to achievements.

Sukhvinder Pabial

Owner and Operator of The Epping Connection Epping’s first coworking space.

Jubilee tree planting project "going well"

A major tree planting project being undertaken by North Weald Bassett Parish Council to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is "going well", council chairman Alan Buckley told Monday's council meeting.

A copper beech tree, which will be the focal point for the scheme at Weald Common, was planted in May with some 3,000 trees to be planted in the coming months.

The parish council has been liaising with Essex County Council and the Forestry Commission over the project which will see full access maintained to footpaths across the site behind

Ongar Wildlife Society (OWLS)

Last month local wildlife photographer, Lynn Rix told of her expeditions to capture images of African wildlife. She added her personal experiences and told of the people of the regions and their ways of life.

On 17th October, it is my turn to give the talk. My title is Animal Coloration when I shall show how a whole range of animals put on their Harry Potter invisibility cloaks to protect themselves or blend into the background to catch their prey. Some use simple colours while others use disruptive patterns.

Still to come this year are talks on Beyond Safari Tourism and 54 Acre Outdoor Wildlife Classroom, the story and natural history of Lambourne End Outdoor Centre.

just £5 but you can

year, this year’s fee will be very much reduced.

Time to ensure your Chimney is ready

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is recommending residents with open fires and log burners plan ahead for colder weather and get chimneys swept and inspected before winter.

The Fire Service usually sees a spike in chimney fires in colder weather. By taking simple steps to clean and inspect your chimney ahead of winter, Essex residents can reduce the risk of a fire in their home.

Station Manager Nick Singleton from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Most chimney fires are preventable. Whether you have a chimney at home or one in your workplace, you can make sure your chimney is ready for colder weather by having it swept at least once a year by a suitable tradesperson. They will issue you a certificate for your insurance company.

“Having your chimney swept regularly can prevent a build up of soot which can become a fire hazard. It’s also good to have your chimney inspected regularly to make sure there’s no damage to any part of your burner and flue. Throughout the year, check your chimney in the loft for any signs of cracks or corrosion.

“If you have a wood burner, we recommend that you have a carbon monoxide alarm within the room to give you any early warning to carbon monoxide. And make sure your smoke alarms on every level are tested once a week.”

The Fire Service recommends you have your chimney ready to use before you need it.

Nick adds: “The cold weather will creep up quickly and we recommend you plan ahead now to make sure you’re ready to use your chimney when you need it.

“Now is also a good time to think about your fuel for winter and to make sure any logs you plan to use are suitably seasoned. Never burn damp wood.

“Make sure you have suitable fuels for your open fire or log burner. Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will reduce the life of the liner considerably due to increased corrosion.

For more chimney fire safety advice, visit: essex fire.gov.uk/chimney

• Always keep fireworks in a closed box Take them out one at a time and close the box.

• Never put fireworks in your pocket.

THE FIREWORK CODE

With fireworks night not far away, as we know fireworks can go on for a few weeks and if not handled correctly can be very dangerous.

There are two organised events in North Weald this year taking place on 5th November, so hopefully the majority of local people will attend these. Not only are they safer but they are also cheaper.

Please find below the Firework Code (Source British Fireworks Association).

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIREWORK CODE

• Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.

• Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards.

• Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children.

• Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school

• Ensure your pets are safe.

• Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework.

• Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.

• Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous.

• Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length.

• Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them.

• Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5.

• Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire.

What is firework misuse?

• Possessing CAT F1 fireworks whilst aged 15 or under

• Possessing CAT F2 or CAT F3 fireworks whilst aged 17 or under

• Letting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am (midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Years Eve)

• Throwing or setting off fireworks in a public place

You can be fined or prosecuted for any of the above.

Cricket club end league campaign with emphatic win and reel off three successive Sunday victories

North Weald finished their league season with a crushing victory over Lion Hawks, sending the opposition down to Division Two of the Herts and Essex Border League in the process.

Lion Hawks dangerman Henry Edmunds was bowled by Phil Ashwell with the second ball of the match, and things went from bad to worse for the Hockerill based team as they lost wickets consistently to be bowled out for just 116. A destructive 86 not out from Alex Merritt saw North Weald race to the target in just 12.1 overs.

This was followed the day after with another comfortable win over Little Hallingbury on North Weald’s Presidents Day. Joe Apperly scored 38 to get Little Hallingbury off to a flying start, but some canny bowling on a tricky pitch saw Little Hallingbury struggle to 90 all out. Bob Wood was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets and conceding just 1 run. A measured 33 not out from Vince Curren and 27 from youngster Archie Pyle saw North Weald ease to victory with more than 16 overs to spare.

North Weald’s final home game of the season was in early September against local rivals Epping Foresters. The visiting side batted first and slid to 60 6, but 46 from Sam Needham and 60 not out from Ismael Matvad saw Epping Foresters recover to 189 9 in their 40 overs. North Weald also got off to a poor start, with both openers out before the team had reached 10, but Mike De Conti led North Weald in a successful chase, blazing his way to his first club century as the light faded.

This was followed up with a fourth successful run chase in a row against a young side at Dunmow. Paul Spong took 4 13 as Dunmow posted an under par 157, and 82 from Marc Phillips ensured another win for North Weald, who now travel to Abridge and North Enfield to bring a close to the 2022 season.

Source: C. Ginn

Parish Council Garden

As many readers will be aware, the Parish Council Garden at the parade of shops in North Weald officially opened on 7th June 2016.

The floral displays have continued to mature during the years and provide a very attractive centre piece for the village.

However, the extreme weather patterns we have experienced during the last 12 months has meant that the usual colour displays have not been at their best.

A lot of hard work goes into the maintenance of the garden during the year with weeding and seasonal plantings and I would like to thank our gardener, Gary Woods, for all his help during the year.

I would also like to pass on our immense gratitude to our local sponsors namely:

Stuart Poulton Ltd The Family Funeral Directors

Greenacres Woodland Burials

Davis Homes Estate Agents

Cinnamon Indian Restaurant

Thornwood Grounds Maintenance

LVM Painter and Decorators, North Weald

Source: Alan Buckley

GriefLine

GriefLine (01279 945089) is a local resource offering much needed emotional support on the telephone, across West Essex and East Herts, to anyone struggling with their grief around the loss of someone.

GriefLine is open from 9am 5pm, Monday to Friday. It is run by a team of St Clare Hospice staff and volunteers, trained to deliver emotional support to those who are struggling with their grief.

Elaine McManigan, Family Support Counselling Co ordinator at St Clare Hospice, said: “As many people mourn the death of the Queen, we may become aware that this is having an impact on us and our own grief. Whilst we most likely didn’t know her personally, the images we see of her grieving children and other upset members of the public, can stir up many deeply felt emotions within us including other losses and our own grief.”

“For those of us who have been bereaved, whether recently or long ago, thoughts and emotions that you may have thought had passed, can come back to the surface. The stories and images we see across numerous TV and radio channels can trigger emotions within us remembering the loss of our own mother, grandmother, other family member, or friends.”

Anyone who has experienced a loss, whether recently or in the past, is welcome to call GriefLine. No previous connection to St Clare Hospice is required to access support.

What can GriefLine offer you?

• Talk to a trained volunteer offering emotional support and a listening ear

• Talk about your grief in a safe and confidential space, with someone who understands what you’re going through.

If you would like to speak to someone about the loss of someone, no matter how long ago you were bereaved, the number to call is 01279 945089. GriefLine is free to call, though charges may apply in line with your standard network rate.

For more information on GriefLine, visit: griefline.co.uk

t forget to

LETTER Dear Editor,

In response to previousarticle - control of grey squirrels I think it's awful that people call them pests.

Thegovernment shouldchange them from non invasive as they have been in England for years. They are only living beings trying to survive like all wildlife and as we areguardians of this earth we should respect and look after them.

I think humans are theinvasive species with billions of us on this planet.

Grey squirrels are beautiful creatures, I have never seen onedig up a lawn,they provide food for foxes too.

Also I seeno government scheme in reintroducing red squirrels so why control Grey's?

Anyoneout there keep feeding thegrey squirrel and respect them, they are cuteand after hundreds of year they are truly part of our English ecosystem.

Love live thegrey squirrel. North Weald Resident Editor’s Comment: I couldn’t agree more, I love watching them. Ata family home in Epping, squirrels regularly visit,running along thefence, eating nuts etc. I could watch them all day.

LETTER Dear Editor,

The mess left by some uncaring people /young or older is a very sad and disgraceful sight.

It’s also very dangerous .

There was a large broken plate in many pieces near the flood pond recently!

Also a settee tucked under bushes where young boys were sitting by a barbeque and masses of litter. Dog mess left everywhere as well ! By adults .

Would the people who know they are to blame, please try to be more caring and could parent’s and grandparents please teach the youngsters to pick up littler put it in a bin/take it back home.

Most Important we are all at risk if a fire breaks out !!!!

Please think and take care of the open spaces we are lucky enough to still have.

Thank you.

Editor’s Comment—I agree, there is no need for fly tipping or dropping litter. Recently there was a boat on a trailer dumped in Church Lane and this could have caused an accident, in the dark this would not have been seen. I know that the Council and Police were made aware. Some people do care, I know a few people who regularly who go out picking up litter accompanied by their grandchildren. Just take the rubbish home, put in a bin or take it to the dump.

Proclamation of King Charles III

On Sunday 11 September the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Mary Sartin read the formal Proclamation our new King for the district.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, District and Town and Parish Councillors, residents and Epping Forest District Council staff gathered outside the Civic Offices in Epping to hear the Proclamation and gave 3 cheers to His Majesty the King.

Mrs Rosemary Padfield, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex said:"We come together this afternoon following the death of our late Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning Monarch.

"But the basis on which our monarchy is built has endured that through the centuries the Crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. Today’s ceremony marks the formal Proclamation to the people of Epping Forest District of the beginning of our new King’s reign."

The Proclamation of the Accession

The Proclamation at Epping followed the meeting of the Accession Council on Saturday 10 September at St. James’s Palace to proclaim our new Sovereign.

Cllr Mary Sartin said: "It is my humble duty, to bring the words of the Proclamation to the residents of the District of Epping Forest." The Proclamation of the Accession

Whereas it is pleased Almighty God to call to His mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the second of Blessed and Glorious Memory by whose Decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to the Prince, Charles Philip Arthur George we, therefore, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of this Realm, and members of the House of Commons, together with other members of her late majesty’s Privy Council and representatives of the realms and territories, Aldermen and citizens of London and others, do now hereby with one Voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of happy Memory, become our only Lawful and Rightful Liege Lord, Charles the third by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and all his other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection, beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with Long and Happy years to Reign over us,

Given at St. James’s Palace this tenth day of September in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty two. God save The King.

Penny Salon & Other Events

The display at the Penny Salon in Ongar Station

Many readers will be familiar with the ‘Penny Salon’, situated within Ongar Station. Our current exhibition features ‘Our Steam and Pleasant Land’, which went live in early September and has attracted a large number of visitors.

A total of 46 A3 framed prints were chosen from an initial 120 'probable' framed examples to grace the walls. Further images are also on display on each side on the centrepiece, portraying the 1961 - 64 era in both colour & black & white imagery, thus making 58 pictures on display overall. For those that have not visited us yet, the exhibition will be live until the end of October.

It is anticipated that snow will again adorn the walls of the salon over some of the Christmas and New Year holiday period (to be confirmed). We are approaching a busy operational period on the Railway. Full details are available on our website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Epping Ongar Railway it’s part of your local heritage!

Robert Good

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society

Photo: Malcolm Batten

What’s Going On?

Sunday 10am: informal, friendly & creative worship. St Andrew’s Church.

Sunday 3pm: contemplative, prayerful Mass. St Andrew’s Church.

Every Tuesday, 7.30 8.30 on zoom: Bible Study, chat & prayer. Email summersaimee@gmail.com for more information.

First Tuesday of each month, 10.40am: dementia friendly service for residents, staff & families of residents of Cunningham House

Rosary (praying with beads). First Wednesday of every month at 12, in St Andrew’s Church. Contemplative group to offer you space to be with God.

Lunch Socials: 12.45 on a Wednesday in St Andrew’s Church Hall. Bring your own lunch. Teas & coffees provided.

CHURCH CHAT

St Andrews Church

Wow! Have any of you ever been struck suddenly by the presence and beauty of God?

Perhaps you might not call the experience God - but sometimes the sense of Someone being alongside you, or a powerful experience of beauty might make you stop and just go “wow!” In fact, sometimes, “wow” is all that there is to say.

Last month, I was reading this poem to some of the lovely folks at North Weald Sunday Morning Church, as part of our weekly Bible study and prayer. Their reaction to a poem I hadn’t thought about much made me stop and think about how powerfully and beautifully God was speaking through these words.

Sometimes we have to stop and say “wow!” at the glory and beauty and closeness of God. Sometimes there really is no better word. Wow.

Here is the poem, from, “Psalms of a Laywoman”, by Edwina Gateley.

Let your God love you

Be silent.

Be still.

Alone.

Empty Before your God Say nothing.

Ask nothing.

Be silent.

Be still.

Let your God Look upon you. That is all. God knows. God understands. God loves you

With an enormous love, And only wants To look upon you With that love.

Quiet.

Still. Be.

Let your God Love you. May you find a ‘wow’ moment to spend with God this week.

Source: Jaimee

Dates For Your Diary: - Pet Blessings! Sunday 2 October, 10am in St Andrew’s (Please put small animals in safe, secure carriers, & muzzle dogs who may be aggressive).

8 October: Forest Church, 3pm meet outside St Alban’s Church, coopersale & going into the woods opposite. A time to worship God in the sacred space of the woods.

13 October, 12pm: monthly philosophy & religion discussion group in the King’s Head pub will meet. Email summersaimee@gmail.com to sign up. - Grief & Loss: a service for All Soul’s, for all who have lost someone they love.

30 October, 10 am in St Andrew’s Church. Remembrance Sunday Service: 10.50am at St Andrew’s Church. There will also be a civic service at 12.15 at the Norwegian War Memorial.

12 December: Carol Service, featuring St Andrew’s School Choir. Mince pies and mulled wine to follow. 6.30pm in St Andrew’s Church

Children safety at Halloween

Halloween will occur at the end of this month, on 31st October.

This can be a fun time for children, dressing up in costumes and going door to door with the hope of visiting neighbours and local residents to collect a ‘treat’. However, to ensure your safety and the safety of children, here is some advice:

• It is recommended you go in a group, that way the children and adults can walk safely together and have fun and ensuring any younger children are safely supervised.

• It will be dark and sometimes paths can be uneven so taking a torch would be a good idea.

• Only visit local homes that have a pumpkin or Halloween decorations on show.

• Avoid visiting homes of elderly people as it can be quite scary to open the door when it is dark.

• Make or buy costumes in light coloured material.

• Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child.

• Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. …

• Dress your child for the weather.

• Ensure you have a bag to collect those ‘treats’.

• Children should not dart out behind parked cars or sprint across the road. This can be unsafe for the child and may scare drivers causing an accident.

Ultimately have fun, home made outfits can be great using old clothes and items you have at home. If you can’t go out, put some simple decorations up outside your home and I am sure the children will come a knocking.

If you would like to share photos of your homes decorated or your children in their outfits please send them to me via email or message me on Facebook.

I would love to include some photos in the next issue of the magazine.

Have fun and stay safe.

Halloween Advice for those that don’t want visitors

Not everyone likes people knocking on their door asking for treats.

It can be quite scary or upsetting.

If this is something that you want to avoid why not write in big letters on a piece of paper and display in your window or on your door -

‘No Trick or Treaters this year thank you’.

If you or you know someone who has the use of a computer, there are signs that can be downloaded from Government or local council websites that can be printed and displayed.

ONGAR NATURE WATCH False autumn

Prolonged high summer temperatures in Ongar, and the rest of south east England, have not only parched the land and dried uprivers, ponds and reservoirs, they have also caused trees to shed their leaves early in what has been termed a false autumn.

Record temperatures were recorded in many parts of southern and eastern England with 40oC seen for the first time in Britain in July, a month which was also the driest since records began.

Instead of the green of summer and early autumn, many woodlands, parks and gardens are now carpeted in brown, crunchy dried leaves while many of the leaves that remain on the trees are a mixture of yellow, orange and red. Shown here are fallen ash leaves covering the grass in the Jubilee Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Cripsey Brook.

This early leaf fall is a sign of the trees being stressed, as they shed their leaves to prevent transpiration and retain precious water. While older trees with deep roots are able to withstand the drier conditions, many less established trees will be at risk and may not survive.

The trees are utilising the hormones which in autumn shut them down to ensure their continued survival over the winter period. They may keep going like this for a few years but it will eventually impact on them leading to their premature death. At a time when countless young trees are being planted to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to combat climate change, this is bad news indeed. So climate change is actually working to negate the measure taken to alleviate its effects which has led to drought being declared and a ban on the use of hosepipes in order to conserve water in some areas.

A similar situation was observed during prolonged dry spells in 2006 07 but this year has been more severe and it appears that these events are happening more frequently. And hotter, drier, summers and more erratic rainfall very much fits in with the concept of climate change.

We have just experienced a long period of exceptionally hot and dry weather but who knows what next. Let us hope that we do not have the heavy rainfall that caused floods earlier this year and are now causing havoc, destruction and death in countries like Pakistan.

Back in this country, the high temperatures are also responsible for the premature ripening of berries and nuts which could hit small mammals and birds that collect them in September and October to provide energy to survive the cold winter months.

Nature's timing assures the survival of our wildlife: The climate crisis brings changes in seasonal weather patterns that our wildlife cannot adapt to rapidly and their long term existence must be brought into question.

Keith Snow

October Gardening Hints

Welcome to Autumn, and he rain has finally arrived along with a chill in the air, a bit of a shock after the fantastic summer we have had.

October is now the time to change the plants in your pots, tubs, and hanging baskets. If you would like me to refill your baskets, you can bring in your empty baskets any time now and I will plant with Autumn/Winter colours.

In your beds, you can plant wall flowers and sweet William along with spring flowering bulbs, tulips, daffodils, crocus, snowdrops etc.

It’s a good time to give roses a light prune and also pick off any leaves affected by black spot. Do not put these on the compost heap, its advisable to put them in the green waste bin for disposal

Start to prepare the vegetable patch ready for next season. Dig over and leave in large clods allowing the winter frosts to break down the soil into a fine tilth to make planting and sowing much easier in the Spring.

Introducing world rotted manure at the same time will be extremely beneficial.

Keep the lawns free from falling leaves and windfall fruit, sometime in October is usually the last cut of the year. If you can raise the blades slightly to help the lawn flourish through the winter months.

I generally about now, make a note of crops/flowers that have been a success and those that perhaps have struggled also noting the position they were planted, ie., sunny, shady etc. This helps to plan your garden for next Spring/Summer when things come to life again.

If you would like to discuss any success or failures you have experienced, please come in and share them, producing photos if possible, this will help with diagnosis.

It’s how we all learn and how I continually hear about great ideas and tips.

As always, take time out, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of your garden with a drink of your choice. As it has turned now colder, mine will probably be a sloe gin. Cheers!

Source: Nigel, Art Garden Centre. Vicarage Lane.

New £50m support for Essex residents to help with the cost of living

Essex County Council is setting out its plan to help households and communities deal with the rising cost of living.

A new raft of measures and money to help families battle against increasing cost of living pressures has been announced by Essex County Council (ECC)

The plans include £17 million of government cash to help households pay for insulation and other energy saving improvements at home, a community led ‘winter warmth and welcome’ campaign to provide local places for winter warmth over the coming months, including a grant scheme to help groups fund activities, and additional funding to help vulnerable people with essential costs.

The full range of the £50m support is outlined in the Council’s Cost of Living Support for Households and Communities Plan, which aims to help those needing immediate support.

Through the plan, ECC brings together partners, charities and organisations to tackle the issues residents are facing. It also maps the wider support being delivered across the county.

The Council’s approach is based on three pillars Response, Resilience and Root causes, along with a six point plan to support residents.

A number of support initiatives are already underway with others due to launch in mid October onwards. This plan will continue to evolve and will respond to the changing needs of people and communities in Essex.

While these measures will offer immediate relief to residents in difficulty, ECC is also looking at the medium and long term, building resilience and looking at the root causes of cost of living pressures, such as access to skills and good jobs.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, the County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “We know people across the country are struggling and many are really worried about how they are going to cope with the rise in the cost of living.

“We understand the challenges many are faced with, and tackling this crisis is a key priority for us, so people have access to the food, heating and essential items they need.

“Our Cost of Living Support for Households and Communities plan highlights how we will be funding and mobilising support across the county how we will help people keep warm, eat and keep well and happy this winter, and beyond. We will also be providing valuable advice and guidance to communities to help them, help themselves.

“Even though these short term solutions will make a difference in the ‘here and now’, we recognise that it is essential that support measures are put in place to help residents become as resilient as possible, so that they are more able to cope with future pressures and I will be making more announcements in the coming weeks.”

ECC remains committed to the goals of its Levelling Up strategy, a longer term programme looking beyond the immediate impacts of inflation and the rising prices of essentials.

In November, Essex County Council is hosting a summit with partners to ensure all public service agencies are working together to support communities

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

Essential Living Fund

The Essential Living Fund has replaced both Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.

The Essential Living Fund may be able to provide you with essential items in an emergency such as:

• Furniture and furnishings

• White goods

• Household equipment

• Fuel costs for pay as you go meters

• Clothing and footwear

• General living expenses

• The Essential Living Fund is operated as a grant system and if awarded, it will be paid by goods or vouchers.

To be considered for support you must be:

Aged 16 or over, in receipt of state benefits or on a low income and permanently live in Essex.

The Essential Living Fund is run by Essex County Council and individual applications are administered by Southend On Sea Borough Council for the whole of Essex. www.southend.gov.uk/extra financial help/essential living fund

Royalty

Such a sad time we’ve had, as the UK as a whole, With the sad passing of our Queen affecting so many and leaving it’s toll.

For General Living expenses (e.g. groceries, nappies, toiletries, and fuel) apply by calling 0300 7900124 between 8:45am 5:15pm.

Her 70 year reign, being a constant in so many of our lives, The likes of which has been an example to how a monarchy should thrive.

Will that continue with the new King, that’s been ordained, Or will status of the royal family now never be quite the same?

For me, I’ve grown up reading and watching people ridicule Price Charles, as he was known, Now all of a sudden, I’m supposed to revere this man,, as he takes the thrown.

There once was a time when a King would command respect and the loyalties of his charge without exception, Surely now that’s so far in the past, what role will he have in a time when so many have a different perception?

Can the royals ever recapture the hearts of a nation that’s changing so fast, Will that instant air of respect be claimed that was so dominant in the past?

I guess time will tell, though I’m sure it can never be quite the same, Sadly people have simply moved on and now see the royals as just as someone with fame.

A dysfunctional family that’s let far too many secrets slip, Now wallowing in it’s own scandals as the poison pens drip.

Maybe I am wrong and if so I will shout it out loud, As when we were under Queen Elizabeth, I used to always feel proud.

Source: Andy resident poet

C. Jones

New digital support drop-in sessions

Sessions are run by Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) and MIND in West Essex with the aim of helping local people improve their digital skills so they can access online banking, email friends and family, make health appointments and much more.

The sessions take place every Thursday between 9.30 and 12.30 at the Community Hub located at Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices in Epping.

Already the team has helped many people with issues such as how to apply for a blue badge and one man who as a street musician needed to apply for a busker’s licence but had no computer.

Chris Seaman, one of the tutors helped an elderly woman on a fixed income to reduce her energy bills.

He said: “She came in quite distraught following her latest quarterly energy bill, as it was considerably higher than ever before.”

With the help of Citizens Advice who are located in the Epping Hub he was able to contact the energy company’s customer service team and discovered the bill had been estimated.

Although the lady is not computer literate and does not have a bank account, she had impeccable records and I was able to sit with her and act as a mediator to help resolve this issue on her behalf.

Afterwards the grateful lady praised the support she had received, saying she was surprised at the quality of the support available, and was incredibly grateful that such a service was there for people like herself without any digital skills.

Drop in sessions are held weekly every Thursday at the Epping Forest District Council Civic offices where people can come along and request help with no appointment needed. Being in the Community Hub benefits the numerous organisations present, as many of their clients/customers require assistance filling out digital applications as well as other digital support needs.

The types of digital support available includes:

• Completing online forms.

• Online shopping.

• Social media and communications (Email & video calling applications).

• Managing health appointments.

• Account creating and password recovery

• Teaching how to use new/unfamiliar devices. (Phones, tablets & laptops).

• Disabled parking (Blue badge) applications.

• Financial budgeting tools.

• Banking and financial applications.

• Reducing energy Bills & Financial/budgeting tools.

For more information contact:

Chris at Email Communityhub@vaef.org.uk or Call 07529 222655

Phoenix Boreham at Email pboreham@mindinwestessex.org.uk or Call 07549 034142

Citizens Advice: “Going to Court”

For most people the thought of “going to court” is thoroughly alarming. This article is an outline of the commonest reasons why people get involved with the justice system, and how we at Citizens Advice can help.

There are many different courts and tribunals but they often share judges, staff and premises. Here are the main ones. The magistrates courts deal with the less serious criminal offences, including motoring offences which can’t be dealt with by a fixed penalty. If you’re honest, and a careful driver, you’re never likely to see the inside of a magistrates court, unless you happen to be a witness to a crime. More serious criminal cases are dealt with at the Crown Court. You’re most likely to attend the Crown Court if you’re summoned for jury service, or if you’re a witness.

Being a witness in a criminal case can be very stressful. If you want help or support you can contact the Citizens Advice Witness Service.

The county court deals with debt, personal injury, housing issues, disputes over goods and services, and many other non criminal matters. It includes the Small Claims Court. Most cases are uncontested. Most disputes are resolved by negotiation and the court provides a free mediation service to encourage this.

The family court does what you’d expect. It deals with the issues that can’t be agreed when a marriage or relationship has broken down, and with the protection of children and those at risk of domestic abuse.

How formal are the courts? It varies. The Crown Court is very formal, as befits the seriousness of the issues dealt with there. The magistrates court is still quite formal but there are no wigs and gowns. The county court and the family court are much more geared towards problem-solving than formal processes.

At Citizens Advice we can’t represent you before a court but we can advise you as to what procedures to follow and what your rights are. You don’t need a lawyer for some proceedings, such as the Small Claims Court. For cases where you do need a lawyer, we can suggest how you go about finding the right type of lawyer, although we can’t recommend particular firms.

Alongside the courts are the tribunals. Their role is the same as that of the non-criminal courts but they operate in specialised areas such as welfare benefits, employment, and immigration. In fact, more disputed cases are dealt with in tribunals than in courts. We can advise you on your rights and the procedures, and where something is outside our competence, such as the more complicated immigration issues, we can advise you where else to look for help. For welfare benefits appeals we can also provide written submissions to the tribunal arguing your case, and in exceptional circumstances we can represent you at a hearing.

The local courts and tribunals for North Weald residents are mainly in Chelmsford. Most courts and tribunals, except the family court, are open to the public so you can go along and watch cases. If you want to watch the top judges and barristers in action the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal livestream most of their cases.

Contacting Citizens Advice

You can contact us on 0808 278 7855 between 9.30 and 2.30, Tuesday to Thursday. Calls are free. We are very busy at the moment so if you can’t get through at first try again.

We also have an adviser at the Hub at the Civic Offices in Epping every Thursday between 9.30 and 2.30 if you want to talk to someone face to face.

Source: Paul Stockton

Welcome to the bird feature for October 2022. I will aim to mention a few of the birds that have been around lately (up to mid September) and some of the birds that we can reasonably expect to see in the next few weeks as autumn well and truly takes over from summer

So firstly here are a few observations regarding recent sightings. And I shall commence with a mention of the Hobby, a dynamic, dashing falcon that will chase down dragonflies etc & birds such as the House Martin. Each year there are a handful of sightings. Unlike other birds of prey such as the Kestrel, Buzzard or Sparrowhawk the Hobby is a summer visitor to the UK rather than a year round resident. From the last couple of weeks to the first week of September I was lucky enough to get three separate sightings, and it may well be that these were birds passing through on migration.

One bird present locally throughout the year is the Meadow Pipit but numbers fluctuate throughout the seasons and mostly there are only a handful about. As September progressed there has been a definite upturn in numbers. As many as 35 40 have been present, with well over 20 at Weald Common and adjacent areas. The Meadow Pipit is a bird that most of you will have seen out and about without realising what it is. It is a nondescript bird that is viewed by birdwatchers as a classic 'Little Brown Job'. They have a weak flight and an equally weak 'seep, seep' call. I see them flying directly over the village on a surprising number of occasions but they never really draw attention to themselves. A fair few should be about over autumn and winter. Skylarks are noteworthy during spring and summer with their familiar song belted out as they rise skywards in an almost jubilant fashion. Over the last 2 or 3 weeks I have started seeing small flocks of them foraging in fields with over 20 in one gathering. At this time of year they fly over uttering a 'churrup' type call, nothing like their breeding season song.

Another recent sighting was of 8 Whitethroats foraging in brambles and small willow type trees. At least 5 or 6 of them appeared to be juveniles, survivors of this year's breeding. It is sobering to think that early autumn sees them migrate south to sub Saharan Africa where they will over winter and should they survive then they will make the perilous return journey to the UK in the spring. The strategy of migration works for many species overall but there are countless unseen casualties that perish whilst making these epic journeys. But of course enough will make it to keep the species going.

There are just a few Swallows and House Martins left. In the second week of September I saw a roving flock of about 30 House Martins and there have been reports of flocks of 100+ in other parts of Essex. Realistically by the start of October there will be little chance of any further sightings.

I have noticed a trio of Ring necked Parakeets about the village. I wonder if anyone is getting them visiting their garden for food, they are well known users of feeding stations and can easily out compete most other birds.

The usual suspects have been around plenty of Robins, Blue Tits, Dunnocks, Starlings, Blackbirds etc. And members of the crow family are ever present Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow. And during autumn the Jay becomes much more conspicuous. They are the tne species that really targets acorns at this time of the year and they will be seen flying back and forth as they look to hoard acorns for use in the colder weeks of winter. Compared to most of the UK crows, the Jay has rather handsome plumage and most people who see them are not aware that they are in fact members of the crow family.

As birds such as warblers, Swallows and Hobbies leave our shores for the winter so other species head here. Large numbers of Robins, Blackbirds etc come here from colder parts of Europe and really boost the numbers in the UK with many of them turning up in our gardens. Of course the most obvious visitors are the winter thrushes Redwing and Fieldfare which arrive during October and soon spread out across the UK. If the weather gets really cold these two species will increasingly gravitate towards human settlements and into gardens on occasion. They will quickly exhaust berries and fruits when they target suitable bushes and trees. You may even hear Redwings as they fly overhead on still October evenings as they happily migrate in the dark. An evocative sound. We may well start seeing more of the Little Egret over autumn one or two frequent our area at this time of year and with their lovely white plumage they are hard to miss if seen foraging in damp areas or flying up and over. Egrets are members of the heron family and are spreading north as the UK climate warms up. There have been Great White Egrets and Cattle Egrets seen elsewhere in Essex and for either of these species to turn up locally would be tremendous but unlikely. There is always a good chance of a few sightings of our original heron - the Grey Heron. A seriously large bird that will even visit gardens if there is a pond. When hunting they don't just go after fish, they will happily nab frogs and toads and are not averse to taking water birds such as Moorhens if the opportunity arises.

Potentially one of the more obvious wildlife activities over the next few weeks will be the deer rutting. The stags can be heard bellowing out their challenges and their voices certainly carry over quite a distance. This is the time of year when you need to be that little bit more alert to wildlife crossing the road as the stress and intensity of rutting can cause deer to just run out into the path of vehicles, more so than at other times.

Bats will be less and less active as the evenings cool so take the opportunity to watch them on any suitable evening. Butterfly and moth sightings have diminished rapidly and wasps and bees are increasingly dropping off the radar. Happily I have not had any episodes of angry wasps this autumn, this is the time when they can be particularly sore headed and pesky but I have not had a single problem this year.

Anyway, if you feed the birds then keep feeders and bird tables clean and don't allow uneaten food to build up and become mouldy. Fresh water can be just as important.

If you are out and about then just keep an eye out. If you see an unfamiliar bird or insect then it can enhance your experience if you try to identify the species, if you have access to the internet then you can check out websites that help you identify nature

Above all keep your eyes and ears open and enjoy wildlife in your own way and at your own level. It really can brighten your day

All the best, Paul Corbet.

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