North Weald Village Life September 2015

Strengthening the Community

FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Monthly

Issue: 109 SEPTEMBER 2015

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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:     .

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

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 Road,

North Weald,

We did manage a week away at the end of July, we had a week away in North Devon, we enjoyed lovely scenery, cream teas, and cold wet windy weather, and amazingly on the last day of July we woke up to a frost! It could only happen to us. We did manage a few hours on Woolacombe beach, apparently the number 1 beach in UK, it was very pretty, lovely sand and clear sea. However the weather was not great, it was warm if the sun was on you and the wind had ceased. The beach was packed, and having a look around I did have a chuckle, there were two families directly in front of us, with windbreakers etc, one family were braving the weather in swimming costumes etc and the other family were wearning jackets, long trousers, wellies, bobble hats and the poor gran was having a snooze on a deck chair and had about 7 towels heaped on top of her to keep her warm—it could only happen on a beach in the UK. We did have a lovely walk at the Lee Valley Park area recently, they had a great obstacle course especially for dogs, it was all free and we had great family fun with the dogs jumping, crossing bridges and sometimes running under the obstacles instead of taking the normal route!

Subscription

Address: 49 York Essex CM16 6HU

I am clinging on to the fact that Summer is not over yet and we still have some lovely weather ahead of us, so I am not going to mention the season beginning with an ‘A’. I welcome the warm days and cooler evenings, much better to sleep.

Epping,

We have three new additions to the family, in the form of Bella and Biscuit who are very cute bunnies and Harry the hamster. I am not trying to turn our home into a zoo I promise but we love animals and these new additions all belong to our daughters who so far have fed, watered, played and cleaned them out and the new additions are loved very much.

We have continued to receive so many email messages and cards wishing Andy well and saying he will be missed at the garage. He is so touched with all of these messages. I know some people are worrying about him, but he is ok, we are awaiting dates and confirmation of the next steps for an operation on his arm, but he is keeping busy designing new things for our new business and of course it is nice to have him at home?!!

I have to finish this month with an apology. On the back cover of last month’s issue, I said North Weald was celebrating it’s 9th anniversary, I did of course mean—North Weald Village Life was celebrating it’s 9th anniversary, North Weald has been around for many many years and I am sorry if I have upset or misled anybody this was not intentional I can promise you.

June EDITOR

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

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

SEPTEMBER BRAIN TEASER —Win a bottle of wine               

Education School College Maths English Pencils Books Dictionary Uniform Learning Exams Secondary Primary Teacher French

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Congratulations to Ms Z. Gooden who won last months prize and will be celebrating with a bottle of wine. This month the lucky winner can also celebrate with a bottle of wine. To enter this month, please send your completed entry to September Brain Teaser, NWVL, 49 York Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HU’. Entries need to be received by 10th September 2015. Please ensure you put your name, address and telephone number on your entry so that I can telephone you if you are the lucky winner. Good Luck.

THE EPPING TREE COMPANY TOTAL TREE MANAGEMENT Your local Tree Surgeons Approved by the Local Authority & established for over 25 years You can be assured of personal attention Fully Insured

FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS Total Tree Management All aspects of tree surgery Felling, Pruning & Shaping, Hedges Trimmed, Stump & Root Removal Specialist contractors for preserved and conservation work

Tel: 01992 522437 Mobile: 07850 390079 Proprietor: S. Dinsdale

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

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Parish council waste site plans

opposes

Hastingwood

London & Essex Kent’s Farm Boarding Kennels and Catteries

North Weald Bassett Parish Council is strongly opposing a proposal for land next to the M11-A414 roundabout at Hastingwood to be used as a waste site.

Essex County Council is suggesting that the Green Belt land could be used for open-air disposal of inert construction, demolition and excavation waste.

Parish council chairman Cyril Hawkins said: "As it currently stands this would suggest that a 'Construction Demolition and Excavation' waste site could be located next to housing, a hospice, garden centre and restaurant which is completely inappropriate.

“There are concerns at the number of lorry movements especially as the county council would have have no further involvement in either running the site or in terms of traffic movements to and from waste facilities, and both their origin and destination.

“The parish council says it has been calculated that there would be a minimum of eight large lorries entering and exiting the site every hour seven days a week 52 weeks a year.

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

Overview and Scrutiny Committee councillors at Epping Forest District Council say the proposal should be rejected.

District councillors fear it would increase traffic congestion around Junction 7 of the M11.

A warning regarding traders who knock at your door Essex Police and Essex County Council Trading Standards are warning residents not to agree to work from traders who knock on your door offering tree cutting, gardening, roofing or other household maintenance. Residents across the county have been targeted via door knocking and leafleting for work that is often substandard, overpriced and unnecessary.

We are urging all residents to keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506, who handle calls for Trading Standards, to log any concerns so that we can ensure that residents do not get ripped off.

Here are some top tips to avoid being caught out by rogue/doorstep traders ▪ Never agree to household repairs or maintenance via a knock on the door .

▪ Check out any leaflet through the door as often the address can be false and the telephone number untraceable.

▪ If you need work carried out get at least three written quotations and ask family, friends and or neighbours about traders they have used.

▪ Use a Buy with Confidence business who have been audited and approved by Trading Standards v i a 0 3 4 5 4 0 4 0 5 0 6 o r www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk ▪ Ensure your relative, neighbour has not been the target of these rogue traders If you are being threatened by a doorstep trader or they want to take you to the bank to obtain cash call 101 or 999.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

ENERGIZE KICKBOXING 07432 843128 www.energize-kickboxing.co.uk KIDS & ADULTS CLASSES £5.00 PER LESSON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS HELD AT NORTH WEALD VILLAGE HALL

SPECIAL OFFER: TWO WEEKS FREE TRAINING £40.00 ONE OFF JOINING FEE AND FREE T SHIRT AND HAND WRAPS WHEN YOU JOIN FUN/FRIENDLY CLASSES TO SUIT ALL AGES AND FITNESS LEVELS

BANTHAM & ONGAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB North Weald, CM16 6GP (A414)

For your outdoor and short mat (winter season) bowling Bowling Membership £40 per annum Club Night – every Thursday from 6pm OTHER ACTIVITIES OPEN TO ALL - membership not required: Bridge –Wednesday 10am to 1.00pm - £2.00 incl. refreshments Cribbage – Thursday 9.30am to 12noon - £2.00 incl. refreshments Yoga – Friday 12noon to 1.00pm - £8.00 per session (qualified instructor) Whist Drive - Friday – 7.00pm every other week For further information contact: Jim Heppel – 01277 362631 or jimheppel571@gmail.com, www.banthamandongar.org.uk

BRIDGE IS FUN Hatfield Heath Bridge Club Learning bridge opens up a whole new world.

It keeps your brain active and introduces you to many new friends.

Our relaxed and friendly classes are for two hours and are a mix of tutorial and play with a break for a drink, a biscuit and a chat.

New Term Begins w/c 23rd/24th September 2013 “Beginners” Tuesdays 7.30 pm “Improvers” Mondays 7.30 pm “Intermediate” Tuesdays 7.30 pm

The Ongar Ploughing Match Saturday 19th September 2015 9am—5pm

For more information contact Brian & Penny Hassell Tel: 01279 721428 email: Hassells2@gmail.com

Step back to the 1950’s or earlier See 50 + vintage tractors and horse teams ploughing Try your hand at ploughing a straight furrow on a tractor Bacon rolls early, Ploughmans at lunchtime, plus bar, plus raffle New House Farm, Leaden Roding, Ongar CM6 1RE (Junction of B184 & A1060) Page 6

Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

LOCAL EVENTS Date

Event

Time

Venue

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

Baby & Toddler Group

1.15 – 2.45pm

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

Every Tuesday

Taoist Tai Chi

Every 1st Tuesday

Ongar Flower Club

7.30pm— 9pm 7.30pm

Every Wednesday

Treasure Baskets for under 1’s & their parents and carers

9.30— 10.30

Every 3rd Wednesday

Crib Evening

7.45pm

Every Thursday

Bingo

7.30pm

Every Thursday

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

Saturday 22nd August

The Jack Free Show

10.30am – 11.00am 12.30pm

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

North Weald Library. Baskets filled with treasures, everyday and natural things and safe to play with.

In partnership with Brambles Childrens Centre.

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

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

Sunday 30th August

Dave & Maralyn songs from the 30’s, 40’s, North Weald Wi

Wednesday 2nd September

North Weald Village Hall. Tickets £8 on the door.

7pm

North Weald Village Hall. Entry £3.

7.30pm— 10pm

North Weald Village Hall. Speaker this month

Friday 4th September

Mike Piggott—King of Swing

Sunday 6th November

Fun Day

Saturday 12th September

Ploughmans Lunch

Saturday 12th September

Quiz Night

Saturday 19th September

Ploughing Match

9am— 5pm

Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th and Monday 21st November

“Over my Dead Body” performed by Highams Players

8pm

Friday 25th September

MacMillan Coffee Morning

10am— 12.30pm

Saturday 3rd October

Preloved Sale

10.30am —12.30

Saturday 24th October

1940’s Dance

7pm

is Mr Mike Cable speaking about SOUTH AFRICA— THE GARDEN ROUTE. Come along it sounds a good talk then have a cup of tea biscuit to finish the night off.

8.30pm— 11pm 11am— 1pm

North Weald Village Hall.

12pm 1pm 7pm

North Weald Village Hall

Weald Common. Games and fun for everyone.

Organised by North Weald Mums.

North Weald Village Hall. Organised by North Weald Mums. Tickets £10 including food. Tickets from NWmums@gmail.com.

New House Farm, Leaden Roding, Ongar CM6 1RE Boaden Hall, Wanstead House, London N11 2NT. Tiickets on the door. Matinee on Saturday 21st at 3pm.

North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Tea, coffee, raffle, cakes, bric a brac North Weald Village Hall. Organised by North Weald Mums. For more information please contact Nwmums@gmail.com North Weald Village Hall. Tickets £10. Please contact 07941 389232 to book. Treble Trouble and Bass Clefs. Licensed Bar. Vintage craft stalls. Raffle.

In aid of British Legion

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.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Latest Burglary information Burglaries are still occurring in the village and surrounding area. These are taking place during the day.

A burglary occurred in the Hastingwood Road area of Magdalen Laver on Tuesday 4th August 2015, at 13:48.

Entry was gained via a front entrance, by ramming the door with a piece of concrete and a crow bar.

Another burglary occurred in the High Road area of North Weald on Wednesday 5th August 2015, between the hours of 09:45 and 16:30.

Suspect/s unknown have gained entry by forcing a rear door open.

If you have any further information please contact Essex Police on the 101 nonemergency number.

You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime prevention advice is available by viewing the following link - http:// www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/burglary.aspx.

Cancer Research’s Race for Life returns The weather was kind, cool and dry, when North Weald Airfield welcomed Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life on Wednesday 15th July 2015.

Myself, Sarah and two of my daughters, Georgie and Beccy joined 1,600 women of all ages who ran, jogged or walked around the 5 and 10 kilometre courses aiming to raise £105,000 for this important charity. As usual everyone who took part got in to the spirt of things with fancy dress and heaps of enthusiasm making this years race for life one to remember.

We did complete the 5km, in 70 minutes (Georgie and Beccy completed it slightly faster). We are delighted to have raised over £200 for Cancer Research, thank you to everybody who sponsored us.

Councillor Liz Webster Chairman of Epping Forest District Council welcomed all the entrants before they took their places at the start line, ready to take on the course raising money for research into all 200 types on cancer. Chairman Liz Webster said: “Events like these are always such a pleasure, seeing the community come together to raise money for such a valuable cause.”

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Interior 50 launches in North Weald North Weald is the new home of interior 50,a brand new interior furnishings business launched this month by a husband and wife team who have lived in Essex all their life, namely Paul and Tracy bishop.

Paul and Tracy are looking forward to their new future and working in north Weald ,they have worked hard and researched some of the best quality items for their new home furnishing business having personally inspected every item prior to purchase and not leaving anything to chance. Their current range includes quality soft furnishings, quality furniture, lighting, mirrors and many other items for the home. They will constantly be evolving this range to offer co-ordinating items and will listen to their customer requirements.

Heritage Watch Essex has many historically sites and assets locally for everyone to enjoy. Essex Police launched Heritage Watch this year to help protect these sites and assets with the help of the local communities. If you are interested in joining Heritage Watch contact Essex Police on 101 and ask for your local Essex Watch Liaison Officer who will provide you with full details.

To report incidents of anti-social behaviour against a heritage asset or a theft call Essex Police on 101 or 999 if judged urgent.

If you want to remain anonymous, report the incidents to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They have a new showroom which will open this month based in Bassett business units. At the showroom you will be able to view a range of furnishings they have on offer and will be happy to discuss any co- ordinating items you may require.

Paul and Tracy would like to meet potential and existing customers where possible but of course they are at the end of the telephone and will be answering emails with a website to be launched shortly. You can see some of their range now on Facebook and Instagram under ‘interior50’. They will be at their new showroom to meet and greet you and will pride themselves by providing a high level of personal customer service from start to finish. There is also a special introductory offer and you can find out details of this in their advertisement (below).

I am sure readers will join me in welcoming Paul and Tracy to the village and hope their new business thrives.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Excel in sport with our Young Sports Award Are you aged 13 to 25 and have a real talent in a sport and need help to develop your skills? If the answer is yes, you can apply for an Active Epping Forest Young Sports Award ranging from £500 to £1,000 now.

The award is open to individuals aged between 13 and 25 years on 30th November 2015, which is the closing date for applications, and they must live in the Epping Forest district (or if they are at college or university their family home must be in the Epping Forest district).

Applicants must also be competing at a county, regional or national level in a nationally governed recognised sport.

To be considered for an award you will need to be at least regional standard in your sport and be able to support your application with detailed information as well as a referee.

If you are shortlisted you will be invited for an informal talk in December to meet the panel and give them further information about your plans for the future as well and any other developments that may have occurred since your application.

For more information please contact Fabrizio Ferrari o n 0 1 9 9 2 5 6 4 5 6 7 o r email fferrari@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.

Tel: 07814 63955

District welcomes superfast broadband rollout Superfast Essex broadband rollout plans and new delivery timescales have been welcomed by local technology champion Councillor Alan Lion, Technology Portfolio Holder for Epping Forest District Council.

The postcode areas to be covered by the next phase of the Essex broadband rollout of superfast connectivity (24Mbps and above) can now be seen on the Superfast Essex online interactive. It has also been confirmed that the delivery timescale for the second phase has been brought forward by almost a year. Work is now due to start in 2016, immediately after the current rollout programme finishes, and expected to complete in 2019.

The news comes on the same day as the Government announced the nationwide rollout of superfast broadband has now passed more than 3 million UK homes and businesses. The national rollout is on track to reach 95 % of the UK and is now reaching around 5,000 additional premises every day.

Essex County Council’s multi-million pound superfast fibre broadband rollout is aiming to reach 95% of the county and is now one third of the way towards its goal of making fibre available to 120,000 homes and businesses with 42,100 having access so far.

The ambition is to make Essex one of the best connected counties in the UK. Residents and businesses can find out the latest information for their area by checking the interactive map,www.superfastessex.org/maps, which is updated monthly. The map enables you to zoom to street level, search by specific address, and navigate around the local area, and now shows which areas are expected to be covered by all phases of work – the current rollout, the second rollout, and the focused Rural Challenge Project which is being delivered in a selected area in the east of Epping Forest district. Anyone not covered by the Superfast Essex programme can register their demand for superfast broadband by completing the Make the Connection Survey at www.superfastessex.org/getinvolved.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Canoe Slalom World Championships From 16 to 20 September, 300 of the world’s top Canoe Slalom athletes will descend on Lee Valley White Water Centre to battle it out at one of the sport’s biggest events yet, the largest global canoeing event outside of the Olympic Games.

The 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will see competitors from 55 countries taking on the technically demanding Olympic course at Lee Valley White Water Centre, the scene for Team GB’s stunning double-medal triumph at the 2012 Games.

The event will see the World Championships return to the UK for the first time since 1995 and comes hot on the heels of last year’s Canoe Slalom World Cup, where the British team scooped an impressive medal haul of seven golds and one silver.

World Champions will be crowned in five disciplines and with qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics also up for grabs, the five days of fierce competition will witness some nail-biting action and YOU could be there to see it all!

As well as world-class sport there will be plenty of free familyfriendly activities on offer, with a bouncy castle, climbing walls and even an opportunity to try your hand at paddling, making it a great family day out.

For more information, please visit london.worldchampionships.events.slalom.canoeicf.com.

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Tel: 07814 863955

http://

Help raise funds for the children of North Weald With the support of the local Parish Council, North Weald Mums are proud to be hosting a ‘Fun Day’ on 6th September on North Weald Common (by the new play area), the event will take place between 11am and 1pm. Everybody is welcome, there will be fun, stalls and much more.

They have also arranged a Quiz Night which will take place on Sat 12th September, and is being held at the North Weald Village Hall. The event will start at 7pm, tickets cost £10.00 each and includes food.

The second ‘Preloved Sale’ has been arranged for Sat 3rd Oct ober at North Weald Village hall which will take place between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

These events are to raise funds towards the installation of CCTV equipment to help protect the equipment installed in Oct ober2014, and once this has been completed, they hope to investigate other ways to create a fun and safe environment locally for the young and young at heart in the area of North Weald.

If you would like more information, you can find out more by emailing them at NWmums@gmail.com and you can visit their Facebook page—North Weald Mums.

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Councillors discuss Local Plan and elections Councillors received updates on a wide range of projects when Cabinet Portfolio Holders reported to the meeting of Epping Forest District Council on 28th July 2015. Some of the items discussed included:Local Plan: Items included a comprehensive report on the Local Plan, progress on major schemes at Langston Road (Epping Forest Retail Park) and St John’s Epping, significant improvements following the troubled introduction of the new 4-day domestic waste collection contract and a summary of the council’s latest financial position following the Chancellor’s first budget since the General Election in May. Individual Electoral Registration (IER): Councillor John Philip reported on successful introduction of Individual Electoral Registration before the last General Election. Epping Forest District Council produced the best electoral register in the country according to statistics released by the Electoral Commission. Councillor Philip made the announcement as the canvass for the first update to the register begins.

More than half of all households have already responded to the update, although that means some 25,000 households are still to reply.

Councillor Philip was pleased to say that the vast majority of replies have been received electronically saving time and money. He appealed to fellow councillors to encourage residents to complete the canvass by returning all outstanding forms electronically as soon as possible.

Council housing rent reductions: Housing Portfolio Holder David Stallan responded to concerns raised about the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement on council housing rent reductions. One per cent per cuts per year over the next 4 years could impact on the council’s ability to build more new homes.

Further concerns were raised regarding plans to make councils sell high value houses. Councillor Stallan said that further evaluation would help to assess the impact on the Epping Forest district.

St John’s Road development: Assets Portfolio Holder Councillor Mrs Anne Grigg said that consultation would take place as the St John’s Road development reached planning application stage.

Overview and Scrutiny: Councillors welcomed the annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which highlighted the investigative role of the council in checking the work of its own cabinet and other organisations as diverse as the police, public transport, health, education and social services.

More information can be found on the Epping Forest District Council website: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk.

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Fire in bedroom On Saturday 12th October, Firefighters were called to a fire in a bedroom in a property in Epping Road, North Weald.

The fire took place early in the morning, and the bedroom was 25% alight on arrival, the room measured 2m x 3m.

Crews from Epping and Ongar were wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire by 01:21hrs and used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke from the property.

A joint police and fire service investigation will be carried out to establish the cause.

BASSETT BUSINESS CENTRE in Hurricane Way has a small unit available to let as an office / store. Why not come down and take a look. It includes a phone line, parking, deliveries and collections taken care of. No need to be on your own – we are here to help you.

Ring Pip, Jan, Liz or Helen on 01992 524111 for details.

Push 500 visits North Weald North Weald Airfield provided a birthday welcome to a very special visitor. Sean Allerton celebrated his 50th birthday with a 3.5 mile fundraising circuit of the airfield perimeter track.

Sean has visited airfields the length and breadth of the country for Push 500. Inspired by the Proclaimers song, he has pushed his wheelchair over thousands of miles since a motorbike accident left him paralysed.

In the process he has raised thousands of pound for 4 charities via the www.push500.com website. The charities include: Royal Air Forces Association  Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund  Royal Air Force Charitable Trust  Flying Scholarships for Disabled People North Weald businesses had already made several donations via Sean’s website www.push500.com before he even started with more people coming out to make donations as he made his way round. To add to the challenge, members of Epping Forest District Council’s North Weald Operations Team joined Sean on the circuit in full fire-fighting gear.

Councillor Liz Webster, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council sent Sean on his way with an RAF themed birthday cake. She said: “Sean is an absolutely fantastic man. Listening to him is amazing. It’s incredible what you can achieve in the face of adversity when you set your mind to it and Sean is one of the most positive people I have ever met. He is an example to us all.”

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Tel: 07814 863955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

What have the children been up to at Scribbles?

So another year has rolled off the calendar and what a year its been. Scribbles Day Nursery has grown at an amazing rate both with children and staff.

We have 14 staff now and we have the most amazing team. Through a careful selection process we have managed to find staff with an enthusiastic approach to ensuring the children in our care reach their developmental milestones and a passion for creating a fun and varied day for the children. All have completed their Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, all are Level 3 and we have 3 students who should be finishing their training in the next few weeks.

This praise was endorsed at the end of term when we had our expected OFSTED Inspection. Generally OFSTED instils panic into the hearts and minds of schools and Nurseries. On the day of the inspection, after the initial shock, we calmed down into the process and things went really well, considering the last time we had an Inspection we had only been open for 5 months, had 7 children and three staff. It is nice that in the end we maintained our GOOD grading, with two very minor, areas for improvement.

We have grown so much since the last one, we were very happy with this outcome. The success of Scribbles is very much down to the staff, who give the most loving and enthusiastic care. Our staff work really well together as a team and are committed to ensuring the children are happy and have a fun day, we really are like a family.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of them for everything they do in the carrying out of their duties, they all go that extra mile to ensure the children are cared for properly. I would also like to thank our lovely parents who always join in with our ideas enthusiastically and support us in things we do and for the comments they made about us to the inspector.

We have raised a lot of money for charity this term, so many people have benefited from our efforts and we hope to continue to do this next year. We have grown good ties with St Andrews Church, we already have good links with most of the schools in the area but in the coming months will hopefully be growing stronger links with St Andrews School. The end of term was, as usual, very busy but fun with our Mad Hatters Tea Party, Annie the pony visiting and our amazing concert put on by the children with the VE day theme the children were amazing.

We were so proud of them. So off they go to school and I have no doubt that everyone of them will be ok. We do hope they keep in touch.

I love my job, I have been involved in Early Years for 25 years now and seen it change beyond recognition, mainly for the good. I feel I must have done something right as people who I looked after years ago when they were three are now coming to me with their children and I don't think you can have any better compliment than that.

Source: Lesley Seville, Manager

Scribbles Day Nursery Baby unit from 3 months 2-3 and 3-4 year old funding accepted

Thorowgood House, Vicarage Lane (West), North Weald, Essex, CM16 6AL www.scribblesdaynursery.co.uk T: 01992 523846 Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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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

Parents—please read!

Many residents over the last few weeks have become very concerned when driving through the village, when they have been confronted by children running out or cycling out in front of them in the High Road with the aim of making it to the other side of the road without being hit by the car!

The children consist of a group of mainly boys, aged between 9— 12 years old, some of the older boys are on bicycles and the others are on foot.

On Saturday 8th August, the woodland was busy with people enjoying the weather and the surroundings at the Burial Park in Kiln Road.

The family event was very popular with people coming from near and far to enjoy the many different activities and groups.

The woodland carvings were amazing, you could watch as a chainsaw was used to carve a spectacular design.

The owls enjoyed the sunshine and drew the crowds, with some lucky youngsters holding the smaller owls.

The lovely white horse was in attendance, from Chigwell Riding Trust, along with the volunteers. We learnt that the horses have the month of August off for some well earned rest as they work hard week days and weekends assisting the less able and disabled adults and youngsters to enjoy riding.

It was nice to catch up with some friendly faces as we walked around the grounds.

Well done to t h e Greenacres team for another great event.

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

This is obviously very dangerous and many residents have contacted me to ask if I can mention this in the magazine.

Conservatories Cleaned/Repaired Cat & Dog Flaps Fitted

Fellow parents, can I please ask—if you have children in this age group who play out in the village, please ask them if they have taken part in this ‘game’, please stress how this could end and the devastation it would cause to both the driver and the child and their family.

I understand in many situations, the car has stopped and the children have been talked to or shouted at on some occasions, and they always seem to not care and have often shouted obscenities and laughed. Both male and female drivers have had near misses and it has upset quite a few on many occasions.

Front Door Panels Renewed Handles Replaced Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium

A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors

It has occurred to me that local parents may not be aware that this game is being played by their children in the village, unless they are driving through the village at the time—there is no way they would know—it is not something their child is going to mention.

Please take a few minutes to discuss this with your child and together we can try and stop this before it ends in devastating circumstances.

Page 16 Tel: 07814 863955 Email:june….june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CALL FREEPHONE 0800 917 2794 Or VISIT US AT www.homeglazingrepairservice.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Tragic news—the lose of a pilot, husband and father Many people may have heard of the tragic accident that happened on Saturday 1st August, which one of the Folland Gnats based at North Weald Airfield crashed during a display at Carfest in Cheshire, and it was confirmed that Kevin Whyman, the pilot had died. The plane was seen to fall to the ground in woodland.

The event had been arranged by Chris Evans and the money raised was for Children in Need.

Council Leader Chris Whitbread, speaking on behalf of Epping Forest District Council expressed his shock at the news and offered his condolences to the family and friends of the pilot Kevin Whyman. He said: “I understand that two Gnats from North Weald were performing at the display. One is safe but Kevin Whyman has tragically lost his life. My heart and my condolences go out to him, his family and his friends. North Weald is a close-knit community of pilots and aeroplane enthusiasts. There is a very special spirit of friendship and camaraderie at the airfield. People will be hurting at this time.”

Flags at the entrance to North Weald have been flying at half-mast.

Heritage Aircraft Trust said: “The Heritage Aircraft Trust, operator of the Gnat Display Team is very sad to announce the loss of one of its display pilots, Kevin Whyman, at an airshow for CarFest at Oulton Park today. Heritage Aircraft Trust will be working with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accidents Investigation Board to determine the cause of the accident.

“Kevin was a Royal Air Force trained fast jet pilot whose enthusiasm for flying the Folland Gnat was infectious. He will be greatly missed by his family, the Team and many friends. Kevin leaves a wife and young daughter.

North Weald RAFA and Father James Rodley would like to invite the local community to join them for a

Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Service of Remembrance and Commemoration in St Andrews Parish Church, North Weald at 11am on Sunday 20th September.

Proceedings will begin with a wreath laying ceremony, alongside the ‘RAF Cross of Sacrifice’ in the church ground.

75 years after the epic summer of 1940,

when RAF North Weald and its community [both service and civilian] played such a pivotal role in the battle for our nations survival; an airfield based WW2 Spitfire taxies in. With St Andrews Church in the distance, looking out over the airfield and the people of the parish – as it has for hundreds of years...

Tel: 07814 63955

Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Local Dance Show A local dance group recently held their annual show. The show took place on Saturday 11th July at Epping St. John's School, which was a new venue for the show.

The show went very well, parents, family and friends commented on how much the children had improved and how their dancing was stronger than last year.

Email: rlinsdall@aol.com

The theme was very topical for North Weald, it was called 'Village Green v Designer Queen' and was all about children trying to save their village from property developers!

Money raised at the event was in aid for St. Clare hospice.

The dance group hold drama and street dance lessons on Monday afternoons at Queens Community Hall, North Weald. For more information call Mandy on 01992 524681.

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Vegetables, flowers and food On Saturday 15th August, the village hall was full of expectant faces looking to see if they had been awarded a prize for their entry into this years North Weald Horticultural Society Annual Show, their 85th exhibition.

This year approximately 300 entries were received, they were all on display, carefully labelled and laid out on the tables for everybody to see.

Large, healthy vegetables and fruit had been entered, along with tasty looking bread, cakes and pies.

The handicraft entries looked amazing with crochet entries of a very high quality, photos and paintings were also very good, showing how talented North Weald people really are (something I have known for years).

The children’s paintings were lovely and made a colourful display.

It was lovely to see so many friendly local faces as I went around looking at the exhibits. I was asked if I had won anything, and I explained my levels would not be as good as those on show but maybe next year, I love photography and as some of you will know I am very crafty. so maybe I will try my hand.

Well done to the organisers and everybody who entered, another great show and I am glad the sun was shining this year.

Below are photographs of some of the entries, I hope to have a full list of winners that I can include on the website and there you will see more photographs that I took on the day.

Photograph: Class 100—First Prize:Mrs J Bingham

Photograph: Class 1—collection box of veg— Frist prize Mr K H Woollard Photograph: Frizt prize— Mr K H Woollard

Photograph: Class 98—’Polly put the kettle on’ First prize—Mrs A. Moreton Phootograph: Meringue Nests: First Prize—Mrs M. Galbraith Page 20

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Email:

Photograph: Children’s Entries Photo: Class 90—Embroidery—First prize: Mrs L. Evans june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

Stephen Warner war diaries shared online The diaries of a local soldier who served in the 9th Battalion Essex Regiment in World War 1 are being shared online on the day they were first written exactly 100 years ago.

The diaries are part of Lowewood Museum’s collection. They provide an insight into an individual’s experience of the First World War.

Ongar Photographic Club It is with regret that the Ongar Photographic Club reported that the committee have reluctantly taken the decision to close the club owing to a reduction in membership Thank you to Lyn Rix for sending in information for sharing with readers. for the coming season and this has made it impossible to meet with the club’s pro- There is one last photograph to share with readers. gramme commitments.

If any readers would like to share photographs with readers, please send them to me and I will be happy to publish these , where possible.

Photograph: “Horse Riders on the Beach”

by David Kerwin.

A Summer Reflection Well summer has sadly come to an end Although we can’t really complain, For the number of warm sunny days Definitely outnumbered those filled with rain.

We, as a family, did manage to travel all the way to Devon To spend an optimistic week, Despite all being overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery, The actual weather was really quite bleak.

Still it’s the unpredictability that makes you Enjoy the sun even more, With so many beautiful places Literally just outside your door.

Even without pure sunshine, the girls will never forget Those steep Devon hills, Or even the cows and sheep seemingly defying gravity As they stand along shear faced fields.

We’ve also had many barbeques, Spent many evenings looking up at the stars, Feeling really quite happy and content, In the small back garden of ours.

Yes summer might now be over but on the whole, It’s been pretty good, And should someone offer me the chance to do it all over again, I probably would.

Source: Andy – resident poet. We have had a nice family summer, fingers crossed we still have some more days to enjoy.

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September Gardening Hints Well overall it’s been a very mixed summer weather wise, which has divided opinion of all our customers, some saying it’s been a good summer and others saying it’s been a bit chilly and a bit of a wash out. From a gardening point of view, the spring and summer generally has been very rewarding for the majority of fruit and vegetables and also flowering plants and shrubs.

September is a good month to give hedges a final cut and tidy, cut back shrubs that have finished flowering and also tidy and cut back perennials that have also finished flowering.

Keep dead heading all hanging baskets and pot displays to encourage further flowering. If the lobelia in your basket is now going brown, be brave and cut it out, this will give more room for other plants still flowering and looking good to flourish.

It’s a good time after harvesting to cut back soft fruit bushes, gooseberries and blackcurrants. Keep tomato plants well watered and prevent them from drying out. If you allow them to dry out, the skin on the tomato will tend to split and become tough.

As the leaves start to turn colour in September and begin to fall, it is important to keep them racked up off the lawn.

September—October is the optimum months to plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths etc. As a rule of thumb these should be planted about 6” (150mm) deep. If you are planting them in flower beds, you can plant them deeper, this should help avoid digging them up by accident in subsequent years.

If you intend to start feeding the birds this winter, it’s a good time to site your new bird feeders, this will give time for the birds to become accustomed to them and hopefully feed all winter.

If you have any tips, information or any questions please come into the garden centre and share them with us, this is how we all expand our gardening skills.

As always take time out from your chores to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of your garden with a nice drink of your choice. Mine as always on a warm evening is a cold beer. Cheers!

Lets hope we have a few more sultry evenings before winter sets in.

Source: Nigel, Art Nursery Garden Centre.

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

Patio Gas & Charcoal Giftware Trees Fruit trees & shrubs Terracotta & glazed pots Rockery stone & gravel Vegetable plants & seeds

TELEPHONE 01992 523346 Vicarage Lane West,

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

North Weald CM16 6AL

(Open weds to Sun 10.30am—4pm)

(on the same road as St Andrews Church)

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CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church By way of a change this month, as I am required to provide the material for this column in the absence of Fr James, the Priest-in-Charge, who is on holiday, I have written short reviews of three powerful publications that I have read during the past few years or weeks.. Two have been well researched and the third, because of the stature of its author, does not need any. But one thing they all have in common is that they are remarkable, challenging and surprising.

The first is a soft-back 175-page book in which the author, John Marsh, in his words ‘,tackles the roots of our current moral crisis’, and is entitled “The Liberal Delusion”. First published in 2012 by Arena Books of Bury St Edmunds, the author begins by asking whether or not western society is based on a mistake. Basically it is about human nature and the effects of liberalism. Carefully, a step at a time, Marsh leads us through the past fifty years of changing attitudes on such matters as drugs, alcohol, sex, religion and education but reminding us constantly of how our opinions have been moulded for us by influential liberals Eventually, as every restraint is written off as archaic we arrive at where we are today in a world of corruption, greed, egotism and violence. Ultimately we are persuaded that even the existence of God is a delusion. The book’s title is of course a response to Richard Dawkins’ book ‘The God Delusion’ but so thorough is Marsh in his research that he blows Dawkins right of the water. Clearly we have been led astray. Liberalism is proved to be a failed experiment.

Before saying anything about the second publication I must highlight some words from a relatively modern hymn that ends three of its four verses with the words ‘Living Lord’. Christians like to think and speak of worshipping ‘a living God’ but when this living God becomes downcast because he is being abandoned by many there is immediate opposition when the Almighty One proves that he is alive and well by writing or speaking to us about this.. In 1985 a lapsed Greek Orthodox woman living a carefree life, in which tennis and dancing were prominent, was stunned to be told that she was to start taking dictated messages from the three persons of the Holy Trinity. The first 106 notebooks have been available now for some years and published under the title that God himself, as the author chose which is True Life in God It is all round the world now in almost fifty land languages but not available through commercial outlets. Copies of this remarkable collection of messages can be obtained, as can more information from tlig.uk ‘Unlikely’, did I hear you say? Be prepared to be amazed. As one hymn-writer put it centuries earlier, “God is His own interpreter and He will make it plain”.

Introducing my third and last offering I am going to out a question to you. The bible tells us that Jesus when 12 years old went with his earthly parents to the temple at Jerusalem. We hear nothing of him until he comes out of hiding and starts his ministry at the age of thirty. Big question: Where was he for eighteen years? What’s your view? I have always had a notion that he was being trained and educated in a monastery but I felt that I was alone in the view until I began reading ‘The Secret Initiation of Jesus at Qumran’ by Robert Feather. Qumran was where, two thousand years ago, the community of the Essenes lived, studied and worshipped and close to where in 1947 the remarkable Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. I’m only halfway through this tome but Feather seems to be building up an unassailable case to support the theory that not only Jesus but also John the Baptist were in training there. I happen to know that Richard Overill, our organist at St Andrew’s church, is a Dead Sea Scrolls enthusiast so I wasted no time in telling him about my discovery. I’m sorry there’s nothing about North Weald Village Life in this column this month, but I guarantee there will be an extra buzz in anyone’s life who starts reading one of these books.

Edwyn Gilmour

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Did you know that North Weald has one of the most peaceful and attractive cemeteries in the South East of England?

Located in Vicarage Lane, North Weald, the Cemetery is surround by rolling countryside which brings tranquillity and privacy to visitors. It is close to the historic North Weald Airfield and adjacent to the North Weald Golf Course.

The Cemetery provides for a number of Lawn Sections, a Cremated Remains Section and a Garden of Remembrance.

The Cemetery is open 365 Days a Year.

Should you require any further information, please contact the Parish Office on 01992 523825

***HALL HIRE*** Parties - Birthdays Anniversaries Weddings – Functions The Parish Hall at Thornwood Common Also available for regular hire For further information, contact Janet on 01992 571128 or email: clerk@northweald-pc.gov.uk or view the website at: www.northweald-pc.gov.uk

Weald Hall Lane, Thornwood, Essex, CM16 6NB

There are 4 Play Areas in the Parish of North Weald Bassett, provided by the Parish Council Memorial Playing Field, School Green Lane, North Weald Aimed at children 3-10yrs in age (multi-play unit, cradle swings, etc)

Weald Common Play Area, Weald Common, North Weald Choice of two play areas aimed at children 3-12yrs in age

Thornwood Common, Thornwood Aimed at children 3-10 yrs in age (multi-play unit, cradle swings, etc)

VACANCY PARISH COUNCILLOR

QUEENS HALL CHARITY TRUSTEES MEETINGS

DO YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY? DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK FOR FURTHER DETAILS

NO MEETING IN AUGUST TUES, 15 SEPTEMBER TUES, 20 OCTOBER ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

COUNCILLOR & PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE DETAILS www.northweald-pc.gov.uk email: clerk@northweald-pc.gov.uk Hastingwood Ward Thornwood Common Ward Office Details Brian Bartram – 01992 614415 Baden Clegg – 01992 575636 Susan De Luca Deborah Adams 0784 6020843 Cyril Hawkins – 01992 577100 Clerk to the Council Brian Eldridge – 01279 428622 Richard Spearman – 01992 573283 Tel: 01992 523825 Fax: 524756 North Weald (Village) Ward Nigel Bedford – 07973 403728 Terry Blanks – 01992 522216 Alan Buckley 01992 522158 Anne Grigg – annegrigg@live.co.uk Elaine Godwin-Brown – 01992 570316 Dave Stallan – 01992 523859 George Mulliner – 01992 523535 Andrew Tyler – 07935 224573

Computer Scams It has recently become apparent that a number of people have been contacted by scammers recently by telephone stating that they have a virus/ problems with their computers. The caller goes on to warn the customer that their computer will become unusable if the problem is not fixed and offers to guide them through steps to fix the problem. Instead of helping them though, he directs them to download a program that asks them to pay a fee.

Similarly, scammers are contacting residents pretending to be from Microsoft or Windows or a company working on their behalf. They say something like “we have reason to believe there’s a problem with your computer”. They will then ask you to log into a website that will give the caller total control over your computer. This will allow them to obtain all sorts of personal details without your consent.

Advice to avoid this includes: Never pay anyone to fix your computer remotely.  Never give your bank details to someone you don't know or allow them access to your computer.  View Telephone Preference Service www.tpsonline.org.uk for information on a free service to help reduce nuisance callers.

Please email or contact Action Fraud with any information if you believe you have been contacted fraudulently. The more information received, the closer we get to identifying offenders. www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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What do you know about CAB? Paul from Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) has kindly agreed to provide readers with some regular editorial. This month is a general introduction to CAB in Epping Forest.

CAB was founded in 1939 at the start of the Second World War and has been going strong ever since. It is a network of local groups, each set up as a charity. The national organisation provides training and a huge amount of support and information. It sets standards for the local bureaux and audits them.

Citizens Advice Bureaux have been established in the Epping Forest District for over 30 years. We have some paid staff but almost all the advice work is done by unpaid volunteers from our local communities.

We are here to provide free, independent, confidential, impartial advice, regardless of race, gender, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. This article will, we hope, be the first in a regular series, updating North Weald residents on our work.

What can the CAB help on? Anything you need advice about! Our main areas of work are benefits, debt, housing and employment issues, but we’ll try to help on anything.

How can someone access your services? There are basically three ways. You can go online to https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ and find the answers there. The website also has a webchat facility whereby you can chat online to an advisor. This is a nationwide system so the advisor could be anywhere in the country.

Secondly, if you prefer to use the phone you can ring our adviceline on 03444 770 808. The service is available Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 4.00pm. You should be able to speak to an advisor based somewhere in Essex, although not necessarily in the Epping Forest District.

Finally, there are drop-in sessions where you can talk to a volunteer face-to-face. At present in the Epping Forest district we have dropin sessions at St Mary’s Church Centre in Loughton High Road and at Waltham Abbey Town Hall. See the end of this article for the opening hours.

What happens at a drop-in session? You’ll be seen by an assessor

who’ll try to resolve your query there and then. If it’s too complicated to deal with straightaway we’ll give you an appointment to see an advisor.

Appointments can be at our temporary office in Epping as well as at Loughton and Waltham Abbey. We have a number of specialist advisors, for instance for debt or employment, and we have some free advice sessions with local solicitors, although obviously as they are giving up their valuable time we only make appointments with them if we think you need help from a practising lawyer.

There are a couple of things to remember if you’re planning to go to a drop-in session. First, you have to live or work in the Epping Forest area for most of the services we offer. Secondly, if your query relates to something in a document – a tenancy agreement or one of those baffling letters from the DWP or the taxman, for instance – take the document with you. Thirdly, it’s first come, first served, so try to get there as early as possible. If we’re busy we may have to ask you to come back another day.

Will you be having drop-in sessions in Epping? We used to have an office in Hemnall Street in Epping. Some readers may remember it as the old library building. It was in a poor state and our landlords had it demolished a couple of years ago. We have a temporary office in Epping but we can’t offer drop-in sessions there. The landlords are now putting up a new building on the site in Hemnall Street and we hope to start operating from there in January 2016. We’ll then be able to offer drop-in sessions again, which we know will be much more convenient for North Weald residents.

Opening hours for drop-in sessions The Loughton office is open from 9.30am to 1.00pm Mondays to Wednesdays, and on Fridays (ie no sessions on Thursdays). The Waltham Abbey office is open from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

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Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk

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Queens Hall Short Mat Bowls Club Update The Jack Holden Trophy, an annual event, was held on Friday 10th July.

It was keenly contested by all members who had a most enjoyable afternoon. The scores were very close but the eventual winner by one shot was Pam Green. She was presented with the trophy by Doris Holden who also supplied a celebration cake, and thanks to Heather for baking the cake, The club always extends a warm welcome to new members, beginners or experienced bowlers, at their sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons starting at 1pm.

Queens Hall Short Mat Bowls Club have just spent another enjoyable afternoon watching the finals of the club's internal competitions. This year's finalists in the ladies' singles were Diane Archer and Sylvia Kitchener. Sylvia took the lead on the first end and continued to play well throughout the game and became this year's ladies' champion. The pairs competition was between Diane Archer and Pam Green against Anne Wingwirth and John Doy. Everyone played their best and the eventual winners were Diane Archer and Pam Green. The men's singles was decided earlier between Richard Dowler and John Doy with Richard coming out triumphant. Congratulations to all the finalist and especially to the winners. The Trophies were presented to the winners by the club captain, Pauline Woolner.

Update from Ongar Flower Club The Club were delighted to welcome some new faces to the August meeting when they gathered to enjoy a rather different format to the evening. As a club they like to broaden their style from time to time, and so it was with great pleasure we introduced Felicitie Hall who while studying for an M.A. under the V and A, studied the life and work of Constance Spry.

Anyone remotely interested in flowers and flower arranging would have heard this lady's name and Felicitie was able to transport us back to the 1930s when Constance really made an impact, and laid the foundations of the style and traditions we enjoy today.

Constance would advocate "open your mind to every form of beauty and give yourself permission to be creative". She would become famous for using Cow Parsley (of if you prefer the other name, Queen Anne's Lace) and other natural hedgerow plants. As time went on, she became noticed by the high society set, and her dramatic and different style of massing colours and types of flowers together caught the attention of the Granada Cinema company who used her to decorate their foyers. And from this, she became more and more fashionable, doing work for such places as Heals and aristocratic weddings. Cecil Beaton's sister asked her to do her wedding in 1933, and then a royal booking: in 1935, the Duke of Gloucester's wedding.

So Felicitie, with the aid of some slides and flower arrangements, gave us a fascinating insight into the world of Constance Spry, our founder of flower arranging. Next time you see a large pedestal arrangement, think of her.... it was all her idea first.

Next month they return to their usual style of meeting when we will welcome Shirley Perkins from Leigh-on-Sea who will take as her theme "Take a Bunch". The club are sure Shirley will create some lovely floral designs so why not come along, sit back and enjoy a creative demonstration. They are a friendly bunch and would love to see you, and remember, all the flowers are raffled at the end of the evening. Make a note: Tuesday 1st September 7.30 Zinc Arts Centre, Ongar High Road. And the next date to note: Tuesday 6th October, Diane Blomfield, "It's All Art".

Visitors ÂŁ4.50 Jenny Stone 899727

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From Farm Tracks to Legal Roadways Many of the roads used today outside of Towns and Cities would have started life as unmade Farm Tracks, before becoming established as legal ‘rights of way’ thoroughfares over hundreds of years of regular use by various travelers between countryside Villages. Locally In Medieval times the main route from Harlow (now called Old Harlow) to London was not through Epping Town but over Harlow Common to Thornwood Common, through the Forest (Old Stump Road) to Coopersale, across to Abridge and then Woodford. The current road to Epping from Thornwood was not opened until 1518 and then only went as far as the Bell Common, before turning left and connecting to the old route at Theydon Bois. At this time Epping Town was known as Epping Street and was nothing like the size it is to day. It was not until the early 17 th Century that roads from Loughton via Wakes Arms to Epping Common were established and then this became the main route from London to Harlow/ Newmarket. (The current section between Wakes Arms and Woodford was not added until much later).

It was the law of the land that landowners maintain any established roads used by the public that ran through their property. This was a very hit and miss approach to road maintenance with stepping stones over brooks and streams being the norm, rather than bridges, unless it suited the landowner. Reluctance to do road repairs was at its greatest when wear and tear arose principally as a result of through traffic. In the early days this would have consisted mainly of travelers on foot and horseback, farmstock, packhorses and the occasional wheeled cart. But by the time the main route to London was diverted through Epping, traffic had increased with a growing numbers of horse drawn vehicles including Stagecoaches to Newmarket and Suffolk. Following the establishment of horseracing at Newmarket, increasing numbers of wealthy patrons, including royalty traveled through North Weald Bassett. There was also a greater numbers of cattle, sheep, geese and other livestock being driven along this route to the slaughterhouses that supplied London with its meat. A drovers trail for traffic ‘on the hoof’ had also developed through North Weald along what is now the High Road. Livestock from not only Essex but as far away as Suffolk, would be rested overnight in a meadow sited at what is now Bassett Gardens, before being collected by a new drover next morning for the next stage to London.

Despite many Acts of Parliament being made over the years to try to enforce better road maintenance, every year many local landowners appeared at the courts for failing to do so. It was not until 1768 that an act of parliament lead to the formation of the ‘Epping Highway Trust’, with a long list of substantial citizens from the local parishes to act as trustees. Permission was granted to erect turnpikes, collect tolls, lay down conditions for use of the roads and above all ensure that landowners maintained them in good condition. Toll Gates were erected at Thornwood and Epping to restrict traffic and raise much needed extra funds. The act led to the first truly satisfactory roads in our district.

So successful was the trust that in 1787 a further act was passed, forming another trust to cover North Weald and Ongar roads, which led to further tollgates being erected at North Weald (opposite Forest Glade – see pic) and Ongar. Various side roads/lanes also had ‘Bar and Gates’ installed to stop travelers evading the Tolls. People living within North Weal Bassett however were exempt from payment unless they were driving livestock to or from the regular Ongar or Epping animal markets.

Formation of the Trusts brought great benefit in the co-ordination and establishment of decent roads in the district? But with the coming of the railways, through traffic in the area dramatically decreased and the Tollgates were no longer a viable proposition and the trusts were wound up and turnpikes abandoned on the 30th June 1870. The regular maintenance of roads was later transferred to local county councils with a part of the local rate system or central government grants used to cover the costs.

‘Enjoy your local history’.

The Happy Wanderer.

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BIRD FEATURE - SEPTEMBER 2015

Here is the bird report for September, the month when summer gives way to autumn. Most of our breeding birds have finished their nesting for this season and this year's young birds are learning to survive although of course many will perish through predation, illness, starvation or accidents (such as flying into windows, or failing to avoid passing cars etc). But a good proportion will survive and will form the breeding populations of future years. One bird that may continue breeding later than other species are pigeons. They feed their young a type of 'milk' so they do not need a supply of insects to sustain their nestlings.

Swifts will start their migration before Swallows and House Martins. I am writing these notes in mid August and there are already very few to be seen. From my own personal records the latest I have seen one in our area was the last week of August whereas I have seen Swallows as late as 23rd October and House Martins up to 16th October. Nationally a few individual birds are recorded staying on into winter itself although this is a risky strategy as finding insect food at that time of year will be very difficult. Anyway we should see Swallows for a few more weeks and there is always the chance of a larger flock of them flying over as they make their way southwards to cross the Channel and journey on to Africa. I spent a few days in rural Devon and there seemed to be Swallows everywhere. Most of the farming is cattle based and cows mean insects !!! Around our area the farmland is more crop based, meaning fewer flying insects so we tend to get lower numbers of Swallows.

Any regular readers will recall that in recent editions I have highlighted the good numbers of Blackcaps in evidence during the spring and summer this year. They are not so obvious now as the males haven't been singing and they are therefore that bit harder to spot. Similarly the other common warblers, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers, are also less evident. However there are still some to be seen and as autumn approaches there is every chance of seeing one passing through local gardens, particularly if you have shrubs and trees from which they can glean insect food. There will be this year's young dispersing through the area and older birds moving through on migration. If you hear a high pitched, short 'hweet' type call then that could well be one of these warblers foraging nearby.

Blackcaps in particular have taken to overwintering in the UK as our winters have become generally milder and they will readily frequent garden bird tables etc for food. They are quite pugnacious birds which are known to dart at other species to deter them from sharing in the food source.

As the autumn progresses we should notice increased flocking by various gulls, crows and finches. There are gull roosts at the reservoirs in the Lee Valley area and birds from there can head over to the farmland in our area for foraging. In the evenings they can then be seen flying over back towards Lee Valley, sometimes in straggly lines and occasionally in impressive v-shape flocks. Normally they will fly over silently but if you do notice them they can make a great sighting. We also get quite a few gulls loafing around the airfield. Most of them are Black-headed Gulls (which in winter have whitish heads as they lose their dark plumage) with occasional Herring Gulls, Lesser Blackbacked Gulls and a few Common Gulls. Herring and Lesser Black- backed Gulls are big birds, the former has lighter grey wings than the latter which doesn't actually have a black back but rather a dark grey plumage on the wings.

Jackdaws and Rooks are members of the crow family and are always sociable birds - Rooks tend to nest in colonies such as the rookery in Wintry Wood - but in the autumn they form increasingly large flocks around our area. I have seen as many as 200 or so Jackdaws flying to and from farmland and Rooks too can be present in considerable numbers. Like the gulls they need to roost safely at night and it is as dusk approaches that you can see many birds making their way to a particular wood to spend the night. As the light fades there will nearly always be a straggler or two and they often can be heard calling to each other as they fly on.

Finches, too, will form flocks in autumn. These flocks will include young birds and indeed can be made up of more than one species, for instance Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Linnets are a mixed flock I have previously noted in the Weald Common area. Older readers may recall the much bigger flocks we used to get in stubble fields. I can certainly recall as a child in the early 60s seeing a swirling mass of birds in fields near an RAF base I lived on in Norfolk. Those flocks would have also included Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings but much less likely these days. I have never personally seen a Corn Bunting in our area yet this is a bird that used to be really common throughout farmland areas.

On a positive note I have seen Linnets regularly throughout the summer, either feeding on roadside weeds in quiet turnings in the village or at Weald Common. Most years I have only noted this species during mid to late Spring. There have been 4 or 5 individual birds including at least two males which are a handsome sight in their breeding plumage with lovely crimson markings. Linnets have a bit of a forked tail and are bigger than Goldfinches and less stocky than Greenfinches.

One other bird that will be obviously flocking around North Weald will be the good old Starling with this year's youngsters forming a large part of the flocks. There are generally several separate groups around the village and all told there will be several hundred spending the winter in our vicinity. This is another bird that roosts communally and they can form noisy, swirling flocks prior to settling down for the night. In some areas such as the Somerset Levels they can get absolutely huge flocks, probably just as well we don't get such numbers here.

I've always been a bit of a casual amateur astronomer so I took advantage of the clear sky to look out for the Perseid meteor shower on the night of 12th to 13th August. This annual event was well publicised on TV and I did see quite a few "shooting stars" although most were fairly faint and only a few had a proper bright trail. Anyway some time after midnight I heard a Little Owl calling as it moved about in the Thornhill / Weald Common area. I have previously seen one perched on my garage roof and neighbours have also seen them on adjacent roofs. Most times I only hear the call rather than actually sight the bird. I have never seen a Tawny Owl in our part of the village although I have noted them in a couple of other locations, they prefer some woodland. They won't tolerate Little Owls in their territory as they are obviously direct competitors and the Tawny Owl being the bigger bird will win that particular argument. As I have said before, the Little Owl is more familiar as it often perches on telegraph poles adjacent to the back lanes and is often active well before dark.

I haven't seen any hedgehogs at all this year. Recent years have seen a decline in their numbers but I would still hope to see one or two.

Without being a bit morbid it was obvious there were plenty of hedgehogs about years ago because you would often see dead individuals on the road. A sad decline as they are generally a useful devourer of slugs etc although they are also partial to an egg or two. On the nicer days there have been plenty of butterflies about although in the last few duller days I have mostly seen those pesky Cabbage White types. My favourite butterfly has always been the Orange Tip which are on the wing in the spring but I saw very few this year. Summer evenings see bats flying around, there are usually 3 or 4 around my turning but I think they are all the same, smaller species. I was visiting friends recently, they live not that far from a river and in the evenings they get much larger bats passing through their garden, they look more than double the size of the bats I get to see.

Before the summer ends I am hoping to see a Hobby, a dashing bird of prey that particularly targets dragonflies at this time of year. I have mentioned them in previous reports but my expectation of seeing one or two have been dashed, I just haven't seen any. They are not common in our area but I normally get a handful of sightings each year but so far it is not happening. I am also hoping to see a Red Kite. I understand one was seen in Hastingwood in July and I have seen reports of several frequenting the Lee Valley area. At this time of year younger individuals can be dispersing throughout the country and we have had them in our area from time to time.

Autumn migration can throw up unexpected sightings.For example, last year there was a small flock of Sand Martins briefly at Weald Common. So enjoy any time you have out and about during the next few weeks, keep an eye out for any wildlife that is about. We need to appreciate the fact that we have some fairly accessible countryside and woodland in the village area and it just adds another dimension to walks etc if you are aware of the natural history around us.

All the best, Paul Corbet

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Essential Local Numbers

Essential Local Numbers

The Alzheimer Society

01992 717676

North Weald Methodist Hall

01992 522143

Cats Protection

01992 579539

North Weald Library

01992 522896

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 257 1909

North Weald Village Hall Bookings

07870 465129 northwealdvillagehall.org/

Crimestoppers

0800 555111

North Weald Parish Council

01992 523825

Doctors High Street, Epping

08445 769797

Queens Community Centre Hall Bookings

01992 522910

Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)

01992 566500

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)

01992 573838

Police, Epping Station

0300 333 4444

Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383

Police, Neighbourhood/local

101

Epping Forest District Council

01992 564000

Police, Emergency

999

Epping Forest Burial Park

01992 523863

RSPCA

01279 306058

Hospital, St Margarets, Epping

01992 561666

Scribbles Pre School

01992 523846

Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow

01279 444455

Stuart Poulton

01992 522607

24 Hour

01992 572607

London & Essex Boarding Kennels & Cattery (Kents Farm)

01992 522183

St Andrews Primary School

01992 522283

Early Years—St Andrews

01992 522283

North Weald Airfield

01992 564200

Traveline

0870 6082608

North Weald Chemist

01992 523887

The Red School

01992 522073

North Weald Golf Club

01992 522118

Village Pre School

01992 572662

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY

LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY

3rd North Weald Beavers

Jujitsu Weald North Club, North Angling Weald Club

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

Tel: 01992 524672

Www.parklodge.co.uk Tel: 01992 524071

Tel: 523375 522258 or 522052

British Legion, North Weald Branch

North Weald Preservation Angling Club Society

Tel: 01992 522955

Tel: 01992 523417 524071 or 522618

Queens North Weald Hall Charity Wireless Station Bowls Club522910 Tel:

Coopersale Horticultural Society

North Weald Bassett Cricket Club & District Rural

Tel: 574945

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

Dance Factory

North Weald Bassett Kickboxing Singers

Tel: 07976 786404

Tel: 522258 07433 2843128

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

North Weald Weald Cricket Cricket Scouts Club Group Club

Tel: 01277 365200

Northweald.play-cricket.com 01992 524672

Tel: 522910 Seniors Thornwood Rapier Cycling Club Tel: 577872

Epping Forest Badger Group

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

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

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

www.3valleymvc.org.uk Tel: 577872

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

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

Tel: 01708 250820

Tel: 522258

Tel: 07855 911323

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

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

Inside this issue: Recent Scams Brain Teaser North Weald Horticultural Winners Local News Local Events Recent Burglary update

Gardening Hints

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