North Weald Village Life Strengthening the Community
FREE North Weald Bassett Community Magazine Circulation: Issue: 157 September 2019 Page
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Welcome to September Thank you to everybody for their fantastic comments on how much they like the ‘new’ magazine with the recent changes. Also thank you of course to everyone who has sent such fantastic comments about the magazine celebrating 13 years. I am not sure what has happened to our summer, it is pouring with rain whilst I write this. Although I know the garden needs it but if only it would rain at night and stay dry during the day. I don’t want much do I? I have read many comments online again about the roundabout by York Road and the High Road. Why do people not stop and give way as the highway code dictates? GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT. It’s simple. The same can be said of course about the zebra crossing by the Kings Head Garage. Please stop your vehicle if someone is waiting to cross. Unfortunately the advice I would also give to is don’t cross unless the vehicle approaching the crossing in either direction has stopped, slowing down is not enough as I have experienced and heard from many people. The oncoming vehicle has sped up even when they have just stepped out on the crossing. For any children about to start catching the bus to secondary school for the first time, please remind them to be cautious at this crossing. I really don’t want anyone hurt in the village. I also had a warning from a lovely resident, please if you are walking around the village or attending an event and you carry a bag please be careful. Make sure your bag is zipped up if you can. Pick pockets and thieves are everywhere even in North Weald, please don’t make it easy for them. On that note, there are many scams around in the local area. One new one is where somebody engages you in a conversation in a supermarket car park and distracts you whilst your phone/purse is stolen. Another scam has reared its ugly head again—if you receive a phone call saying a credit card has been found or it’s the police calling you asking for bank details—this is not a scam. If you are unsure do not provide any details over the phone. Police do not ask for details such as these over the phone. Please stay safe and hope to see or hear from you soon. Kind regards June Editor
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Cover photo: A furry friend enjoying a cosy place in Autumn.
Contents September 2019 issue Page No.
5. Dance Show 6—7. Events 8. Planning applications
10. Outside Gym 11 Lloyds Bank Closure 12 & 13. Norwegian Air Force 17. MyHospiceAndMe Campaign 19. Gardening Hints 21. Increase in Police Officers 29. Smoke Alarms 35. Poem
Editor June Peachey june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk 07814 863955 Write to: 49 York Road, North Weald, Epping, Essex CM16 6HU www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Subscription: If you would like to guarantee your personal copy or perhaps you have relatives or friends who would like to receive their own copy, you can subscribe for £25.00 for 12 issues. 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 via letter or email. Advertisers: Please email or telephone us for full advertising rates and sizes. Booking 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,
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SEPTEMBER BRAIN TEASER —Win a box of biscuits • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
School Student Pencil Case Uniform Blazer Sports Examination Test Bus Learning Education Maths English Science History Primary Secondary
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Congratulations to Mrs Smith this month who will be celebrating 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 2019. 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.
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Stage and Street Dance Show Members from a Local Street Dance class recently took part in the their annual show. This year the 'Stage and Screen' show took place at Epping Hall on Saturday 6th July with 45 children and 25 adult tappers taking part. The pupils made Mandy, the dance teacher, and their parents proud and put their heart and soul into the performance. They also raised ÂŁ80 selling the programmes to be split between two charities, St Clare Hospice and Alzheimers Society. Children's street dance classes take place every Monday at Queens Hall Community Centre from 4pm to 6pm. Adult tap takes place at St. Martins Church rooms in Ongar on a Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm. If anyone wants any information please ring Mandy on 07976 786404 or visit
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September 15th North Weald and Ongar Branch (Inc. Nazeing and Harlow RMG) will be holding their annual
Battle of Britain Wreath-laying and Remembrance ceremony at the Cross of Sacrifice in the churchyard of St. Andrew’s Church, North Weald. 10.45 for 11am.
Museum Movers Epping Forest District Museum, 39 – 41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL Friday 6 September 2019 – Friday 13 December 2019 10.30am – 12noon £2.50 includes tea and coffee 55+ years Museum Movers are fun, informal dance sessions, designed to promote health, well-being and freedom of movement. You are welcome to do a seated version or can challenge yourself by performing the moves standing. All abilities are welcome. No need to book, just drop in. Please wear clothes that are comfortable to move in.
Garden afternoon Sunday 1st September Copped Hall 2pm – 4pm Tickets £5. Friends and children free
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Send details of Events To be included on this page.
Deadline for October issue# 10th September 2019
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LOCAL EVENTS Every Monday
Ballroom and Latin American Dancing Classes
8.15pm & 9.15pm
North Weald Village Hall. Beginners at 8.15 and intermediate at 9.15. Contact Debbie on 07872 427946.
Every Monday
Taoist Tai Chi
10.30am— 12.30
Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping. Tel: 01992 523854.
Every Tuesday
Taoist Tai Chi
7.30pm— 9pm
Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Tel 01992 523854 for more information
Every 1st Tuesday
Ongar Flower Club
7.30pm
Ongar Sport Pavillion. Ongar. A floral art demonstration given by a qualified and experienced demonstrator. guests/visitors £5.00 members free.
Every Tuesday
Baby & Toddler Group
1.15pm— 2.45pm
Queens Hall, School Green Lane. Term time only. £2 per family.
Every Thursday
Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time— starts again on Thursday 13th September
10.30am— 11am
North Weald Library. For under 5’s and their parents/ carers (term time only) Songs, rhymes and stories. Free to attend
Every Thursday
Bingo
7pm— 9.30m
Wheelers Farm Gardens, £4 for book of 8 pages (2 games per page) Option Flyer £1. 50p for small raffle and cup of tea/coffee. Over 18 only
Every Friday
Reiki Healing/Hands on Healing
1pm—3pm
North Weald Village Hall. The healing is free with donation.
Every Friday
Medium doing Clairvoyance
3.15— 4.15pm
North Weald Village Hall. £3 per entrance. With free raffle ticket.
Every Saturday and Sunday
North Weald Airfield Museum
12 noon— 5pm
North Weald Airfield Museum, Hurricane Way
Every second Saturday of the month
Ploughmans Lunch
12noon
North Weald Village Hall. In aid of NWSS. All welcome
Every second and Fourth Wednesday
Theydon & Abridge Jazz
8pm
Abridge village hall. Enquires davedyer24@gmail.com or phone 07903 879209
Every Tuesday
Board Games Session
2.30— 4.30pm
North Weald Library. Learn new games. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm. All ages welcome Free drop-in session
Saturday and every two weeks .
Laughter Club
Am
North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Must book. Tim 07956 670712 email on friendlylaughteryoga@gmail.com
Wednesday 4th September
North Weald WI
1.45pm
This month at North Weald Village Hall our speaker Mrs Kay Ball will be talking about skincare. Come and join us. Visitors pay £3.00 on the door.
Monday 9th September
West Essex Flower Club
1.15pm
Tuesday 24th September
Holiday at Home with a Harvest Theme
3pm
Thornwood Village Hall. We have a short A.G.M. followed by David Wright with arrangements entitled Famous Ladies. Interested! Come along. Visitors pay £5.00 on the door North Weald Methodist Church Hall. Light lunch and hot/cold drinks provided. Open to anyone of an older generation but who are still young at heart. No charge but donations welcome.
PLEASE SEE DETAILS OF OTHER ACTIVITIES ON PAGE 6. If you know of a local event, please let me know and I will include this in the events calendar on www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk. There is also a Facebook Group— North Weald village Life events—events are posted by myself and members that are taking place throughout Essex, London and Hertfordshire. Page 7
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Planning Applications Planning File No: 008853 Application No: EPF/1288/19 Applicant Name: Mr Barvin Patel Officer: Alastair Prince Location: Tylers Green Stores Vicarage Lane North Weald Bassett Epping Essex CM16 6ET Proposal: Proposed replacement outbuildings used for storage & erection of a 2 metre high fence around the plot. Planning File No: 001941 Application No: EPF/1466/19 Applicant Name: Mr Tony Kirosingh Officer: Zara Seelig Location: TreeTops Upland Road Epping Upland Epping. CM16 6NN Proposal: Proposed ground floor rear extension. new entrance & front bay windows & a loft conversion. Any representations on applications should be made in writing, by Monday 26th August 2019 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 E: appcomment@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
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Congratulations Mr and Mrs Stuart Many people may know of Chester. Chester is one of our regular postmen and delivers post to all parts of the village and many people will remember him as he is always so happy, smiling and polite. If you remember in an earlier issue, a poem was included having been written by one of our residents, namely Terry Blanks, congratulating Chester on his forthcoming marriage. Chester got married on 24th May and he has kindly sent in some photos to share with readers. Thank you Chester and many congratulations to you both – Mr and Mrs Stuart, you both look like you had a wonderful day.
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A New Outside Gym An outside gym has been officially launched by Epping Town Council at the Stonards Hill recreation ground. The 'Big Rig' contains 16 different exercise points each with instructions on how to use each feature. The installation is one of the final parts of the town council's current refurbishment project at the recreation and follows the facelift work on the Jack Silley Pavilion and the opening of the 'Julie At Stonards' cafe, and the launch of an outdoor table tennis table. Mayor Grahame Scruton, who cut the ribbon to officially open the outdoor gym on Tuesday, said: "The recreation ground is widely use by people exercising and we hope that the outdoor gym equipment will assist in this and be a popular addition to the facilities at Stonards Hill." The outdoor gym was funded thanks to a ÂŁ10,000 grant from Essex County Council's Community Initiatives Fund. Mr Scruton thanked the council's funding research officer, Sophie Turrell, for having successfully obtained the funding for the outdoor gym project.
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Local Plan Inspectors Report .
Following the conclusion of the examination hearings of the Local Plan earlier this year,, Epping Forest District Council has now received the Local Plan Inspector’s interim advice setting out the further Main Modifications (MM’s) required to remedy issues of soundness. The Council will now undertake the additional work that needs to be done to establish the precise form of the further MM’s. The Council will not be making any further comment until it has considered the Inspector’s advice and its implications carefully and taken appropriate professional advice.
Fire in Church Lane On the afternoon of Tuesday 6th August at approximately 3.45pm residents reported feeling heat from a field on a fire and being engulfed in smoke as they tried to drive down Church Lane in the village. Fire services were called and for some time the road was closed at one end whilst the fire in the field was put out. The cause has not been confirmed.
You can read the Inspectors interim advice and recommendations at www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk.
Robert Rayment
Stubble burning is now illegal so this could not be the cause. The field was black and damaged by the fire. .
Plumbing—Heating—Gas
The closure of Lloyd’s Bank •
All aspects of plumbing-heating and gas works - from a dripping tap to a full central heating installation.
5 th
It is sad news that Lloyd’s bank in Epping will close on November. This follows other bank closures in the town over the last few months including Santander and Nat West. •
Local with a very good reputation.
The decision to close the bank has been because less people are using the branch.
•
Professional service.
•
Over 20 years experience in the industry.
The closet branch you can use will be Loughton or Harlow and Lloyds Bank state that you can use the Post Office for many every day banking transactions.
•
Free estimates and no call out fee.
•
No job too small.
Online banking is obviously convenient, but I believe there is still a requirement for a bank in the town. Banks should ensure they provide resource to people of all ages and Loughton and Harlow can be problematic for people to get to on public transport.
07853 878895 robertraymentplumber@gmail.com You can check my reviews at:-
I often use the Epping branch of Lloyds Bank, many of the staff have been there for years and there always seems to be at least one customer in there at any time Page 11
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Norwegian Air Force mark association with Airfield On Monday 15th July, Major General Tonje Skinnarland Chief of the Royal Norwegian Airforce and senior Norwegian government official visited North Weald to celebrate the 75th anniversary. The event commenced with Commemorative wreaths laid at the North Weald Airfield memorial and Debt of Honour to mark seventy five years of association with the Royal Norwegian Airforce which flew from the airfield during World War II. Two Norwegian squadrons Nos. 331 and 332 moved to North Weald in 1942 as a result of the Norwegian Government’s exile to the UK. They became known as the North Weald Wing of the Norwegian Airforce and squadron 331 became the highest scoring fighter squadron in the South of England. The fighter squadrons based at North Weald was very symbolic to the Norwegian nation – both at the time and in the subsequent postwar period. North Weald became their national symbol of resistance. General Skinnarland was accompanied by officers and staff of the Royal Norwegian Airforce and Colonel John Andreas Olsen – Defence Attache to the Norwegian Embassy in London as representative of the Norwegian Government. A meal was held later at the Squadron at North Weald Airfield at which a number of guests were invited, including myself (Editor). It was a lovely occasion meeting representatives from the Royal Norwegian Airforce. Some of the younger members had never been to North Weald and it plays such an important role in their heritage and training, they were delighted at the opportunity promising to return. A Spitfire aircraft was on standby and visitors were delighted to be able to look in the cockpit, ask questions etc. A lovely day enjoyed by all present and a very special event. Thank you to Arthur Moreton and Mrs Moreton for their hard work in arranging this event. Page 12
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Quality furniture – Made to last a lifetime
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North Weald in the past 1930 - A great photo of our local pub The Kings Head showing the petrol pumps in the forecourt.
1914 – This photograph is a view from
the Station in Station Road. The wall to the right is still there just by The Kings Head Garage. The building straight ahead is the old Post Office to the left is one of the Woolpack Cottages, both destroyed by bombing in WW2. Wendy Clarke
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Latest news for the Airfield At a cabinet meeting held on 30th July at Epping Forest District Council, it was reported by Councillor Aniket PatelIn relation to North Weald Airfield: •
National Police Aviation Service (NPAS) - The NPAS construction is due for completion in August with operations likely to commence in September.
•
Cancer Research UK Race for Life - took place at NWA on Wednesday July 10th. Over 1000 runners, walkers and joggers took part which was open to men and boys for the first time. It is expected that £38,000 will be raised for the charity. This will add to the £1m raised by the North Weald event over the past 20 years.
•
Epping & Ongar Round Table fireworks event November 2nd - EFDC and particularly the North Weald Operation Team will be working alongside the Epping & Ongar Round Table in the presentation of a fireworks event at North Weald Airfield.
•
Complaint from Epping residents regards aircraft nuisance - Earlier in the year the Airfield received a number of complaints from residents living in Theydon Grove regards nuisance caused by overflying aircraft many of which were conducting training flights. The problem has been addressed by the Airfield Management through dialogue with residents and the pilot training organisation. Pilot briefings have also been undertaken as well as regular social media posts asking pilots to avoid area of habitation.
Flexible working has increased The number of people working ‘flexible hours’ has increased fivefold in the last two decades. That is according to an analysis of working trends by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. According to the 1999 Labour Force Survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the percentage of people working flexible hours in the UK was 9.5% at that time. Recent statistics from CIPD, however, show that this number has drastically increased, with 54% of workers currently having the option to operate outside of typical nine-to-five office hours. The 2019 UK Working Lives Report reveals that two in three professionals (68%) would like to work flexibly in a way that is not currently available. Commenting on the analysis, Ann Swain, Chief Executive of APSCo, said: “The advancements of technology over the past 20 years have no doubt played a significant part in making this possible.. Flexible working also plays an important role in bringing equality to the workplace. People with disabilities or caring responsibilities, for example, often are unable to commute to the office or work conventional hours, therefore the option to work part-time. Page 15
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•
North Weald Market - Following a recent tender process Saunders have been awarded the lease to operate North Weald market for a further 2 years. End date December 31st 2021.
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or 01277412522
For a free no obligation quotation WEBSITE: www.haydenlandscapes.co.uk EMAIL: haydenlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Apology - Parish Council Garden Readers may recall that Alan Buckley, Chairman of North Weald Bassett Parish Council, penned an article included in last month’s issue concerning the Parish Council Garden at the parade of shops. Alan thanked ongoing sponsors for the kind support but unfortunately one of the key sponsors were omitted. This was not Alan’s fault, he did include them but for some reason they were omitted from the article. So I can only apologise for this and can confirm that North Weald Preservation Society are obviously a key sponsor as they maintain the box garden on the village green at Wheelers Farm Gardens and I know their hard work is valued by both the Parish Council and residents.
Listening can help Recognising that someone is struggling and knowing how to help them can be daunting, especially if the person is close to you. You can often feel helpless and it’s difficult to know where to begin. However, in some cases, simply listening to that person can be the first step to helping them to feel better. Giving people the opportunity to work through what’s on their mind and communicate this within a safe space can help them make sense of their feelings.
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The skill of actively listening can take time to develop and practise but can sometimes be the difference between someone sharing their thoughts out loud and them truly feeling like they’re being heard. If you know someone who is struggling and you’re not sure how to help them, visit the Samaritans websitewww.samaritans.org.uk or call 116 123 and find out more about their active listening tips and how you can be better prepared to have a difficult conversation.
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There are also lots of local organisations across Essex who can help if you, or someone you know, is struggling to cope, or you notice you’re feeling differently. Visit the www.livewellcampsign.co.uk website for links to local, confidential advice and support.
Letter Plates Replaced Guttering Replaced/Cleaned Full Maintenance of UPVC & Aluminium
A Complete Service To All Windows & Doors We often don’t recognise the importance of taking time out to consider our own emotional wellbeing and mental health, before we start to see the negative impact of not doing so. So, listen. Listen to yourself and listen to those around you. When people feel listened to, it can save a life. Source: Essex County Council Page 16
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MyHospiceAndMe Campaign launches to share care stories Preconceptions of hospice care often prevent people from accessing the support they need, when diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. However, Hastingwood-based St Clare Hospice has found that people’s experiences of its care moves them to create wonderful things which express their feelings about the Hospice, or help others in similar situations to their own. In a bid to help others overcome the myths surrounding Hospice care, St Clare Hospice is launching a new campaign, #MyHospiceAndMe, using some of these creations to help show what a difference compassionate care can make to people who are experiencing one of the most difficult stages of their lives. The Hospice is also calling on local people to share their experiences of hospice care. To kick-start the campaign, the Hospice has a very special story about the actions of two sisters who were moved to create something special to help others, following their experience of St Clare’s care last year. St Clare Hospice now has spare washbags on hand for the relatives of its patients who are staying on the Inpatient Unit. These wash bags, named BruceBags, were created by sisters Trish and Gill in memory of their father, Bruce. Trish, from Shropshire, said: "St Clare is such a joyous place that we wanted to give something back. The nurses, doctors and volunteers gave us so much at such a difficult time in our life. It was only once we’d been there with Dad that I learnt what a great job hospices do. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everybody at St Clare.”
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“On my way home, I was calling in at the Hospital to see Dad to give him his card and present, but I didn’t make it home. When I got to the hospital, he’d been transferred to St Clare Hospice that morning. “So I rushed over to the Hospice, and the moment I walked into the Inpatient Unit I could feel the calm, the kindness and compassion emanating from the place – honestly, you could touch it. “I felt my stress levels coming down right away, and one of the nurses took me straight in to see Dad in his room.
“Dad was awake and he recognised me, which I was delighted about. Dad had Alzheimer’s disease but he did seem remarkably lucid at that moment, although he could not speak. The nurses were getting Dad settled in and I went to see the doctor, who said that they thought that Dad might die within a few hours. “I phoned Gill and she left work immediately. Dad was in a coma quite soon after he was admitted but Gill was able to talk to him as well before he slipped into a coma, although by then he was unable to open his eyes but he raised his eyebrows at the sound of her voice. My brother, Dave, who lives in Leicestershire, had seen him in the hospital as well, just before he was moved to the Hospice.
“When it seemed that Dad really was slipping away, we asked the nurses if they could contact a chaplain for Dad. They took some time and care in this and found us the wonderful Rev. Lynn Hurry, who came, despite having a hip operation scheduled the next day. As with the Hospice staff, she brought great comfort not only to Dad, but his girls as well. What a perfect example and testament to the holistic approach of St Clare. “If I hadn’t have been on my way home I wouldn’t have had my suitcase containing a toiletry bag and clean clothes – which my sister and I both used during our stay. It occurred to us that other people in our situation needed a few items to help them feel fresher and stronger. So we decided to make up some toiletry bags – some for men and some for women. “Because of our experience, we thought maybe we could help someone else. And because Dad’s name was Bruce we wanted to name them after him, so we called them ‘Bruce Bags’. “We left a card in the bags explaining our story, and why we made them – asking people who used them to replace what they have used, if possible, so that they are there for the next person. We also provided a little card for people to write their loved ones name in, if they wished.”
Dad went in on the 9th July (his birthday) and died on the 11th and, we didn’t leave his side. We slept in his room with him on sofa beds.
“The people at the Hospice were wonderful; they brought us toast in the morning and an evening meal. They looked after us every bit as much as they looked after Dad.
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Gardening Hints for September Nearly autumn already! The weather as usual has been one extreme to the other with glorious sunshine followed by harsh winds and downpours. Many plants will still require watering even after rain, especially hanging baskets and any trees or shrubs which have been in the ground for less than a year. As your hanging baskets and pots are coming towards the end now it’s worth feeding them twice a week with some thing like miracle gro or tomato feed, just to give them that extra boost & remember to continue dead heading them. Give hedges a final cut to keep them neat and tidy, cutting the top will also promote new growth from the bottom giving you a nice compact hedge. Don’t let tomatoes or cucumbers dry out, pick off lower branches from tomato plants this will allow the plant to put its energy into ripening the fruit. Feed toms & cues twice a week. Cut back perennials & shrubs once they’ve finished flowering to keep them looking tidy. During September give your lawns a final application of feed, weed & moss killer - once any moss has turned brown/black rake it out.
On roses keep removing dead or faded heads to promote further blooms. Spray monthly to prevent black spot, remove any leaves already affected. During September/October dig over flower beds and remove any weeds. Apply well rotted manure to flower/veg beds. As autumn approaches have a look at any shrubs or perennials which haven’t done particularly well this year, now is the time to dig them up and reposition them, try to keep as much root attached as possible and once repositioned water them well. As always take time to enjoy your garden, make notes of what worked where and vice versa.
Spring flowering bulbs will be in to the nursery soon. We will also be taking in empty hanging baskets and pots ready to plant up for autumn/winter for you. If you have any questions please feel free to pop in to the nursery where Lisa or myself will do our best to assist you. Now to the bit where I show my age and lack of interest in technology! I know Lisa keeps you all up to date with what’s just in etc on our Facebook page (@ArtNGC) I know this because many of you tell me that you’ve come in to purchase this or that because you’ve seen it on Facebook! Well now Lisa tells me that we are also on Instagram, apparently you can ‘follow us’ by searching artnurserynw, I will leave it there because that’s about all I know! Cheers Nigel (Art Nursery Garden Centre)
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Field fire On Thursday 8th August at 12.34, Firefighters were called to a field fire in Epping Upland. Three fire crews attended. On arrival, fire crews reported that the area of cut stubble affected by the fire measured approximately 200m x 300m. Firefighters used beaters and two hoses to tackle the fire. Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
Building their services around our needs Epping Forest District Council is currently building a new customer strategy focused around residents’ needs. They are asking for feedback on what matters most to us when dealing with them and have launched an online survey. I have completed the survey today and is short and only takes a few minutes. The Questions asked include: •
For what reasons do you contact them?
•
What method do you use (face to face, phone, website, email, letter) and why do you prefer to contact them this way?
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Do you get the service you need from them?
•
If not, please tell us why not so that they can learn from your experience
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What else do you think they can do to give you a great customer experience?
The questions are straight forward and they have confirmed the results will be listened to.
The only disadvantage I can see is that it is only an online survey but there may be a paper copy available if you contact them directly. As with any survey if you don’t take a few minutes to complete it, they will never know your views. You can complete the online survey by visiting their website www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk
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Increase in Police Officers in Epping Forest From Monday 22nd July, it was confirmed that Towns across Brentwood and Epping will see an increased number of officers dedicated to policing town centres. A total of six new officers will enable an increase in visible patrols and the teams will investigate community issues within their designated town centres.
Two officers will be assigned to Brentwood, Loughton and Waltham Abbey respectively. All six officers will be led by Sergeant Rob Fitt and will come under the banner of Town Centre Teams. Community issues are at the forefront of the Town Centre Teams’ priorities, including crime against local businesses, antisocial behaviour in town centres, and ensuring that clubs, bars and pubs in the three towns adhere to their licencing agreements. District Commander for Brentwood and Epping, Chief Inspector Lewis Basford, said: “I think the Town Centre Teams will be an excellent opportunity for our officers to really integrate into the local community and help community groups and local businesses to voice their problems, which we can then investigate fully. “All of our officers have come from a response background, so have a brilliant knowledge of the local towns and are really keen to get out into the community and meet the organisations, businesses, and associations that make our communities great.” “To begin with, the teams will be focusing on being visible and tackling antisocial behaviour and shoplifting in town centres, but as the challenges within the communities change, we’ll make sure we meet them head on.” Councillor Nigel Bedford, Cabinet member for Communities and Partnership Services at Epping Forest District Council said: “Introducing the additional officers through the Town Centre Teams in Epping Forest will provide a greater visible policing presence in the district. I think knowing there will be more opportunity to raise issues and share their concerns will be reassuring to many of Making it easier for members of the public, local businesses and organisations to access and interact with their policing teams will encourage better partnerships and strengthen relationships within our local communities.” Essex Police’s investment in more policing in town centres will place officers in 23 locations across the county to deal with the issues on your doorstep. As part of the force’s dedication to visible, frontline officers, the 58 constables will tackle the most prominent issues in local communities, making for a safer county and stronger relationships with the public. The Town Centre Team constables will be assigned to Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harwich, Maldon, Saffron Walden, South Woodham Ferrers and Witham in the north of Essex. In the south of the county, officers will be servicing Basildon, Billericay, Canvey, Rayleigh, Rochford, Southend and Wickford.
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DVSA & DfT Data reveals South East and London has best MOT pass rates. A recent investigation into the best and worst regions for MOT pass rates showed surprising patterns. The top pass rates are all in South East England, and on the flip side, the most failures fall in Scotland. Surprisingly drivers in the London and Essex regions are most likely to pass their MOT with flying colours. This area of Britain fills pretty much all the top spots, displaying the UK’s best pass rates.
Top 10 reasons for MOT failure, based on most recent DVSA data (last updated July 4th 2019): • • • • • • • • • •
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - 12.80% Suspension - 9.10% Brakes - 7.50% Tyres - 5.80% Visibility - 5.20% Body, chassis, structure - 4.00% Noise, emissions and leaks - 3.30% Steering - 1.90% Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems - 1.30% Identification of the vehicle - 0.40%
Rebecca Currier, Marketing Manager at CarTakeBack says: “CarTakeBack branches across the UK regularly see cars sold to them that have failed an MOT. Minor fails can often be easily repaired, relatively cheaply. However, when a car fails and it’s likely to cost more than a car is worth to get it to pass an MOT test, those cars often end up being recycled. With a change in the law recently, cars that fail can’t be driven off the MOT centre site, in these instances it’s vital that the cars are collected from the MOT centre for the customer.”
Wish somebody a happy birthday, or announce a birth, death, marriage, or special anniversary Just send these to me at June@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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NORTH
NORTH WEALD BASSETT PARISH COUNCIL MONTHLY UPDATE
GOOD NEWS FOR NORTH WEALD LIBRARY The Parish Council is pleased to announce that Essex County Council have approved a Future Library Strategy, to make “A Library Service Fit For A Modern Age”. The revised strategy proposes a future for libraries in Essex, as well as giving the service the opportunity to expand. It also commits that no libraries will close in the next five years. The new strategy focuses on two key elements:
✓ ✓
Developing a plan to invest £3m over the life of the strategy to improve libraries Working with and supporting community groups or other partner organisations to set up community-run libraries with the aim of ensuring a library service is retained in every current location.
The investment plan will include: • Improving libraries to deliver a consistent, h • igh-quality look and feel • Up to date and flexible library management computer systems • Upskilling staff and volunteers to improve the service to users • Embracing new technology and ‘smart libraries’ functionality that enables users to choose when and how they access books and learning materials • Deliver more outreach than ever before – taking the library service into a wide range of communities Community-run libraries will be offered a support package including grant funding of £18,000 over three years, an initial donation of books, a regular refresh of reading materials, training and support to get started plus ongoing support from experienced library staff. Opening hours will not change for the first year while more insight is gathered. The aim over the life of the strategy is to create an overall pattern of library opening within Essex County Council run libraries that will maximise access through a combination of staffed opening hours, volunteer supported opening hours, smart library technology and an improved eLibrary offer. Essex County Council’s next step is to start developing the implementation plan, more detail will be released soon. STOLEN STATUE - NORTH WEALD BASSETT CEMETERY Sadly, the figure of the small girl was stolen from the Council’s Cemetery in July. The theft of the bronze statue was reported to Essex Police and the Council’s Insurance Company. The Council will look to replace the statue in due course. COUNCILLOR CONTACT DETAILS Thornwood Ward Baden Clegg – 01992 575636 Richard Spearman – 01992 575387 1 x Vacancy
Hastingwood Ward Brian Eldridge – 01279 428622 2 x Vacancies
North Weald (Village) Ward: Nigel Bedford - n.bedford@ntlworld.com Mark Stroud - mark.stroud1973@gmail.com George Mulliner - glmmugsey@outlook.com Terry Blanks - 01992 522216 Anne Grigg – annegrigg@live.co.uk Alan Buckley - 07956 247013 Sheila Jackman, MBE - 01277 363740 Andrew Tyler - 01992 523825 (Parish Office) Parish Office,–North Weald Library, 138 High Road, North Weald, Essex CM16 6BZ Dawn Wood dawniewood@live.co.uk Tel: 01992 523825 Fax: 01992 524756 email: clerk@northweald-pc.gov.uk www.northweald-pc.gov.uk The Parish Office is located within North Weald Library opening times:Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 9.15am to 1.15pm. Details of ALL Parish Council and Planning Committee Meetings can be found on the Parish Council’s website or the noticeboards located within the three Wards. Hard copies of any agendas or minutes can be requested from the office.
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s
Don’t throw it away It’s all too easy to throw away items when we’ve fallen out of love with them - you’re probably a different person now to who you were years ago when you first bought that mustard coloured settee and matching armchairs. But what if there was a different way of getting rid of the things that no longer bring you joy, or that you simply do not have space to keep? In Essex it’s easy and quick to pass on your unwanted items and you may not even need to leave your home to do so. There are many local projects, which not only support Essex residents, but also benefit local communities. So, by decluttering your home, you’re also giving back. If you have an item that is too good to throw away why not contact Epping Reuse by ringing them – 01992 57822 or visit their website - www.eppingreuse.org.uk/ And it you’re on the lookout for anything from furniture and clothing, to garden ornaments and children’s toys, check out your local Freegle site – a space where you can give or receive items for free!
Frontline help when you need it Most of us have periods in our lives when times are tough, maybe when we have a young family, need support in caring for an elderly relative, have money worries or are just finding it hard to cope. Epping Forest Frontline is a community project to help residents and frontline workers quickly find advice on subjects such as family, older people, mental health, disability, addiction and wellbeing. Local people can check out the information themselves and contact the relevant organisation to request a call back to discuss their particular issues, and Council staff can refer residents to the services best able to support them.
Frontline is a large community project where organisations and services combine to improve people’s knowledge and access to local services. Frontline in west Essex is funded by Essex County Council and the NHS’s West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group. Frontline monitors all referrals and chases services that receive referrals to make sure each individual enquirer receives a response. We will be kept up to date on all referrals made by us as a Council. We are starting small initially with just the Contact Centre making referrals but we will roll it out service by service across the rest of the Council in due course” said Cllr Nigel Bedford, Portfolio Holder for community services. Page 25
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From Citizens Advice: Benefits: the basics The benefits system can be complicated to understand and navigate. This article is an attempt to give you an outline of what the system does and what your rights and obligations are. The first key thing to know is that the benefit system is governed by laws, made by Parliament or by Government under authority from Parliament. With a few exceptions, officials, tribunals and courts do not have discretion as to whether you get a benefit: if you meet the legal criteria you get the benefit; if you don’t, you don’t.
Child benefit is probably the commonest benefit, paid to almost all parents to help meet the cost of bringing up a child, but the second key thing to know about the system overall is that benefits are there in the main for two groups: people who cannot support themselves and their families through income from work or other sources, and people with disabilities, on the assumption that having a disability brings extra costs. These two groups overlap. A person with a serious disability may be unable to work and earn because of their disability and so will be able to claim both types of benefit. But most of the people in the first group are not obtaining a benefit because of disability: it is because they are elderly and so can claim state retirement pension and maybe pension credit and housing benefit, or because they are on low pay and so can claim tax credits, housing benefit or universal credit, or they are caring for someone else, so can claim carer’s allowance, or they are temporarily out of work. They can claim jobseeker’s allowance or universal credit. What exactly you get depends on your National Insurance record and your personal circumstances. People with disabilities can claim one of three benefits: disability living allowance for those under 16, attendance allowance for those over 65, and personal independence payment for everyone else. These benefits are not means-tested and do not depend on your National Insurance contributions. They are awarded solely on the basis of need, as determined by a set of legal criteria. In all benefits the levels of payment are set by law. How you spend the money is up to you. Most benefits are administered by the Department of Work and Pensions. Being a benefit claimant can carry with it a set of obligations, some of which can be quite onerous. You have to keep the DWP informed of any relevant change in your circumstances, and if you get more than one benefit you may to inform more than one office. Almost all benefit claims are regularly reviewed and you have to cooperate in the review process, whether by filling in forms, providing information, or attending interviews and medical assessments. Failure to cooperate can mean immediate loss of the benefit concerned. If you are fit for work you will be expected to actively seek work. And If you are overpaid benefit you will almost always have to pay it back.
If you think you, or someone you know, might be entitled to a benefit you should check it out. Our website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk will help, or you can come to one of our drop-in sessions. The nearest branch to North Weald is at 50A Hemnall Street in Epping. We are open for drop-in from 10.00 to 2.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Elsewhere, the branch in Loughton Library is open between 9.30 and 1.00, Monday to Thursday and the branch in Waltham Abbey Town Hall is open from 9.30 to 1.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Source: Paul Stockton
Don’t forget to visit the website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk To find out details of the latest events Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife
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Unwelcome visitors Trish was amazed at the skills of the wasps and the intricacies of the next.
Trish Gough, a local resident, has shared some photos of some unwelcome guests that moved into her shed recently. Trish said ‘We hadn’t noticed our new residents that had moved into our shed first of all. But as spring turned to summer our wasp nest just got bigger and bigger until one day my husband was unable to get into our shed to get the lawn mower out without being threatened by the little blighters flying around him.’ As it was too dangerous to leave, they contacted a local pest control, namely Aerium Pest Control and within 24 hours the wasps had all
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Trish said ‘I was able to save the nest to show our Grandchildren. I know we all fear wasps but how beautiful and clever is their nest making . I must say i felt slightly sad to see them go after all their hard work making this nest , but it was too dangerous to leave as it would have got bigger and bigger until the colony would finish in September .’
The photos do show some amazing work by the wasps. I must admit I don’t like them despite how clever they may be. Thank you Trish for sharing them with us.
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Royal Air Forces Association North Weald and Ongar Branch Have you ever wondered what the Royal Air Forces Association is all about? You may think it is purely for ex-RAF personnel and their relatives, but this is not the case. Anyone who has an interest in supporting the RAF family past and present is welcome to join the Association. Our meetings are generally social events, sometimes with a speaker and not always aircraft and Air Force related. We also raise funds for the charity, and our comment is “We have FUN while we FUND-raise!” Please contact me on 07745620458 for further information. Our Branch meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 12 noon in The Squadron Bar on North Weald Airfield, our next meeting being September 11th. We do have three events coming up in the next few months which we hope will interest readers of this excellent and informative magazine. On Sunday 15th September we shall be holding our annual Battle of Britain Remembrance and Wreath-laying at the Cross of Sacrifice in the churchyard of St. Andrew’s Church, North Weald. Time is 10.45am. If your organisation would like to take part in this, please contact Heather Lewis on 07745620758 for further information. The regular attendees have been invited. We now have draw tickets available for our main RAFA charity fundraiser for this year - Sgt Hurri Cane, our flying bear. His adventures are on his Facebook page, just put in Sgt Hurri Cane and you will find all that he has been up to. If you would like tickets, or think you can sell some to friends and family please contact Heather Lewis on 07745620758 and we will get tickets to you. If you came to hear Mark Smith’s excellent talk on the Victoria Cross earlier this year, you may like to know that we have booked him for Friday 25th October at Budworth Hall, Ongar for Part Two. Tickets are now available from Budworth Hall or from Heather Lewis 07745620758. If you missed Part One, don’t worry, Part Two is a “standalone” talk and I know will be equally enjoyable. We shall be running a raffle on that evening with some great prizes. Heather Lewis, Branch Wings Appeal Organiser.
Please send in News, Events, features and articles. Deadline for next issue: 10th September 2019
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How many smoke alarms? Fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home. Most people know that working smoke alarms save lives. They provide the vital early warning that allows for a safe escape and a tragedy avoided. But, despite the majority of homes (95%) having at least one smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alerted householders to just under half of fires in the home in England. The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range. For this reason, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people in Essex to think about the smoke alarms in their home. Station Manager James Taylor, said: “We all must make sure that we have enough smoke alarms in our homes and that they are in the right places. If your whole home isn’t covered, you could be leaving it to chance and, in a fire, you might not get the early warning that you need”. “The vast majority of us now have at least one working smoke alarm in our home, but early detection and warning is vital to reduce the devastation a fire can cause. That’s why it’s so important that you have enough smoke alarms and that they are in the right places. That will give them the best chance of alerting you and your loved ones to a fire.” “You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. And placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need. “It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work, but the detection mechanism deteriorates with time. So whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years.” Our five smoke alarm top tips: • Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. • The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing. • Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas • Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident. • Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. • We are also urging carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places too. James added: “And finally, “Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms every month. They can only do their job if they’re in good working order.” Do you have smoke alarms to alert you to the first sign of fire? Essex County Fire & Rescue Service want every home in Essex to be provided with the excellent protection that smoke alarms offer. Smoke alarms alert give you early warning of a fire which will give you and your family a chance to escape your home safely. They will provide and fit smoke alarms completely FREE of charge. Contact them today: call 0300 303 0088 or visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book. Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
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Robin’s Ramblings Well I’ve got the ‘ump’ as the humans say. I feel rotten, itchy, short tempered and don’t want to do anything. I’ve started my moult. It was a struggle to even write this, but now the nice editor lady has finally got around to producing this magazine completely in colour, I thought I should make the effort – even though the assured biscuits have still not materialised! As promised last time, here is a study of one of the kids. Isn’t she a doll? She’s lost that yellow beak now and I hardly see anything of her (typical teenager) just hope she stays out of trouble.
And below are the Thornwood Doves, who live in the village dovecots, enjoying the mixed bathing facilities close to where I live. I kept the camera at a safe distance, as the human wasn’t very pleased it got wet last time! These guys can really shake it!
As I mentioned before, we really need more water about the area. Some of us birds have to fly a fair distance just to get a drink, let alone a bath! Remember, we can’t just turn on one of those tap things to get a helping of chlorinated fluoride you humans call water! So how about giving us all a hand (or claw) and send photos in to the lovely editor lady to show what you’ve done to help us? If you can create a large enough hole in the ground you may also attract these things. Actually there’s nothing in there, it’s just the empty shell of a Darter Dragonfly. After spending a few years in the water they emerge onto a plant or even the side of a water butt, where their skin hardens and splits just above their back legs. They then climb out with folded wings that gradually open out and their body hardens off to a beautiful colour. You humans can emulate this experience by trying to get out of a hooded oversize onesie with the zip stuck a ¼ of the way down, wearing socks and mittens! I can’t eat them – too big!
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07932 724730
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Humid Horror That heavy oppression in the air can bring on a depression everywhere, as once again the weather can affect us all. It can slow you down as it zaps your energy in a flash upsetting your mood as you frown, while you find it so hard to simply get around. Your head starts to feel like mush, though in usual British fashion you don’t like to make a fuss, so you start to snap instead, With a newly found short fuse, it’s those closest to you that you start to abuse, despite you not really meaning what you say. The days feel so very long and with the humidity lingering on, soon most start to the feel the same, It affects your work as for no reason you may suddenly get cross and go berserk despite your victim doing nothing wrong. By the end of the day all you feel like doing is going to bed, But your other half and kids are a combined force, that you soon start to dread even though their just trying to be nice. Every small chore seems like a mammoth task and no matter how hard you try, it will not be completed fast so yet again your mood level drops, Even the birds song gets on your nerves, as you usher any of nature sounds away with a few choice words .despite them filling the air with such joy. Finally you snap and take yourself away to try and find some resolve as you angrily huff and puff, For you’re caught in the heats induced trap until suddenly the answer becomes clear. You’ve found a fan and wasting no time you quick as you can find a socket and plug it in, Awaiting for a cool breeze to ascend from your head to your toes. The sudden feeling of calm is such a relief as you finally feel you can breath, though with every breath you remember the harm you may have caused during your day, The remorse hits you much like the fan but this time it stings, as it brings you to feel bad knowing of a course of apologies you’ll have to make.
Though for now all is calm and the cool and gentle breeze brings you absolutely no harm so for now at least your mood lifts, Although who knows what tomorrow will bring, maybe a repeat of everything, but you’ll know of a fan that can bring you peace. Source: Andy—resident poet, written after a particularly humid day when any simple movement does take it out of you.
Tragic news On Thursday 8th August, at 11.10pm, police received reports that a vehicle had collided with a tree in Chelmsford Road, Hatfield Heath. In the tragic accident a young man, aged only 25 years, from North Weald sadly lost his life. Matt Richardson from School Green Lane, North Weald was a loving son and was well known for his involvement with Squadron Scramble Cars and Coffee events on the North Weald Airfield. These were set up by Matt and he loved sharing his passion of cars with others who travelled far and wide to attend these events. The next one that was due to take place on 25th August was being held in hi s memory. Matt will be missed, he was a well known and well respected member of the community. I would like to convey my sympathies to Matt’s family and friends. I never met Matt but I have read so many lovely comments on the Facebook group. His family in the past have supported the magazine. Words cannot express the sadness you must be feeling.
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Generous Donation to North Weald Village Hall A fantastic donation of £1,000.00 has been given to North Weald Village Hall by ”The Healing Centre, New beginnings. They had read in our annual report that the village Hall roof requires extensive repairs costing several thousand pounds and that our application to Essex County Council for a grant had been rejected, meaning that the repair costs had to be found from our own funds. The Healers meet every Friday afternoon in the Village Hall, work voluntarily and make no charge for their expertise, relying on donations. The only charge made is for the Medium, when in attendance, practicing Clairvoyance. All the funds collected by them is given as donations to worthy causes. They are a lovely group and you will be made most welcome should you visit them and I am sure you will feel better for it.
George Mulliner, Chairman, North Weald Hall.
Ongar Wildlife Society (OWLS)
•
Kitchens and bedrooms supplied and fitted to your specification
•
A complete service from design to finish
•
Competitive prices guaranteed
•
High levels of expertise by a locally recommended craftsmen For a free estimate contact:Roger Linsdall Telephone: 01992 523277 Or mobile: 07980 555147
OWLS is now taking a summer break. Members are following their own interests at this time of year when trees and wild plants are at their best and wild animals are active. With the lovely weather that we have had lately, birdwatchers have had a field day. We have had lots of discussion about newly introduced wildlife in Ongar including the attractive box moth now established in our locality. Attractive, yes, but a real pest as the caterpillars munch their way through our box plants and destroy our hedges. The next meeting of OWLS is on 16th September when Emma Stobart will talk on the Turtle Dove Project, which is an attempt to reverse the fate of the fastest declining bird in the UK. This is a change from our advertised programme, but Climate Change by Brian Eversham is rescheduled for early next year. 21st October is Insect Trends. Is it all bad news? Rosie Earwaker; 18th November is Wildlife and Landscape Photography - Andrew Bailey; and the last talk of the year, Christmas Corals by Brian Rosen, is on 9th December. More information can be found www.ongarwildlifesociety.org.uk Keith Snow
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CHURCH CHAT St Andrews Church NEW Fresh hot Coffee
MOT’S, Services Repairs Tyres & Exhausts Oil
S. I. Painters and Decorators Established 1980
Quality Painting & Decorating Service • • • • • • • •
Interior & Exterior Specialist Domestic & Commercial Plastering Professional & Reliable No job too small or too large Locally based in North Weald Free Estimates All work is guaranteed Telephone: 01992 524 560 or 07860 494095 Email: stephaniesinteriorsltd@live.co.uk
www.stephaniesinteriorsltd.co.uk Check out our customer references at www.yell.com/S.I.Painting and Decorating Ltd
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A casual encounter with a stranger at North Weald Market recently unexpectedly led to some very sharp words being said. It began when I was stopped by a man who said my face was familiar to him and was trying to remember my name. He was certainly not a man whom I knew, so as one does on such occasions, I skated over a few possible places and involvements in my life where we might have met. Each drew a blank until I mentioned my church connection. Instantly the word ‘church’ triggered off some kind of pentup fury in the stranger who straight away began what came across as a well-repeated tirade of criticism starting with the statement that ‘All religion is codswallop!’ I tend to let sweeping generalisations of this kind go over my head, one of the reasons being that having been involved at one time with a national organisation helping relatives of those unfortunate people caught up in cults. All of these pseudo religious groups which I could readily describe as ‘Codswallop’, even if they are powerful and evil creators of misery to families. But when this stranger continued his harangue by coming out with that often repeated statement that ‘’Religion causes more wars than anything else’ I raised my voice and said that this was a blatant lie and had been proved to be a lie and that he should be ashamed of repeating it. At this he slid away into the crowd without a further word. Having mentioned cults I think it only right that I should add that when I get a visit at home from members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses I always enjoy a friendly chat with them on the doorstep and I say this because I am aware that most people seem ready to tell them to go away. (Probably expressed in stringer terms than this!) I see these visitors as being polite, enthusiastic, bible-literate and sadly misguided. They are unlikely to ever change direction for the better if we just chase them off. I should also add that God describes such groups as ‘ A cancer on my church’. Good music and good quality choral singing is always appreciated by people attending church whether they attend regularly or occasionally and with a choir to lead the singing favourite hymns can be enjoyed. Our church council at St Andrew’s is giving some thought to the possibility of forming a small choir, something that the church has not seen or heard since the ‘fifties. Our thoughts are on forming a group that would have the vocal range of four parts. If there are any readers of North Weald Village Life who feel that they have the ability and willingness to be part of such a group please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My number is 01277 363202 and my email address: edwyngilmour@gmail.com Another group that we would very much like to hear in action at St Andrew’s is a team of bell-ringers and there are experts living not far away who have expressed their willingness to train newcomers to the art. This is something I have mentioned before, the difference being that I am now putting out an appeal. (Sorry – unintended Pun!) Next month I hope to be in a position to give you an answer to the question that we so frequently asked: ‘When will you have a new Vicar’. But don’t wait until then. Our worship is at 9.30am every Sunday morning. No need to feel nervous!
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
BIRD REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2019 Hello, welcome to the jottings for the September edition. The start of what we know as the meteorological autumn. The main emphasis from a birdwatching point of view is the autumn migration with summer visitors starting to depart our shores and other birds moving to us for our milder winter conditions. There are movements of birds along our coastlines and there will also be some birds that vacate the breeding grounds at higher elevations and head for lowland areas for the winter. Much of what we know about migration - and there is still much to learn - comes from research at bird observatories and other locations, with some records dating back many decades. And of course technology plays an increasing role in gathering data about bird migration, with a small number of birds being actively monitored using fitted tracking devices. Here in the UK and other countries with a network of ornithologists we know much about bird populations and movements but even familiar species such as the Swallow are hard to monitor in far away countries where there is no established culture of birdwatching and data is virtually non existent. The Swift is one of the first summer visitors to leave the UK. There Swallows and House Martins tend to leave that bit later. We have had a few wet and windy days of late and as I have pointed out before these are often good times to see more of these insect chasers as their prey tends to push on ahead of coming rain and the birds become more concentrated as they take advantage of any swarms affected by the conditions. A couple of times this summer I have seen not far short of 100 or so birds swirling overhead hoovering up flying bugs but of course the sightings don't last long as they are all pushing on ahead of the weather. There seem to be good numbers of House Martins this year and I know they have been nesting at some places in the village. However the very windy conditions of the last few days can present a real challenge for this year's young birds as even airborne species such as these can struggle with sudden strong gusts of wind. One summer visitor that I usually expect to see very infrequently in our area is the Hobby, which is a dashing, acrobatic bird of prey that is particularly noted for its habit of chasing dragonflies. In the first week of August there was one to be seen directly over the village, twisting and turning as it went after prey that was too small for our human eye to pick out. It eventually drifted over Weald Common but as I say for a few minutes it was virtually over the centre of the village. During the latter part of July and into August many of our birds, even the more familiar ones such as Blackbirds and Robins, have tended to be a bit skulking with fewer sightings during the day. Largely this is because small birds moult during the late summer which involves the replacement of their feathers. This impacts on their ability to fly and is also an energy intensive drain on their metabolism so they tend to stay hidden away. And of course if conditions are very hot - as in July's record breaking mini heatwave - then they take refuge in bushes and trees at the hottest times of the day. There were one or two days where I went for a stroll over Weald Common and barely saw any small birds at all, apart from some Whitethroats in the scrubby areas. Of course in the cooler dawn period the birds are much more active. There have been good numbers of young birds about. Some of them are from second broods and even third broods on occasion. Adult birds that raise young then go through it again and even a third time will have pushed themselves to the limits of their endurance as breeding activity is massively energy intensive. But many smaller birds will only survive for a summer or two and the inner drive to raise the next generations of the species will compel them to keep going. Some birds will fail in the breeding season, through poor weather (which affects food supply and the fitness of the chicks) , or poor parenting or of course predation. There are all manner of mammals and birds that will target eggs and nestlings, from obvious predators such as stoats, foxes, crows and Magpies to less obvious dangers such as hedgehogs and woodpeckers which turn predatory when the opportunity arises. There have been several Lesser Black-backed gulls about. I have mentioned the 2 or 3 that always seem to be around but in recent weeks there have been quite a few, on sunny, warm days there have been up to 20 or so rising on thermals with the heights they go to and the glare of the sun making it hard to actually spot them. On the very windy days a loose string of 30 or so gulls - including Black-headed - flew over part of the village. Most of the other birds that were flying around were struggling with the gusty conditions but the gulls were managing just fine. In parts of Harlow there are quite a few gulls and we are all familiar with gulls following the plough and gulls in seaside towns. But when all is said and done they are not town birds, these are very much ocean going birds, adapted to survive over the open seas. As the autumn progresses we should see increasing numbers of gulls and maybe when you do see some you could reflect on the true nature of these birds, they have adapted to the opportunities presented by the human world but if necessary they could manage quite nicely far from land. Anyway, September is often a pleasant month and there should be plenty to be seen. There have continued to be good numbers of butterflies, one species I noted was the Comma which presented a superb view on a recent morning walk. I have been trying to actively identify more insect species and this Comma was a good example, I noted the markings and features and then checked the internet when I got home, going through some photos I saw the Comma and realised that is the type of butterfly I had seen. Bit by bit I am building up the numbers that I can now recognise. Over the coming weeks there should be bigger flocks of Starlings to be seen, often containing mostly juvenile birds. And Jays should be more obvious as they start to go back and forth gathering acorns which they store away for emergency food supplies when the weather turns colder. If you get a chance do have a stroll around the village keeping an eye out for any birds or other natural history. If you feed the birds in your garden then practice good hygiene, keep feeding stations clean and if possible move the feeders etc to prevent the build up of any mould or any uneaten food. Keep an eye out in the garden because this is the time of year when young birds can come through, or birds such as Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs which target bushes and trees as they seek insects, berries etc to feed up before migration. Enjoy the pleasant drift from late summer into early autumn. All the best, Paul Corbet. Page 38 Tel: 07814 863955 Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
Essential Local Numbers The Alzheimer Society
01992 717676
North Weald Chemist
01992 523887
Cats Protection
0333 200 1484
North Weald Methodist Hall
01992 522143
Citizens Advice Bureau
03444 77 0808
North Weald Library
033301 32683
Crimestoppers
0800 555111
North Weald Village Hall Bookings
01992 523731 www.northwealdvillagehall.org/
Doctors High Street, Epping
01992 579270
North Weald Parish Council
01992 523825
Doctors The Limes, Epping (visits/emergencies)
01992 566500
Queens Community Hall Bookings
07522 473024
Doctors The Limes, Epping (appointments)
01992 573838
NHS Urgent help & advice
111
Doctors The Limes, North Weald 01992 524383
Essex Police
0300 333 4444
Epping Forest District Council
01992 564000
Police, Neighbourhood/local
101
Epping Town Council
01992 579444
Police, Emergency
999
EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris White-
01992 573557
Police Online reporting
www.essex.police.uk/doitonline
MP Alex Burghart
0207 2191613
RSPCA
01279 306058
Samaritans 24 Hours a day
116 123
Stuart Poulton
01992 522607
24 Hour
01992 572607
alex.burghart.mp@ parliament.uk
MP Mrs Eleanor Laing MP
020 8508 8608
MP For Thornwood
Eleanor.Laing.mp@parliament.uk
Hospital, St Margarets, Epping
01992 561666
Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
01279 444455
St Andrews Church
01992 577168
London & Essex Boarding Ken-
01992 522183
St Andrews Primary School
01992 522283
North Weald Airfield
01992 564200
Traveline
0870 6082608
LOCAL CLUB DIRECTORY 3rd North Weald Beavers
North Weald Preservation Society
Queens Hall Charity
Tel: 01992 524672
Tel: read 01992 522618/522630
Tel: 522910
British Legion, North Weald Branch
North Weald Cricket Club
Rapier Cycling Club
Tel: 01992 614415
Northweald.play-cricket.com
Tel: 524631
Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer
North Weald Scouts Group
Taoist Tai Chi Society
Tel: 01277 365200
01992 524672
Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625
Harlow Badger Group
Theydon Jazz Club
Tel: 07941 185171
North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s
Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex
Tel: 522196
Thornwood Seniors
Tel: 522464
Tel: 577872
Epping Forest Rotary Club
North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club
Tel: 07855 911323
Tel: 522803
Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum
North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon)
Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk
Tel: 01708 250820
Tel: 522700
West Essex Flower Club
North Weald Angling Club
Queens Hall Bowls Club
Tel: 524631
Tel: 01992 524071
Tel: 523375 or 522052
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com
Three Valleys Male Voice Choir
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk