Page 1 of 20 Everything Epping Forest 04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 1 of 20everythingeppingforest.co.uk covers the Epping Forest district in Essex and features regularly updated news - in words and pictures - has a what's onlistings section to highlight local events, a Local Business Directory and a section which allows clubs and organisations to publicise their activities freeof chargeHome | News | Your News Views | Events - What's On Diary | Clubs - Organisations | Local Business Directory | Jobs | Food & DrinkMonday, 4 January, 2010What do you think? Have your say on the news articles that appear on www.everythingeppingforest.co.ukEmail everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com or text brief comments to 07710 447868. Please include yourname and address (however you may request for both to be withheld from publication)Man bailed over town assaults30th November 2009A 21-YEAR-OLD man from Waltham Abbey has been arrested following alleged assaultsin Harlow.Police are appealing for witnesses following incidents otside Liquid nightclub in BirdcageWalk, Harlow, on Saturday night (November 21) and early Sunday morning (November22).The alleged assaults happened at about 1.30am after a member of public was refusedentry to the nightclub.Two people were arrested for public order offences.A 38-year-old man, from Enfield, was cautioned while the Waltham Abbey man wasarrested and later released on bail until December 29.Any witnesses to the assaults, or who has any information, should ring Sgt Chris Gould atHarlow Police Station on 0300 333 4444.Santa out collecting for charity30th November 2009SANTA will be on his sleigh touring the streets of Epping, Theydon Bois and North Wealdcollecting for local charities.He will be helped by members of the Rotary Club of Epping as he carries out his annualrounds from Monday (December 7) before he gets really busy on Christmas Eve.His timetable, from 6pm nightly, is:Monday, December 7 - Bower Hill, Centre Drive, Brook Road, Stewards Green Road andCharles Street.Wednesday, December 9 - Egg Hall, Lindsey Street and Beaconsfield Road.Thursday, December 10 - Theydon Grove and Coopersale.Friday, December 11 - St John’s Road, Crows Road and Tower Road.Monday, December 14 - Church Hill, Hemnall Street and Bell Common.Tuesday, December 15 - Theydon Bois (north).Wednesday, December 16 - Blackacre Road and Theydon Bois (south).Thursday, December 17 - Queen’s Road, Higham View (North Weald).Friday, December 18 - Wellington Road, Pike Way (North Weald).WWWGoogle Searcheverythingeppingforest.co.ukSubscribe to a news feedEnter your email address to be alerted to new articles:SubmitNov 2008 | Dec 2008 | Jan 2009 | Feb 2009 |Mar 2009 | Apr 2009 | May 2009 | Jun 2009 |Jul 2009 | Aug 2009 | Sep 2009 | Oct 2009 |Nov 2009 | Dec 2009 | TodayTell us your news...Publicise your event...Promote your business...Have your say...Buy copies of photos that appear here...email:everythingeppingforest@googlemail.comcall: David Jackman on 07710 447868Fundraising skydive tribute30th November 2009THE sister of Royal Marine Georgie Sparks who was killed while serving in Afghanistan isto take part in a sponsored skydive to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.Katie Sparks has already been pledged more than £1,100 but is still appealing for more.Georgie, who lived with his family in Theydon Mount, was 19 when he was killed in actiona year ago.Writing on her Bmycharity.com page, Katie said: "I have chosen to raise money for Helpfor Heroes by doing a skydive as this is something my brother always wanted to do andhad planned for when he returned from Afghanistan, although unfortunately this never gotto happen for him."Katie's fundraising total has been boosted by the proceeds of special memorial bandswhich were sold in memory of her brother, a former pupil at Debden Park High School,Loughton.To sponsor Katie, visit https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/katiesparksCorrie star to switch on lights30th November 2009FORMER Coronation Street star Bradley Walsh will switch on Ongar's Christmas lights onFriday.The actor who played factory boss Danny Baldwin and is now starring in the British versionof Law and Order will turn on the High Street lights at 7pm.He is the latest celebrity to help launch the festive season in the town, following snookerchampion Ronnie O'Sullivan and before him boxing legend Frank Bruno who have bothcarried out the traditional switch on.The festivities begin at 5pm with a Santa's Grotto and other children's activities in theBudworth Hall.There will also be choirs, a fairground in the Pleasance car park, face painting and mulledwine.A fireworks display will follow the switch-on and the evening will also see Santa rescuedfrom the top of the tower at Ongar Fire Station.Free festive car parking30th November 2009SHOPPERS will be able to park for free on Saturdays and Bank Holidays in all districtcouncil pay-and-display car parks in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year.The free parking is available on Saturdays, December 5, 12, 19 Christmas Day, Monday,December 28 and New Year's Day.Parking is also free in the Bakers Lane and Cottis Lane car parks between 3pm and 9pm,on Friday, December 4 for the Epping Christmas Market.However, it should be noted that all other conditions in respect of the car parks remain inforce and civil enforcement officers will be patrolling as usual.District council community safety and transport portfolio holder Syd Stavrou said: "I hope04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 2 of 20this relaxation of charges will make it easier for those who have any last-minute Christmasshopping to do."I realise that in these difficult economic times every bit of help that the council can provideto assist retailers and residents is important and I hope this small gesture will help."Trees galore at church festival28th November 2009THE Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Church, Epping, will be held on December 4-7.The festival will open at 12.45pm on Friday together with the Epping Christmas Market.Once again the church will be filled with some 60 trees decorated in a range of highlyimaginative as well as traditional styles.There will also be nativity scenes made by school and community children.The trees will be decorated by shops and businesses in the town, communityorganisations and societies as well as individuals with the decorations often reflecting whatthey do.Regular ‘tree decorators’ include Epping Book Shop, Geoffrey Drayton, Gane JacksonScott and The High Street SurgeryEntry to the festival is £2 (children free). Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favouritetree.There will also be stalls offering Christmas gifts as well as space to sit and enjoy theatmosphere with a cup of tea.The proceeds will go to The Box - the centre for Epping’s young people - PCDC, a charitysupporting destitute children in the Holy Land; and St John’s Church.The festival is open from noon to 9pm on Friday; 10am to 4pm on Saturday; 11am to 5pmon Sunday and 10am to 5pm on Monday (December 7).Police spread anti-bullying message27th November 2009POLICE officers visited Epping Forest College to reinforce the 'Bullies Ain't Brave'message as part of anti-bullying week.Safer School Officer PC Alan Shelley spoke with students raising awareness of personalsafety and introduced the 'Essex Policing Pledge for Young People'.He said: "We want to raise awareness to reassure students that there is help available.Bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated."For more about this and all aspects of the 2Smart messages visit www.2smart.co.ukTown prepares for festive market27th November 2009DOZENS of stalls and a host of entertainment is promised at Epping Town Council'sChristmas market on Friday, December 4 (noon until 8pm).There will be about 40 stalls (including a farmer’s market), a hog roast, Town Crier, circusperformers and magicians from the Roger Arnay Circus Company, choirs from EppingPrimary School, Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Primary School and Ivy ChimneysPrimary Schools, and the St John’s School Band.An interesting feature will be a veteran open-topped double-decker bus.There will be a Santa’s Grotto and roasted chestnuts at the fire station while St John’sChurch is holding its Christmas Tree Festival - which also starts at noon, on Friday,December 4 - and continues until Monday, December 7.The Christmas market has received good support from Essex County Council and EppingForest District Council. Free parking will be available in the Bakers Lane car parks fromnoon.After-school boost for youngsters27th November 2009YOUNG people in Loughton and across Epping Forest now have a new 'Space' to go toafter school.Loughton Youth Project (LYP) has opened the stylish drop-in centre, attached to LoughtonLibrary, Traps Hill - and it is already proving a great success with local young people aged13 to 19.'The Space', which has received funding and backing from Loughton Town Council,Epping Forest District Council and Essex County Council, hosts a cafe bar, pool table,magazines and wi-fi facilities, as identified by youngsters from Roding Valley High School,Debden Park School and Epping Forest College.The centre also runs media-based programmes and opportunities for young peopleincluding radio pod-casting, video, magazine design and photography.Manager Nick Robinson said: "New media projects like radio pod-casting provide greatopportunities for young people to communicate and publicise positive activities to a widerpeer audience, as well as develop new personal skills."Those who have already been involved in pilot radio shows have really enjoyedthemselves and are drumming up new ideas and interest all the time!"This week two young bands took part in their first live radio interview and recording whileanother young member involved with the project interviewed Olympic gold medalist DameKelly Holmes for the first edition of 'LYP Magazine'.Debden Park High School student Hannah Webster, 15, said: "The Space is the best thingever. The staff are wicked and there's so much to do. You would have to be mad to notwant to come here."The Space' is currently open every day, after school, from 3.30pm to 6pm and onoccasional late evenings for planned events.Young people are welcome to visit and pick up a member application form, which can alsobe found at www.loughtonyouthproject.comSpecial visitors to Olympic site04/01/201027th November 2009THE GB Canoe Slalom team will visit the London 2012 White Water Canoe Centre whichis being built on Waltham Abbey on Monday.The visit will enable the team to gauge the scope of the venue and assess the site that willbecome their home when it opens to the public in 2011.The athletes will base themselves at the centre and begin a rigorous training programmefrom Spring 2011 when Lee Valley Regional Park Authority opens the venue for the publicand elite athletes.As well as being used by the public who can freely raft and canoe the rapids before theOlympians begin in 2012, it will be put through its paces in pre-Games training and testevents.This is the only brand new 2012 Olympic venue to open to the public ahead of the London2012 Games and will serve not only the elite athletes but also the local community.It will be the first brand new London 2012 Games venue to be completed and will be a

Everything Epping ForestPage 3 of 20major centre for white water rafting as well as canoeing and kayaking after the Games.Lee Valley Regional Park Authority chief executive Shaun Dawson said: "We are delightedto welcome Team GB and show them and their coaches the progress that has been madeacross the site."Lee Valley will ensure it is well used by a wide range of people from the elite canoeists topeople who’ve never paddled before. The centre will open again shortly after the Gamesand we are expecting 70,000 visitors per year - most of them taking up the challenge ofwhite water rafting."We’ll also be providing canoeing sports development opportunities for clubs, colleges,universities, schools and community groups."Construction work on the site started in July and is set for completion at the beginning of2011.It will be owned, funded and managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority beforeand after the London 2012 Olympic Games.Card winners announced27th November 2009LOUGHTON Town Council has announced the winners of its Christmas CardCompetition.Entrants of all ages designing a wide variety of entries.The judging panel consisted of mayor Ken Angold-Stephens and deputy mayor DavidWixley.The overall winner whose entry will be made into the town council's official Christmas cardwas Ben Ketteridge.A winner and runner-up were selected from each category except the secondary categoryand there was no runner-up in the adult category.Results are:Infants - winner and overall winner, Ben Ketteridge (runner-up, Ella Rebecca Irwin).Juniors - winner, Angel Okoturo (runner-up, Jaime Gates).Adults - winner, Mr N H W Greenleaf.The winners each receive a £25 gift token and a certificate which was presented to themby Mr Angold-Stephens.Each runner-up has been awarded a certificate.A display of the entries will be at Loughton Library, Traps Hill, from Monday (November 30)until December 15, and at Debden Library from December 15 until January 5.Police appeal over crime spree27th November 2009POLICE are appealing for witnesses to three incidents.Two men removed a pane of glass from a ground-floor window at a property in ChestnutAvenue, Buckhurst Hill, at 5am on Wednesday.A witness saw them and called police. Nothing was stolen and the men fled towardsLoughton Way. One was white, aged 15-25, 6ft, slim and wearing dark clothing with abeanie hat with flaps over his ears.Between 8am and 4pm a rear window at a property in Forest Lane, Chigwell, wassmashed.Police believe the burglar alarm may have activated and disturbed the suspects. Nothingwas stolen.At 7pm a slim man wearing a bobble hat was disturbed after getting into a property at ElmClose, Epping Green. Police believe he may have got into a light coloured Vauxhall Vectrawhich drove off towards Harlow. Again nothing was stolen.Police spokesman Denise Harvey said: "Thankfully nothing was stolen on theseoccasions, but it is still very distressing knowing someone has been in your home."We are working hard to combat burglaries across the district and would ask the public towork with us by implementing a few security measures that could help reduce theirchances of becoming a victim."During the darker months, leave a light on a timer switch so it looks like the house isoccupied. Accessible windows and doors should be fully secured at all times. If you can,install a burglar alarm. If you have a uPVC front door, make sure you throw the handleupwards and secure the deadbolts in place by locking with a key, only then will the frontdoor be properly secure."When retiring for the night, place any vehicle keys in a safe but not obvious place."Airfield "ideal" for caravan site27th November 2009NORTH Weald Airfield is being seen as an "ideal" location for a caravan and camping sitebefore and during the London 2012 Olympics.The Caravan Club has approached Epping Forest District Council, which owns the airfield,as it looks for a suitable site for a 12-week period from July 2 to September 21 inclusive.The club believes about 2,000 pitches could be made available, resulting in about 34,000overnight stays for the main Olympics and a further 15,000 for the Paralympics.As well as providing the necessary on-site facilities, the club has said it will provide a parkand ride facility between the airfield and Epping to enable access to the Central Line.It is estimated the income from pitch charges could total £122,000.Several issues remain unclear, a council report states, including the use of electricity,costs of refuse collection/disposal and surface and foul drainage.A council report states: "These will need to be considered as part of any formal contractnegotiations with the club.".Dental practice officially opened26th November 2009The Chief Dental Officer, Barry Cockcroft, has officially opened The Tooth Booth dentalpractice in High Street, Epping.The multi-surgery Tooth Booth practice at 59 High Street offers general dental treatmentas well as preventative advice and a smoking cessation service.NHS West Essex chief executive Catherine O’Connell said: "This new dental practice inEpping is crucial to our plans to increase access to NHS dentistry to both new and existingpatients seeking NHS dental services in west Essex."Mr Cockcroft said: "It is really good to see the PCT and the dentists working together toimprove services for local people and while I’ve been here to see a constant flow ofpatients coming through the door."The practice opened for business in February.House bazaar raises £1,21004/01/201026th November 2009STALLS selling everything from jewellery to homemade cakes raised £1,211.40 for the

Everything Epping ForestPage 4 of 20Alzheimer’s Society at a marathon Christmas bazaar in Theydon Bois.Anna Amasanti held the 11-hour event at her home in Theydon Park Road for the thirdyear.Stalls were manned throughout the day with supporters popping in to browse over thestalls, enjoy refreshments - including mulled wine - and support the charity which is beingsupported by Epping Forest District Council chairman Penny Smith during her year inoffice.There was also a raffle to boost the total.Anna said: "I would like to thank everybody who supported the event and helped us raisesuch a great total."School hosts dance evening25th November 2009A TRIBUTE to Michael Jackson formed part of an Evening of Dance at Roding Valley HighSchool.The show included many forms of dance including ballet, contemporary, street, modernand tap.Ninety students were involved in the show which featured Michael Jackson's SmoothCriminal was performed by the biggest troupe of the evening.Choreographer and show organiser Louise Allinson said: "It was an amazing evening. Iwas so impressed by the quality and standard of the performances."Nominations sought for awards25th November 2009TIME is running out to make nominations for Loughton Town Council's 2010 CitizenshipAwards.Do you know someone who has shown outstanding courage or bravery, or undertakenexceptional voluntary service in the town and whose good works deserve to berecognised?Entries are invited from local residents, businesses, colleges, schools, groups or societies.The town council is particularly to keen to receive entries for the under 25 years of agecategory to recognise the efforts of young people in the town. The closing date fornominations is January 31.The awards will be presented at the town’s annual civic service at Loughton MethodistChurch, High Road, on Sunday, February 28.The winners will be presented with an illuminated scroll and a £250 cheque for theirfavourite charity.For full details and a nomination form contact the council on 020 8508 4200 or visitwww.loughton-tc.gov.ukDressing up for Children in Need25th November 2009STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, raised over £1,400 for the BBCChildren in Need appeal.They could pay to wear fancy dress for the day - with bananas, admirals, bunnies andnuns attending the Alderton Hill school on Children in Need day.Students also carried out their own money-raising events, including football and basketballcompetitions.Year 9 pupil Liam Noble charged people 50p to wax his legs which added £84 to the total.Year 7 students Amy Pattison and Katie Scott raised £80 from a cake sale while JordanLoxham and Dolly Brown (Year 7) collected £34 from neighbours in a sponsored silence.Headteacher Geoff Mangan said: ’This is only one of a number of charity fundraisingevents carried out by our students each year. Young people nowadays sadly get so muchbad press when the reality is that the vast majority are exceptionally enthusiastic abouthelping people less fortunate than themselves."Discount weekend at bookshop25th November 2009THE Epping Bookshop is holding a special discount weekend on Saturday and Sunday.Customers will receive a 20 per cent discount on all stock - including greetings cards anddiaries - and on all orders made during the weekend for items which are already in stock atthe shop's wholesalers.The High Street bookshop - in the parade of shops next to Tesco - is open between 9amand 5.30pm on Saturday and between 10am and 3pm on Sunday.Health services under spotlight24th November 2009THE future of community NHS services will be discussed at a public meeting next month.The next west Essex locality meeting of Essex & Southend LINk is at the council chamber,Civic Centre, Water Gardens, Harlow, on Monday, December 7 (2pm to 4pm).Vince McCabe, managing director NHS West Essex Community Health Services, willspeak about the proposals to establish a not-for-profit private company to run communityservices in west Essex.Mike Walsh, from Essex Cares, will give the Essex County Council perspective. EssexCares is the first local authority owned trading company for social care.Julie Harkus, from Essex & Southend LINk, said: "This is an ideal opportunity to find outfirst-hand from senior personnel in both the primary care trust and Essex Cares how thispioneering approach will/is delivering health and social care services."Please encourage friends and neighbours to come along and have their say."Runners support children's charity24th November 2009A FUN run in Epping will raise money for The Wings of Hope children's charity.Runners taking part in the Winter Wonder Run will set off from Epping Foresters CricketClub at Bell Common at 11am on Sunday, December 13, and follow a three-and-a-halfmile course finishing back at the cricket club.Proceeds from the sponsored run will go to the charity which provides free education topoor and orphaned children in developing countries.Entry forms are available from Epping Sports Centre in Hemnall Street, Epping.For more about The Wings of Hope visit www.thewingsofhope.org/aboutus.aspFor more information about the run, email Stephen Hall at steve-hall@live.co.uk04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 5 of 20Festive dinner for Chamber24th November 2009THE Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is holding a special festive dinner at the LochFyne restaurant, High Road, Loughton, on Wednesday, December 9 (7pm). Guests will beserved a Bellini reception drink, canapés, a glass of champagne plus a three-coursedinner. Places cost £26 for members (£27.50 for non-members). Fifty places areavailable.To book, or for more details, ring 08432 898184 or visit www.eppingchamber.co.ukRaffle boosts Children in Need24th November 2009PUDSEY Bear was on hand as the Loughton-based Haslers' Foundation raised £1,250 forthe BBC Children in Need appeal.The money was raised through Partner donations and a Haslers’ staff raffle for a SteiffPudsey Bear.Foundation fundraiser co-ordinator Rhonda Elliott, said: "It was an enjoyable fundraisingopportunity for all Haslers’ staff to be involved with and for such a worthwhile cause."Haslers Foundation was set up to offer donations, sponsorship and awards to charities,local fundraisers and members of the community and has so far this year donated just over£7,000 for such worthy causes.If you would like Haslers’ Foundation to consider your request for fundraising sponsorshipor a charitable donation, e-mail foundation@haslers.comAction pledge over empty homes24th November 2009PEOPLE on the district council’s housing register may be able to benefit from an initiativeto bring empty properties back into use.Some 600 private properties in the district have been empty for a year or more.The council's cabinet has agreed to add a funding bid for a technical officer to encouragepeople to bring those properties back into use.The new post, which would be for an initial period of three years, would be part of a reviewof the council’s Private Sector Housing Team also aimed at improving the inspection ratefor licensed park home sites.Amy aims for Britain's Got Talent23rd November 2009A 12-YEAR-OLD singer from Theydon Bois is waiting to hear if she is through to the nextstage of ITV's Britain's Got Talent.Amy Sowerby was among 4,000 hopefuls who auditioned at The Business Design Centrein Islington, London, on Sunday.Amy, a pupil at Debden Park High School, Loughton (a school of performing arts) appliedin the summer and heard a couple of weeks ago that she was being offered an initialaudition.Having queued with her mother, Sue, and a school friend, Amy joined about 200 otherhopefuls for the 10am slot.After an hour they reached the front of the queue and Amy was given her Britain's GotTalent sticker with her unique number. It was then into the holding area where entertainers- including dancers, a BMX rider and ventriloquist - who were waiting to audition gaveimpromptu performances.After an hour-and-a-half Amy was taken into one of the many audition rooms and filmedperforming Mariah Carey's hit Hero, in front of a 'judge' - Simon Cowell's business partner.Mum Sue said: "It was an eventful day and one Amy will remember in years to come. Thecompetition is really tough but Amy did her best and was pleased with her performance.Now it is all down to the judges."Acts will know by the end of February if they have been chosen to audition again, this timein front of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan and a 2,000-strong audience.Amy has already had singing roles in Starmaker’s 'Dorothy’s Dream', where she played thepart of Dorothy, and most recently had a key part in the local version of Mamma Mia.Record Poppy Appeal collection23rd November 2009POPPY Appeal collections by the High Ongar branch of the Royal British Legion havealready raised a record £9,300.Organisers hope the final figure will reach £10,000.Collection organiser Peter Richards said: "Thanks go to the generous people of Ongar anddistrict for their absolute support this year. No doubt events in Afghanistan have mademore people aware of the tremendous amount of work that the Royal British Legionundertakes for our serving and ex-serving personnel."He added: "Special thanks go to Peter Golding and Ongar Army Cadet Force for theirtremendous effort in collecting £1,445 towards the total and to all of our collectors whostood outside Senners, Sainsburys and Tesco during the week leading up toRemembrance Sunday, and to Ashlyns Organic Farm which raised nearly £400 thanks totheir pumpkin party." nice to meet new people."Marathon 11-hour bazaar planned23rd November 2009A MARATHON 11-hour fundraising bazaar is being held in Theydon Bois on Thursday(November 26).Proceeds from the event, at 12 Theydon Park Road from 11am until 10pm, will go to theAlzheimer's Society.Stalls will be selling home-baked goods, Christmas wreaths and table centrepieces,handmade cards, Christmas decorations, fairy lights, cuff links, photo frames, toys,candlesticks, jewellery and ladies knitwear.Organiser Anna Amasanti said: "This is the third Christmas bazaar that I have hosted andwe always trade the whole day, this way we hopefully cover all shopping avenues."That is, clients that are around during the day and those that will come along after work."We have had amazing support over the last couple of years but it is always nice to meetnew people."Plans for closed-down pub23rd November 200904/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 6 of 20THE closed-down Kings Inn in Ongar High Street could become a pub-hotel with a 100-cover restaurant.The sale of the premises, which have stood empty for many months, was recentlycompleted.Official opening of dental practice23rd November 2009THE Chief Dental Officer, Barry Cockcroft, will officially open The Tooth Booth dentalpractice in Epping on Wednesday (November 25).The multi-surgery Tooth Booth practice, which opened for business in February, offersgeneral dental treatment as well as preventative advice and a smoking cessation service.The Tooth Booth co-principal Dr Amit Rai, has been nominated for several awards at theprestigious 2009 Dentistry Awards.He said: "Since opening earlier this year we have been touched by the warm welcome wehave received from the local community. We have recently been accredited by the BritishDental Association’s Good Practice Scheme and will continue to serve Epping by offeringincreased access to a high quality NHS dental service."Mr Cockcroft, who has been Chief Dental Officer since July 2006, is the Government’smost senior dental advisor for England and the professional head of dental staff inEngland. His role is to help ensure ministers, the Department of Health and widergovernment receives appropriate, timely, high quality and professional advice in respect ofthe practice of dentistry and the promotion of good oral health.More details on The Tooth Booth - at 59 High Street - and other NHS dental practices inwest Essex are available by ringing the NHS West Essex freephone helpline 0800 78 33396.Hangar gutted in blaze22nd November 2009AN aircraft hangar used for storage has been destroyed in a blaze which took firefighterstwo hours to bring under control.Crews from Ongar and Leaden Roding were called to Cannons Lane, Fyfield, shortlybefore 7pm this evening (Sunday).Firefighters were hampered by the lack of water in the area.The hangar, on the edge of the former Willingale Airfield which was used by Americanservicemen during the Second World War, was being used to store a car, van and aircraftparts.Because of the unsafe structure, the crews had to tackle the fire from the outside.Two propane cylinders were inside the building, creating an added hazard for thefirefighters.A joint police and fire service investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of theblaze.Seven vehicles in M11 crash22nd November 2009TWO people were trapped in a seven-vehicle crash on the M11.Firefighters were called to three separate accidents along a mile-long stretch of thesouthbound carriageway near junction 6 at 1.20pm today (Sunday).The most serious collision involved six cars and a lorry. Two people had to be freed fromthe wreckage.Divisional Fire Officer Terry Povey said: "The incident dealt with by fire crews involved sixcars and an HGV with two casualties trapped in two separate vehicles. "But in less than amile of motorway there were three accidents believed to have been caused by acombination of heavy water spray and bright sunlight reflecting off the road."Crews were assisted by a doctor from the air ambulance and once the casualties werefreed they were left in the care of paramedics. We do not believe any of the injuries are lifethreatening."Seven fire crews - from Harlow, Loughton, Old Harlow, Epping and Ongar -were called tohelp deal with the incident.New role for town councillor22nd November 2009AN Ongar town councillor has been elected a vice-chairman of the Essex Association ofLocal Councils.Councillor Sheila Jackman joins Abbess, Beauchamp and Berners Roding parishcouncillor Jason Salter as the other vice-chairman for the countywide organisation.Debden Park take debating title21st November 2009THE Debden Park High School team talked their way to success in the annual EppingForest Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition.Chigwell School - which won the competition last year - hosted this year's event which wasorganised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing for the tenth successive year.The Debden Park High School team of Andrew Catherall and Alex Gould went one betterthan last year, when they finished second. The Chigwell School team were this year'srunners-up.Five teams - from West Hatch High School, Debden Park High School, St John's School,Chigwell School and Davenant Foundation School - debated the motion "That this Housebelieves that the United Nations should prioritise poverty reduction over combating climatechange'.The audience voted narrowly in favour of the motion.Mrs Laing praised all the teams for their public speaking and declared this year'scompetition the best so far.She said: "The standard really was just so brilliant."The judges - Metloc Printers chairman and Buckhurst Hill and Loughton county councillorValerie Metcalfe (who chaired the judging panel), Theydon Bois Primary School headteacher Elspeth Bonds, and Everything Epping Forest owner David Jackman - decided a'special commendation' should go to Paul Ryan-Brown, of Davenant Foundation School,for his speech.Mrs Laing said: "He was fluent, spoke with passion and showed great courage in havingno notes."As holders of the Eleanor Laing Cup, Debden Park High School will be invited to host nextyear's competition.For pictures from the debating competition, click on the thumbnail04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 7 of 20School wants larger car park20th November 2009PLANS have been drawn up for a larger car park at Theydon Bois Primary School.The application submitted to Epping Forest District Council is for alterations to the existingcar park at the Orchard Drive school to create 13 parking bays and one disabled parkingbay.Advice on domestic abuse20th November 2009FREE confidential advice and support is being offered as part of Domestic ViolenceAwareness Week.Local police officers and agencies will be staffing stalls at Epping Market on Monday(November 23), Waltham Abbey Market on Tuesday (November 24) and Debden Marketon Thursday, November 26.There will also be a stall and interactive self-defence at Epping Forest College between10am and 4pm on Wednesday November 25.Domestic violence is any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who areor have been in a relationship, or between family members. It can affect anybody,regardless of their gender or sexuality. The violence can be psychological, physical, sexualor emotional.Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime officer Sgt Shirley Cole said: "Raised tensions leading toviolence and abuse can occur within families spending long periods of time in closeproximity during this time of year, in particular over the festive period."Essex Police will take positive action against all offenders. We will be working over thisperiod and will arrest and remove anyone committing any offences. We will also be thereto provide support for families and any victims of abuse".If you, or someone you know is experiencing any abuse, contact the Domestic Abuse andHate Crime Unit on 01279 625493 or Harlow Police Station on 0300 333 4444.Children dress up for Pudsey20th November 2009STAFF and children at St Andrew’s Primary School, North Weald, have been raisingmoney for the BBC Children in Need appeal.Characters from books and films were among those favoured by the pupils who made adonation to dress up.A snowman and a couple of rabbits mingled with Batman and a pirate while the staff alsojoined in.There were the Ugly Sisters, and head teacher Gill Young spent the day as Mary Poppinscomplete with her umbrella.The sum raised by the school was boosted by the proceeds from a cake and biscuits sale,which included specially made chocolate Pudsey Bears.The pupils also made special Pudsey badges.To see pictures from St Andrew's Primary School, click on the thumbnailTown will 'Light Up A Life'20th November 2009A ST Clare Hospice 'Light Up A Life' ceremony is being held in Loughton at 5pm onSaturday, November 28.Participants meet at Loughton Methodist Church, High Road, from 4.30pm. ready for atorchlit procession to Kings Green.The ceremony will include carols and short addresses by representatives of LoughtonTown Council, St Clare Hospice and Churches Together in Loughton.The tree lights will be switched on during the ceremony and afterwards everyone is invitedto Loughton Methodist Church for refreshments.This year is the tenth annual 'Light up a Life' in Loughton. The scheme is run at Christmasby hospices all over the country.Donations are made to the hospice to dedicate a symbolic light in memory of a loved one,a friend or relative or someone who is special to you.All the names are recorded in a Book of Remembrance which is kept at the hospice.Forms for sponsoring a light can be obtained from the town council office (020 8508 4200)or from St Clare Hospice (01279 773750) and dedications can be accepted until January6.You do not have to sponsor a light to join the ceremony. Everyone is welcome.Demolition decision over house20th November 2009THE owners of an eight-bedroom house will soon find out whether the property must bedemolished.Ordering its demolition is one option available to councillors who will discuss a planningapplication for Red Cottage, New Farm Drive, Abridge, which has been built on Green Beltland without permission.Councillors have been told that a further large conservatory is also now partially built, alsowithout planning permission.The house had received building regulation approval.Planning consent was given for a property on the site four years ago, but the house whichwas built was significantly larger and different in design, the council says.At a previous meeting councillors gave the applicants four weeks to submit a full planningapplication which will be discussed by the district development control committee onTuesday, December 1.The application proposes the retention of the unauthorised eight-bedroom detached twostoreydwelling with basement, and the demolition of the conservatory.Lambourne Parish Council has no objection.Schools face debate challenge20th November 2009SCHOOL teams will be speaking out in the annual parliamentary debating competition.Chigwell School - as winners of last year's competition organised by Epping Forest MPEleanor Laing - are hosting tonight’s event in the High Road school's drama centre.The winning team will receive the competition trophy which their school will hold for a year.The speakers will be debating the motion 'This House believes that the United Nationsshould prioritise poverty reduction over combating climate change'.Mrs Laing said: "I am delighted so many teams from our local schools are once againtaking part.04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 8 of 20"The motion will allow the competitors to explore the very many aspects of this extremelytopical subject and I am sure we will have an exciting and informative exchange of ideas."Warning over doorstep callers19th November 2009POLICE are warning people to be on their guard over a door-to-door caller selling 'freealarms'.The warning follows a call made at a property in Great Lawn, Ongar.The caller said he was from a fire and security company and offered the householder afree wireless alarm system.The caller added that he was linked to the Home Office and Crimestoppers.Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "I cannot name the company for legal reasons butthey cold call usually elderly residents offering to fit a free alarm."Having done so they then tie the client into a contract which often results in them partingwith thousands of pounds."He added: "People should never agree to any security survey or installation from a coldcaller either on the telephone or at the door."If you want to consider installing a burglar alarm system contact me and I will put you intouch with reputable local companies."Burglaries spark police appeal19th November 2009DETECTIVES are appealing for information following two daytime burglaries.Both were yesterday (Wednesday. The first was between 1.50pm and 5.10pm at StarlingClose, Buckhurst Hill, where a rear kitchen window was forced and jewellery stolen.Later - at 6pm - a man knocked at the home of an elderly woman in Chapel Road, Epping,pretending to be from the water board saying there was a problem.The lady let the man in to the kitchen and then left him alone for about ten minutes. Whenshe returned she found a three-figure sum of money was missing.The man was white, aged about 21, slim and wearing a dark zipped-up jacket, darktrousers and a hat.Police spokesman Denise Harvey, said: "We are working hard to combat burglaries andwould ask the public to work with us by implementing a few measures that could helpreduce their chances of becoming a victim."During the darker months, leave a light on a timer switch so it looks like the house isoccupied. Accessible windows and doors should be fully secured at all times."If you have a uPVC front door, make sure you throw the handle upwards and secure thedeadbolts in place by locking with a key, only then will the front door be properly secure.When retiring for the night, place any vehicle keys in a safe but not obvious place."Anyone with information should ring Epping and Harlow CID on 0300 333 4444 orCrimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Community hall set for facelift18th November 2009IMPROVEMENTS for Limes Farm Hall, Chigwell, have come a step closer.Epping Forest District Council's cabinet has approved a recommendation to seek planningpermission and invitations to tender for improvements and an extension to the hall.Should the project go forward, the council intends to provide extra space at the hall toaccommodate housing and benefits services, as well as staff employed in SaferCommunities work by the district council and Essex Police.A children’s centre and health clinic are also proposed, as well as dedicated youth space.Big Lottery funding is being sought in support of the project, along with joint funding by arange of partners led by the district council.In the meantime councillors agreed to make a funding bid of £27,000 in next year’s budgetto keep the hall going until development could proceed.Gravel extraction sites "inappropriate"18th November 2009TWO sites in the district earmarked for gravel extraction are "unsuitable" and"inappropriate", according to the district council.Essex County Council's minerals development document includes plans to extract gravelfrom Shellow Cross, in Willingale, and Patch Park Farm, in Ongar Road, Abridge.Epping Forest District Council’s cabinet has agreed to respond to the county councilconsultation saying sand and gravel extraction at the sites is inappropriate.A council spokesman said: "Impact on the Green Belt, the local landscape and local roadnetwork made the sites unacceptable to councillors."They also objected due to the potential risk of flooding on both sites and the presence of ahigh pressure gas main in close proximity to the Abridge site."Four candidates for council seat18th November 2009FOUR candidates will contest an election on Thursday, December 10, for a seat onLoughton Town Council.The hopefuls are Jill Bostock (Labour), Iqbal Kalkat (Conservative), Edward Long (BNP)and Katie Nicholson (Loughton Residents Association).Raising awareness of village crime18th November 2009VILLAGERS in North Weald are invited to a burglary crime awareness event at StAndrew's Primary School at 7.30pm tomorrow (Thursday, November 19).Officers will give information about past incidents along with advice on how to secure yourproperty.Police Community Support Officer Carley Etherington said: “We are mostly focussing onburglaries where vehicles are stolen from driveways.“We will be giving handy tips on how to prevent people from becoming a victim of crime,such as getting into the habit of placing car keys in a safe, but not obvious place.“We will also be giving out free purse chains, ultra-violet pens to postcode property andother crime prevention materials.”New Epping Forest Verderer appointed18th November 200904/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 9 of 20A NEW Verderer of Epping Forest has been appointed.Solicitor Michael Chapman takes on the historic role which dates back to the 13th century.He said: "As a walker and naturalist living in Theydon and Epping all my life I have alwaysenjoyed the forest. I hope I will be able to help preserve the natural beauty of the forest soit can continue to be enjoyed by all."Mr Chapman has a keen interest in natural history. His father was one of the foundingmembers of Theydon Bois and District Rural Preservation Society. He is vice-president ofthe society and has also served as chairman of West Essex Health Authority and is thecurrent chairman of St Clare Hospice. He is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Essex.The role of a Verderer involves playing a full part in all Epping Forest matters of the City ofLondon’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee. The name Verderer is derived from theNorman-French for green wood and originally helped administer the Royal Forests.To qualify for appointment a person must live within one of the forest parishes and not be amember of the Court of Common Council of the City of London. All applicants should alsohave a detailed knowledge of the forest, the principles under which it must be managedand the pressures operating on it.There are four Verderers who are full members of the Epping Forest and CommonsCommittee.At the committee's July meeting Verderer Michael Davies announced his intention toresign by the end of the year, with the view to the new incumbent being in position bythen.Under the terms of the Epping Forest Act 1878, a vacancy arising between the septennialelections of Verderers requires an appointment to be made by the committee acting onbehalf of the City of London as the Conservators of Epping Forest.Mr Chapman will take up his position in January and represent the Northern Parishes -Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton, Waltham Holy Cross, Chingford and Chigwell. Thisappointment lasts until March 2013 when the septennial elections to appoint all fourEpping Verderers will take place.Dental surgery plans up for approval17th November 2009PLANS for a dental surgery at a private house in Epping are being recommended forapproval.Anu Sood is seeking planning approval from Epping Forest District Council to use thegarage at 31 Lindsey Street as a surgery between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday andfrom 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.The garage conversion would comprise a reception/waiting room, one surgery room and atoilet. There would be internal access from the surgery leading into the house.The existing in-out drive would be removed and a single central vehicle access added, withtwo off-street vehicle spaces in front of the surgery and three off-street parking spaces tothe side.A similar application was refused last year.Epping Town Council and nine nearby residents have objected with the town councilconcerned about the lack of parking both at the site and within a reasonable walkingdistance.Other concerns include the disposal of surgical waste, noise and disturbance, and theoverlooking from patients entering and leaving the surgery.Another claims that with the opening of a new practice in Epping High Street, the need fora new surgery is "somewhat redundant".A planning officer's report states: "The previous application was refused due to theinsufficient sight lines and the impact this would have on highway safety and the free flowof traffic on Lindsey Street. This recommendation for refusal was previously put forward byEssex County Council highway officers."The revised application proposes to remove the existing in-out driveway and replace itwith a central vehicle access that would be 3.5m wide and have low level planting on eitherside."Planners say the revised application adequately addresses the previous reason for refusal.Opposition to village homes17th November 2009PLANNING permission is being sought for six properties on agricultural green belt land atAbbess Roding.The two one-bedroom flats, two three-bedroom houses, one one-bedroom bungalow andone two-bedroom house would be so-called 'affordable' homes with parking andlandscaping.Abbess, Beauchamp and Berners Roding Parish Council fully supports the application forthe development in School Lane which would bring much-needed affordable housing to theparish.However several households have lodged objections with Epping Forest District Councilraising issues about highways, the green belt, the risk of flooding, the impact on the nearbysewage farm and the additional traffic which would be attracted to the narrow lane.The homes would have a typical Essex-style design in keeping with the overall characterof the village of Abbess Roding.An amended design to the properties was submitted after further discussions with theparish council, which considers the overall appearance of the scheme to be acceptable,the district council said.A planning officer's report states: "The proposed development would provide a 100 percent affordable housing scheme to address the identified need within the parish, and isfully supported by the parish council. However objection has been received from EssexCounty Council highways officers with regards to insufficient sight lines."Officers would not wish to go against the opinion of the local highway authority, as to doso could be detrimental to highway safety, however members may feel the sight linesobtainable on site, and the overall benefit of providing needed affordable housing in thisrural location, may be sufficient to outweigh this objection."A decision will be taken by the area planning committee.Concern over A414 roadworks04/01/201017th November 2009HARLOW MP Bill Rammell has called on Essex County Council to be open and clear overhow the much-needed road widening from the M11 to the A414 will affect day-to-day trafficflows.Mr Rammell announced in March last year that the Government would spend £9.9m inHarlow on measures to ‘dual’ the A414 from the Hastingwood A414-M11 junction to theA414/A1169 Southern Way roundabout to reduce congestion at peak times.But he has become concerned over recent weeks that the potential disruption from theseessential works was not being adequately communicated to residents, including how longthe works will take.Mr Rammell said: "It is excellent that the Government is spending a large sum of moneyon improving access onto and from the M11. However I am starting to become concernedthat the Tories at County Hall - as Essex County Council is Harlow’s highways authorityresponsible for spending this money - are simply not effectively communicating the short-

Everything Epping ForestPage 10 of 20term disruptions of these works to residents."I have made these comments clear to Essex’s director for highways and transportationand asked that he provide details of the short-term disruptions so that residents andcommuters can make contingency plans for the period when these much-needed worksare ongoing."I have been assured that one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction of theA414 at all times and any road closures will have diversions sign-posted clearly tominimise disruptions. Essex needs to do better to communicate this to local residents."Website celebrates first anniversary17th November 2009THE Everything Epping Forest website is one year old today.In its first 12 months the website - founded by local journalist David Jackman - hasfeatured more than 750 news articles and highlighted almost 500 local events. EverythingEpping Forest continues to grow both in content and visitor numbers. The website hasregistered more than 1.6m hits in its first year, and has been featured on Sky News andthe BBC Radio 4 programme You and Yours.Thanks go to everyone who has supported and continues to support the website which hasalready become well-known as a valuable source of local news and information.Many local businesses are now advertising on Everything Epping Forest (businessadvertising is available from just £50 for a year).A weekly news sheet is produced by Everything Epping Forest in conjunction with EppingTown Council.The publication is distributed around the town by the council, with copies available in thelibrary, St John’s Church, Epping Hall and the town’s GP and dental practices.Terry Lubbock back at home16th November 2009THE father of Stuart Lubbock who died after attending a party at entertainer MichaelBarrymore's Roydon home has been released from hospital after possibly suffering astroke.Terry Lubbock was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, after his son, Kevin,returned home to find his father "staring into space" in the kitchen.No-one has been charged over Stuart's death more than eight years ago.Stuart Lubbock died after returning with others to Barrymore's then home in BeaumontPark Drive in Roydon after a night out at the Millennium nightclub in Harlow.His illness came just days after Michael Barrymore was back in the media spotlight after atabloid newspaper carried photographs of him working at friend's car repair business inEpping.Mr Lubbock is now at home with his mother, Rose, and son Kevin.Terry said: " I am still fighting to get to the truth in my son Stuart's death and to get to thetruth on the events at Michael Barrymore's home on March 31, 2001."Seeing Michael Barrymore only a few miles up the road in Epping was just to much forme, last week my body had just had enough."Wartime studies for pupils16th November 2009YOUNGSTERS at St Andrew's Primary School, North Weald, enjoyed a visit to theImperial War Museum at Duxford.The Year 5 and 6 pupils made the journey up the M11 as part of their curriculum workwhich sees them studying Britain since the 1930s.Their work includes a child's perspective of the Second World War.The children, some of whom were dressed as evacuees, toured the museum and sawmany of the planes which are on display.Soccer star presents awards16th November 2009FORMER Premier League footballer Les Ferdinand was the guest of honour at the annualGCSE presentation evening at St John's School, Epping.He shook hands with the former Year 11 students who had returned to the Tower Roadschool to receive awards for obtaining a greater proportion of A* GCSE grades than in anyprevious year.He also gave an inspirational speech to students, parents and staff about the importanceof perseverance in achieving your goals.He had been invited by another ex-Premier League footballer, Clive Wilson, who nowworks full-time at the school.MP backs NSPCC campaign16th November 2009ONGAR MP Eric Pickles has added his name to the NSPCC’s campaign calling for childprotection to be a priority in the wake of a series of tragic child abuse deaths.Mr Pickles backed the charity's new campaign which calls for vital child protection reformsalongside continued funding of ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline.Mr Pickles said: "Following the tragic death of Baby Peter [named in August as PeterConnolly], we must ensure vital child protection reforms take place."In this difficult economic climate protecting children must remain our priority if we are toprevent more children suffering from violence, sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional harm,and to support those who have already been abused."NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan said: "By signing up to the NSPCC’s campaignto protect all children Eric Pickles wants to make a crucial difference to the servicesavailable to children and young people in Brentwood and Ongar."Police woman's lucky escape15th November 2009A WOMAN police officer had a lucky escape when a tree crashed onto her car in OngarHigh Street.The tree fell on the patrol car as she was driving from the High Street towards the FourWantz roundabout on Saturday.The tree landed on the bonnet and the officer received only minor injuries.Across the western division, which includes the Epping Forest district, police handled 28calls on Saturday - 22 to calls of trees having been blown down in the high winds.04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 11 of 20Scouts enjoy caving adventure13th November 2009TWENTY-FIVE scouts from 41st Epping Forest Scout Group have had an experience of alifetime, taking part in a caving expedition.The youngsters visited the Peak District where they went deep under the Derbyshirecountryside. None of the young people, nor the scout leaders, had ever been cavingbefore.The qualified caving instructor took the scouts down to about 1,000ft below the surface.James, a Scout, aged 12, from the scout group which is based at Loughton BaptistChurch, said: “That was the best thing I’ve ever done! It was really, really dark when weturned the torches off.”Assistant Group Scout Leader Helen Church said: "None of the party have ever beencaving before, including us adults, so it was a great sense of achievement.”The scouts also took part in orienteering and hiking.If you would like to find out more about the activities Scouts do regularly, please contactHelen Church on 020 8923 2378 or visit www.scouts.org.ukEvening to mark Inter Faith Week13th November 2009THE UK's first National Inter Faith Week is to be marked with a special evening inLoughton.United Religions Initiative UK is hosting an event at Loughton Leisure Centre, Traps Hill,Loughton, on Sunday, November 22.The Beyond Faith Boundaries: 'Spiritual Elders' meet 'Emerging Visionaries' event willfacilitate local people from Loughton's Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikhand other faith communities, as well as people with no faith background, to participate inan evening of Appreciative Enquiry in the leisure centre's Octagon Room.The national charity, United Religions Initiative UK, a forum of many faiths each retainingtheir own unique identity, will invite participants to have a conversation with someone froma different generation and a different faith to their own about their respective spiritualjourneys.A vegetarian buffet and non-alcoholic refreshments will be served.URI chief executive Anne Vince said: "The aim of the Beyond Faith Boundaries event is todemonstrate that 'Spiritual Diversity is a blessing not a threat'. We are using Inter FaithWeek 2009 to explore the reality that diversity of Faith is everywhere - not just in our majortowns and cities."The event is being funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government aspart of their first National Inter Faith Week, which runs from November 15-21.For more information visit www.interfaithweek.org.uk.Anyone wishing to participate should ring URI UK on 07775 663955 or emailinfo@uri.org.uk.Counterfeit towels given to animals12th November 2009COUNTERFEIT towels seized by trading standards officers during a routine visit to NorthWeald market have been given to local animal charities.Two men were seen selling towels bearing trade marks such as Ralph Lauren, Next,Chanel and Versace. Believing them to be counterfeit, officers seized the entire stockwhich of about 2,000 towels.They were later confirmed as counterfeit by the relevant trade mark holders. The two menhave received warnings and banned from trading at North Weald market.Seeing the opportunity to help some local charities, trading standards officer Peter Coatesarranged an evening of de-branding, where officers gave up their own time to cut the trademarks out of the towels. He then contacted local charities and distributed the towelsamongst them.County councillor Tracey Chapman, cabinet member for waste and recycling, said: “Thiswas a very thoughtful thing to do and the towels will come in very handy for lots of animalcharities with winter around the corner. I would like to thank trading standards officers fortheir hard work in finding the counterfeit towels and then distributing them to deservingcharities.”Bells talk for Probus club12th November 2009CAMPANOLOGIST Richard Clay, a leading member of All Saints Church, TheydonGarnon, was the speaker at the November meeting of Epping Probus Club.He was introduced by club president David Tyers who revealed that Mr Clay was a farmmanager at the Gaynes Park Estate. He was particularly concerned with sheep rearing,especially the hardy Texel breed of international repute. He had also taken a leading rolein the recent restoration of the bells at All Saints Church.Mr Clay explained that church tower contained five historic bells; four were cast in 1628 byMiles Grey of Colchester and the fifth (the tenor) in 1732 by Richard Phelps ofWhitechapel.For the last 100 years the bells have not been rung because the wooden ringing gear haddecayed, but only chimed by striking the edge of the bells with them hanging in the downposition; a chiming system was installed for this purpose in 1900.Restoration began in January 2008 with the bells being lowered to the floor using blockand tackle.The roof area had to be reinforced with a steel frame work to take the weight of theheaviest bells during lowering, and when subsequently rehung and rung. They weretransported to the Hayward Mills foundry in Nottingham for overhaul, and for a sixth bell tobe cast and tuned to match the others.With completion planned for Easter 2008 the six bells were fitted with new headstocks andbearings and hung in a new location in the centre of the tower to minimise structuralstress. A new ringing floor was installed above the choir vestry and a stairway access wasconstructed.The project cost £55,000 which was raised by contributions and grants.The next meeting is the ladies Christmas luncheon on December 16 when Jill Pert will talkabout her experiences 'In and Out of the Carte (Doyle Carte)'.The club has a few vacancies for new members retired or semi-retired men. For moredetails, ring secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.Walkers support Help for Heroes11th November 2009A FUNDRAISING walk from Loughton to Woodford will raise money for the Help forHeroes charity.Walkers will make the 4.5-mile walk in honour of Pte Lewis Keogh, 19, who is currently on04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 12 of 20deployment in Afghanistan with 1 Royal Anglians.The walk will leave Debden Park High School, in Willingale Road, Loughton, at 10am onSaturday, December 12, and finish at Woodford Rugby Club.Walkers will be collecting donations along the way.Each walker is asked to contribute £10.Walkers will receive a free Help for Heroes wristband.Participants are encouraged to wear a Help for Heroes t-shirt, hoodie etc (available fromHelpforheroes.org.uk ), a Woodford Rugby Club shirt, Flamehead shirt or at the very leastcamouflage trousers or jacket, Walkers must register to participate by ringing 07810541171, 07590 998986 or 07932 879430, or emailing metloc@btconnect.com orkjm@metloc.co.uk .Angela Metcalfe, one of the team organising the event, said: “I am delighted to be helpingorganise this event in aid of Help for Heroes. I have known Lewis since he was 12 whenhe came to play rugby at Woodford RFC, and all he ever wanted to do was be in thearmy."For six years, culminating in my managing the team, I watched a group of boys play andtrain every week and grow into young men. Now one of them is prepared to make theultimate sacrifice for his country."She added: "The courage and determination of our service men and women knows nobounds, and I hope we might just show how so very proud of them we are by ourfundraising. Please support this very worthwhile cause.”The idea to raise some funds for Help for Heroes came originally from Katie Treagust,Lewis’ girlfriend.Angela said: "She felt, as did Lewis’ mum Tracy, that we should be showing support for notjust Lewis, but all the service personnel currently on deployment."Lewis joined Woodford Rugby Club when he was 12 and was a loyal member of his squad.Since joining the army in 2008, he has continued to play for the club whenever leavepermitted.He is described as "a Woodie through and through', and has even taken his rugby shirtwith him to the front line.Walkers will be carrying the regimental flag as they make their way through DebdenBroadway, Loughton High Road, Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill before finishing at the rugbyclub in Woodford High Road.Raising money for Children in Need?11th November 2009WHAT event are you planning to raise money for the BBC's Children in Need appeal thisyear?If you are holding a wacky, colourful or just plain silly event to support Pudsey on Friday,November 20, then get in touch.Everything Epping Forest will preview your event and try and get along on the day to takesome pictures, and then publicise your fundraising stories when all the money has beencounted.Email details of your fundraising event to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com .Green-fingered Bill remembered11th November 2009A GREEN-fingered member of Coopersale Horticultural Society has died at the age of 85.Maurice ' Bill' Stock, who died on October 28, won numerous first and second prizes at thesociety's various shows with his onions and tomatoes, Daughter-in-law Lynette Stock said:"His garden was his passion as was his love for cricket."Mr Stock was born in Epping on November 7, 1923, and lived in the town all his life. Hiswife, Doris, died six years ago. He leaves two sons, and their wives, and six grandchildren.His funeral is at Parndon Wood crematorium, Harlow, at 10.30am on Friday, November 20,and afterwards at Hemnall Social Club, Hemnall Street, Epping.Woman prosecuted over noise11th November 2009A WOMAN has been fined after breaching a noise abatement notice.Sarah-Louise Blyther, of Sewardstone Street, Waltham Abbey, pleaded guilty to thebreach of the notice served on her by Epping Forest District Council at Harlow Magistrates’Court on October 20.She was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 towards the council’s prosecution costs.After a short investigation, council officers were satisfied the noise from music andamplified sound coming from the property was causing a nuisance to nearby residents. Anoise abatement notice was served on the occupier, Sarah-Louise Blyther, on June 25.The requirements of the notice are that the volume of music and amplified sound ismaintained at a level that will not cause a statutory nuisance to the occupiers of noisesensitive premises.On September 12 an environment and neighbourhoods officer employed by the districtcouncil received complaints and witnessed noise coming from the property at about5.30am.This was deemed to be in breach of the noise abatement notice and the council proceededwith the prosecution.Council flags at half mast11th November 2009THE sacrifice of two world wars and innumerable smaller conflicts were remembered bystaff and councillors of Epping Forest District Council.As the clock struck 11am yesterday (Wednesday) the flags outside the Civic Offices inEpping were lowered to half mast.People throughout the council observed the two minutes of silence.The ceremony was led by council chairman Penny Smith and Kevin Toole, president of theEpping and District branch of the Royal British Legion.Youth councillors welcomed04/01/201011th November 2009THE newly-elected Epping Forest Youth Council has been formally welcomed.A special gathering was held at the Civic Offices, Epping, to introduce the elected youthcouncillors to each other and to the current district councillors.Council chairman Penny Smith made a speech to welcome and congratulate the newmembers on their successful election campaigns.She said: "I recommend joining in as much as you can. I hope very much you will takegreat interest learning about how local democracy actually happens."

Everything Epping ForestPage 13 of 20She added: "Enjoy taking part - your experiences over the next two years will certainlyimprove the quality of your own personal development as you convene in this chamber."In the last few months The Community Development Team and Democratic ServicesTeam from the district council have supported five schools across the district to organiseelections.The number of seats on the youth council has been increased from 17 to 23.Many of the council’s portfolio holders and senior officers were also present at thewelcome evening.Leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Brian Rolfe said: "The youth council has developeda number of successful projects over the last two years and has become a platform inwhich young people across the district can voice their opinions on issues important tothem."I and the other councillors look forward to working alongside the new youth council andseeing what can be achieved in the next two years."Tories win district council by-election11th November 2009THE Conservatives have retained their Lower Sheering seat on Epping Forest DistrictCouncil following a by-election.Charlotte Edwards received 302 votes with Liberal Democrat candidate Ingrid Blackreceiving 93 votes.The by-election followed the resignation of Heather Harding. The turnout was 21.35 percent.New play equipment unveiled10th November 2009THOUSANDS of pounds worth of new play equipment has been unveiled in Thornwood.County councillors Anthony Jackson, Liz Webster and Janet Whitehouse joined EppingForest District Council chairman Penny Smith, district council vice-chairman Anne Griggand Thornwood Common VIllage Hall chairman Dick Spearman to open the newequipment at Thornwood Common Playing Field.The Thornwood Common Village Hall and Playing Field Management Committee hadobtained £19,000 in grant funding from Essex County Council, Epping Forest DistrictCouncil, North Weald Bassett Parish Council and Happy Grow Garden Centre.Two further pieces of equipment will be installed at the end on November to complete thescheme.Post office prepares to re-open10th November 2009AN Epping post office shut two years ago as part of the Post Office's closure programme isto be reopened by Essex County Council on Monday, November 23.Allnutts Stores sub-postmistress Shanaz Javid said: "My customers are very much lookingforward to coming back to me and have been counting the days until we reopen. I’m verygrateful to Essex County Council for stepping in."The post office will feature a Community Information Point allowing visitors to connect toEssex County Council services as well useful websites such as Directgov, NHS Direct andlocal interest sites.Labour members win quiz10th November 2009A TEAM from Ongar Labour Party have been crowned this year's Brains of Ongar.Nine teams competed in the annual quiz evening which featured a new-style 21st centuryquiz.The winners shared the £232 prize money equally with their chosen charity, St Clare'sHospice.The Theatre Resource team was runner-up.Village homes plan faces rejection9th November 2009MAJOR development plans for Roydon are being recommended for rejection.A decision is set to be taken on Wednesday over plans for 14 three-bedroom, two-storeyhouses and four two-bedroom bungalows on the vacant former coal yard site behind 32High Street.Eighteen letters objecting to the scheme have been sent to the district council.Among the objectors are the parish council and The Roydon Society.District council planning officers have echoed the opposition saying the development isinappropriate for a green belt site and would result in the loss of open space.A planning officer's report adds that plans for 77 per cent of the properties to be so-called'affordable housing' is not a sufficient special circumstance to warrant approval.Issues such as its appearance in the conservation area, overlooking of private amenityspace, the additional vehicles the development would generate and the loss of the existingbuildings has led planners to recommend that councillors refuse planning permission whenthe application is discussed at the planning committee meeting.Terry Lubbock suffers possible stroke9th November 2009THE father of Stuart Lubbock who died after attending a party at entertainer MichaelBarrymore's Roydon home is recovering in hospital after possibly suffering a stroke at hisHarlow home.Terry Lubbock's son, Kevin, returned home from work last Thursday to find his father"staring into space like a statue" in the kitchen.A family spokesman added that Kevin immediately called 999 and was told to lay his fatheron the floor in the recovery position.Mr Lubbock was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow where he is now beingtreated on a ward.Mr Lubbock's spokesman, Harry Cichy, said: "He had a very bad few days. He is now in award and is speaking very slowly. They were not sure if it was a stroke or heart attack."No-one has been charged over Stuart's death more than eight years ago.Stuart Lubbock died after returning with others to Barrymore's then home in BeaumontPark Drive in Roydon after a night out at the Millennium nightclub in Harlow.His illness came just days after Michael Barrymore was back in the media spotlight after atabloid newspaper carried photographs of him working at friend's car repair business inEpping.04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 14 of 20Mr Cichy said: "Last week was very stressful seeing Michael Barrymore in the press andonly a few miles away in Epping."Terry actually wanted to confront Michael Barrymore again, he wanted to meet up withhim again. Terry believes Michael Barrymore holds the key to Stuart's death."He added: "It all got too much for Terry with nearly eight years of campaigning to get to thetruth about Stuart's injuries and the events of 31 March 2001."Terry's batteries are very low. Terry Lubbock has only this year reached 65. He nowwonders if Stuart's killer or killers will ever be brought to justice.".Acting couple visit Gunpowder Mills9th November 2009ACTORS Timothy West and his wife Prunella Scales have visited the Royal GunpowderMills, Waltham Abbey.The Red Wheel plaque, awarded by the Transport Trust, recognises the site'sgroundbreaking use of transport systems to aid production on what is probably the world’sfirst integrated manufacturing plant.After a tour of the interactive exhibition on the production of gunpowder, cordite and thesocial aspects of the site’s history since production started in the 17th century, trustdirector Trevor Knapp described how the site became the premier facility for the productionof gunpowder in Europe.Mr Knapp introduced Neil Marshall, of the Transport Trust, who described the RoyalGunpowder Mills as "a jewel" with a remarkable contribution to both social history and theindustrial production.He spoke of the site as having helped make the River Lee a remarkable supply chain forindustry and of creating the wealth that enabled Britain to become a powerful global forceand described the award of the plaque as "a mark of respect to one of the greatestintegrated manufacturing facilities in Britain".Mr West said it was wonderful to be at such an extraordinary site.He remarked that in his lifetime he had seen the demise of freight transportation by canal,steam railways and the end of shipbuilding in Britain but was warmed by the number ofboth railway and canal restoration projects and places, such as the Royal GunpowderMills, ensuring we preserve and value our transport heritage.He said there was no better place to showcase and celebrate Britain’s industrial heritage.Accompanied by the drums of Rawdon’s Regiment, Mr West unveiled the plaquerecognising the importance of the site in Britain’s transport and industrial heritage.The day’s events concluded with a spectacular firework display, the first time the publichave been able to watch such a display at the home of gunpowder in its long history.The next event at the Royal Gunpowder Mills is the Victorian Christmas on Sunday,December 13. Booking is required to see Father Christmas. Visitwww.royalgunpowdermills.com/victorian_christmas.htm for full details.EXCLUSIVE - BNP confront Rector8th November 2009BRITISH National Party councillors and supporters confronted a church rector after hecriticised their actions and views during a Remembrance Day address.Rev Geoffrey Smith, rector of St John's Church in Loughton, spoke out against the far-rightparty when he addressed several hundred people at the Kings Green war memorial wherewreaths were laid in memory of those who gave their lives in the two world wars and other,and current, conflicts.After the service BNP district councillor Pat Richardson, who was among those laying awreath, was the first to confront Rev Smith about his address.Rev Smith was repeatedly asked to retract what he had said but said he would not.One of those who confronted Rev Smith by the war memorial shouted "shame on you".Another said: "This is a non-political day."Rev Smith, who said the words were his own views, told Everything Epping Forest: "It wassimply to remind people about what our soldiers fought against in the Second World Warand to make sure those evils do not reappear in the present day."Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, who heard Rev Smith's address as she stood with otherdignitaries to lay her wreath, later told Everything Epping Forest that she supported RevSmith's comments.She said: "He was absolutely right to have said what he did. Thousands of peopledefended our freedom and we won't allow fascism of any kind to arrive in our societytoday."Hundreds turn out to remember8th November 2009HUNDREDS of people turned out to pay their respects to those who lost their lives fightingfor their country.Remembrance Sunday services and wreath-laying ceremonies have been held in townsand villages across the district.The biggest Remembrance events were in Loughton and Epping where parades followedthe laying of wreaths at the town war memorials.In Epping, the family of Royal Marine Georgie Sparks, from Theydon Mount, who waskilled while serving in Afghanistan last year, visited the town war memorial ahead of themain Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying to pay their own private respects.Man charged over cannabis find8th November 2009A MAN will appear in court tomorrow (Monday) after being charged in connection with thediscovery of a cannabis factory.Hai Van Doan, 27, of no fixed address, is charged with being concerned in the productionof cannabis and will appear at Harlow magistrates’ court .Three other men were arrested after police executed a search warrant at a warehouse inthe Theydon Bois area on Friday (November 6) and seized more than 5,000 cannabisplants worth more than £1m.The three other man - a 54-year-old man, from Wickford; a 35-year-old, from Romford, anda 44-year-old, from Ingatestone, are still be questioned by detectives.Police discover £1m cannabis factory04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 15 of 207th November 2009POLICE have seized cannabis plants worth more than £1 mllion in one of the biggest everfinds of its kind in the county.Officers discovered more than 5,000 plants under cultivation when they raided awarehouse in the Theydon Bois area yesterday (Friday).Three large generators and associated equipment were also seized.Western Division commander Chief Superintendent Tim Stokes said the plants andequipment were found when officers from Essex Police and the Serious Organised CrimeAgency executed a search warrant.A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicious of cultivating cannabis and is beingquestioned at Harlow Police Station.Woman cut free from wreckage7th November 2009A WOMAN had to be freed from her car following a two-vehicle collision in Chigwell.The crash happened in the High Road at 7.50am today (Saturday).Loughton and Harlow firefighters, using hydraulic cutting equipment, took about half-anhourto free the woman.School's delight at Ofsted report6th November 2009A HEADTEACHER has spoken of her delight after her school was judged to be 'good' in itslatest Ofsted report.Inspectors said a "concerted effort" by staff and governors at St Andrew's Primary School,North Weald, had led to "significant improvement over recent years". Headteacher GillYoung said: "We are absolutely thrilled. This is a celebration and acknowledgement of allthe hard work by pupils, staff, governors and parents to raise the profile and success of ourschool."The report states that improvements in the quality of teaching have accelerated pupils’progress so they are now achieving well.Meticulous recording of individual pupils’ progress enables staff to monitor how welldifferent groups of pupils are doing and identify those falling behind or who are not fulfillingtheir potential, the report adds.Carefully planned work in lessons, complemented by intensive support programmes, helppupils to sustain the momentum in their learning.As a result the vast majority meet or exceed the challenging targets set for them,inspectors said.The visit also highlighted pupil behaviour with inspectors concluding that pupils’ personaldevelopment is good with pupils behaving well and enjoying learning.The report adds: "Good curriculum planning, including links across subjects and theimaginative use of modern technology, means pupils are engaged and motivated to workhard."Wide ranging additional activities support their learning and boost pupils’ self-esteem."Inspectors say pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities,make good progress in class and in the playground pupils treat each other with respectand fairness, demonstrating that they can take turns, collaborate successfully and shareideas.Pupils say they feel safe and secure and free from harassment. They know what to doabout bullying and do not see it a major issue.Pupils have a good understanding of how to keep healthy and take part eagerly in a widerange of sporting activities.The report states: The school has a caring ethos where all pupils are valued and included.There is a determined commitment to ensuring pupils do as well as they can. Seniorleaders have developed excellent processes for tracking pupils’ progress and this is apowerful driver for the school’s improvement."Mrs Young added: "Our SATs results have improved steadily across six years. The reportrecognises our welcoming approach to new pupils in reception who quickly settle andlearn."Wide-ranging activities include choir, learning instruments, netball, football, tag rugby,cross country, swimming, golf, karate and French."We welcome all visitors who would like to contact us and look around the school to seefor themselves."The school has places available for four-year-olds to join its Early Years Unit opening inJanuary.For more details, ring the school on 01992 522283.Four people escape flat blaze6th November 2009FOUR people were led to safety after a fire broke out in their Buckhurst Hill flat. Three firecrews - from Loughton and Woodford - were called to Queens Road at about 3.15am thismorning.The fire was on the first floor of the three-storey property.Carol service under new management6th November 2009A WELL-established and popular pre-Christmas carol service in Epping is to continue thisyear, under new management.The Cancer Research UK Carol Service will be at St John’s Church on Friday, November27 (8pm) with the band and choristers of the Salvation Army, Ilford.Cancer Research UK's area volunteer manager Peter Hall will make an appeal and acollection will be taken during the service. Admission is free.For 34 years, the Epping Friends of Cancer Research UK have organised a charity carolservice at the church, which has traditionally marked the start of Christmas celebrations inthe town.When group stalwarts Mavis and Ted Ellis decided to retire from their charity work earlierthis year, the group folded and it looked like the service might not go ahead. But areavolunteer manager Peter Hall contacted the Theydon Bois Group of Friends who agreed totake on the event.At the same time, realising they were now probably the only remaining Friends Group inthe Epping Forest district, they changed their name to the Theydon Bois and DistrictFriends of Cancer Research UK.Nationally, Cancer Research UK carries out pioneering research into the causes andtreatment of all types of cancer, and the money raised by local Friends Groups contributesaround £13m a year to that work.For their part, the Theydon Bois and District Group of Friends, which had its origins in thevillage back in 1972, is well on its way to raising £500,000 from activities in the village suchas bazaars, quiz nights, bridge evenings, sponsored activities by individuals and04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 16 of 20collections at stores and stations.In October they collected £1,532 in three days at the Morrison’s supermarket in Loughton.Morrison's has adopted Cancer Research UK as its charity of the year. The collection totalwas the highest across the eastern region.Collectors will be back at the High Road store on December 4, 5 and 6.Epping Forest District Council chairman Penny Smith, Epping mayor Janet Hedges,Theydon Bois Parish Council chairman Susan Jones and Ted and Mavis Ellis will beamong the audience at the carol service.They will be greeted by Friends group president Marjorie Chapman, who was one of theoriginal founders of the group back in 1972.District prepares to remember6th November 2009REMEMBRANCE services will be held across the district on Sunday.Services and/or wreath-laying ceremonies are being held at:ROYDON - St Peter's Church (10am)NAZEING - All Saints Church (10am)THEYDON BOIS - St Mary's Church (10.30am) - St John's Church (9.30am)CHIGWELL - St Mary's Church (10.40am)LOUGHTON - Kings Green (wreath laying) at 12.15pm followed by parade along HighRoadEPPING - parade and wreath-laying at town green war memorial (2.10pm) followed byparade along High Street to St John's Church for 3pm serviceNORTH WEALD - St Andrew's Church (10.55am); North Weald airfield memorial(12.15pm)WALTHAM ABBEY - Waltham Abbey war memorial, Farm Hill Road (10am); Service atthe Abbey Church (10.45am)UPSHIRE - St Thomas Church (9am)ONGAR - Act of Remembrance in Pleasance car park (2pm).HIGH ONGAR - St Mary's Church (10am); wreath laying at war memorial (11.15am).Everything Epping Forest will be featuring pictures from around the district.Parking reduced during improvements5th November 2009PARKING spaces in the Bakers Lane car park in Epping will be for permit holders onlywhile upgrading work is carried out.Epping Forest District Council says the work, which starts on Tuesday, will last for twoweeks.The car park will be resurfaced with new drainage and improved lighting. CCTV is alsobeing installed.During the work half the car park will remain open. However spaces will be limited topermit holders only.The work will begin on Tuesday so only one market day is affected, causing as littledisruption to stallholders and shoppers as possible.Apprentice star loses court battle5th November 2009APPRENTICE star Tre Azam failed to win over Sir Alan Sugar in the boardroom and hasnow lost out in a court room over a housing benefit fraud prosecution.London's High Court has dismissed an appeal lodged by Mohammed Aurooj Azam, alsoknown as Tre Azam, of Nevill Way, Loughton, on October 15.Epping Forest District Council brought a prosecution against Mr Azam last year forcommitting three offences of housing benefit fraud.On November 28 a District Judge at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of thethree offences and, despite the defence’s claims at a previous hearing, found that thecouncil had issued the prosecution proceedings in time.Azam was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid community work and ordered to pay £6,859.73for the council’s prosecution costs.Azam appealed to the Administrative Court at the Royal Courts of Justice against theDistrict Judge’s finding that the council had issued the prosecution proceedings within thestatutory time limit.Lord Justice Scott Baker and Mr Justice Cranston dismissed the appeal deciding that theprosecution was commenced in time.Councillor Mitch Cohen, Epping Forest District Council's portfolio holder responsible forlegal services, said: "Benefit cheats may have you believe that it is not a serious crime butit is defrauding many hardworking and honest people who pay their taxes."Housing Benefit is meant for those who genuinely need help. I am very pleased the HighCourt found in the council’s favour. We work very hard to uncover fraud and to carry outmeticulous investigations, ensuring the evidence we collect is accurate before proceedingwith a prosecution."Crews tackle loft fire5th November 2009THREE fire crews were called to a house in Chigwell in the early hours after smoke wasseen coming from a light fitting.Firefighters from Loughton and Hainault found the whole of the loft heavily smokelogged.Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus dealt with the fire in under an hour having beencalled to the property in Hainault Road at 2.30am today (Thursday).Volunteers Make A Difference04/01/20104th November 2009DOZENS of volunteers turned out at the Lambourne End Outdoor Activity Centre to helpMake A Difference.Make A Difference Day is a national campaign to promote volunteering and every year theVolunteer Centre Epping Forest, part of Voluntary Action Epping Forest, organises a dayof community volunteering to make a difference in the Epping Forest area.This year more than 45 volunteers helped the centre prepare for its Big Bonfire Party onSaturday (November 7).The event is a vital source of revenue for Lambourne End and the volunteers, of all ages,were delighted to help carve the pumpkins for the spooky trail in the caving system, makepaper lanterns to light a path through the woods to the story-telling grotto and assist withthe construction of a 15ft willow figure that will be the centrepiece of the bonfire.Tony Sharpe, farm manager of Lambourne End, said: "We are so impressed with theenthusiasm of the volunteers. We had a fantastic day."Voluntary Action Epping Forest chief officer Jacqui Foile said: "Great fun was had by all

Everything Epping ForestPage 17 of 20proving that volunteering can not only make a difference but can be an extremelyworthwhile and fun activity. Everyone should have a go!"Anyone interested in volunteering, whether for one-off events or for slightly more regularvolunteering, can contact the Volunteer Centre Epping Forest on 01992 564256 or visitwww.do-it.org.uk to search for interesting opportunities.Policy questions at Conservative dinner4th November 2009EPPING Forest Conservative Association welcomed Shadow Secretary of State forChildren, Schools and Families, Michael Gove to their Blue Ribbon Dinner at TheydonBois Golf Club.Mr Gove addressed nearly 100 people who then asked questions on Conservativepolicies. He inspired his audience with his ideas on improving education locally.Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: "I was very pleased to introduce Michael to so manypeople who really care about our future education policy. They were most interested inwhat he had to say - and he is also a very witty after-dinner speaker."Police officers in your community4th November 2009POLICE in Debden are out in force as part of the Home Office’s 'Not in My NeighbourhoodWeek', which began on Monday and sees police teaming up with residents and partners totackle crime and anti-social behaviour.Throughout the week, officers will be patrolling various neighbourhoods chatting withresidents and getting to the heart of any concerns relating to crime and nuisance.Anyone found committing any offences will be dealt with robustly.Police Community Support Officer Louise Coverney said: "We welcome people of all agesto come and speak with us. These are issues that really affect people’s quality of life and itis important that we stop the few troublemakers spoiling it for the rest."MONEY MATTERS - Monthly column4th November 2009In their latest monthly column, Loughton-based accountants Haslers highlight PAYEHMRC are warning employers that from May 2010 they may have to pay a penalty if theydo not pay their PAYE on time.These are generally due each month, on time and in full. HMRC will implement latepayment penalties for payments due from May 2010.From then on, employers may have to pay penalties if they make more than one PAYEpayment late in a tax year.The new penalties will apply to all employers, including large employers (those with morethan 250 employees) who currently are subject to a Mandatory Electronic Paymentsurcharge.HMRC are advising employers to let them know if they are likely to have difficulty making apayment on time, so that arrangements can be made and penalties can be avoided.Their guidance states that where employers enter into ‘time to pay’ arrangements, beforethe liability becomes due, no penalty will be charged.Penalties for late payment start at 1 per cent increasing to 4 per cent depending on thenumber of late payments in the year.Extra penalties will be added where liabilities our outstanding for a further six and then 12months.If you have any queries about PAYE, contact Haslers Chartered Accountants andBusiness Advisers on 020 8418 3333.Barrymore working at car business4th November 2009ENTERTAINER Michael Barrymore is working at a car repair business in Epping.The former Strike it Lucky show host, whose career collapsed following the death of StuartLubbock, 31, following a party at Barrymore's then Roydon home more than eight yearsago, has been working unpaid at the Brian Shilton and Co accident repair business inLindsey Street.Barrymore and business owner Brian Shilton have been friends for 25 years. Barrymorehad his cars repaired at the business some years ago.Mr Shilton told The Sun newspaper: "He comes every now and then if I need help on aSaturday. This week he was cutting cardboard and sweeping leaves."Survey puts district into focus3rd November 2009PEOPLE living in Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, Ongar, Moreton and Fyfield are the mostcontent when it comes to being satisfied with their local area, a survey reveals. Meanwhilesatisfaction ratings are lowest among people living in Chigwell and Waltham Abbey.The results of an independent survey show residents feel the most important factors inmaking somewhere a good place to live are the level of crime (55 per cent), healthservices (44 per cent) and clean streets (38 per cent).The issues considered to be in most need of improvement are road and pavement repairs(50 per cent), activities for teenagers (45 per cent) and the level of traffic congestion (32per cent).The postal survey, undertaken by BMG Research, took place from September toDecember last year when a questionnaire was delivered to a random sample of over 1,350residents who were asked various questions about where they live, public services andquestions about social cohesion.The majority of residents agree local public services are working to make the area safer(53 per cent) and cleaner and greener (63 per cent).The majority of respondents are satisfied with environmental services, particularly doorsteprecycling (81 per cent) and refuse collection (74 per cent).Satisfaction is lower in relation to keeping public land clear of litter and refuse (63 per cent)particularly in Chigwell Row (25 per cent) and Loughton (24 per cent). More than two fifthsof respondents are satisfied with the way Essex County Council runs things (43 per cent)and almost half are satisfied with the way Epping Forest District Council runs things (49per cent).Funding boost for Theatre Resource3rd November 2009ONGAR-based Theatre Resource has securing £25,000 from the Rayne Foundation for04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 18 of 20the construction of a new performance space.The new space is part of the £6.2m development of the Victorian school site at GreatStony, which will open as the UK’s first international centre for arts access and inclusion in2011.The Rayne Foundation works with Arts, Education, Health and Medicine and SocialWelfare and Development to find ways and means to help address those in need. Theperformance space will be fully accessible so all visitors, irrespective of their accessneeds, can participate or be a member of the audience.Theatre Resource's head of development and communication John Baraldi said: "We aredelighted to have secured this money from the Rayne Foundation which will help to realisean important part of our development project."Once open, the new centre will provide arts facilities to everyone from the localcommunity and beyond and that includes performance facilities both for those watchingand those taking part."We are really thrilled that the Rayne Foundation have given us the funds to make this partof our dream a reality and look forward to providing the local community with a newperformance space right on their doorstep."Theatre Resource has raised about 84 per cent of the funds needed to complete thedevelopment.Anyone interested in donating to their cause can visit Theatre Resource’s Just Giving pageat www.justgiving.com/theatrer.Anyone interested in sponsoring an element of the development, be it a whole room orsimply a brick, should ring 01277 365626.Work starts on developing the Great Stony site this winter.Radio presenter to host debate3rd November 2009A SAFER Communities fun day is being held at Waltham Abbey Town Hall between3.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday, November 17.A public debate in Question Time style will be hosted by BBC Essex presenter DaveMonk.The day is free and there are many more activities for people of all ages to get involvedwith.Safer communities is a partnership of the police, Epping Forest District Council, agenciesand other local businesses to give advice and support to help keep the Waltham Abbeyarea safe.For a timetable of events, visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.ukCash boost for estate3rd November 2009THE Ninefields Estate in Waltham Abbey has been awarded funding from the CommunityCashback Scheme.The Community Development Team at Epping Forest District Council submitted a bid inAugust and asked local people to pledge their support.Community Cashback is a new scheme launched by the National Criminal Justice Board toenable local people to have a say in how £4m of recovered criminal assets, for example,confiscated cash or property, should be spent in their communities.Local people were encouraged to vote for the project online and various television andradio interviews were undertaken.Leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Brian Rolfe said: "It is a direct result of the fantasticamount of support registered by members of the local community that we were able tosecure this funding."I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to vote as theprojects being planned will benefit the whole of the Ninefields community."The funding will be used to improve the entrance to Ninefields Community Hall andfacilitate a young people’s community art project, culminating in the production of a 3Dsculpture for the front wall.Local young people will work with an artist to develop, design and consult publicly on thepiece of artwork.Three men arrested over disturbance2nd November 2009A MAN from Loughton was among three men arrested following a disturbance inChelmsford.They were arrested for public order offences in the early hours of Saturday (October 31).Police are seeking a fourth man.The disturbance took place in Duke Street, by the bus stop outside Decadence night clubat about 3.40am.Three men - a 20-year-old from Loughton, and two men, aged 21 and 20 from Witham,were arrested at the time but another man, also in his 20s, white, 5ft 10ins, of mediumbuild, with fair hair and wearing jeans, fled.Police are studying CCTV footage of the incident in an effort to identify the fourth man.The 21-year-old Witham man received treatment at Queens Hospital, Romford, for a headinjury.Anyone who witnessed the incident or can identify the wanted man should ring PC MelanieNicholson at Chelmsford Police Station on 0300 333 4444, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.The three arrested men have been released on police bail until dates in mid-Novemberand early December.Business rates under discussion2nd November 2009THE issue of business rates will be aired at Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce'sNovember breakfast meeting.Many traders and small businesses are caught up in the problems surrounding the latestround of rateable value notices following correspondence from the Valuation Office aboutincreased rates.Some rates are more than double so for some traders it means life or death on their highstreets, the Chamber of Commerce has said.Various Town Centre Partnerships are organising urgent meetings to try to get a betterunderstanding of the situation.Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce together with the Federation of Small Business andEpping Forest District Council wants to unite these groups, their own members and anyothers affected.The issue will be discussed at Woolston Manor Golf Club, Abridge Road, Chigwell, onWednesday, November 11 (7.30am start).Information, expertise and informed guidance will be on hand to help deal with thesituation.04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 19 of 20Speakers from Epping Forest District Council will include Business Champion and deputyleader Chris Whitbread and head of finance Bob Palmer. The Valuation Office will also berepresented. A workshop is planned with more experts and there will be plenty ofopportunity to network with businesses in the area.Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce chairman Iggy Quazi said: "This is a burning issuefor all local businesses particularly when it happens in an economic downturn. We want toget people together and help thrash out the best way forward. If we work together we canget more done and there is help and guidance available." For more details, visitwww.eppingchamber.co.ukTo book a place at the breakfast meeting, ring 08432 898184. Tickets cost £12 formembers (£15 for guests).Recycling figures "very encouraging"1st November 2009RECYCLING figures for the first month since the district council introduced a secondwheelie bin are "very encouraging", the council has said.The recycling level for September, which includes three weeks of the new service, is about57 per cent, and for the first three weeks of the new service alone, the level is just over 60per cent.This has taken the council's overall recycling level for the year to date to just over 47 percent from a starting point of 43 per cent.Environment portfolio holder Mary Sartin said: "I hope, as time moves on, to see recyclinglevels approach and even exceed 50 per cent for the municipal year as a whole. "Equallyencouraging is a substantial drop in the amount of waste going to landfill, with the firstthree weeks of the service showing a 28 per cent reduction." She added: "I would like tothank the residents of the district for embracing the new service so wholeheartedly."Despite the statistics, Mrs Sartin admitted there are "still some difficulties with the newservice".She added: "Whilst the numbers of calls into the environment and street scene directoratehave reduced significantly, they remain higher than normal. There are particular difficultieswith some households still awaiting their food and garden waste bin or a smaller bin."I would like to apologise to residents who have waited a long time, but this has been dueto unprecedented high levels of workload and the logistical problems which inevitably arisewhen trying to distribute some 50,000 wheeled bins and caddies."Towns prepare to remember1st November 2009REMEMBRANCE Sunday in Epping, Ongar and Loughton will again be marked withwreath-laying services at the war memorials and parades through the towns.A Service of Remembrance will be held at St Mary's Church, High Ongar, at 10.15am onSunday, November 8, followed by the laying of wreaths at the village war memorial.At 1.15pm a parade and march will set off from Ongar Fire Station, led by Enfield TownBand, for an Act of Remembrance in the Pleasance car park with the salute being taken byHigh Sheriff of Essex Rupert Gosling.The Loughton service is at the war memorial, Kings Green, at 12.15pm.The Epping parade assembles at the Civic Offices, High Street, at 2pm and moves off tothe town green war memorial, led by the Epping Forest Pipe Band, at 2.10pm. Followingthe laying of wreaths the parade will march along the High Street to St John’s Church,paying compliments to town mayor Janet Hedges and Epping Forest District Councilchairman Penny Smith on the way.The Service of Remembrance is at the church at 3pm with refreshments served afterwardsat Hemnall Social Club, 50 Hemnall Street.The Garden of Remembrance at the Epping war memorial will be dedicated at 10.45am onFriday, November 6, with a Service of Remembrance at Epping Cemetery (by theCommonwealth War Graves) at 11.30am.A two-minute silence and service will be held at St Martin's Church, Ongar, at 10.45am onWednesday, November 11.Swimmer celebrates more success1st November 2009CHIGWELL School sixth former Emma Hollis has chalked up yet more swimming success- adding one silver and three bronze medals to her already impressive medal tally.Her latest success came at the European Paralympic Swimming Championships inReyjkavik where she came second in the 100m breaststroke, knocking over two secondsoff her personal best and smashing the British record.Her three bronze medals were in the 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle and 100m individualmedley with personal best times.Emma, who last summer was promoted to the British Swimming Development Squad,hopes to qualify for the World Championships and 2012 Olympics.Ski team holding fundraising dinner1st November 2009MEMBERS of the Great Britain Telemark skiing team are coming to Epping to raise moneyto enable them to compete in the Telemark Skiing World Cup this coming season.The team - which includes Sarah Hannibal, from Theydon Bois - is preparing for theTelemark World Cup which begins in December in Norway.Each member of the 12-strong team is self funding and the season cost approximately£8,000 per racer.In order to boost her fundraising efforts, Sarah is organising a three-course dinner at TheClocktower Restaurant, Station Road, Epping, on Thursday, November 12. Sarah hasspent the last three seasons working as a ski instructor in Austria was recruited to coachthe British Military last January. It was here that the captain of the British team asked herto go along to trials.She said: "I was selected last May to represent Great Britain at Telemark skiing. I'm veryexcited about the coming season and hope to achieve a top 20 world cup ranking at theend of the season."Telemark skiing, named after Telemark in Norway, is the original way that people skied.The skis are the same as alpine but skiers' heels are not attached to the ski allowing themto ski in a lunge position.The races are a giant slalom and include a jump, skating section and a 360 degree wrap.As well as enjoying the dinner, diners can receive tips on how to get fit for skiing from theteam's strength and conditioning coaches, pick the brains of the Ski Club of Great Britainon how to make the most of your skiing holiday this winter and mingle with members of theBritish Telemark Ski Team.Dinner tickets, priced £30, are available by ringing Sarah on 07940 715224.French and Spanish speed-dating04/01/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 20 of 201st November 2009GCSE students from Chigwell School and Kingsford Community School, Beckton, tookpart in a speed-dating style speaking practice event.The French and Spanish students had to answer a series of questions, spending fiveminutes with each other and being marked for their content, pronunciation, accent andoriginality, with prizes for highest scorers.This was one of the first of many planned joint initiatives between the modern languagesdepartments at Chigwell and Kingsford Community School, which is a specialistLanguages College.Head of Language Simon Coppell and Kingsford’s Head of Languages Gene Aidam, whowas a Chigwell pupil from 1989 to 1996, said they were delighted with the event which wasa perfect example of an independent and a state school working closely together on apractical and mutually beneficial activity.All rights reserved © everythingeppingforest.co.uk 2008-2009 | About | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Design:5belowzero04/01/2010