May 13 - Everything Epping Forest

Everything Epping ForestPage 4 of 23Loughton Foodbank is being run as a franchise of the UK Foodbank charity The Trussell Trust that partnerswith churches and communities to open foodbanks that provide three days nutritionally balanced nonperishablefood to people in crisis.Loughton Foodbank will be facilitated by a team from St Mary's Church, Loughton, and Restore CommunityChurch Debden.Heather Dent, voluntary Loughton Foodbank manager, has volunteered at Redbridge Foodbank in Ilford overthe past year.She said: "Foodbanks provide a welcoming, non-judgemental environment to people in the community whohave been referred by a care professional and issued a food voucher because they are facing a real crisis atthat point in their lives."They will be welcomed and met by friendly volunteers who can help sign post them to other organisations thatare able to offer advice to relieve their situation whilst receiving a food parcel to relieve their food hunger."It is amazing to see how this movement is benefiting people so that no one feels lost, last or least."By just simply giving your time or donations to a movement which is physically helping people in ourcommunity, we can slowly help to change our part of the world. You never know, it could be your neighbourwho is in crisis."She added: "Having contacted some care professionals in the area I gained understanding that there arepeople in Epping Forest currently facing crisis. I approached my vicar and Restore Community Church toconfirm they would support the project. They said absolutely!"We have confirmed a volunteering management team and are busy preparing our food storage facility and thepaperwork and checks which go with it. It is inevitable that we will run out of space very quickly therefore weare looking to businesses, churches, schools, individuals and other organisations within our Epping Forestcommunity to help support the hidden hungry in our community."Already Waitrose Buckhurst Hill have offered support to hold our first supermarket donation day and we areone of three charities in their 'Community Matters' scheme for May. Also Specsavers in Loughton haveconfirmed their staff will volunteer and also provide an area for donations."It is a real encouragement to have local businesses already on board which goes towards creating a genuinecommunity spirited approach."I would love to hear from anyone who could helpfully donate a shopping trolley, lockable filing cabinet, mobilephone package for Foodbank enquiries, printing service for marketing materials, funding/grants, nonperishablefood or their time to volunteer running the Foodbank sessions."Any enquiries can be made by emailing info@loughton.foodbank.org.ukA website page is under construction www.loughton.foodbank.org.uk and the Foodbank will be launched at theend of June.Volunteers 'worth over £1.3m a year' to hospice4.12pm - 29th May 2013VOLUNTEERS who give their time freely to St Clare Hospice are worth more than £1.3m a year to the charity.That is how much the hospice estimates it could cost the charity if it had to pay for all the ways that the 526volunteers support St Clare.The figure is released by the hospice ahead of National Volunteers Week (June 1-7).During the week, staff will be holding thank-you get-togethers to show volunteers how much they areappreciated. A combined event is planned for later this year.Volunteers save the hospice money in so many ways - by manning the Hastingwood reception, helping in theseven charity shops, and giving their time in the day therapy and inpatient units.This is in addition to the thousands of pounds raised by supporters through a host of community eventsthroughout the year.Voluntary services manager Chris Crump said: "As a very busy hospice service it would be impossible for us tofunction without the dedication and support of our volunteers who operate alongside staff in a complimentaryway engaging in all aspects of our hospice, retail and fundraising work."Without this collaboration we would be unable to sustain our services or develop the high level of care weoffer patients, their families and carers."Throughout the year St Clare Hospice volunteers have given 100,000+ hours of their time, a wage equivalentof more than £1.3m!"St Clare Hospice events during National Volunteer Week include Epping Forest District Council chairman MarySartin volunteering at the hospice's Scarlet shop in Buckhurst Hill on Monday (June 3) and volunteers JanFinal (from Harlow) and Betty Newton (from Arkesden, near Saffron Walden) representing St Clare Hospice ata Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, June 6.During the week long service awards will be presented a number of people including:Reception - Brenda Sullivan (10 years) and Joy Godfrey (5 years).Epping shop - Joyce Chidley ,Sally Pecover and Olive Towns (10 years). Katherine Caten and Dot Whatley-Harris (5 years).Fund Raising - Hazel Lodge and Christine Searle (5 years).Debden shop - Carolyn Kyle, Angela Ross and David Webster (5 years).Buckhurst Hill shop - Gillian Feeney and Angela Poulton (5 years).Hospice appeals for volunteer drivers10.46am - 28th May 2013ST Clare Hospice is appealing for more volunteer drivers to help transport day therapy patients to and from thehospice.Volunteers are vital cogs in the wheels that make St Clare Hospice work and, for patients attending daytherapy sessions, volunteers who come and pick them up then drive them home at the end of the day from thehospice are essential.Some 180 patients received day therapy at the hospice in the last year and the vast majority are picked up byvolunteers like Rod Beale and Gill Richardson.Rod Beale, 68, who lives in Harlow, became a volunteer driver almost three years ago, at a time when he wassuffering from prostate cancer. He has since been given the all-clear.He got in touch with St Clare after watching a television programme on volunteering.He said: "St Clare was advertising for drivers and so I got an application form and took it from there."Since then he has made himself available five days a week, often providing transport for the same peoplebuilding up friendships along the way.Rod said: "I get the satisfaction of seeing them enjoy their day when they come up for day therapy. They'realways telling me about the wonderful meals they get there and I say that's not fair because I don't get any!"During his illness Rod found the journeys were a chance for him to offer support to others, and for the patientsto talk with him.As well as providing the transport Rod is able to lend a listening ear and offer reassurance to patients,especially those who are going to day therapy for the first time.Rod said: "You do get a good rapport with patients. People can find it difficult to talk to their family membersabout their illness. They feel they can't talk to their families. They're frightened of their illness." Gill Richardsonworked as a nurse and a nurse practitioner at a GP surgery.She first became involved with St Clare through the Ongar Friends of St Clare Hospice and was the group'streasurer. She started as a volunteer driver about seven years ago."I enjoy meeting people. I can talk with them about their worries and it gives a lot of them the chance to talk toother people."Gill, who lives in North Weald, volunteers regularly one day a week and is available at other times too."It's just 90 minutes in the morning and the same in the afternoon," she said.Thanks to the dedicated efforts of drivers like Rod and Gill, the hospice is able to provide its day therapyservice to many people, but it still needs more people to come forward to get involved as a volunteer driver.Rod said: "There are people who are unemployed and it gets you out and about meeting people." Beforestarting to transport patients, volunteer drivers must complete an induction programme.There will also be volunteer group meetings and training to attend.The volunteer drivers collect the patients from their homes to arrive at St Clare between 10am and 10.30am,and collect them from 3pm to take them home and may also be called on to collect patients for out-patientappointments and drive them home afterwards.01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 6 of 234x4 vehicle towing a stolen caravan, a man driving a stolen 4x4 vehicle who was suspected of being involvedin the theft of a caravan, assaults and drug-related offences.One man stopped in a road check in Essex was arrested after being found with items stolen in a burglary in theMet area.A total of 271 vehicles were stopped and checked by road policing officers at sites including Manor Road,Chigwell and Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey.Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems were used at each location to help officers detect and interceptsuspicious vehicles.Ten vehicles were seized after being found to be uninsured, 76 vehicles had no MOT, 39 drivers were stoppedfor not using seatbelts, 28 people were stopped for using a mobile phone while driving and five drivers werefound to have no licence.More than 30 other driving offences were dealt with.Superintendent Trevor Roe, who led the operation, said: "Essex Police officers carry out this kind of work everyday but on this occasion we worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police to carryout specialist patrols on both sides of the force boundaries in West Essex."The joint operation was a great success and we will continue to hold them on a regular basis."Detective Inspector Paul Maleary said: "Operation Nemesis was launched in August 2012 and continues to besignificantly successful in targeting people who carry out burglaries across Essex."As part of the operation on Thursday officers carried out high visibility patrols in residential areas to deter anddetect criminals."We also visited the homes of known offenders. Operation Nemesis is continuing throughout the county."Cake sale raises over £3004.38pm - 24th May 2013AN annual cake sale held by members of Cavell House at Avon House School, Woodford Green, raised over£300 for the NSPCC - their best result yet.A special cake was made by Maya Gupta (Foundation 1 class) which was given as a prize for the 'Guess theweight of the cake' competition.The winner was Hanna Kalo (Year 5) with her guess of 3.5 kg. The actual weight of the cake was just over 3.1kg.Winning hospice lottery numbers3.16pm - 24th May 2013THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Ongar. The winning number is363449.The £100 prize goes to number 715242. The winner lives in Harlow.For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Primary school pupils question MP2.09pm - 24th May 2013TOPICS ranging from gun and knife crime and tax to pavement parking, flytipping and the EU were raised bychildren at Thomas Willingale School, Loughton, when they put questions to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.Children at the Willingale Road school were invited to write a letter to Prime Minister David Cameronhighlighting any issues of concern as part of a monthly writing competition aimed at improving writing amongchildren at the school.They also wrote to their local MP and today (Friday) had the chance to hear her responses when they readtheir letters to her in the school hall.Also covered was the closure of London fire stations, the price of fuel, burglary and homelessness.There was also a call for the bus stop outside the school to be moved.Mrs Laing said: "I was very impressed by the range of issues that the children covered. "They and their familieshad obviously put a lot of effort into their letters to the Prime Minister."It's great to see primary school children taking an interest in what matters in their everyday lives."Grace reads her letter which highlighted the issue of burglaries click hereEpping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and the letter-writing children who read their letter out to MP EleanorLaing click hereCricket club publishes history2.06pm - 24th May 2013SOUTH Loughton Cricket Club has published a book charting its 75-year history.The full-colour, 140-page book has been compiled by chairman Andrew Shields, a writer and editor byprofession.The group of lads who first gathered to play cricket back in 1938 obtained use of a field which is still home tothe club today - then known as Upper Cow Leys, now part of Roding Valley Recreation Ground.They named themselves Stannox Cricket Club - the origins of which are shrouded in mystery.Mr Shields said: "The best bet is that it was a tweak to the name of a team they used to watch playing on theold Bearman's ground at the back of what is now Roding Valley High School."They were called Lennox, so the lads simply adapted that. Nothing to do with having a friend called Stan, whoowned an ox!"The club changed its name to South Loughton in the 1950s.Twice the club came close to folding due to lack of players but it survived these challenges and now thrives.There are four adult teams playing league and friendly cricket each weekend, a successful junior section forchildren and young people aged six to 16, and a much praised disability section which has forged close linkswith Oak View School.South Loughton was one of the first clubs in Essex and only the twelfth nationally to gain the prestigiousClubmark accreditation for being 'a safe, effective and child-friendly sports club', and is also an England &Wales Cricket Board 'Focus Club'.Mr Shields added: "We are not an elite club. Instead we provide a chance for absolutely everyone to playcricket and to be coached in a welcoming, fun and supportive environment."Many of our members have been with the club for decades - they stay because they like our philosophy, andare prepared to work hard to achieve success."If we continue to attract people like that, we can bat on confidently towards our century."'South Loughton Cricket Club: 75 Years at Roding Road' is available priced £5 from The Bookshop, 150 HighRoad, Loughton IG10 4BE (020 8508 9855) and from Amazon click here.For information about joining the club, contact Andrew Shields on 07941 347812 /andrewshields@ukgateway.net or visit www.southloughton.org.ukSheltered housing set for pub site9.17am - 24th May 2013A DEVELOPMENT of 28 sheltered apartments planned for the site of the Green Man pub, Broomstick HallRoad, Waltham Abbey, is being recommended for approval by district council planning officers.The proposal is to build a part one, two and three-storey U-plan shaped block with car parking andlandscaping.The existing pub along with associated buildings and facilities would be removed.The new building will provide 18 one-bedroom and ten two-bedroom apartments.01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 7 of 23Communal facilities include an owner's lounge, reception area, wellbeing suite, office, guest suite, refuse areaand laundry room.MP's apprentice visits 10 Downing Street9.15am - 24th May 2013AARON Farrell, Harlow MP Robert Halfon's third apprentice, has visited Downing Street with ApprenticeshipsMinister Matthew Hancock.Aaron made the visit with a group of parliamentary apprentices to help highlight the role of apprentices intoday's workplace.Mr Halfon set up the Parliamentary Apprentice School with the support of the charity New Deal of the Mind andwas instrumental in getting a new UTC (University Technical College) school in Harlow which will open in2014.Mr Halfon said: "Aaron is my third Harlow College apprentice and I am proud to be the first MP to haveemployed apprentices in Parliament."Aaron is an exceptional apprentice working hard on his Level 3 apprenticeship. It is a great and well-deservedhonour for him to visit No 10 with the Apprenticeships Minister Matthew Hancock MP."Aaron said: "Getting this apprenticeship with Robert and working alongside him in the House of Commons hasbeen an amazing part of my life."Both Robert and Matthew Hancock have done excellent work in trying to increase the number ofapprenticeships in the UK, which is why they are now at their highest ever level."It was wonderful to be given the opportunity to visit 10 Downing Street alongside the other parliamentaryapprentices, and I am very grateful to the Minister for arranging it."Man, 70, dies; two injured in A414 crash8.50am - 24th May 2013A 70-YEAR-OLD man died and two others were injured in a crash on the A414 near Ongar.The collision involving a silver Honda Jazz and a red Vauxhall Vivaro, which were travelling in oppositedirections, happened near the Pensons Lane junction at the Vojan restaurant, at about 5pm yesterday(Thursday).A police spokesman said man who died and a 73-year-old woman were in the Jazz vehicle. They are from theBrentwood district.The woman was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel with serious injuries.A 52-year-old man, from east London - who was driving the van - was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital,Harlow, with injuries including broken bones.Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101or by emailing collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk (quote incident number 0726 of May 23).Views wanted on outdoor gym equipment4.40pm - 23rd May 2013LOUGHTON residents are being encouraged to take part in a consultation to help choose the type ofequipment for a new free-to-use outdoor gym on the Willingale Road playing field.Loughton Town Council has secured £10,000 of grant funding from Essex County Council's CommunityInitiatives Fund to help reduce the cost of the new facility.The project follows on from the popularity of the gym equipment installed on the Roding Valley recreationground two years ago.A short questionnaire is available online at www.loughton-tc.gov.uk or from the town council offices, 1Buckingham Court, Rectory Lane.The consultation closes on Monday, June 17.Funding for grassroots football8.58am - 23rd May 2013GRASSROOTS football in the district has received a £5,000 'Grow the Game' grant from the FootballFoundation, the country's largest sports charity.The grant will allow Epping Forest District Council to develop football provision specifically for people withdisabilities within the district. 'Grow the Game' funding increases participation in the national game by helpingclubs to provide opportunities for new players or training volunteers to support new players and teams.The programme is delivered in partnership with all of the 46 County FAs and funded by The FA.Olivia Worsfold, the council's disability inclusion officer, said: "Having identified that there was a gap inprovision in the sport for people with disabilities, this funding will allow us to work with local clubs to help themdevelop sessions that cater for people with disabilities."Football Foundation chief executive Paul Thorogood said: "Grow the Game has become one of theFoundation's most popular schemes."This additional funding provided by The FA is excellent news for grassroots clubs seeking to start new teamsand get their volunteer coaches qualified with FA coaching badges."Congratulations to Epping Forest District Council for working with the Essex Football Association to securetheir £5,000 Grow the Game grant which will increase participation in the region as well as support footballdevelopment in the area."District council elects new chairman5.05pm - 22nd May 2013ROYDON councillor Mary Sartin has been elected chairman of Epping Forest District Council with councillorTony Boyce the new vice-chairman.During her year in office Mrs Sartin will be supporting the Alzheimer's Society and St Clare Hospice. Her firstevent is a golf day at Chigwell Golf Club on July 2.Councillor Chris Whitbread continues as leader with councillor Syd Stavrou deputy leader.The nine-member cabinet for the 2013-14 municipal year is Chris Whitbread (leader), Richard Bassett(planning), Liz Webster (leisure and wellbeing) with Paul Keska as assistant, Syd Stavrou (finance andtechnology), Will Breare-Hall (environment), Gary Waller (safer, greener and transport), David Stallan(housing) with Ann Mitchell as assistant), Haluk Ulkun (support services) with Tony Church as assistant), andAnne Grigg (asset management and economic development) with Helen Kane as assistant.Councillor Richard Morgan is chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee while councillor Brian Sandlerwill continue as chairman of the district development control committee.Outgoing chairman reflects on civic year5.03pm - 22nd May 2013OUTGOING district council chairman Brian Rolfe has reflected on his year in office during which he drovemore than 3,500 miles and raised over £11,500 for his chosen charities.With his wife, Una, Mr Rolfe attended more than 260 events and meetings throughout the district and county.He thanked everyone who had helped and supported him and said he was grateful for the support of both hiswife and the council vice-chairman Mary Sartin.He said he had presided during the wettest, coldest, windiest year since the formation of the council.Council leader Chris Whitbread paid tribute to Mr Rolfe saying he had been a first-class ambassador for thecouncil.Chief executive Glen Chipp expressed thanks on behalf of council staff for his enthusiasm and the manner inwhich he had represented the district.01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 8 of 23Memorial find is "significant discovery"7.41am - 21st May 2013A "LOST" memorial carved by the famous sculptor and typographer Eric Gill (1882-1940) has beenrediscovered by chance by two members of Loughton and District Historical Society.In 1964 Eric Gill's brother, Evan, produced an inventory of Eric's work and it referred to a memorial to JohnnieMann. No location was given for it however as presumably he did not know its whereabouts.The Eric Gill Society had no knowledge where the memorial was. It has described the find as a "significantdiscovery".The discovery was the result of a communication between society member John Harrison, from Loughton, anda friend, Jonathan Del Mar, son of the famous conductor Norman Del Mar and an eminent musician in his ownright.John had asked Jonathan about his connections with the area as he had heard that his parents had beenmarried in Buckhurst Hill.In his reply Jonathan said there was a memorial to his uncle, Johnnie Mann, in the church of St John theBaptist, Buckhurst Hill by Eric Gill.John shared this information with another society member, Lynn Haseldine-Jones who is an expert on thehistory of Buckhurst Hill. She was familiar with the memorial and had in the past asked the church who hadmade it, but they did not know. Thus she realised this was an important discovery.Johnnie Mann was born on May 16, 1921, and died on November 28, 1925, from osteomyelitis.The memorial shows him dropping a toy engine, symbolically leaving his it behind, and reaching up to heavento take Jesus' hand.The memorial is in the church's Lady Chapel.Eric Gill was a friend of the Mann family - Pauline Mann, Johnnie's sister, married Norman Del Mar.St John's Church is currently closed for refurbishment.The work is scheduled to be finished for September.The 'lost' memorial discovered in St John's Church, Buckhurst Hill PICTURECash boost for youth club5.42pm - 20th May 2013A YOUTH club for young disabled people in Loughton has received a £1,000 donation from a local Nisa store.The club, Fun United, is run by disability charity Papworth Trust, giving young people aged 11 to 19 theopportunity to make new friends and have fun.The donation was made by the Nisa Local store in Pyrles Lane, Loughton.Papworth Trust asked store owner 'Harry' Chahal for support through the 'Making a Difference Locally' schemewhich helps independently run stores add value in their communities through donations to good causes.Mr Chahal said: "I chose to support Papworth Trust through charity scheme because of the excellent work theydo in the community and the services they provide to disabled youngsters and their families."Helen Stanley, business transitions manager at Papworth Trust, said: "Disabled young people wantsomewhere to go to make new friends and have fun. So Papworth Trust runs a youth club every Monday at theLoughton Centre for Young People."It's a place where teenagers can get together and enjoy games, arts and crafts, karaoke, music and otheractivities."We are very grateful for the kind donation. It will help us to provide activities and equipment which will be usedby young people in the local area."We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen and look forward to Mr Chahal visiting us soon to see the newequipment in use."To find out more about Papworth Trust's youth clubs, visit www.papworth.org.uk/youthclubs or emailinfo@papworth.org.ukHelen Stanley, Papworth Trust's business transitions manager, 'Harry' Chahal, and Mr Chahal Jnr atthe Nisa Local, Loughton store, with the cheque for the Fun United club PICTUREStudent, nine, raises £6,4009.26am - 20th May 2013CHIGWELL School student Hanna Johal gave up birthday presents to raise cash and secure six iPads forOakview School in Loughton.Hanna, nine, raised £6,400 after friends and colleagues responded generously to her gesture.Oak View School is set to put the cash towards a new climbing frame as well as iPads for classroom learning.The iPads have become increasingly useful in helping disabled people communicate, assisting with learningand play.Hanna's older brother, Aaron, 12, suffers from autism and attends Oakview.When asked what she wanted for her birthday, Hanna insisted friends and relatives must donate money to helpher brother's classmates.Hanna delivered the money and iPads to the school on Friday.The iPad - as well as being light and portable - has proven to be an especially useful communication tool foryoung people with autism. It provides a way to express themselves through words and images, it can be usedto teach them about everyday scenarios and give them more independence.Hanna's father Jag Johal, 40, said: "Hanna's selfless act is a touching reminder of just how much we couldlearn from our own kids about supporting those in need - and we're massively grateful to the dozens of peoplewho have donated very generously."For many adults using iPads is a chore but for kids like Aaron, they can be crucial in helping speed uplearning and enhance communication. He's lucky to go to a school like Oakview and the staff do an amazingjob helping young people develop."Oakview headteacher Diane Ryan said: "This is an absolutely wonderful gesture that will go a long way tohelping us enhance the learning experiences of pupils at Oakview."Hanna's kindness should be a model for children across the country and act as a gentle reminder to everyonehow personal gestures can be amplified through the community for a far greater impact such as this."Simon James, head of junior school at Chigwell School, said: "Hanna set up a stall and raised funds andawareness of her cause through selling various items during break and lunch time to the staff and children atthe school."We are proud of Hanna's beliefs and achievements, her actions go to the heart of the school's ethos andmotto."Hanna started her fundraising efforts after she visited Oakview School last Easter and was sad to see therewas only one swing in the playground.She decided she would help to raise the money needed to improve the playtime facilities.Husband and wife to take part in Midnight Walk9.19am - 20th May 2013HUSBAND and wife Elaine and Glenn Bates will be among the hundreds of people taking part in the St ClareHospice Midnight Walk on Saturday, July 6 (10.30pm).Elaine will be walking in memory of her friend Pam Hoskin, from North Weald, who died from breast cancer lastOctober, aged 66, following a short stay at the Hastingwood hospice.Elaine, 53, of Garnon Mead, Coopersale, said: "She was a very dear friend."Now she is looking forward to taking part in the walk for the first time to help the hospice with its ongoingfundraising efforts having heard about previous night-time events.Elaine said: "There will be a great atmosphere and the hospice's events are always really well organised. Thehospice does such a fantastic job. It is just unbelievable and they do an awful lot of fundraising. The care theyprovide is remarkable."01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 9 of 23Despite the pink theme of the Midnight Walk - with walkers turning out in pink fancy dress - the walk is open tomen and women, boys and girls.Elaine's husband, Glenn, 54, is all set to enter into the spirit of the event - whether he likes it or not!"He's going to have a pink wig and I'll try and buy him some pink glasses," Elaine said."We might also have some face painting!"Entry costs £15 per person and each walker will receive a Midnight Walk t-shirt, goody bag, and a medal at thefinish.Walkers are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the hospice.Last year each walker on average raised £110 with the £67,000 sponsorship total enough to pay for 17 days ofcare in the inpatient unit.For more information, and to register, visit http://stclarehospice.org.uk/midnight.html, ring the fundraising teamon 01279 773750 or email fund@stclarehospice.org.ukWoman robbed after being threatened with gun and knife6.58pm - 19th May 2013A WOMAN suffered a broken finger when she was threatened with a gun and knife and robbed of possessionsincluding a Rolex watch in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill.Two robbers on a motorbike drove off at high speed the wrong way along the road following the robbery whichhappened after 11pm on Thursday (May 16).A police spokesman said two men threatened the 38-year-old local woman as she walked along QueensRoad.She had keys, a mobile telephone and a Rolex watch taken from her and suffered the broken finger when oneof the men grabbed her.Investigating officer Detective Constable Nina Fletcher, said: "We're looking to speak with anyone who mayhave witnessed the actual robbery, heard the woman screaming or saw a motorcycle being ridden at highspeed, the wrong way up Queens Road between 11pm and midnight on Thursday night."The rider and his passenger are both described as white and were wearing helmets and dark clothing, withone taller than the other.The woman was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, where she was treated for her hand injuriesand other cuts and bruises.She is being supported by relatives and is now recovering at home.A search of the area was carried out by armed police and the officers from the Air Support Unit.Anyone with information in connection with the robbery is urged to contact detectives at Loughton PoliceStation on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Litter pick volunteers wanted4.48pm - 18th May 2013VOLUNTEERS are wanted to join Ongar Town Council's litter pick on Saturday, May 25 (10am-noon).Following a successful litter pick last October the council will this time be concentrating on the Shelley areaincluding the alleyways and area near Shelley Park.Volunteers should meet at Ongar Leisure Centre, Fyfield Road, at 9.30am.Although some equipment will be provided volunteers are asked to wear suitable clothing and footwear.Town clerk Aimi Middlehurst said: "It would be great if everyone could join us to improve the local environmentfor the benefit of all residents and to provide a good example to our children that litter is unacceptable."Author to attend Algarve Book Fair4.47pm - 18th May 2013EPPING author Victoria Robertson, author of 'Swimming through the Reeds', has been invited to attend theInternational Algarve Book Fair 2013, the largest event held for the international community of Portugal.The event is being held on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2.Victoria will be with her publishers, Austin Macauley, talking to authors about her experience of being apublished author and reading from her title.Never miss a district council meeting4.46pm - 18th May 2013EPPING Forest District Council's meetings can now be viewed on a tablet computer and mobile phone.Following feedback from users, the council has changed its webcasting service.All tablet computers, iPads and mobile phones can stream both the live and past meetings ensuring thecouncil's commitment to being an open, accountable and transparent council.Last year more than 20,000 people watched more than 100 meetings making Epping Forest District Councilone of the most watched local authorities in the country.Cabinet, full council and planning meetings were the most popular.Support services portfolio holder Haluk Ulkun said: "Our users have asked us to make meetings available ontheir portable devices."With the help of Public-i, we have now made our meetings more widely available."If you follow us on Twitter @eppingforestdc you will get a webcast meeting alert with a link to watch to themeeting live as it happens."Hospital holds remembrance event4.45pm - 18th May 2013A REMEMBRANCE event was held at St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, as part of Dying Matters AwarenessWeek.Among those attending the event were representatives from West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, SouthEssex Partnership NHS Trust, St Clare Hospice, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust , DanielRobinson and Sons and Macmillan Cancer Support.Local residents and staff were able to leave messages for loved ones on the remembrance wall in thehospital's memorial garden.Information was also available on starting conversations with loved ones around death and dying, hospicecare, writing a will, planning a funeral and becoming an organ donor.West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group chairman Dr Rob Gerlis said: "The event highlighted the issuessurrounding the need to plan ahead for end of life care. It was a good opportunity to raise awareness of theoptions available to people, ensuring they receive the care they deserve."Dying Matters Awareness Week (May 13-19) was organised by the Dying Matters Coalition to encouragepeople to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement.The theme for the week was 'Be ready for it'.There are five steps which people are being encouraged to take - Make a will, record your funeral wishes, planyour future care and support, register as an organ donor and tell your loved ones your wishes.Winning hospice lottery numbers4.43pm - 18th May 2013THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow. The winning numberis 837178.The £100 prize goes to number is 698595. The winner also lives in Harlow.For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 10 of 23Verderer is guest at Probus club4.42pm - 18th May 2013EPPING Forest Verderer and Essex Deputy Lieutenant Michael Chapman was the guest at the last lunchmeeting of the Probus Club of Epping.Mr Chapman explained the history of the Lieutenancy which was established in the reign of Henry VIII with aLord Lieutenant and his deputies representing the monarch.The next lunch meeting is the Ladies Luncheon when there will be a talk on Mayfield Farm Bakery.Retired or semi-retired me interested in joining the club can ring secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.PICTURE: Church's Butchers celebrates 125th anniversary3.43pm - 18th May 2013CHURCH'S Butchers - Epping longest serving independent retailer - has been celebrating its 125thanniversary.Customers were invited to join the High Street celebrations today by tucking into a hog roast or one ofChurch's famous Epping sausages in a roll while also being able to take advantage of a special in-storepromotion.Staff dressed in period costume to add to the anniversary celebrations at the High Street shopPICTUREPICTURE: Club holds plant sale and fair3.41pm - 18th May 2013THE Ongar Handicapped Club held a plant sale and fair at the Budworth Hall, Ongar.A selection of plants were on sale along with homemade cakes, handmade knitted goods, bric-a-brac,handmade cards and books.There was also a tombola and raffle.(left to right) Pat Daniels, Jill Hope and Jean Perry on the cake stall PICTUREPICTURE: Missing woman has Nazeing links3.39pm - 18th May 2013A WOMAN who has been reported missing from Tottenham may be in Nazeing, police say.Tina Harrison, 57, who has family in Nazeing, was last seen in Tottenham on Wednesday, May 15.She is described as white, about 5ft 2ins tall and of stocky build. She wears large pink-framed spectacles.Anyone with any information about Tina's whereabouts is urged to ring the Metropolitan Police's MissingPersons Unit at Homsey Police Station on 020 8345 1809 or 101.Tina Harrison PICTUREThree charged over burglary3.37pm - 18th May 2013THREE people from London have been charged following a burglary in Loughton.A number of men forced their way into a residential property in Lower Road shortly after 11pm on Thursday(May 16) and threatened one of the occupants with a knife.They stole a computer tablet before running off.A search of the area was carried out with officers from the Air Support Unit assisting colleagues on theground.Three men were later arrested in Debden. Each been since charged with one count of committing aggravatedburglary.Four vacancies on town council5.12pm - 17th May 2013ONGAR Town Council has four councillor vacancies - two for the Marden Ash ward and two for ChippingOngar ward.Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can contact town clerk Aimi Middlehurst by emailingclerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk or ringing 01277 365348.Parish council elects new chairman10.56am - 17th May 2013BUCKHURST Hill Parish Council has elected Aniket Patel as its new chairman.Mr Patel, who received his chain of office from outgoing chairman councillor Gavin Chambers at the annualcouncil meeting on Thursday (May 16), thanked councillors for electing him adding: "Being chairman is not justabout being the public face of the council, it's working hard behind the scenes to ensure the smooth working ofthe council."Reflecting on the past council year, Mr Patel said the council - under the chairmanship of councillor Chambers- had "moved positively forward".He added Mr Chambers "had set the level of chairmanship extremely high".Mr Patel congratulated Mr Chambers on having led the council's work on its office move from the informationcentre in Queens Road to the nearby library. Work at the library is to start shortly.He also thanked council clerk Nigel Moore and deputy clerk Val Evans on their efforts to ensure the smoothrunning of the council over the past year.Mr Patel highlighted the work undertaken to ensure the council could freeze its share of council tax bills for2013-14 and also singled out the work which went into arranging the Queen's Diamond Jubilee street party lastsummer.Councillor Hale Wheeler was elected as council vice-chairman.New Buckhurst Hill Parish Council chairman Aniket Patel (right) with outgoing chairman GavinChambers PICTURENew Buckhurst Hill Parish Council chairman Aniket Patel and new council vice-chairman Hale WheelerPICTUREMP secures Minister meeting over glasshouse industry4.19pm - 16th May 2013NAZEING and Roydon MP Robert Halfon has highlighted the "excellent" glasshouse industry in Nazeing andRoydon, and been praised for his commitment to the "fantastic" businesses.Mr Halfon was speaking during Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFA) questionstoday (Thursday) when he asked parliamentary under-secretary of state Richard Benyon what steps he istaking to support the glasshouse industry.Mr Benyon said DEFRA works with colleagues across Government to support sustainable development and01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 11 of 23remove regulatory barriers.He added that the Department works with colleagues in the EU to support fruit and vegetable producersthrough reform of the common agricultural policy, the general marketing standards and the fruit and vegetableproducer organisation scheme."The Government supports and encourages innovative approaches to growing through research anddevelopment, the agri-tech strategy and the green food project,"Mr Benyon added. Mr Halfon highlighted the fact that the Roydon and Nazeing area has the highestconcentration of cucumber and pepper growers in the UK and called on Mr Benyon to support "the excellentLea Valley Growers Association and suggest how we can help it to expand".He also invited Mr Benyon to meet with him and the association to discuss the issues.Mr Benyon praised Mr Halfon for his commitment to the local growing businesses.He added: "He (Mr Halfon) is a stalwart supporter of them. We want them to expand, not only for the local jobsthat would create, but for our food security."That is why, for example, we have done combined horticultural production and energy research to try to assistcompanies such as those in his constituency with the energy they use, which is a big outgoing - and why wehave an agri-tech strategy, drawing together engineering skills, research and development, and genotyping totry to reduce costs, using the fantastic innovation we have around the country."I am happy to consult him to see what more we can do to help specific growers in his constituency, who do afantastic job."PICTURES: New Epping mayor elected9.33pm - 14th May 2013EPPING Town Council has elected councillor Will Breare-Hall as the new Epping mayor.Mr Breare-Hall, who moved to Epping 14 years ago after finishing university in London, said it was a "greathonour" and also "humbling and exciting" to have been elected as the 40th person to hold the position sincethe town council was formed in 1973.He said: "All of us have our own reasons for loving Epping. Epping has its own distinct character and charm. Itis the people that make Epping so special. It has a great sense of community. It's a jewel in Essex's crown."Mr Breare-Hall highlighted a number of his priorities for the coming year and said he wanted to work with thelocal business community and the Epping Town Centre Partnership throughout the year and was lookingforward to the Epping Festival."I know I have an excellent group of councillors with which to work. I pledge to serve you with humility and tothe best of my ability."Outgoing mayor Jon Whitehouse said that despite the weather which had plagued a number of events he hadattended - and which forced the cancellation of last year's Epping Town Show - he had experienced a"fantastic" year.He particularly appreciated the opportunity to see the work of the many local organisations and which includedpeople of all ages. "It has been a joy to meet so many people," he told the annual council meeting on Tuesday(May 14).Councillor Barbara Scruton was elected the new deputy mayor.A cake decorated with the Epping Town Council badge was made by councillor Janet Hedges to mark themayor-making meeting.To see a slideshow of pictures from the meeting click hereMourning ring to go on display6.25pm - 14th May 2013A 17th Century mourning ring found in a Chigwell field will soon be on display at Epping Forest DistrictMuseum.The finger-ring discovered by metal detectorist Richard Joynson and reported under the Treasure Act 1996has been purchased by the museum with help from Chigwell Parish Council and Loughton and DistrictHistorical Society.It is made of gold with little external decoration. A clear ridge runs around the centre and it would originallyhave been covered with black enamel, only traces of which remain. Inside is inscribed the message 'You mustfollow G : M Aug 29 - 57'.The date is interpreted as 29 August 1657 (the first two digits of the year were usually omitted at this time). G :M may be the initials of the deceased person in whose memory the ring was made.Mourning jewellery was often bequeathed by rich or important people to family, friends and supporters.Sometimes it demonstrated political allegiance, or the family's wealth, as much as expressing personal grief.The motto 'You must follow' is in the tradition of Memento Mori.These keepsakes were produced from medieval times to the nineteenth century but particularly during periodsof war or epidemic.They served the dual purpose of commemorating the dead and reminding the bereaved of their own mortality.The date and style of this ring place it firmly in Oliver Cromwell's time as Lord Protector of the Commonwealthof England, Scotland and Ireland.It displays the puritan aesthetic of the age when 'glitz 'and 'bling' were generally out of favour.This is only the second mourning ring known from the district and will be displayed at the Museum in SunStreet, Waltham Abbey from May 18-August 31 as part of 'The Tudors and Early Stuarts' exhibition.The ring PICTUREEducation role for county councillor12.45pm - 14th May 2013BUCKHURST Hill and Loughton South county councillor Valerie Metcalfe has retained her role as deputycabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning on Essex County Council.The newly-announced county council cabinet has agreed to implement a voluntary three per cent cut inallowances for cabinet members to be implemented immediately.New leader David Finch said there is a need for a renewed drive around three areas: education and skills,employment and entrepreneurship, and economy and infrastructure to show that Essex is good for business.He said: "As the leader of Essex County Council, I have outlined today a vision that recognises the starkchallenges we face as well as the opportunities we will grasp to embrace the sort of innovation that leads toprosperity for hard-working people across Essex."The next four years will require difficult decisions and as a sign of our commitment to a new contract with thepeople of Essex my Cabinet and I will immediately reduce our allowances as a contribution to the savings wewill need to make."We will face tough choices in the years to come caused by the austerity which the UK is still experiencing. Butwe will also take whatever opportunities we can to resolve the future of social care for future generations,support local economic growth, deliver smarter services and invest in our education and infrastructure. If wecan do that, I believe that Essex's best days are ahead of us."PICTURES: MP hosts business forum reception11.24pm - 13th May 2013EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing this evening hosted a reception at the House of Commons for the EppingForest Business Forum.Guest speaker was the former Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Stephen O'Brien.For a slideshow of pictures click hereWarning after spate of heating oil thefts01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 12 of 233.56pm - 13th May 2013POLICE have warned residents with oil-fired heating to be on their guard against fuel thieves operating in thedistrict.About £6,000 worth of oil has been stolen from storage tanks in 12 incidents in rural areas since the beginningof March.Amounts of oil taken have ranged from 200 litres to 1,500 litres which was valued at £1,000.All 12 incidents have happened mainly at properties in quiet country lanes and at night.Most have been near hamlets or villages in the Epping Forest area, but others have been in remote areasbetween Brentwood and Chelmsford.Officers are urging all oil fuel users to ensure their security measures are adequate.They are also urging all residents in rural areas to be on the look-out for any vehicles, particularly vans or anyvehicle carrying tubing, plastic or metal tanks or any form of liquid containers.Epping Forest crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "This is a national problem but it tends to go in spatesaround Essex."We want to make people aware that thieves are breaking open tanks and siphoning off large amount of fuel oilwhich will probably be sold on the black market."We also urge anyone to contact your local crime reduction officers for advice on how fix devices that activatealarms if a tank is being tampered with."Officers are also advising people to:* keep their tank in a well-overlooked position - this will ensure thieves are more likely to be seen* if the tank is close to your house make sure it can be seen from your windows - this coupled with lighting willmake it less of a target* security lights can help deter potential thieves. Low level 'dusk 'til dawn' lights positioned close to the tankshould, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity* enclosing your tank in a building which can be secured is better still. However it is important not to overlookthe importance of ventilation; advice should be sought from you oil company* if you have a gate keep it closed and locked when you are out. Make sure your perimeter fence is in goodcondition and is not easy to climb* invest in a good quality lock. Close shackle padlocks are recommended as they offer better resistance to boltcroppers and other tools that thieves usually come equipped with* check oil gauges regularly to alert you to any potential thefts and help investigations by narrowing crime timesdown. Many tanks can be fitted with a gauge to monitor levels which can be read inside the house.Anyone with information about the thefts or the thieves should ring police at Epping on 101 or Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.Rotary cheque to Evergreen club3.35pm - 13th May 2013THE Rotary Club of Epping has presented £1,000 to the Evergreen Club of Epping.The money was presented by club president Richard Crone following a year of fundraising, which includedSanta's Sleigh at Christmas, a race night and bridge drive.The cheque was presented to June O'Brien.Mr Crone said: "The Evergreen Club is a wonderful example of the community spirit which exists in Epping andfully deserving of our local Rotary club's support."The Evergreen Club, a community club for senior citizens, meets at Pelly Court Hall, Hemnall Street, everyThursday (2pm). New members are welcome.Bansons Yard homes plan wins support3.20pm - 13th May 2013A 14-HOME development at Bansons Yard, Ongar, is being recommended for approval by district councilplanning officers.The proposed scheme is for a development of four and five-bedroom properties on the land currently occupiedby the hand car wash and car sales businesses off Ongar High Street.The application, to be discussed by district councillors on Wednesday, May 22, also includes garages, parking,a roadway, drainage and all ancillary works.Classic cars on show at railway2.53pm - 13th May 2013CLASSIC car owners will be displaying their vehicles at Epping Ongar Railway on Sunday.In addition to the steam and diesel-hauled heritage trains and vintage buses shuttling between the railway toEpping Station, there will be a display of classic cars from across the decades.The 1865 station at North Weald, trains and buses will provide a backdrop to view and photograph thevehicles.Vehicle owners from Matching Green Classic and Sports Car Club will explain the history of their vehicles.More than 20 cars will be on show.Some show spaces remain (prospective displayers should ring to book in advance).Epping Ongar Railway travel tickets include free entry to the car rally and all-day heritage travel - £13 adults,£11 concessions, £7 children, £34 for a family ticket, discounted if purchased online at www.eorailway.co.ukFor more details, ring 01277 365200.Police and Crime Commissioner holding meeting8.59am - 13th May 2013POLICE and crime issues will be discussed when the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Nick, Alston,visits Epping later this month.Mr Alston is holding an open meeting at the Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, between 6pm and 8pm onThursday, May 23. All welcome.No water sparks school closure8.15am - 13th May 2013BUCKHURST Hill Community Primary School is closed to all but staff and Year 6 pupils today because theschool has no water.A message posted on the school's website states: "Staff and Year 6 must still attend and bring bottled waterand a packed lunch."Council chairman reflects on "busy year"7.18pm - 12th May 2013A "BUSY year" was reported by Buckhurst Hill Parish Council chairman Gavin Chambers at the annual ParishAssembly.Mr Chambers singled out several events as highlights of the 2012-13 council year - the Queen's DiamondJubilee event in Queens Road, the Olympic tea at Roding Valley Hall, the council's civic carol service at theUnited Reformed Church and the lighting of the Menorah with the Jewish community.Mr Chambers said: "Building links with the Jewish community is exactly the kind of thing the parish councilshould be doing."In the last council year the council approved the move of the council's offices from Buckhurst Hill InformationCentre to the nearby library, and the sale or letting of the information centre.01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 13 of 23The relocation, and a shared library service with Essex County Council, will mean the library will be open fivedays a week instead of the current three days."It is going to work well," Mr Chambers said. "To be able to go into the library five days a week will be good forBuckhurst Hill."During the 2013-14 council year the council will be undertaking a public consultation, with feedback forms tobe included in the parish newsletter, on the future of its two community halls, The Woollard Centre in LoughtonWay and Roding Valley Hall in Station Way.Council presents charity cheque7.17pm - 12th May 2013THE chairman of Buckhurst Hill Parish Council has presented a cheque for £316 to the Stroke Association.Councillor Gavin Chambers, who chose the charity as his charity for the year, made the presentation to SarahMaling, the charity's regional fundraiser for London, during the council's annual Parish Assembly on Thursday(May 9).Sarah told the meeting about the work of the charity which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.She explained that more 150,000 people a year suffer a stroke making the condition the UK's fourth biggestkiller.The £316 included money raised by the council at its Olympic tea held at Roding Valley Hall last summer.PICTURE: Woman cut free after crash6.52pm - 12th May 2013FIREFIGHTERS spent almost an hour working to free a woman trapped in her car in Waltham Abbey.Fire crews from Waltham Abbey and Loughton were called to King George Road at about 11.45am todayfollowing a two-vehicle collision.The crews used a set of cutting equipment and had released the woman by 12.40pm.The crash scene PICTURE (by Allison Wood)Woman charged over assault6.50pm - 12th May 2013A 23-YEAR-OLD woman has been charged with assault by beating in connection with an incident in a bar inEpping.The woman was one of four people arrested following the incident at the Speak Easy bar in Epping High Streeton March 15.The woman has been released on police bail to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on May 29.The other people - a 25-year-old man, from Clacton; a 25-year-old woman, from Loughton, and a 27-year-oldwoman, from Epping - have been released from their bail without charge.Society celebrates 50th anniversary6.50pm - 12th May 2013CAVA and cake were the enjoyed at the 50th Annual General Meeting of Buckhurst Hill Residents' Society.During the formal part of the meeting Tony Oliva summarised the society's 2012 activities and planningconcerns.Guest of honour Heather Thirtle, a founder member of the society, then addressed the members and cut thegolden anniversary cake.The meeting concluded with a talk by Brian Billins on the origins of Nursery Rhymes. Further meetings andevents celebrating the society's golden anniversary are planned.The purpose of the society is to preserve, protect and improve the amenities of the district. Anyone living inBuckhurst Hill is eligible to join and new members are welcome.For more details visit www.buckhursthillresidents.co.ukWinning hospice lottery numbers6.49pm - 12th May 2013THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Epping. The winning numberis 520464.The £100 prize winner lives in Harlow. The winning number is 222878.For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Dress shop wins best window competition8.56am - 12th May 2013LANES Dress Agency in Epping High Street has won Epping Town Council's St George's Day window displaycompetition.Councillor Ken Avey judged the winners of the competition which is organised by the town council with the aimto encourage the town's shops and licensed premises to participate to raise the profile of the town.Piccola and the Wardrobe Mistresses were the joint runners-up.Man charged over bank incident8.21am - 12th May 2013A MAN has been charged in connection with an attempted robbery at a bank in Loughton.A 29-year-old man, from Loughton, was arrested on Friday, May 10, on suspicion of robbery in connection withan incident at the Santander bank in The Broadway on Friday, April 12.The man has been charged with attempted robbery and bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court onMay 28.Injured man rescued from ladder8.20am - 12th May 2013FIRE crews took about an hour to rescue an injured man who had fallen from a ladder in Buckhurst Hill.Two fire crews worked with paramedics who were called to the man who was trapped in a precarious positionon a ladder at premises at Beatrice Court late yesterday morning (Saturday).The man had fallen and sustained injuries and was unable to move, a fire service spokesman said.Firefighters stablised the casualty before lowering him to the ground.He was left in the care of the ambulance service.Council postpones walk8.10am - 11th May 2013LOUGHTON Town Council has taken the decision to postpone the second annual Beating the Bounds walkplanned for tomorrow (Sunday, May 12) until later in the year.The proposed route through the forest from the Robin Hood roundabout, bypassing the Wake Arms01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 14 of 23roundabout and then along the boundary with Theydon Bois to Debden Lane would have taken walkers closeby the Deer Sanctuary.As the fawning season is due to commence shortly there were concerns that a large group of walkers mightdisturb the animals.A town council spokesman said: "We hope that by holding the walk later in the year the City of London willagree to open the 100-acre Deer Sanctuary to the walkers."Woman cut free after road crash8.09am - 11th May 2013A WOMAN had to be cut free following a two-vehicle collision which closed Alderton Hall Lane, Loughton.Two Loughton fire crews were called out shortly after midday yesterday and took about 40 minutes to deal withthe incident.They used specialist cutting equipment to remove the roof of one of the vehicles to free the woman who wasleft in the care of the ambulance service.AUDIO: Horstel Burgermeister speaks about 20 years of twinning8.53pm - 10th May 2013THE Burgermeister of Waltham Abbey's German twin town of Horstel has spoken about the importance of the20-year twinning arrangement which is being celebrated this weekend.To listen to the interview with Heinz Huppe click hereTowns celebrate 20 years of twinning8.48pm - 10th May 2013THE Burgermeister of Waltham Abbey's German twin town has spoken about the important of the linksbetween the two towns as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the civic charter.A group from Horstel are visiting Waltham Abbey, and tonight attended a service in the Abbey Church.This was followed by a reception at the town hall and the signing of a reaffirmation charter to mark the twinningarrangement.Before the service Horstel Burgermeister Heinz Huppe and Waltham Abbey mayor Liz Webster officiallyhoisted the town's Festival Flag to launch Waltham Abbey's festival season.Heinz Huppe, in an interview with Everything Epping Forest, said the twinning arrangement was important,especially for the young people of the towns' schools.He said: "I'm glad I'm here because we visit friends. I love Waltham Abbey, it's a wonderful town. The peopleare very nice and I come over from Germany to Waltham Abbey so many times, and it's very, very good."* Waltham Abbey is hosting a Food Festival on May 17-19 with events including a specialist Italian market. OnSaturday , May18 (10.30am) Mrs Webster will unveil the 12 new flower mosaics on the church path beforeprocessing to Market Square to formally open the Food Festival.On Sunday, May 19 (from11am) the Festival Stage in Market Square will host cookery demonstrations by localaward-winning chefs, from restaurants such as Parsons and the Muhinur.Horstel Burgermeister Heinz Huppe and Waltham Abbey mayor with the reaffirmation charter whichhas been signed to mark the 20th anniversary of the twinning arrangement between the two townsclick here(left to right) Waltham Abbey Town Crier Peter Frost, Horstel deputy Burgermeister Ingrid Bosse,Horstel Burgermeister Heinz Huppe and Waltham Abbey mayor Liz Webster with the Waltham AbbeyFestival flag click hereWitness appeal after taxi drivers robbed4.19pm - 10th May 2013DETECTIVES are appealing for information after two taxi drivers were robbed in similar incidents in WalthamAbbey.The first incident happened when two passengers in a taxi threatened the driver with a knife at 1am on BankHoliday Monday (May 6) and stole a mobile telephone and a three-figure sum of cash.The 55-year-old local taxi driver had picked up both men from the nearby Green Man pub. It was during thejourney that he was threatened and the two men ran off from the car in Skarnings Court.They are described as one white man and one possibly mixed heritage.The other incident happened two days later, on May 8, when at about 11pm a taxi driver picked up twopassengers from the Sultan pub, Waltham Abbey.They produced a knife and threatened him before grabbing cash and running off from Winters Way.A police dog later followed the track to Skarnings Court.One suspect is described as a tall, white man, slim, wearing a dark leather jacket and with a local accent. Hesat at the front of the cab while the other man, of darker skin, sat behind the driver.He was about 5ft 5ins tall, tubby build, wearing a grey hooded top with a black coat over the top. Both are agedin their late 20s-early 30s.The 56-year-old victim, from Waltham Cross, suffered a superficial cut to his arm and finger and was punchedin the face.Anyone with information about the identity of the two men or who witnessed anything is urged to contactDetective Constable Paul Burnett or his colleagues at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on0800 555 111.Man jailed for life for High Ongar murder4.17pm - 10th May 2013A MAN has been jailed for life for the murder of a former car dealer in High Ongar.Billy Martindale was assaulted and killed on his smallholding off Mill Lane on Friday, September 7 last year.A post-mortem examination showed Mr Martindale, 39, of Cripsey Avenue, Ongar, died from head injurieswhich were inflicted by a pick-axe handle. A second man, a 55-year-old from Barking, was also found at thesite with head injuries.He was treated in hospital and subsequently discharged. Paul Groves was arrested a few hours later thatevening (Friday) and charged with one count of murder and one count of causing grievous bodily harm withintent.The 34-year-old factory worker, of Queensway, Ongar, stood trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, April29 and, on Thursday, May 9, was found guilty on both counts.At Chelmsford Crown Court today he was given a life prison sentence for the murder, with a minimum tariff of23 years. He was further imprisoned for ten years for the assault but this was to run concurrently.For more about the case, go to the May 9 articles.MP opens upgraded play area2.26pm - 10th May 2013ONGAR MP Eric Pickles has officially opened the upgraded play area at the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Field,Ongar.Mr Pickles was joined by Ongar Town Council chairman Diana Roberts, Epping Forest District Councilchairman Brian Rolfe, county councillor John Jowers, representing Essex County Council's Big Society Fundand Ongar county councillor Maggie McEwen for the ribbon cutting at Love Lane this morning.01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 15 of 23The project was jointly funded by Ongar Town Council, the Big Society Fund, Essex Environment Trust alongwith donations from McCarthy and Stone and the Ongar Mums group.PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2School team set for Midnight Walk1.31pm - 10th May 2013MORE than a dozen staff at Loyola Preparatory School, Buckhurst Hill, will be joining hundreds of otherfundraisers for St Clare Hospice's Midnight Walk.Teaching assistant Jenny Stratton has already persuaded 14 of her colleagues to sign up - and hopes morewill decide to get involved and register on the night for the 5km or 10km walk through Harlow.The school team will be walking in memory of former colleague Graham Brewitt, who was the school'scomputer technician, who died two years ago after being cared for at St Clare.Jenny said: "We each chose a charity which is close to our hearts. The work St Clare does is fantastic andthey work so hard. They really need all the help they can get."The Loyola team will be getting walking for the third year - and will be among those who help turn Harlow pinkwhen the walkers set off from the Water Gardens car park at 10.30pm on Saturday, July 6.Jenny said: "We all wear pink - pink wigs, glittery pink - anything pink!"Entry costs £15 per person and each walker will receive a special Midnight Walk t-shirt, goody bag, and amedal at the finish.For more information, and to register, visit http://stclarehospice.org.uk/midnight.html, ring the hospice'sfundraising team on 01279 773750 or email fund@stclarehospice.org.ukPhotographer's work goes on display9.15pm - 9th May 2013WALL space is being made available by Buckhurst Hill Parish Council in the information centre in QueensRoad so local people can display their work.The first exhibition, featuring photographs taken by Tom Heenan, was officially launched at the Annual ParishAssembly this evening.Tom grew up in Buckhurst Hill and living beside Epping Forest helped fuel his passion for nature from an earlyage. He has always been taking photographs.His grandfather was also a keen photographer and owned a photography business.Tom said: "He taught me to appreciate life through a lens."Subsequently studying and working in nature conservation have deepened Tom's appreciation for the naturalworld.He has volunteered with many conservation groups in the local area as well as working on nature reserves andcountry parks in the UK and abroad.Tom's pictures have been published in magazines and on websites and with the help of the parish council he isnow making prints of his nature photos available to the public.He hopes to create windows into the wonder of local green spaces around Epping Forest for others to enjoyand display.Buckhurst Hill Parish Council chairman Gavin Chambers said: "The council has decided to make wall space atthe office available so that local artists can exhibit."This is a great way to make more use of the existing office building and to give talented local people thechance to display their work to a wider audience."Any other local artists or photographers interested in having an exhibition should contact the parish council.Buckhurst Hill Parish Council chairman Gavin Chambers with Tom Heenan at the launch of thephotographic exhibition at Buckhurst Hill Information Centre PICTUREVIDEO: Elderly victim of bogus police officer scam speaks out3.58pm - 9th May 2013AN elderly man who was tricked by a bogus police officer has spoken out in a bid to warn others about ascam.Detectives are investigating a number of incidents in west Essex in which telephone callers have posed aspolice to trick pensioners into revealing their bank details.The man, in his 80s, had a three-figure sum of cash taken from his account and was also tricked into handingover a gold watch.He was called by a man posing as a Metropolitan Police officer who claimed his bank account had beeninfiltrated.Two men called at the house to collect his bank cards and also tricked the man into handing over a goldwatch.Similar incidents are being investigated in Chigwell, Loughton, Braintree, Harlow and Willingale near Ongar.Detective Sergeant Rebecca Mullins, from Brentwood CID, is leading the investigation.She said: "Warnings on TV, radio, websites and newspapers have helped raise awareness and fewer theftsare being carried out but people need to be vigilant and be suspicious of anyone asking for bank details overthe telephone."Genuine police officers will never ask for bank details over the telephone so the advice is never give out yourbank details to anyone. Don't be fooled into phoning back callers to check their identities because they stay onthe line when you think you are phoning a genuine police number."Anyone who has received a suspicious call but has not told police should let us know by calling Brentwood CIDon 101.To see the video click hereLoughton Town Council elects new mayor3.46pm - 9th May 2013LOUGHTON Town Council has elected councillor Jill Angold-Stephens as town mayor for 2013-14.Outgoing mayor Stephen Pewsey thanked members for affording him the privilege of serving the people ofLoughton and described how he had been humbled by the dedication of the many people around the town hehad met during the year who worked so tirelessly to make Loughton such a wonderful place to live.He also thanked councillors and officers for their support during his term of office.Councillors thanked Mr Pewsey for his hard work over the past year.In particular Chris Pond paid tribute to the skill and sincerity Stephen had shown, especially at the manyJubilee and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic events, describing it as a year of "batons, beacons and bunting".Stephen Murray congratulated Mr Pewsey on an absolutely first class year of service in which he had showngreat dedication.His well-researched speeches had been appreciated by the many local groups he had visited.Mrs Angold-Stephens thanked her predecessor on behalf of all the people of Loughton describing him as awonderful ambassador who had brought such enthusiasm to the role.Members congratulated Mrs Angold-Stephens and expressed confidence that she would bring dedication,dignity and diligence to the role.Councillor Sharon Weston, one of the group of new members who joined the town council in May 2012, is thenew deputy mayor.New Loughton mayor Jill Angold-Stephens receives the chain of office from Stephen Pewsey PICTUREYoung people receive Jack Petchey awards01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 16 of 233.43pm - 9th May 2013EPPING Forest Youth Council has received a Jack Petchey Achievement Award.The award is the latest success for the youth council which has now received £3,000 from the JPFAchievements Awards scheme since 2011.Joe Tinsley, 15, volunteered to take part in the Youth Council Volunteer project along with a small group fromhis school, St Johns, Epping.Joe was passionate about the project, a positive role model and helped and encouraged those less confident.Joe is good at communicating and working as a team and keen to continue on the project in his own time.The grant was used by the ASDAN group - Awards Scheme Development and Accreditation Network, based atEpping Forest College - to go out on trips which help develop the skills needed to complete the course.Some of the money was put towards resources for students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award.Other winners from the group included Annalise Armitage, Jaymey McIvor, Natasha Miller, Carina Sander,Catherine Barry, and Diane Butler who received a Leader Award.Guests at the presentations at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford, when the young people aged 11 to 25 wererecognised with a medallion to go with their framed certificates and cheques for £200 which had already beenpresented, included Essex County Council chairman Kay Twitchen and GB long-jumper Jenny Pacey.Man found guilty of High Ongar murder3.40pm - 9th May 2013A MAN has been found guilty of murdering a former car dealer in in High Ongar.Billy Martindale was assaulted and killed on his smallholding off Mill Lane shortly before 9.30pm on Friday,September 7 last year.A post-mortem examination showed Mr Martindale, 39, of Cripsey Avenue, Ongar, died from head injurieswhich were inflicted by a pick-axe handle.A second man, a 55-year-old from Barking, was also found at the site with head injuries. He was treated inhospital and subsequently discharged.Paul Groves was arrested a few hours later that evening and charged with one count of murder and one countof causing grievous bodily harm with intent.The 34-year-old factory worker, of Queensway, Ongar, stood trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, April29, and after an eight-day hearing he was found guilty on both counts.Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Marina Ericson said: "We are delighted with today's verdict.The evidence heard throughout the trial demonstrated the level of violence used by Paul Groves when hebrutally attacked both Billy Martindale and Paul Meeking."Paul Groves is a violent man whose intention to cause serious harm to both Mr Martindale and Mr Meekinghas been proven."Our thoughts continue to go out to Billy's family and friends at this time. We hope this verdict will provide themwith some comfort and allow them to move on with their lives, following what has been a very distressingperiod for them."Mr Martindale leaves his partner, 35-year-old Tina Joseph and their three children.He was brought up in Ely, Cambridgeshire, and moved to Manor Park, east London, where he later met Tina.They had been partners for 17 years. They lived in Chigwell for the first five of these years before moving toOngar where Mr Martindale became a car dealer.He had aspirations of becoming a big-name actor and did feature in the movie Big Fat Gypsy Gangster, butlike most of his interests, such as motorcycling, he soon became bored of this and later took up boxing andfishing. He also grew a liking for nature and bought the smallholding where he kept poultry and pigs, primarilyfor his children to learn about nature.After the verdict Tina Joseph said: "These past few months have been quiet and we have certainly felt the lossof Billy. Our lives are empty without him as he brought character to our day."He had a bubbly personality and I am so angry that his dispute with Paul Groves got out of hand and left mychildren fatherless."I am even more angry that Billy was assaulted in front of his children and Paul Groves should be ashamed ofhimself for allowing this to happen. It infuriates me."My children and I would like to thank other members of the family, friends and neighbours who havesupported or offered support throughout the past eight months. They have been invaluable."We miss Billy dearly and life isn't the same without him."After this verdict and Paul Groves' sentencing, we can hopefully rebuild our lives and plan for the future. Wemust not dwell on the past."Groves will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow (Friday).AUDIO: Travel firm where the staff go "the extra mile"8.50pm - 8th May 2013THE owner of a long-established South Woodford business says the secret of his travel company's success ishis staff who go the "extra mile" to ensure their customers can fly thousands of miles hassle-free.Abbotts Travel opened in 1957 and 56 years on the business, at 134 George Lane, is going from strength tostrength.The family business is run by Julian Abbott and on the same principles as his grandfather and father, backedby a team of seven seasoned travellers.Julian Abbott, managing director and owner of Abbotts Travel, told Everything Epping Forest: "We find peopleare going a lot further and a lot more often."Obviously the availability of flights to far-flung places is almost a daily event now rather than once a month oronce a week and although travel is an expensive thing it is affordable to people these days and I think they puttravel ahead of maybe extensions and new cars."I think it's an important part of daily family life to make sure they have that annual family holiday."Mr Abbott added: "My staff have all been in the business for probably ten years minimum, have an extensiveknowledge and are well travelled."I think we go the extra mile with clients and look into where they want to go and whether that holiday will suitthem."The company held a special reception for regular customers, and welcomed back former employee IreneWebb who worked for the business from 1970 to 2005.For more details visit www.abbottstravel.com, ring 020 8989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.comTo hear the interview with Julian Abbott click hereAbbotts Travel staff and former member of staff Irene Webb outside Abbotts Travel in George Lane,South Woodford PICTURE 1Abbotts Travel staff in the newly-refurbished business PICTURE 2AUDIO: Emergency community volunteers scheme launched2.05pm - 8th May 2013A NEW initiative which will see local volunteers trained in readiness for any emergency situation in the districthas been launched.Volunteers will be recruited as Community Emergency Response Volunteers who will be trained for a widerange of incidents - from flooding and evacuations, to provide tea and sympathy at a rest centre.Epping Forest District Council, Harlow Council and Essex Fire and Rescue Service are running the scheme,promoted by the Cabinet Office, as a pilot.Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERVs) will support the emergency services before, during andafter a public emergency.Mike Tipping, Epping Forest District Council's assistant director of corporate support services who hasresponsibility for emergency planning, told Everything Epping Forest: "This is about trying to organise groupsof people in local communities that can provide an initial response in terms of self-help for the community when01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 17 of 23incidents occur."Emergency situations could be anything from localised flooding to the evacuation of homes because of a fire,unexploded bomb - "a whole range of possibilities," Mr Tipping said.He added: "Our thought is that if the immediate response comes from local volunteers in the community it canbe a lot quicker and will provide reassurance to the local community that they're looking after themselves in thefirst instance until the resources of the district council can get to them."Many town and parish councils in the district already have their own emergency plans and Mr Tipping hasstressed the recruitment and training of CERVs will be to augment and not replace existing plans.He said: "Local emergency plans are very important. I would hope that details of groups that are set up in localcommunities will be recorded in local plans and it will actually enhance the local emergency plans and provideextra resilience in the area."Training for volunteers will cover everything from how to set up and run a rest centre to how to safely clearsnow from outside vulnerable peoples' homes.To hear the full interview with Mike Tipping click herePICTURE 1 PICTURE 2MP praises school's internet safety work1.21pm - 7th May 2013EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised a Loughton school on its high profile display to make childrenaware of the potential dangers of the internet.A display created by children at the school gives ten tips on how to stay safe while online.Padraig Warnes, the school's PSHE coordinator and Year 1 teacher - who created the display with teachingassistant Lauren Murphy - said: "The display gives children ten tips on how they can be safe on the internet. Itteaches them how to keep their password safe, how to avoid pop-ups and the importance of posting decentphotos of themselves."For the four to six-year-olds there is a character called Smartie, the penguin who teaches them a song thatgoes 'Before you click click click, you need to think think think. And tell somebody'."Mrs Laing said: "This is a marvellous piece of work by the school and it spells out a message to the childrenabout how to stay safe when using the internet in a fun way."I think it's great and congratulate the school for coming up with something so original."Charity duo to take part in Arctic challenge12.57pm - 7th May 2013THE Dream Factory charity founder Avril Mills and dream co-ordinator Martin Bye are to take part in theultimate extreme challenge to raise money for The Dream Factory.The pair want to raise £8,000 by taking on the Husky Sled Challenge in the Arctic which will see them drive apack of huskies some 156 miles over seven days.The challenge, next April, will start in Norway and finish in Sweden.Avril said: "This will certainly test our physical and mental strength in some of the most extreme conditionsknown to man."We will be travelling the distance from London to Torquay in temperatures averaging -20 degrees. This is noordinary charity challenge."The fundraisers will have to put up their own tents, cook their own food and look after their team of huskies.Avril said: "This is a 'hands on' extreme wilderness challenge if ever there was one, especially as I don't likethe cold, I'm not a fan of dogs and haven't got a clue how to put up a tent!"Avril founded The Dream Factory in 2008 in memory of her son, Oliver, who died from leukemia at the age ofnine.The charity makes dreams come true for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. It recentlyfulfilled its 200th dream and is currently working on a number of further dreams.To support their challenge, visit their JustGiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/huskyarticIf you want to be kept up-to-date with their fundraising efforts and preparation for the challenge, register toreceive the charity's media releases - email yourdreamfactorynews@gmail.com.You can also follow The Dream Factory on Twitter - @avrilsdream.Rotary club presents awards to students9.38am - 7th May 2013TWO students at St John's School, Epping, have received awards from the Rotary Club of Epping.Jaymey McIvor, this year's Epping Forest District Council Young Citizen of the Year, received the 'Service toSchool' award while Joshua Mills, who volunteers with The Dream Factory charity, was presented with the'Service to Community' award.Rotary club president Richard Crone, who presented the awards, said: "Both Jaymey and Joshua can be veryproud of their achievements - Jaymey for his work with the School Council and PTA amongst many otherthings and Joshua for his fundraising for sick children."They are a credit to St John's School and themselves and the Rotary Club of Epping is pleased to be able togive them outside recognition of their endeavours."The club presented £1,000 - raised at its Carols on the Green event last Christmas - to St John's headteacherGeorge Yerosimou to support the school's music department.Planners back nursery homes9.07am - 7th May 2013REVISED outline plans for a development of up to 26 homes on the district council's nursery site in PyrlesLane, Loughton, are being recommended for approval.The proposed development would be a mix of flats and houses, 15 of which would be 'affordable' homes.District councillors will decide on the application on Wednesday, May 15.Retail Gift Aid boosts hospice8.57am - 7th May 2013GIFT Aid - the government scheme which allows charities to claim the tax back on donations - has raised morethan £54,000 for St Clare Hospice through its shops in the past year.That is enough to run one of the hospice's inpatient rooms for 15 weeks.Not all customers and donors are taxpayers and some people may not wish to, but the figure could increase toabout £100,000 a year if all those eligible to do so signed up - enough to run the whole eight-bed inpatient unitfor 25 days.Retail sales manager Louise Hamilton said: "We encourage everyone who donates clothes and other items tous to sign up for Gift Aid. It only takes a few minutes but the rewards back to us are immense."By signing up to Gift Aid, we can claim an extra 25 per cent on top of the price goods are sold for."Donors who sign up will be given a St Clare Hospice Gift Aid number and every time they donate, the items arelogged against the number.Where sales meet a threshold the hospice will send the donor a letter, once a year, quoting how much extrathe person's Gift Aid has raised.The hospice is seeking volunteers to encourage people to sign up to Gift Aid at its Harlow shop.For more information, ring Dick at the Harlow shop on 01279 639760.School holds Musician of the Year01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 18 of 237.27am - 7th May 2013THIRTY-six of Chigwell School's most talented musicians competed in the thirteenth annual Chigwell YoungMusician of the Year competition.Throughout the day pupils played a variety of pieces of the highest standard and nine were selected tocompete in the finalists' concert in the evening (Thursday, May 2).Jonathan Lipton, a member of the LSO Board of Directors and Professor of Horn at the Guildhall School ofMusic and Drama, adjudicated the event and had the task of selecting the winner.The Junior Musician of the Year was violinist Yasmin Antoniou and the Senior Musician of the Year wasHeather Cook with her recorder performance.Rowan Jones (Junior, clarinet) and Katie Marshall (Senior, piano) were highly commended.As part of her prize, Heather will play in the annual concert in Brentwood Cathedral next March.The other senior finalists were Adam Melvin, Katie Marshall, Gopal Kambo, Alexander Bromwich and JessicaMaton. The other junior finalists were: Rowan Jones and Brooke Newton.Chigwell School's Director of Music Howard Ebden said: Chigwell's young musicians shine as bright as thesun! We never cease to be tired of what the young people of today are capable of."The competition clearly demonstrated a tenacity and perspicacity to reach new heights in musicalperformance."PICTURES: Crowds turn out for Matching May Day Fair3.35pm - 6th May 2013A PIPER Parade with the Forest Highlanders heralded the start of the Matching May Day Fair.The Bank Holiday Monday event at The Fox pub, Matching Tye, was officially opened by May Queen ChloeLonghurst, 11, who was accompanied by her attendants and flower girls Marie Daltry, ten, Connie Morrison,ten, and Orlaith Neville, ten.The crowds watched maypole dancing by children from Matching Green Primary School, a fancy dresscompetition and dog show.There was also a Punch and Judy show, various classic cars on show and a number of stalls, as well asrefreshments.Judging the fancy dress competition was Rev'd Gill Anderson, priest-in-charge of The Lavers and MatchingUnited Benefice.The winner of the under-fives competition was Gracie-Mae Hunt, four, who was dressed as a beekeeper withTim Leamon, three, as Fireman Tim runner-up.In the over-fives category the winner was Ella Volpe, ten, who dressed as 'My Parents' Worst Nightmare' withDanny Barnes, as Mr Lego, runner-up.For a slideshow of pictures click hereFor information on how to order prints of any of the pictures featured emaileverythingeppingforest@googlemail.com or ring David Jackman on 07710 447868.Couple receive MS Society gifts10.45am - 6th May 2013AN Ongar couple have been presented with gifts from the national Multiple Sclerosis Society and the society'slocal East Herts and West Essex branch.'Snowy' and Margaret Evans, of Chelmsford Road, Ongar, were presented with the awards by Jamie Spencer,from the national society.The awards mark their long service to the society that has included a number of committee roles over manyyears. Some time ago 'Snowy' was awarded the society's 'Shining Star' award. He has also been branch vicechairmanand the couple continue as committee members.Margaret and 'Snowy' Evans with Jamie Spencer, from the national MS Society PICTURECouncil opens free Saturday car park10.01am - 6th May 2013EPPING Forest District Council has opened its staff car park at the Civic Offices, Epping, to the public atweekends.The council hopes the move will boost business in Epping High Street.The opening of the staff car park behind the Civic Offices will provide an extra 40 free spaces for Saturdayshoppers A smaller number of spaces are already available at the Civic Offices.Other designated long-stay and combined short stay/long stay district council pay and display car parks in towncentres across the district are already free at weekends.Shoppers can also park for as little as 10p in other short stay car parks.The decision to open the staff car park follows the announcement of plans to redesignate about 100 otherspaces in Epping as short stay after retailers complained that customers were having difficulty finding parkingspaces after the cost of parking at Epping Station was increased.Limiting 100 spaces to a maximum three-hour stay will help ensure turnover with some spaces available forshoppers, the council said.Portfolio holder Gary Waller said: "Anything we can do to boost trade by encouraging shoppers in to our towncentres has to be a good thing."Epping has a fantastic mix of big high street names and small, independent, quality retailers. There is limitedspace and a balance to be struck between residents, shoppers, workers and commuters."We are consulting local people including Epping Town Council about the redesignation of short stay spacesand will run the extra parking at the Civic Offices for six months initially to assess demand."Hopefully these latest steps to improve the parking situation will encourage people to spend more of theirmoney in their local high street rather than the big out of town retail centres outside the district and in London."Marathon effort for The Dream Factory9.04am - 6th May 2013A CHARITY-minded fundraiser completed the London Marathon raising about £1,750 for The Dream Factory.Sue Swanson, from Wanstead, decided to support the charity, set up by Epping mother Avril Mills, afterreading about the Dream Factory's work in the local media.Sue said: "Like most people I watch the London Marathon each year and thought it would be a wonderful eventto be part of."A few years ago I started to enter the ballot and after five unsuccessful years the organisers gave me a placeto run last year. A few commitments got in the way and so this year, at the ripe old age of 63, it was now ornever!"Sue prepared for the race by following a training programme which saw her run 20 miles on her longest preracerun.She was delighted to cross the finish line in The Mall on Sunday, April 21, in 4hrs 45mins 08secs.Sue said: "I was really pleased with the time as I was aiming for under five hours but wasn't entirely sure Icould do it."She added: "I've often seen fundraising events that The Dream Factory has arranged featured in my localpaper. It seemed to me that they work very hard to raise money for such a good cause."I chose the charity because it's small, local and relatively new and of course because of the joy and happinessthe charity provides for the children and their carers."The Dream Factory help grant the wishes and dreams of children and young people with life-threatening andterminal illnesses. It is a worthy cause."The Dream Factory founder Avril Mills said: "We are delighted that Sue chose The Dream Factory and it wouldbe great to hear from other runners who are offered charity places for future London Marathons and who would01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 19 of 23like to support us."If you would like to make a donation to Sue's marathon effort visit her JustGiving page atwww.justgiving.com/sueswansonImmigration and crime discussions8.21am - 6th May 2013EPPING Forest Conservatives held a discussion dinner with Home Office Minister Damian Green.Mr Green highlighted the work which has been done to cut immigration and also focused on issues such asvisas and also the Government's work to cut crime.Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: "Damian spoke about all that the Government has done over the lastthree years in spite of the obstacles that are inevitably in the way because of the Coalition."Man attacked in own homeUPDATED 10.56am - 6th May 2013POLICE now say two men were involved in the incident which left a man aged in his 70s with facial bruisingafter he was attacked in his Waltham Abbey home yesterday (Sunday),A police spokesman told Everything Epping Forest that officers are treating the incident at a property in HoneyLane as an assault and not a burglary.Nothing is understood to have been stolen from the property.Both of the men are described as white. One was older than the other. The younger man had ginger hair.Anyone with any information should ring police on 101.11.46am - 5th May 2013DETECTIVES are investigating an incident at a bungalow in Waltham Abbey in which a man was punched inthe face after "a number of men" got into the property.Police were contacted shortly before 8.30am today following reports that the male occupant had beenassaulted.Police officers discovered that the man, aged in his 70s, had been punched in the face.Paramedics treated him at the scene for bruising.A police spokesman told Everything Epping Forest that the men had been in the property for several minutesbefore leaving apparently empty-handed.The spokesman added: "It is believed they did not take anything but police remain at the scene as theycontinue to take a statement from the victim."No descriptions of the men involved have yet been released by police.Students cook up a treat11.16am - 5th May 2013WEST Hatch High School student Gemma Curtiss has won the school's own Master Chef competition aftercooking up a special chicken dish.The competition forms part of the GCSE Catering course to recognise the enthusiasm, skill and flair of theChigwell school's catering students.All pupils have the opportunity to compete to win the title 'West Hatch High School Master Chef 2013'.The four finalists were Year 10 students Gemma Curtiss and Sarah Gayler, who live in Chigwell; and LucyFellowes and Shona Reid, who live in Hainault.The competition was judged by the school's catering manager Leanne Smith and Hazel Barnard, Head ofDesign and Technology.The students had to plan, prepare, cook and serve a selection of items suitable for a fork buffet within one-anda-halfhours.Mrs Smith said: "All the competitors rose to the challenge and produced an interesting and varied selection ofdishes."The judges were looking for well-cooked, well-seasoned and carefully presented dishes that met thecompetition criteria.Gemma served Paprika Chicken Goujons with homemade chips and a garlic dip; vegetable lasagne and anItalian salad with a lemon dressing.Lucy was awarded the 'best dish' prize for her well-flavoured chicken tandoori kebabs.Winning hospice lottery numbers10.13am - 5th May 2013THE winner of this week's £1,000 St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow. The winning number is 661606.The winner of the £100 prize also lives in Harlow. The winning number is 305414.For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am 1.30pm).Moreton prepares for Royal Rose Festival10.10am - 5th May 2013A ROYAL couple will again be visiting Moreton when the village holds its Royal Rose Festival on Sunday, June30.A service at St Mary's Church, Moreton (11am) will be followed by the crowning of the Rose King and Queenat 11.30am and the Royal Rose procession to Moreton Primary School where the 'Royal couple' will officiallyopen the school summer fete at noon.Entertainment will include country dancing, a penalty shoot out, fire engine, raffle, balloon race, coconut shy,face painting, bouncy castles, tombola and sports demonstrations as well as crafts, clothing, plants and books,Refreshments include a barbecue, cakes, tea and coffee and strawberries and cream.Admission is £1 for adults (children free).The fete closes at 4pm.Town to fly flags to launch festivals9.59am - 5th May 2013WALTHAM Abbey will be flying the flags to highlight its festival season.Town mayor Liz Webster and Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing will see the new Waltham Abbey Festival flagflying from the flagpole outside the town hall in Highbridge Street on Friday, May 10 (7.15pm) to launch thefestival season in the town.The first festival is the Festival of Flags with all seven of the council's flagpoles flying the Union Flag, the Essexflag and Town flag.The season continues with a Food Festival on May 17-19, including a specialist Italian market.The date for the raising of the flag has been chosen because it coincides with the visit of a group fromWaltham Abbey's German town twin, Hoerstel.It is the 20th anniversary of the Twinning Charter and after a service in the Abbey Church (7.45pm on Friday),a re-affirmation charter will be signed at the town hall.On Saturday, May 18 (10.30am) Mrs Webster will unveil the new mosaics laid on the Church Path.Twelve flower mosaics along with the Meridian mosaic in the Abbey Gardens, complete the project to refurbishall the mosaics that run down Sun Street and the Church Path. After the unveilingMrs Webster will process to Market Square to formally open the Food Festival.On Sunday, May 19 (from 11am) the festival stage on Market Square will be the venue for cookerydemonstrations from local award-winning chefs, from such restaurants as Parsons and the Muhinur.01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 20 of 23As well as the Italian market there will be other stalls from local producers.School receives glowing report9.56am - 5th May 2013STAPLES Road Primary School has been judged as 'good with outstanding features' in its latest Ofsted report.Inspectors said the behaviour of pupils at the Loughton school is "exemplary" and that the school "promotespupils' safety, personal development and academic achievement through its caring ethos very effectively."Among the comments made were:* pupils' outstanding behaviour and excellent attitudes to learning contribute considerably to their achievementand to the school's highly inclusive ethos* there is a positive climate for learning in classrooms for learning in lessons and pupils readily respond totasks with interest and enthusiasm* good teaching ensures pupils of all abilities make good progress* work is usually well matched to the learning needs of all groups and planning ensures support from skilfulteaching assistants* across the school, pupils continue to achieve well. In 2012 standards in English and Mathematics at the endof both Year 2 and Year 6 were significantly above the national Average* leaders have 'ensured a steady rise in the standards of achievement since the new school started.'* accurate self-evaluation successfully informs the school's priorities for improvement which have a clear focuson raising achievement further because it helps identify key priorities for improvement* the governing body is committed to raising achievement' and 'they support and challenge the school in equalmeasure.'Headteacher Veronica Wallace said: "The inspectors took account of the 126 responses to the on-linequestionnaire (Parentview) and it was very pleasing to see parents unanimously agreed that a good standardof behaviour is always expected, and their children feel safe at school at all times."This was reflected in the findings from our children as OFSTED said 'pupils love coming to school.'"I was extremely pleased with this very positive outcome as I have always truly believed that this is a very goodschool that will soon be an outstanding school, as we have excellent staff and pupils."The new primary school has gone from strength to strength over our first two years and the progress we havemade has truly been a team effort."I am very proud of the whole school community and hope you (the parents) will join me in celebrating oursuccess.The full report is now available at www.staplesroad.essex.sch.uk under 'About Us, Key Information'PICTURES: Abseilers descend water tower for charity8.15pm - 4th May 2013DOZENS of people - as well as Batman and a Smurf - climbed to the top of the Church Langley water tower toabseil from the top for charity.A host of charities are benefiting from the efforts of fundraisers today and tomorrow (Sunday).Among those being supported today at the annual event held by the Rotary Club of Harlow Tye were theHastingwood-based Accuro charity, St Clare Hospice and the Epping Forest District Council chairman's charity(The Dream Factory and Chigwell Riding Trust).Also taking part was Cyril Banks, from Bishop's Stortford, who at 88 is this year's oldest participant, althoughthe experience was nothing new for Cyril who was making the 120ft descent for the fourth time.He was supporting the Not Forgotten Association.Paul Yarwood, from Shenfield, dressed as Batman for the occasion as he and friend Trevor Lewis, who was aSmurf, supported the SNAP autism charity.A torrential rain and hail storm forced organisers to suspend abseiling at lunchtime but the sun returned for theafternoon session and more abseilers will be back at the Affinity water tower tomorrow with the firstadventurous fundraisers taking part at 9.30am.For a slideshow of pictures from Saturday click hereFor information about how to order prints, which come in presentation folders/mount, of any of thepictures featured email everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com or ring David Jackman on 07710447868.Lorry driver charged over M25 spillage8.12pm - 4th May 2013A LORRY driver has been arrested following a spillage on the M25 which resulted in the closure of theclockwise carriageway for ten hours.A lorry struck the central reservation near Theydon Bois, just after the Bell Common Tunnel, between junctions26 and 27, shortly before 5am today.The collision forced several containers to fall off the lorry and then led to the spillage of about 3,000 litres ofchemical fluid on the road, leaving police with no option other than to close the carriageway for safety reasons.It was reopened at 3pm.The lorry driver, 43-year-old Bulgarian Vasil Vasilev, has been charged with two counts of endangering otherswhile using a vehicle with an insecure load.He has been detained in police custody prior to his appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on BankHoliday Monday (May 6)..Car crashes into building8.12pm - 4th May 2013FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with the aftermath of a crash in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, after avehicle left the road and hit a building causing structural damage.One person was released before fire crews arrived at about 9.40am today.A structural engineer was called to the scene.Pizza delivery driver robbed of food8.10pm - 4th May 2013DETECTIVES are appealing for a motorist to come forward as a key witness to a robbery in Loughton in whicha pizza delivery man was robbed of food.The attack happened when the 24-year-old Dominos employee had been riding a scooter along NewmansLane shortly after 8.30pm on Thursday, April 25, when four men stepped into the road and blocked his path.They punched him on the crash helmet before running off with £30 worth of pizza.Investigating Officer Detective Constable James Smith said: "During this robbery a motorist stopped and triedto assist but he was threatened by the men and forced back into his car."He is a valuable witness and I would ask this man to contact us so that we can look to identify these four menand arrest them."The assailants are described as white and slim. Two were aged in their early 20s and about 5ft 6ins tall whilethe other two were aged in their mid-late teens.A search of the area was carried out but to no avail.The victim, who lives in Middlesex, was uninjured.Anyone with any information should ring detectives at Loughton Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.PICTURE: Drivers delayed by spillage on M2501/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 21 of 2310.11am - 4th May 2013DRIVERS have been stranded on the M25 for hours following a spillage which has closed the clockwisecarriageway near Waltham Abbey.Some drivers have missed holiday flights from Stansted as a result of the incident which happened at 5.15am.Rohit Singoor had been driving from Hillingdon in west London to Stansted for a holiday flight to Oslo but wasstill sitting on the M25 when his family's flight was due to take off at 7.30am.He told Everything Epping Forest that he was now returning home to re-book a flight.He said motorists caught up in the incident, which involves 750 litres of Nalco and 25 litres of Arminol - nonhazardoussubstances - as "very grumpy".Fire crews have reported that traffic was being reversed along the road to clear the area. The affected sectionof the M25 near Waltham AbbeyPICTURE (by Paul Wood)Firefighters deal with road spillage7.57am - 4th May 2013FIREFIGHTERS have been called to clear a substance from the M11 following a lorry spill near WalthamAbbey.Crews from Loughton and Waltham Abbey and a chemicals specialist team from Essex Fire and RescueService were called to the clockwise carriageway between junctions 26 and 27 at 5.15am.The Environment Agency has also been informed.A fire service spokesman said the spillage involves 750 litres of Nalco and 25 litres of Arminol - non-hazardoussubstances.Crews report that traffic was reversed along the road to clear the area.PICTURES: Crews tackle business premises blaze7.55am - 4th May 2013ABOUT 20 firefighters were called out to deal with a large blaze at business premises in North Weald.Crews from Epping, Harlow, Brainteee and Ongar were at the scene in Vicarage Lane, just off the A414 lastnight (Friday).Thick black smoke could be seen for several miles.PICTURE (by Allison Wood)PICTURE (by @karen_135 on Twitter)Epping Forest ReUse Centre open for business11.02am - 3rd May 2013A NEW facility which offers furniture and appliances at low cost to people in need has opened in Epping.The Epping Forest ReUse Centre on the Bower Hill Industrial Estate was officially opened by district councilchairman Brian Rolfe at a ceremony attended by council representatives and many of the volunteers who helpat the centre.The centre, run with the support of the Lighthouse charity following a project at premises in Waltham Abbey,can arrange to collect unwanted furniture and appliances and then refurbish them for sale in the centre.Epping Forest centre manager David Lawrence said: "We aim to do three things at the centre, find a home andreuse for unwanted furniture to save it going to landfill, to use that as a means to provide people with low-costfurniture and appliances and use volunteers and trainees to make the furniture good."Epping Forest ReUse Centre trustee and district councillor Janet Whitehouse said: "I used to see goodfurniture sitting in front gardens and I knew that people could make use of it."People were given tenancies with nothing to put inside. I went to the council and got the support of officersand members; we heard about Lighthouse and this is the end result, It has taken us a long time to get here."Volunteers at the Epping Forest ReUse Centre at the official opening PICTUREFalconry at hospice fayre9.49am - 3rd May 2013FALCONRY and circus skills are set to draw the crowds to St Clare Hospice's May Fayre.Last year's event raised about £1,000 - enough to pay for a specialist nurse to visit 12 patients in their ownhomes.The event, on Saturday, May 18, is organised by Pat Prior who has been a supporter of St Clare since her latehusband, Bill, was cared for at the Hastingwood hospice ten years ago.She said: "I knew about hospice care, and I knew where St Clare was, but until I was personally affected I hadno idea what wonderful things went on here," said Pat, who lives in Harlow."A hospice isn't just somewhere to die, it's a place where they make the most of life. And it's not just thepatients that get looked after, they looked after me and my daughter Debbie too."The fayre includes the traditional plants, cakes, jams and tombola stalls as well as stalls selling gifts andchildren's games. There will be face painting, and a chance to meet and be photographed with the HarlowFalconry's birds.It runs from 11am to 3pm.Harlow community fundraiser Naomi Hogg added: "Like many of our supporters, Pat does so many things forus, not only the May Fayre but providing refreshment stalls at lots of our events, as well as selling jams andcakes."It's great to have the chance to thank her publicly for all she does for St Clare."Investigation underway into airfield blaze9.49am - 3rd May 2013AN investigation is underway into a major fire at industrial premises on Matching Airfield which took fire crewsfour hours to put out.A range of industrial buildings, vehicles and tyres were involved in the blaze which broke out at about noonyesterday (Thursday).At the height of the incident some 60 firefighters were on the scene.Essex Fire and Rescue Service and the police are investigating the cause of the fire.Incident Commander Senior Divisional Officer Mark Wilson said: "Firefighters arrived at the scene to a welldevelopedfire involving a range of businesses including a workshop and a coach yard."A number of cylinders were involved in the fire and crews immediately recognised the risks and called infurther fire crews and appliances."Crews moved some of the cylinders clear of the fire and did an excellent job tackling the blaze. A number ofbuildings, coaches and buses have been destroyed by the fire."Parish council to prepare Neighbourhood Plan5.22pm - 2nd May 2013MORETON, Bobbingworth and The Lavers Parish Council is to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan.Any parish or town council can prepare a Neighbourhood Plan subject to meeting certain requirements.To be found sound Neighbourhood Plans must be in compliance with the local planning authority's Local Plan.The Plans give communities an opportunity to shape the way in which their local area develops over the01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 22 of 23coming years.In particular they can be used to develop a shared vision for the local area, choose where new homes,community facilities and other forms of development should be located, identify and protect important localgreen spaces, and influence what new buildings should look like.Local planning authorities are required to consult publicly on any proposed Neighbourhood Plan Area for atleast six weeks.The proposed area for Moreton, Bobbingworth and The Lavers follows the parish boundary and it can beviewed, together with further information on neighbourhood planning, by clicking hereThe consultation starts on May 7 and will run until 5pm on June 18.Comments can be emailed to ldfconsult@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or by post to Forward Planning, Epping ForestDistrict Council, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4BZ.PICTURES: Crews tackle major blaze4.02pm - 2nd May 2013SOME 60 firefighters have been called to a major blaze on Matching Airfield.Tyres, a range of industrial buildings, a number of vehicles and acetylene cylinders are involved in the firewhich started at about midday.Twelve fire crews - from Harlow, Old Harlow, Leaden Roding, Epping, Loughton, Dunmow, Waltham Abbey,Stansted, Cheshunt and Bishop's Stortford - have been on the scene.The fire covers an area of about 50 metres by 50 metres.Water supplies have proved a problem for crews and the urban search and rescue team was called in with ahigh volume pump and hose modules with off-road capability.All members of the public and workers on the airfield have been removed from a 200m zone as crews work intwo sectors to bring the fire under control.There are no reported casualties.Pictures from the scene PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2 PICTURE 3 PICTURE 4 (Pictures: Essex County Fireand Rescue Service)Club celebrates birthdays of two members whose ages total 185 years!7.27pm - 1st May 2013THE Ongar Club for the Physically Handicapped has celebrated the birthdays of two of its members whosecombined age totals 185 years!Vera Pettet was celebrating her 95th birthday while Rev’d Eileen Wiles was congratulated on her 90th birthdaywhen the club met for its Annual General Meeting at the St James Church Hall, Marden Ash, Ongar, today(Wednesday).Rev’d Wiles, who has lived in Ongar 32 years, said: “I’ve been showered with attention and good wishes.”Mrs Pettet, who has lived in the town 34 years - and who celebrated her 95th birthday on Monday - said: “I’vehad such a lovely week and I’m so happy. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.“I’m still walking and talking and I feel fine!”Both ladies received a birthday card and flowers and members enjoyed a slice of birthday cake with their cupof tea.Rev Eileen Wiles (left) and Vera Pettet celebrated their birthdays at the last meeting of the Ongar Clubfor the Physically Handicapped click hereCharity balloon reaches Suffolk5.29pm - 1st May 2013A BALLOON which reached Suffolk after it was released in Harlow to mark Accuro’s launch of Share the Careweek has won the charity’s balloon race.Some 250 balloons were released by the Hastingwood-based charity in March when Accuro staff wereassisted by some of the children and young people of Harlow Fields School.The balloon was found by Janice Hunt in the village of Great Saxham, near Bury St Edmunds. She received agift voucher.The ‘owner’ of the balloon - Stephanie Moore - has now also been presented with a voucher.Accuro’s events co-ordinator Ruth Davies said: “Share the Care week featured various activities aimed atraising awareness and recruiting potential Shared Carers.“The balloon release was a great way to launch the week and we were delighted to hear that one of them hadbeen found in Suffolk.”Michelle Jephcott, Shared Care co-ordinator at Accuro, said: “It was a lovely sight and some of the childrenwere quite excited to see so many balloons being released at one time.”Each balloon was allocated to a pupil of the school or a child and family member supported by Accuro’sShared Care scheme.Accuro operates throughout west Essex (Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford) supporting people of all ageswith a disability and providing short breaks for their families and carers.Abbotts Travel begins new era12.37pm - 1st May 2013A LONG-established South Woodford business is looking forward to celebrating its new look.Abbotts Travel opened in 1957 and 56 years on the business, at 134 George Lane, is going from strength tostrength with a major revamp and stylish makeover.It boasts HD presentations and a warm, welcoming environment for anyone seeking to book tailor-made luxurytrips, business travel, honeymoons and family holidays from cruises and skiing to beach and city breaks.This is complemented by the launch of AbbottsTravel.com, its official website featuring exclusive offers,recommendations and detailed travel blogs from customers.The family business is run by Julian Abbott in the same street - and on the same principles as his grandfatherand father, backed by a team of seven seasoned travellers including highly experienced manager SharronRoat.Julian said: "We succeed because of personal service and because we care about details."We work with customers then we work for them. It's a world away from the cold, faceless call-centreexperience and the uncertainties of booking online. We are only ever a phone call away."He added: "We use our fantastic relationships with the best travel suppliers to get the best holidays andbelieve it's the little things that make the biggest difference."Our team has an incredible combined knowledge and first-hand experience of many destinations and thosespecial places to stay."Abbotts is a fully licensed and bonded agent and last year added the new ATOL Licence, providing greatersecurity and confidence.Julian said: "A company like ours has thrived because people seem to appreciate the extra-mile support we tryto provide."Modernising the agency and providing an informative and interactive online experience to back-up our servicewas the obvious next step."A celebratory launch evening is being held between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, May 8.For more details visit www.abbottstravel.com, ring 020 8989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.comAlabama students visit local doctors7.34am - 1st May 2013A GROUP of postgraduate health management students from Alabama, USA, have visited local GP practices01/07/2013

Everything Epping ForestPage 23 of 23during a five-day visit to the UK.West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group welcomed the students who visited various NHS and private healthproviders across the country to study the delivery of healthcare.They also visited the West Essex CCG's head office where they received presentations from representativesaround leadership, the principles of commissioning and NHS finance.Dr Kamal Bishai, vice-chairman of the West Essex CCG and GP representative for Epping Forest, said: "It wasa great opportunity for both the CCG and the students from Alabama to gain an understanding of thedifference in health care systems across two countries as well as gather examples of best practice."It also gave the CCG a chance to explain how, as a new organisation, we are looking and planning toenhance patient care across west Essex."The visiting group was made up of a variety of professionals including clinicians, health managers andadministrators.The students also visited Guy's and St. Thomas' hospitals in London and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.Animal skulls on display7.32am - 1st May 2013A COLLECTION of animal skulls was on display at the Probus Club of Epping's annual general meeting.Janet Gammage had acquired her collection in Africa from creatures which had died naturally in the wild. Itincluded rhino, camel, lion, eagle, deer and a small creature, a zorilla.The former art teacher explained show she had used the items as subjects in drawing and natural historyclasses in schools.At the AGM treasurer Jack Fowler reported a general decline in funds over the previous three years which hadnow resulted in a small increase in dining and subscription charges.Secretary Peter Francis reported that the current active membership was 60, and there is a waiting list.Eleven speakers had attended club lunches and talked about a variety of subjects ranging from Essex beers toa musical taste of the Music Hall.Social activities had included visits to Bletchley Park, Leeds Castle and shows at London theatres.President Tony Gammage spoke about how much he had enjoyed his year and thanked the committee for itshard work and support.Vice-president Edward Panter was elected president for the coming year.Also elected were secretary, Peter Francis; treasurer, Jack Fowler; dining secretary and welfare officer, JohnSpencer; committee members, Trevor Roberts (also press officer) and Tony Gammage (immediate vicepresident).Dick Leng was again appointed as examiner of the club accounts.Special thanks were accorded to David Goodwin who was retiring from the committee.The next meeting is at Lindsey Street Community Association, Frampton Road, Epping, on Wednesday, May8.Enquiries about the club should be made to secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.Solicitors sponsoring golf day7.28am - 1st May 2013LOCAL solicitors Whiskers are sponsoring the Rotary Club of Epping's St Clare Hospice golf day for thesecond successive year.Solicitor Gerry Smith, representing Whiskers, presented his company's cheque for £1,200 to Rotary clubpresident Richard Crone at Tuesday's meeting.Thirty teams are so far registered for the event which is being held at Saffron Walden Golf Club on Thursday,May 30.Organisers hope to better the £15,000 raised last year.All rights reserved © everythingeppingforest.co.uk 2008-2013 | About | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Design:5belowzero01/07/2013