Nov 11 - Everything Epping Forest

Everything Epping ForestPage 1 of 33everythingeppingforest.co.uk covers the Epping Forest district in Essex and features regularly updated news - in words and pictures - has a what's onlistings section to highlight local events, a Local Business Directory and a section which allows clubs and organisations to publicise their activities freeof chargeHome | News | Sport | Your News Views | Events - What's On Diary | Clubs - Organisations | Local Business Directory | Jobs | Food & DrinkSunday, 1 January, 2012News Archiveclick hereTell us your news...Publicise your event...Promote your business...Have your say...Buy copies of photos that appear here...email: everythingeppingforest@googlemail.comcall: David Jackman on 07710 447868What do you think? Have your say on the articles that appear on this page. Emaileverythingeppingforest@googlemail.com.Tools stolen from van3.47pm - 29th November 2011POLICE are appealing for information after various tools were stolen from a van inLoughton.The silver Renault van was parked in Warren Hill between 1.15pm and 1.35pm onWednesday November 16, when the rear door was forced.A Makita 110v diamond drill, a Makita 18v pillar drill, Makita 18v skill saw, Makita 18vreciprocating saw, Makita 18v jigsaw, Ryobi 110v compressor, Dewalt SDS drill, KANanalyser, Toshiba laptop, Makita 110v skill saw, Makita 110v angle drill, Polyline freezerkit, First Fix plaslo gun, MAC 24v SDS drill, Makita 18v SDS drill, Makita radio, Makita 18vimpact driver and various tool parts and accessories were stolen.Investigating officer PC Daniel Stevens said: "The vast majority of items stolen were heatstamped with the company details of 'SJD Mechanical Services' so should be easilyrecognisable."Anyone with any information should contact PC Stevens at Loughton Police Station on0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Bazaar supports two charities2.32pm - 29th November 2011THE St Martin's Church Christmas bazaar held in the Budworth Hall, Ongar, on Saturday01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 2 of 33raised just over £1,000.Half the money will go to the church and the other half split between two local charities.The event was a great success and once again showed the overwhelming generosity ofthe people of Ongar despite the current difficult economic times.Gill Richardson, the church's Fund-raising Co-ordinator, said: "I would like to extend a bigthank you to the fund-raising team, the shops and businesses who displayed postersadvertising the event, all the stallholders but especially everyone who came andsupported the event."The money raised will be shared between West Essex Mind and Ongar & DistrictBereavement Service.Gill added: "The warmth in the Budworth Hall could be felt when entering - the true spiritof Christmas really seemed to surround us and it was lovely to see so many happysmiling faces."Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service is a small group of trained volunteersworking in Ongar and the surrounding area who help bereaved people deal with theirloss.The charity does not charge for its services so rely on donations.For more information visit http://www.odbss.co.uk/West Essex Mind is affiliated to National Mind and works to support people affected bymental health, and the people around them, on the journey towards recovery.Believing that with the appropriate support everyone has the potential to take steps thatwill improve their quality of life, the charity aims to achieve this by providing a range ofdifferent activities and opportunities.For more information visit http://www.westessexmind.org.uk/MP's fuel tax campaign victory2.13pm - 29th November 2011HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has spoken of his delight that Chancellor George Osbornehas scrapped the Government's planned 3p fuel tax increased scheduled for January.Mr Halfon said: "I welcome the fact that this Government has listened, and scrapped the4p fuel duty bombshell that had been planned for January 2012."High petrol prices are literally adding to our dole queues, and causing a poverty trap, asHarlow people cannot afford to drive to work."According to figures from the RAC, scrapping the 4p fuel duty rise will save every Harlowmotorist £30 next year. And it will save the 37,000 motorists in Harlow a total of £1mpounds. That is £1m more being spent in Harlow shops and bills: £1 m more in thepockets of Harlow residents."More than 100 MPs supported Mr Halfon's campaign which saw an e-petition attract morethan 106,000 names - triggering a parliamentary debate on the issue earlier this month.Mr Halfon, with the FairFuelUK campaign, fought a long campaign over the fuel tax issueasking questions in Parliament, speaking at Prime Minister's Question Time and takingpart in a protest to Whitehall which ended with a letter being delivered to 10 DowningStreet.Mr Osborne, who made the announcement in his Autumn Statement to the House today(Tuesday), added that a fuel tax increased planned for next August will be limited to 3p.He told the House: "Millions (of people) use their cars to go to work, and pick up thechildren from school. It is not a luxury for most people - it is a necessity."In the Budget I cut fuel duty by one penny. The plan was for fuel duty to be 3p higher inJanuary and 5p higher by August next year. That would be tough for working families at atime like this."So despite all the constraints that are upon us, we are able to cancel the duty increaseplanned for January and for fuel duty from August to be only 3p higher than it is now."Taxes on petrol will be a full 10p lower than it would have been without our action in theBudget and this autumn."Families will save £144 on filling up the average family car by the end of next year. Inthese tough times, we are helping where we can."Quentin Willson, spokesman for FairFuelUK, said: "'This is a victory for FairFuelUK butonly a stay of execution."We've saved the UK 9p since March in proposed fuel duty rises and we are now thegatekeepers of fuel sanity for this country."We're going to carry on pressurising this government to keep duty down and reduce itsignificantly. If we don't they'll hike it up again the first chance they get."Peter Carroll, who runs FairFuelUK, said: "Adding another 3p a litre at this critical time forthe economy would have been economic madness."Petrol and diesel remain far too expensive."We will be fighting on to try and make the Government understand that the economyneeds an actual cut in fuel duty - a cut would create jobs, give people a little moredisposable income and stimulate the economy."This will mean that the Government and the Chancellor will gain, not lose, by cuttingduty."Vandals push over garden walls1.53pm - 29th November 2011POLICE are appealing for witnesses after damage was caused to garden walls in theLoughton area.Overnight last night five walls in the Chester Road, Willingale Road and Jessel Drive areawere forced over.Sgt Simon Dear said: "Intelligence reports received so far are telling us this damage mayhave been committed by local youths."If anyone has any information as to who carried out this damage, please contact us."Anyone with any information should contact officers at Loughton Police Station on 0300333 4444 extension 313333 between noon and 6pm or Crimestoppers anonymously on0800 555 111.District prepares for strikes11.46am - 29th November 2011BOTH Roding Valley High School and West Hatch High School will be closed to all pupilstomorrow as various public service unions take strike action.St John's School in Epping will be open to Year 11 students only.Debden Park High School in Loughton will be closed to Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 pupils.Students in Year 10 and Year 11 must attend as normal.In a letter to parents, Denice Halpin, head teacher of King Harold Business andEnterprise Academy in Waltham Abbey, said there would be "full provision for some Year11 students" on Wednesday with the school closed to all other students.Normal school resumes at all schools on Thursday (December 1).Epping Forest District Council is warning there is the possibility that some services maybe affected for industrial action.A spokesman said: "As far as the council is aware at the moment major frontline servicessuch as waste and recycling collections are largely unaffected."The situation will be monitored very closely throughout the day and updates will beprovided on our website should anything change."Sports and leisure centres should all be operating as normal.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 3 of 33There will be no animal welfare services, including the collection and handling of straydogs.Whilst a proportion of council employees are participating in the day, the council does notexpect that to have significant material impact on most services nor on public access toany of council buildings.People wishing to pay bills or see a member of Benefits staff should allow extra time.The cash desk in Waltham Abbey Town Hall will close at lunchtime.The area planning sub-committee south meeting due to be held at Roding Valley HighSchool will be rearranged.Careline will be operating as normal and arrangements are being made to ensure housingrepairs emergencies are covered. However the council is asking that only emergenciesare reported tomorrow.Choirs rehearse for festive concert9.50am - 29th November 2011TWO choirs from Bancroft's School are performing in a special seasonal concert in aid ofMacmillan Cancer Support.The concert, at St Mary's Church, High Road, South Woodford, is on Tuesday, December6 (7.30pm).The school's Junior Choir, made up of Year 8 pupils, together with the Bancroft's Singerswill be taking part in a festive programme including Christmas readings, soloists, favouritecarols and chances for the audience to sing along.Refreshments will be served.Admission is free but there will be a collection in aid of Macmillan.Girls run for Children in Need9.03am - 29th November 2011TWO friends at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, took it upon themselves to raisemoney for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal - by running five miles.Supported by family and friends, the Year 7 students undertook their challenge at Ashtonplaying fields, Woodford Bridge.Molly Gabriel 7AR said that when she saw the BBC programme earlier this month shedecided that she wanted to do something herself and thought of running.She asked Katie Mitchell (7SA) if she wanted to get involved too and as a keen runnerKatie was more than happy to take part.By the end of school on Friday (November 25) they had raised £105 and once family andfriends have paid their sponsorship pledges the girls should have raised over £200.At the end of the run (Sunday, November 27), Katie said: "I felt good running for charity,but it was really hard work!"Molly said: "It was an amazing experience. I'm so pleased Katie did it with me."Both girls have said they are keen to support the charity again next year.Labour selects general election candidate8.36am - 29th November 2011LABOUR Party members in Harlow have selected Suzy Stride to be the party candidatefor the next general election.Suzy said: "I'm honoured that local Labour Party members have selected me as theircandidate for Harlow because I am passionate about standing up and doing what's bestfor this community."People in Harlow have told me how worried they are about not being able to make endsmeet. "From cutting spending on the NHS to scrapping the Building Schools for theFuture programme and cutting the Sure Start budget this Tory-led Government is goingtoo far, too fast. And it's not just effecting the public services people rely on in Harlow, it'sharming the economic recovery that local people desperately need."Pensioners are seeing services cut, working people are losing their jobs and parents fearfor their children's future as youth unemployment rises."She added: "There is a better way. Labour's five-point plan for jobs will get Britain back towork and help get the deficit down. It will help struggling families, get people into workand support small businesses, helping them to grow and create jobs. Here in Harlow, weknow that would make a real difference."Bill Rammell, the former Labour MP for Harlow, said: "I am thrilled and delighted thatSuzy has been selected as our Labour candidate for Harlow."She has tremendous energy and commitment and core Labour values which Harlowneeds."She has my total support and I'm certain she will be Harlow's next MP."Students cook up tasty dishes8.12pm - 28th November 2011STUDENTS cooked up tasty meals when 'Ready Steady Cook' joined 'Masterchef' for aRotary cookery challenge at Roding Valley High School, Loughton.Young cooks in Years 7 to 10 had one-and-a-half hours to create their chosen dish fromscratch - using ingredients which cost them no more than £4.50.The cooks were judged on a range of criteria including their healthy menu choice,planning and costing, the range of skills used in preparing their dish, the neatness of theirwork area, their use of the time allowed and their presentation of the dish.The judges - teachers Simone Canavan and Louise Walker and technician Louise Smith -had difficult decisions to make after sampling each of the dishes.In the end they chose Jack Maginn, who prepared lamb kofta curry with Bombaypotatoes, as the winner.Ella Brooks, who produced two soufflés, was second and Toby Parsons, who prepared abacon and broccoli pasta dish, third.Paula Goosen, the school's head of technology, said: "The standard of the cooking wasbrilliant. I'm extremely proud of the achievements of all of the students who took part inthe competition."They achieved excellent flavours in their dishes which were all superbly presented."Jack will now go through to the area final of this year's competition..Winner Jack Maginn with his lamb kofta curry PICTURE 1 and moments earliercooking his winning dish PICTURE 2Ella Brooks with her soufflés which earned her second place PICTURE 3Toby Parsons cooking his bacon and broccoli pasta PICTURE 4 which earned himthird place PICTURE 5Antoni Novak preparing one of his pizzas PICTURE 6 and with his finished dishesPICTURE 7Luke Jones prepared Chicken Tagine PICTURE 801/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 4 of 33Andrew Merry with his finished pizzas PICTURE 9Rachel Carr with her entry PICTURE 10Vicki Hayes with her Spaghetti Bolognese PICTURE 11Miles Ahmed with his finished dish PICTURE 12Hospice appoints new chief executive12.49pm - 28th November 2011ST Clare Hospice has appointed Tanya Curry as its new chief executive.Tanya said it was "an honour" to have been appointed, adding: "My heart is in hospicecare, a passion which started when working in this sector 12 years ago."I've been working as acting CEO since the beginning of the year and therefore seen thechallenges which currently face St Clare and that we must meet in the year ahead."I'm very much looking forward to leading and working with the team, they are allexperienced and committed professionals."St Clare has always been a service built by the community for the community - truly localcare, in every sense of the phrase."She added: "For me it is about remembering our purpose whilst bringing stability to thehospice, in these uncertain times of financial pressure and the changing health economy."We have a vision of providing the quality of care delivered inside the hospice, intopatients' homes across our area. The biggest transformation in our history, a vision I amcommitted to achieving with the team, and one which I'm sure local people will want tosee happen and support."Michael Chapman, chairman of St Clare said: "St Clare Hospice has had a lot of changein recent years, now is the time for staff, volunteers, supporters to pull together more thanever before to support the growing demand from our community; for excellent services."Tanya has worked at St Clare Hospice since 2008 as Director of Patient Care.One of her first projects was developing the day therapy service which re-launched earlyin 2008 and has grown in the number of patients being supported and the range of carebeing delivered.With the support of a fantastic team Tanya managed the successful Department of Healthgrant in 2009 to refurbish and modernise the inpatient unit rooms, to enhance the healingenvironment.The project was a great success and completed in March 2010 on time and on budget.Digital TV switchover roadshow dates12.12pm - 28th November 2011THE Digital TV UK roadshow is coming to the district in January and February.By visiting the roadshow you will be able to find out when switchover is happening andthe options for going digital, learn how eligible people can get a TV converted by theSwitchover Help Scheme, see technical demonstrations (how to retune a box) and putquestions to Digital UK's specially trained advisers.Visitors can also meet Digit Al - Digital UK's iconic robot, star of BBC and commercialtelevision.The whole of the region, covering more than 12 million viewers, will have switched todigital in April next year.You can also visit the Digital UK website - http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/home - for help withgeneral questions about getting digital TV and preparing for the switchover.There is also an advice line on 08456 505050.There is extra help for older and disabled viewers from the Switchover Help Scheme.Ring free on 0800 408 7654 or visit the Switchover Help Scheme websitehttp://www.helpscheme.co.uk/The roadshow will visiting Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill (behind Waitrose) between 9amand 5pm on January 31; Brook Parade, High Road, Chigwell, between 9am and 5pm onFebruary 2; Market Square, Waltham Abbey, between 8.30am and 3pm on February 7;the Pleasance car park, High Street, Ongar, between 9am and 5pm on February 8;Sainsbury's, Old Station Road, Loughton, between 9am and 5pm on February 9; andEpping High Street on February 10 (time to be confirmed).Winning hospice lottery numbers9.10am - 28th November 2011THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow,The winning number is 794278.The winner of the £100 prize lives in Waltham Abbey. The lucky number is 504116.For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Crowds flock to Copped Hall1.48pm - 27th November 2011LONG queues built up as crowds descended on Copped Hall for its Christmas at theMansion event.Visitors had to wait for up to 15 minutes to get into the historic mansion where there wasa variety of stalls selling Christmas gifts, homemade cakes and preserves, plants andcards.Refreshments, including hot chestnuts, were served as visitors could also see the lateststages of renovation work at the mansion.Homemade cakes were among the items on sale at the Christmas at the Mansionevent PICTURE 1Long queues built up outside the mansion as visitors waited to get insidePICTURE 2Christmas fayre raises money for church1.47pm - 27th November 2011A CHRISTMAS fayre at Stapleford Abbotts Village Hall raised money for St Mary'sChurch.Homemade cakes were on sale along with various gifts.There was also a book sale and various other stalls.Kay Pearce (left) and Christine Hall on the cake stall PICTURE 1Jemma Jenes, of Elfin Edibles, with some of her homemade cake charactersPICTURE 201/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 5 of 33Ongar prepares for lights switch-on1.45pm - 27th November 2011MEMBERS of the Ongar Town Forum were out in Ongar High Street on Saturdaypromoting the town's Christmas lights switch-on this Friday.Gemma Collins, from the ITV2 series 'The Only Way is Essex' will be turning on the HighStreet's lights at 6.30pm however the festive fun begins at 5pm with a fun fair in thePleasance car park, a Santa's Grotto in the Budworth Hall and story-telling in the library.At about 5.15pm choirs from local primary schools will be performing in Manor Squareand after the switch-on there will be community carol singing with the choir from StMartin's Church.Programmes - which include a wall planner highlighting local events in 2012 - are on salepriced £1.Members of the Ongar Town Forum were in Ongar High Street on Saturday sellingprogrammes for Friday's event PICTURE 1Churches hold Christmas bazaar1.44pm - 27th November 2011STALLS selling everything from home-made cakes and chutneys to hand-made cardsand jewellery helped raise money for two charities.The churches of St Martin's, Ongar, and St Peter's, Shelley, held their Christmas bazaarat the Budworth Hall on Saturday with the money raised going to West Essex Mind andOngar & District Bereavement Support Service.There was also a raffle and bottle stall.Bertram East donned a sandwich board to help promote the event in the townPICTURE 1(left to right) Sarah Cunningham, Sally Gowing and Susan King on the cake stallPICTURE 2Diana Sewell with her homemade jams and chutneys PICTURE 3Bus driver jailed over death crash1.43pm - 27th November 2011A BUS driver has been given a six month jail sentence for killing a pedestrian in acollision in Loughton.The collision happened when an Arriva double-decker bus struck Walter Morris, 76, on azebra crossing on Church Hill at 8am on Monday, August 23 last year.He was airlifted to Queens Hospital, Romford, but Mr Morris, who was known as Wally,from Loughton, died three days later.The bus driver, Nseka Lufua, 43, of New Brent Street, London NW4, was arrested at thescene and charged in June this year with one count of causing death by careless driving.He pleaded guilty at a later hearing.On Friday (November 25) Nseka Lufua was sentenced to six months imprisonment by ajudge at Chelmsford Crown Court and was disqualified from driving for three years afterwhich he will have to take an extended driving test.Senior Investigating Officer, Inspector Scott Egerton, said: "This was a tragic andneedless death. It highlights how important it is that all road users to drive with full careand attention."Wally Morris leaves behind two children and their loss can never be reflected in anysentence. It is hoped the guilty plea and today's sentencing has gone some way to easetheir suffering."Lottery grant for Church Rooms9.10am - 27th November 2011ST Martin's Church in Ongar has been celebrating after learning that it has received a£10,000 Big Lottery Fund - Awards for All grant to refurbish the Church Rooms.The money will be used to replace the existing low-level windows and external doors withdouble-glazed units, install a unisex disabled toilet in place of the current ladies' toilet andresurface the courtyard outside.Church Rooms manager Susan King said: "We hope these changes will reduce ourheating bills, improve our current hirers' enjoyment of the Church Rooms and, hopefully,give others previously unable to use the facility a chance to do so."Praise for pavilion's "remarkable" design9.34am - 26th November 2011ARCHITECTS responsible for the Grange Farm Centre pavilion and Essex Wildlife Trust'sinterpretation centre have explained their design rationale for the new building.The facilities were officially opened by The Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edward, onWednesday.The building was designed by Buckhurst Hill-based The Tooley and Foster Partnership(TFP) who were appointed by the Grange Farm Centre Trust following a limitedarchitectural competition.TFP received unanimous planning permission for their contemporary, eco-friendlyscheme in June 2008.Their design presents a modern appearance for the multi-use facility whilst beingappropriate to the green belt, with the building taking its lead from the change in levelsand contour across the site.As a result it is partly buried in the landscape.A spokesman for The Tooley and Foster Partnership said: "The choice of materials anddetailing was made with sustainability in mind, using railway sleepers for part of theelevations, timber boarding at other points and robust panels elsewhere."The flat roof is 'green' providing habitats for wildlife, minimising the discharge of waterfrom the roof and softening its impact upon the landscape."The building also has a well-insulated fabric with solar panels and ground source heatpumps.Architecturally the form of the building follows the contours of the site, presenting a seriesof stepped planes which define the shape of the building and the rooms within.The materials used both vertically and horizontally build up a range of textures andfinishes resembling the strata of the site into which the building has been cut.Alex Pelican, chairman of the Grange Farm Centre Trust said: "It is a remarkable designthat I believe will echo down through this decade and beyond as a landmark for thefuture."The design has made the most of the slope and the building sits exactly where it doesmost for us all. The views are breathtaking."For more on the building visit The Tooley and Foster Partnership's websitewww.tooleyfoster.com01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 6 of 33The new Grange Farm Centre Trust pavilion and Essex Wildlife Trust interpretationcentre PICTURE 1 and PICTURE 2Police defend front counter closures8.29am - 26th November 2011THE decision to close the police station front counters at Ongar and Waltham Abbeypolice stations from Monday has been defended by Essex Police.A spokesman said: "At the moment some of our front counters are open at times of verylittle demand."We are also one of only two forces in our region that maintain a 24-hour opening hoursin some of our main stations, which is an inefficient use of our resources in the face ofsubstantial budget cuts."The changes will allow staff to be relocated to support other areas of Essex Police wherethere is significant operational demand, in particular the Force Information Room and theCrime Bureau."It also means police officers are not removed from their operational role to perform frontcounter duties."Essex Police says it is confident that these changes will save an estimated£2.5m from itsannual budget.The spokesman stressed that 96.6 per cent of the Essex population will be within 10km ofa police station front counter.Phones providing direct contact through to the police switchboard will be provided at allstations that previously operated on a 24-hour basis when they move to the new openinghours.Essex Police shall continue to find innovative ways of meeting the public.Its mobile police stations will be positioned in places of high demand (such assupermarkets) and Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to hold local surgeries intheir communities.Essex Police will also work with partners to find other ways of meeting the public face-toface,such as holding beat surgeries at partner bases.The spokesman added that the changes to the front counter opening times do not affectthe continued use of the police stations by Essex Police.Deputy Chief Constable Derek Benson said: "Essex Police is a 24 hour service andofficers will continue to be accessible round the clock, every day of the year, to membersof the public."We have written to partner organisations, including county, district, town and parishcouncils, to make them aware of the changes."From Monday the front counters at Epping and Loughton police stations will be open fromnoon to 6pm Monday to Saturday and will be closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.Festive music at village tea party4.33pm - 25th November 2011THE choir of Theydon Bois Primary School sang a selection of Christmas songs andcarols when they joined with local senior citizens for a Christmas tea party at the villagehall.The pupils took to the stage for a varied programme of festive music, accompanied byTrish Cole, who runs the school's choir.The tea party, organised by Theydon Bois Parish Council, also featured musicalperformances from the Singing 4 Fun choir from Epping Forest U3A and DavenantFoundation School student Melissa Wood.Senior students from Davenant Foundation School helped serve the tea.Trish Cole said: "There's a sense of community for the children coming along to sing. Thesinging is just so important for young children. It gives you a lovely sense of wellbeing."She added: "The children are very enthusiastic. They give up their lunch times to sing andpractise for Christmas. They love doing it."Theydon Bois Primary School's choir PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2 PICTURE 3Davenant Foundation School students Hannah Darling (left) and Melissa Wood withMary Fennell and Kath Funnell PICTURE 4The Singing 4 Fun choir PICTURE 5Theydon Bois parish councillors and Davenant Foundation School students servedtea to local senior citizens PICTURE 6Melissa Wood sings Silent Night PICTURE 7Students dress up for Children in Need12.39pm - 25th November 2011LITTLE Bo Peep, Superman and the Artful Dodger were at Roding Valley High Schooltoday as students and staff raised money for the BBC's Children in Need appeal.The Loughton school's fundraising efforts were delayed a week because of examcommitments last Friday but today pupils each paid £2 to be able to wear fancy dress - ortheir pyjamas - during school!Also spotted this morning were the Blues Brothers, Father Christmas, Power Rangers,and three girls dressed as pipe-smoking old English gentlemen.Who can you recognise? PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2 PICTURE 3 PICTURE 4 PICTURE5 PICTURE 6 PICTURE 7Metal thefts spark police warning9.23am - 25th November 2011POLICE are urging the public to be on guard against thieves who are causing chaos andmisery around the county by stealing metal from buildings, railways andtelecommunication systems.DCI Mark Wheeler issued the warning following an increase in thefts of lead, copper andother valuable sheet metals and cables.He said: "Metal theft is a serious and growing national problem and Essex has been badlyaffected as incidents have increased over the past few years."To date we have received 1,252 reports of metal theft across the county since the startof 2011."Stolen items range from road signs to street manhole covers, lead from the roofs ofchurches, businesses and private homes and from BT cable to power and signal cablesfrom beside railway lines through Essex."In a recent incident at Wimbish, near Saffron Walden, thieves used a vehicle to haul1,000 metres of heavy duty phone cable out from underground, dragged it into a fieldwhere it was chopped up into lengths to fit on a lorry. The loss to BT was £80,000 but thescrap value was considerably less.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 7 of 33"The theft caused widespread disruption to home telephones and broadband systems."A number of thefts of trackside cables have caused severe disruption on the mainLondon to Colchester railway line and other lines have also been affected "Cables havealso been stolen from electricity sub stations and even from overhead pylons, somecarrying 400,000 volts."We are urging the public to keep watch for suspicious activity around buildings, railwaysand in remote areas where underground communication cables might run."If you see people removing road signs, taking lead flashing from churches or otherbuildings or any thefts around railways, phone 999 immediately and try to note thenumbers of vehicles involved."Essex Police has been working closely with British Transport Police, BT investigators andother agencies such as local councils and Trading Standards to mount numerousoperations to tackle the metal thieves.In a recent operation at Harlow a van which was stopped for appearing overweight wasfound to contain two and a half tons of BT cable worth £10,000.A number of people have been arrested this year in connection with various metal theftsaround the county.On Friday, October 28, Essex police officers worked with other agencies during anationwide operation against metal crimes.During the operation 46 scrapyards were visited, 120 vehicles carrying scrap metal werestopped and checked, six vehicles were seized for various offences, 89 other offenceswere detected and one person was arrested for having an offensive weapon.One scrapyard operator is being investigated after being found to have poor bookkeepingand investigations are continuing with other matters discovered on the day.Then there was a major theft and considerable damage at South Woodham Ferrersearlier this month.Police have appealed for information after thieves caused £150,000 damage in one of theworst cases of telephone cable theft in Essex.More than 1,000 metres of cable were damaged and 300 metres stolen in the incidentwhich happened near South Woodham Ferrers at 1.30am on November 8.Hundreds of homes and businesses had their telephones and broadband services cut offfor several days until repairs were carried out.Three other incidents of theft or damage to cable have been reported in the SouthWoodham Ferrers area since August.Similar offences have been reported in Bicknacre, Great Baddow and Sandon, also sinceAugust.Many other thefts have been reported in other parts of Essex as thieves steal BT cable forits copper content.The crimes tend to happen in the early hours of the morning and are thought to involveseveral men using machinery to pull the bulky cable out of underground ducts beforecutting it in short sections using hydraulic cutters.For more about metal thefts visit the BT websitePre-school praised by inspector8.43am - 25th November 2011SCRIBBLES Pre-School in North Weald has received a 'good' rating in a recent Ofstedinspection.Ofsted inspector Susan Ennis said staff at the pre-school, based at Thorowgood House,in Vicarage Road (West), create a "very welcoming and safe environment in which allchildren thrive".Her report adds: "Planning is flexible, taking into account children's likes and dislikes,enabling them to enjoy their time at the setting and make good progress in their learningand development."The report adds that staff build trusting relationships with parents and carers and keepthem well informed about their children's development and the day-to-day running of thegroup.The report states that to further improve the early years provision the pre-school needs todevelop further the use of starting points to more efficiently assess where children are intheir development and demonstrate how their next steps of learning are incorporated intoplanning, and also develop further the use of reflective practice to ensure the views ofparents and users of the setting are regularly sought.The report highlights that there are "robust" procedures for checking that staff are suitableto do the job and there is a rolling programme of training to further increase their childcareknowledge.Staff fully understand the procedures to follow relating to safeguarding children and arealso made aware of the pre-school's strict procedures regarding social networkingwebsites.The report adds that staff work closely with the parents to ensure they understand eachchild's background, needs and beliefs.Parents are kept well informed about their children's time at the pre-school and theirdevelopment through open interaction with staff, use of home/school diaries, developmentfiles and monthly newsletters.The report states: "Staff show a genuine desire to promote the best care andopportunities for children and are committed to sustainability."The owner and staff are pro-active in listening to advise and respond positively to thefeedback given at inspection. They continuously monitor the pre-school by reflecting ontheir own practise and use the self-evaluation form as a working document to record theirprogress and plans for the future."Pre-school manager Lesley Saville said: "We are very happy with the outcome of our firstinspection which reflects the hard work and commitment the staff have put into thedevelopment of the pre-school."There is still work to do and we will continue to strive to achieve and maintain highstandards in the care of this very unique age group."Thank you to all the people, both parents and from the local community, who havehelped us over the last six months."The pre-school has recently received its Baby and Toddler Good Practise GuideCertificate from the Pre-school Learning Alliance.To read the full Ofsted report, click hereSchool Council members tour Westminster8.41am - 25th November 2011MEMBERS of the School Council at St John's Primary School, Buckhurst Hill, met EppingForest MP Eleanor Laing when they visited the Palace of Westminster.Mrs Laing met the eight members, headmaster Peter Tidmarsh and PSHE leader SusanBickford who had earlier visited the Cenotaph and been taken on an escorted tour of thePalace of Westminster, which included listening to a debate in the House of Lords.Head Boy Daniel Tennant said: "The House of Lords, including the Queen's Throne, wasvery impressive with lots of gold and red."The children also took part in a workshop which included producing and costing amanifesto as well as a mock election.Head Girl Suli Scatchard said: "I really enjoyed learning how democracy works in ourcountry."Mrs Laing spoke to the children about her parliamentary and constituency work and thenanswered questions from the children..01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 11 of 33presented to headmistress Claire Osborn.She said: "It is so important for our children to realise how fortunate they are and howraising money on a sponsored walk can make a big difference to a child's life 5,000 milesaway."Revised police station opening timesRoyal day for district10.28am - 23rd November 2011REVISED opening times for the front counters at local police stations come into effect onMonday (November 28).The front counter at Ongar and Waltham Abbey police stations will be closed to thepublic.The Epping Police Station and Loughton Police Station front counters will be openbetween noon and 6pm Monday to Saturday and will be closed on Sundays and BankHolidays.9.03am - 23rd November 2011THE Earl of Wessex. HRH Prince Edward, is visiting Ongar and Chigwell today.He will be officially opening the new Zinc Arts Centre and accommodation at Great Stony,High Street, Ongar, and will also be at the Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell, where he willofficially open the Grange Farm Centre Pavilion, Essex Wildlife Trust's interpretationcentre and the Chigwell Meadows.Everything Epping Forest will be providing full coverage of the visit.Charity ball supports two hospices3.19pm - 22nd November 2011A RAT Pack themed ball has raised £44,000 for two local charities - St Clare Hospice,Hastingwood, and Isabel Hospice (East Herts).The event was Daniel Robinson & Sons' eighth annual charity ball. Since 1994, DanielRobinson has raised over £500,000 for charity.The ball started with a champagne reception which was followed by a three course meal,live Rat Pack crooners and a band, table entertainment and lively activities.Gary Neill, managing director of Daniel Robinson & Sons, said: "Once again the eveningwas a fantastic success."I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who supported the ball and to allthose who attended the evening for their generosity in helping us achieve this staggeringtotal for the two hospices. This really will make a difference to our community."Marie Davies, director of fundraising for St Clare, said: "All at St Clare are so grateful toGary Neill and his team for their amazing effort in putting together a great night ofentertainment and fundraising."We rely more than ever before on the generosity of local people, to continue to providecare and support."It certainly was a night to be remembered, with entertainers, impersonators and anunbelievable auction helping to raise a staggering amount, which will be used to improvethe lives of our patients and their families."Council appoints new town clerk3.07pm - 22nd November 2011A CURRENT deputy town council clerk from Hertfordshire has been appointed as thenew Epping town clerk.Ash Tadjrishi has been appointed clerk designate and will replace Bob Whittome as clerkbefore May 2012.Mr Tadjrishi currently serves as deputy clerk with Elstree and Borehamwood TownCouncil where he started as events' manager.He has also worked on events' management with the University of Hertfordshire.Mr Tadjrishi has family connections in this part of Essex and intends to move into theEpping area with his wife and young daughter as soon as that can be arranged.He said: "It's a real privilege to be asked to take on the responsibility of town clerk nextyear."Epping has a long and interesting history and I want residents to continue to haveconfidence in the services we provide in the future as being of the highest calibre."Children plant daffodil bulbs3.05pm - 22nd November 2011SOME 1,600 daffodil bulbs have been planted in North Weald, with the help of localchildren.A number of suggested planting locations were agreed by the parish council'senvironmental committee and the council was keen to involve the community, especiallychildren and asked for volunteers to help with the planting.Danielle Fry, housing officer from Home Group - who works closely with some of the newfamilies at Blenheim Way - said she would welcome the opportunity to involve some ofthe local youngsters in a community project which would benefit their surroundings, andshe had at least 15 children already expressing they would like to take part.The Blenheim Way planting took place with the help of two of the council's mostenthusiastic allotment gardeners, Tony Woods and Mac Montgomery from the parishcouncil's Thornwood allotments.North Weald Bassett Parish Council clerk Sue DeLuca said: "We were also delighted tohear from both the North Weald Beavers and Cubs groups, both of which felt this offereda great opportunity for their groups to get involved and help their community."The Beavers worked on the grass area by the corner of Dukes Close just after dark onThursday, November 17, with the Cubs meeting later in the evening to plant at the VillageGreen, North Weald."Once again, they were joined by some very green fingered councillors, includingcouncillors Godwin-Brown, McCormack, Grigg, Stallan, Mulliner and Bedford."Both events were a great success, one which hopefully we will all the benefit of in thespring next year."Possible BBC date for 'Lady Macbeth'6.04pm - 21st November 2011A STUDENT at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, is waiting to hear whether she will bechosen to appear in a new BBC programme.Ella Sabine was one of three pupils from the High Road school – along with Oscar Potterand Matthew Wallace - who attended one of the nine regional heats of the BBC’s ‘Off ByHeart Shakespeare’ programme.Of the 18 monologues chosen by the BBC, Oscar opted for Shylock, from Merchant ofVenice - “…to bait fish withall…” while Matthew chose Brutus, from Julius Caesar - “01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 12 of 33Romans, countrymen, lovers…..”Ella favoured Lady Macbeth from Macbeth - “ The raven himself is hoarse…”Ella’s performance captivated the panel who commented on her quality of stillness andmenace.Sue Pavelkova, the school’s Head of Performing Arts, said: “She was so thrilled andgenuinely surprised that she was chosen. We are all delighted for Ella and wish her all thebest.“We now wait with baited breath and fingers crossed that she will be selected to appearon the television programme in January.”Sue added: “If Ella is successful she will have the opportunity to work with members ofthe Royal Shakespeare Company whilst being filmed.”The students joined in a series of workshops exploring Shakespeare's language beforeperforming their audition speeches in front of the judging panel.More than 100 students from other schools were also taking part.Only nine students nationwide will be chosen for the televised stage of the competitionfrom the 1,500 who auditioned.Sue added: “We are all so proud of the hard work and commitment put into theirperformances by Ella, Oscar and Matthew. They are truly a credit to West Hatch.”New role for NHS West Essex chairman5.04pm - 21st November 2011New-look board for PCTNHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias OBE has been appointed the new chairman ofSouthend University Hospital.He will take up his new position on Thursday, December 1, following the retirement ofJohn Bruce.Mr Tobias said: "I am only too well aware of the challenges facing the country as a whole,and the NHS in particular, so it won’t be easy. But I am greatly looking forward to takingthe organisation forward."I would like to think that, with my previous experience in different roles, I will be able toadd value to the work of the hospital.”5.02pm - 21st November 2011A NEW team of non-executive directors has been appointed to the single Board for thenorth Essex PCT cluster.The new Board, a reduction from three boards to one, will be chaired by Chris Paveleyfrom December 1 until March 31, when new organisations are likely to replace PCTs, ifNHS reforms are approved by Parliament.The non-executive director appointments are Alan Hubbard, previously vice-chairman ofMid Essex PCT; Pam Donnelly, Tim Young and Jerry Wedge, non-executive directorsfrom the North East Essex PCT Board; and Qadir Bakhsh, Renata Drinkwater andStephen King, non-executive directors from the West Essex PCT Board.Mr Wedge will be chairman of the Audit Committee.The single Board will govern three statutory PCTs as one organisation, reduced in sizefrom the previous three.By joining forces, the three PCTs (Mid Essex PCT, North East Essex PCT and WestEssex PCT) are able to make the most of their combined resources and will reducerunning costs by more than £10m over the next two years.While managing the transition to new NHS organisations in 2013, the PCT cluster Boardwill be responsible for the service and financial performance of the local NHS andoversee health plans to transform services for patients.NHS North Essex chairman Chris Paveley said: “I am extremely grateful to all of the nonexecutivedirectors who have served as public representatives on the three PCT Boards."They have kept a firm grip on the business and represented the best interests of patientsand public."We will be sorry to say farewell to those who will be leaving at the end of this month.“I would particularly like to thank my two chairman colleagues, David Barron who haschaired NHS Mid Essex and Alan Tobias who chaired NHS West Essex."We have worked extremely well together since the start of the PCT cluster a year ago. Iwish them well as they move on to new challenges.“With the range of skills and experience among the new board members, we continue tohave a strong team, and I look forward to some great achievements from our partnershipwith staff and local people.”Pupils receive prestigious scholarships4.59pm - 21st November 2011Two trapped in road crashTHREE Bancroft's School pupils have been awarded prestigious Arkwright Scholarships.Charles Blake and Nicholas Slack received their awards for their outstanding work indesign, engineering and technology at a ceremony held at the Institution of Engineeringand Technology, Savoy Place, London.Oliver Hague was unable to attend the ceremony.The scholarships support young people who show the potential to be industry’s futureleaders in engineering and design, during their sixth form studies.Charles’ scholarship is sponsored by BT, Oliver’s by the Technology Partnership Group.Charles and Nicholas were presented with their scholarships by Carol Burke, managingdirector of Unipart Manufacturing Group.Scholars are selected following a rigorous selection process comprising a detailedapplication form, a two-hour aptitude paper and an interview.During interview, Charles, Oliver and Nicholas presented their GCSE project work to apanel of interviewers and discussed their commitment to design, engineering andtechnology.Dr Martin Thomas, the national director of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “Thisyear Arkwright awarded 298 scholarships, our largest ever amount."The increasing support that Arkwright receives from sponsors is a testament to theimportance of the scholarships in these times of economic difficulty."Arkwright identifies the future stars who will help pull this country out of difficulty in thecoming years, as leaders in engineering or related areas of design."All of our new scholars have absolutely phenomenal potential for the future and it’s greatto see that this area of the country is producing students of the quality I saw at theAwards Day.”Charles, Oliver and Nicholas will also carry the status of ‘Arkwright Scholar’ intouniversity.The school’s design and technology department receives £200 per year for the next twoyears.Scholarships are sponsored by individual engineers, industrial companies, professionalinstitutions, charitable trusts, trade associations and the services.8.05am - 20th November 2011TWO people have been cut free following a two-vehicle crash at High Beech.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 13 of 33Firefighters spent about 45 minutes working to release a man and a woman after thecollision in Mott Street which happened at about 7.20am yesterday.The injured were left in the care of the ambulance service.Winning hospice lottery numbers5.16pm - 19th November 2011THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Epping.The winning number is 182423.The winner of the £100 second prize lives in Nazeing. The winning number is 257602.For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Council agrees precept increase7.42am - 18th November 2011A BUDGET increase which includes sufficient money for a range of projects to be carriedout has been agreed by Ongar Town Council.A six per cent precept increase (Band D properties) to the council's revenue budget - £4for the 2012-13 financial year (8p a week) - had been proposed however the council saida total increase of £8.84 (17p per week) was needed if a 'wish list' of projects was to beachieved.Last night's meeting agreed to the higher increase.The planned projects include the upgrading of the CCTV system, replacing surfaces andequipment at the town council's three play areas (Love Lane, Cerizay Garden andGreensted Road) and creating an Olympic outdoor fitness park (outdoor gym) to be alegacy to the London 2012 Games.The council will also make a contribution towards the cost of the town's Queen's Jubileecelebrations.Further tests planned for lorry park7.40am - 18th November 2011FURTHER tests will be carried out on the Ongar lorry park site on Monday before thetown council decides whether or not to purchase the site from the county council.Following a 'walkover survey' of the Greensted Road site, eight soil samples from varyingdepths will be taken to establish levels of any contamination.A children's play area is one possible use for part of the site should it come under towncouncil ownership..Probus club given cardiac care talk7.38am - 18th November 2011THIRTY-three members attended the September luncheon meeting of Epping ProbusClub when the guest speaker was Dr Sandy Gupta, consultant cardiologist at WhippsCross and St Bartholomew's University Hospitals.He spoke about cardiac heath and care and the prevention of heart disease - the numberone killer in the UK with a death from this disease occurring every five minutes with ninedeaths daily in London.Dr Gupta said problems arise when the coronary arteries to the heart become furred upand blocked.This problem increases with age and other factors are diabetes, high blood pressure, highcholesterol, and genetic influences.The disease has few minor or early symptoms and is known as the silent killer. Tobaccosmoking is a major risk factor and it has been estimated that one cigarette reduces lifeexpectancy by 11 minutes.The risk of heart disease developing is reduced by half after one year of non-smoking andafter nine years, a non-smoker carries the same risk as a lifetime non-smoker.For information about the club, ring secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.Invitation to talented youngsters7.36am - 18th November 2011TALENTED sportsmen and women, artists and musician, aged 13-25 and who live in thedistrict, can apply to the Epping Forest District Council Arts and Sports AwardProgramme.The awards, from £500 to £1,500 for the overall winners, are for young people in thedistrict who are able to demonstrate an outstanding talent in their sport or arts activity.For local young artists, this talent could include reaching Grade 8 in classical music orjazz, pursuing drama, art, contemporary music and other art forms at a higher educationallevel or receiving public or professional recognition of their work.For sports people this could include competing for Essex, the east region or at nationallevel in their chosen nationally-recognised sport.The aim of the awards programme is to recognise local talent and to assist young peopleto develop further their ability in their chosen field by providing funding support towardsspecialist equipment, competition and event fees, travel and accommodation costs andextra tuition or higher level coaching fees.The deadline for applications is December 1.To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 13 and 25 and live in the district (or if atcollege or university, then returning home to Epping Forest district during the holidays).Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview in January.To receive an application form and further details,emailcsreception@eppingforestdc.gov.uk including your name and postal address.Details will also be available on the council website - www.eppingforestdc.gov.ukIf you would like to talk to a member of staff before submitting an application, ring artsofficer Felicity Hall on 01992 564553 or assistant sports officer James Carstairs on 01992564567.County role for town councillor6.36pm - 17th November 2011ONGAR town councillor Sheila Jackman has been elected chairman of the EssexAssociation of Local Councils.Mrs Jackman, who is serving a second term on Ongar Town Council and is also chairmanof the Epping Forest branch of the Local Councils Liaison Committee, was elected by theexecutive committee at a meeting in Dunmow this afternoon.She takes over the chain of office from Billericay councillor John Buchanan who waselected a vice-chairman along with West Bergholt councillor John Gili-Ross.Mrs Jackman said: "I am committed to promoting the parish and town council sectorssince we are the voice of the people and we deserve to be heard and have our viewstaken into account."01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 14 of 33Fancy dinner with TOWIE stars?3.04pm - 17th November 2011IT is an auction prize that fans of the ITV2 series 'The Only Way is Essex' could onlydream about - until now!Guests who attend a star-studded fundraising event being held to raise money for studentand community sports facilities at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, will be able to bidfor a dinner date with TOWIE stars - the former West Hatch High School pupil Joey Essexas well as Lydia Bright and her mother.The trio have offered dinner to the highest bidder - with the meal cooked by Lydia'smother in her Chigwell home.A host of celebrities are supporting the night with X-Factor singer John Wilding - a formerpupil of West Hatch High School - set to perform on the night, and auction his trademarkbowler hat.Other auction prizes include a week at a Florida villa near Disney World, two nights allexpenses paid at a Grange Hotel of the successful bidder's choice and tea the House ofCommons with Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.A signed Tottenham Hotspur football, signed Leyton Orient shirt and family membershipof Top Golf will be among the raffle prizes.Money raised from the black tie event being held at the St Paul's Grange Hotel, in the Cityof London, on Saturday, January 21 (7pm-1am) will go towards the cost of new studentand community sports facilities at West Hatch.Head teacher Frances Howarth said: "Our current provision for sport and physical fitnesshas not been upgraded since the school was opened in 1957."We are in desperate need of a sports centre and dance studio. Both PE and Dance arevery strong at the school and would make great use of such a facility."Mrs Howarth added: "West Hatch currently has over 1,000 community users of the schoolsite and its facilities on a weekly basis."This project would allow us to extend this still further by encouraging local sports teamsand dance groups as well as the public to use it, enhancing local provision."Special guest at the evening will be former West Ham United and Charlton Athleticmanager Alan Curbishley.The evening will be compered by radio DJ David Jensen and feature classicalsaxophonist Tyler Rix.Also supporting the event is Olympic gold medallist and former West Hatch High Schoolpupil Sally Gunnell.Various ticket packages are available:Gold - a table for ten guests plus a celebrity (£1,500).Silver -a table for ten guests (£1,000).Bronze - individual tickets £90 (£160 for a couple).All packages include a cocktail reception, three course meal with wine, entertainment,cabaret, dancing and disco.There will also be a raffle, silent auction and live auction.For tickets and more information, contact Caroline Haines, Marketing and DevelopmentDirector, Finance Office, West Hatch High School, High Road, Chigwell; emailchaines@westhatch.essex.sch.ukGuests must be over 18, or accompanied by someone over 18 if they are over 16.Students attend entrepreneur masterclass2.30pm - 17th November 2011STUDENTS at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, picked up tips on how to become asuccessful entrepreneur when they attended a special Masterclass.Year 12 students on the Business, Applied Business course and Business A-level groupsattended the full-day workshop run by Education Enterprise, on entrepreneurship andbusiness plans.The morning started with various team building exercises before the students listened to atalk from Rob Ellice, of Collier Hillyer, about what it takes to become a successfulentrepreneur.Mr Ellice enjoyed his hour with the students commenting on how he had found the timespent on a one-to-one basis answering their pertinent questions quite stimulating.The school's careers co-ordinator, Sara Gabriel, said: "All students engaged with the dayand presented their business plans to each other in a professional manner."The presenters from Education Enterprise praised all the students on their commitmentto the day and how smart they all were."Various awards were presented at the end of the day:Best contributors to the day - Harry Hewitt-Chick, Jessie Creatini and Sicelo Simela.Best presenters - Adam Birch and Ruari Ballentine.Best Presentation/Business plan - 'PalmerDon' Enterprise (Billy Allnut, GeorginaGalley, Harrison Praill and Brandon Ritchie.The school's Head of Business, Neil Cunningham, said: "The day was a huge successand was of real value to the students, to both their current studies and their future."Santa run to raise money for hospice2.08pm - 17th November 2011ST Clare Hospice is holding its festive Santa Fun Run in Harlow Town Park on Sunday,December 11 (11am).Last year some 200 Santas took part in the event raising £7,300.Runners dressed in their Santa outfits follow a 4km route around the park.Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome.Should £10,000 be raised this year it would be sufficient money to fund the hospice'sentire in-patient unit for 57 hours over the festive period.Children receive a free Santa hat when they sign up and adults get a full Santa suit.There will be pre-start stalls, refreshments and entertainment including a festive warm-up.All Santas need to register before the event adults £15 (£5 for children aged under 15).To register visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/santa.html, ring 01279 773750 or emailfund@stclarehospice.org.ukEvent to mark Domestic Abuse Week2.05pm - 17th November 2011AN event is being held in Loughton to help mark Domestic Abuse Week.Shop premises - formerly '2nd Trend' - at 68 The Broadway, Debden, will be openbetween 9.30am and 4pm on Wednesday, November 23.The aim is to raise awareness within the community about domestic abuse and its impacton families, children and young people.The family and child friendly event has been arranged in partnership with members of thedomestic abuse forum.All agencies involved are working in the field with victims, children and perpetrators.True Stars, the children's centre in Chigwell, is offering activities and face painting forchildren while their mums, other relatives or friends can chat through any domestic orrelationship concerns.Other agencies represented will be Women's Aid, Safer Places, Epping Forest District01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 16 of 33Children raise money for charity1.17pm - 16th November 2011CHILDREN at Normanhurst School, North Chingford, have raised £1,119 for the StarlightChildren's Charity which grants wishes for seriously ill children.The money was raised when the pupils took part in a sponsored walk, held a cake saleand held a non-uniform day.Jo Castleton, a representative from the Starlight Foundation, attended a special assemblywhich was led by head girl Isobel Barry.The assembly heard how children benefit from visits by magicians and face painters, atouring pantomime, extra toys and games and special wishes granted by the charity suchas going to meet Manchester United footballers or going on a shopping trip with GokWan.All these were made possible by donations and fundraising from many people, andschools in particular.Normanhurst School is a keen supporter of charities and arranges a number of eventseach year.The school's charities co-ordinator, Judith Reeve, said: " It is really good for our pupils tohear first-hand how their efforts at fundraising go towards making life a little better forother children who are not as fortunate."Accreditation for mental health unit1.14pm - 16th November 2011THE Mental Health Unit at St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, has been accredited as aPractice Development Unit (PDU) by Bournemouth University.This means the hospital met or exceeded all the requirements for a Practice DevelopmentUnit.The unit, which is run by North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, specialises intreating older adults who are affected with dementia and other mental health conditionsand student doctors and nurses regularly undertake placements there.The accreditation means that after an evaluation of services, the result show thatfeedback and suggestions from service users, carers and staff contribute to thedevelopment and improvement of services.Specialist Dementia Nurse Lean Lee said: "The examiners from Bournemouth Universitywere very impressed with our work and the high quality of care we provide for our patientsand carers."They were particularly impressed that all staff members were very much involved in theprojects."North Essex Partnership chjef executive Andrew Geldard said: "This is excellent news forpatients and their families ."A Practice Development Unit means we are going to the next level, developing expertisein new skills, but also delivered with compassion and it's good to have someone tell usso."The accreditation recognises the dedication and hard work of our staff."Town planning "great party" next summer9.25pm - 15th November 2011A RANGE of events are being proposed to help Loughton celebrate the London 2012Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee next summer.As well as bunting along Loughton High Road and The Broadway, Loughton TownCouncil is planning red, white and blue floral displays and a competition for the bestJubilee-themed shop window display.To help celebrate the Jubilee, a beacon is set to be lit.Various local organisations were represented at a meeting held at the Loughton TownCouncil offices this evening.Among those present were Churches Together in Loughton, East 15 Acting School,Loughton Athletics Club, Loughton and District Amateur Radio Society, Loughton ArtsCentre and Ignite.Deputy mayor Stephen Pewsey, who is also chairman of the town council's environmentand heritage committee, said: "The Olympic Games is literally 15-20 minutes away - it'sright on our doorstep."We are, in effect, the Gateway to the Games - that's the slogan we are going to use."We all like a party and a chance to put up some red, white and blue bunting and that'swhat happened this year for the Royal Wedding."While visitors to the Olympics will be spending time seeing the sights in London it ishoped they will also look slightly further afield, into the Epping Forest district, during theirstay.Mr Pewsey said: "People can come to the forest, come to love it and come along moreoften."He added: "The Loughton part of the council tax has not gone up for some years - wehave kept the precept increase to zero because we are aware that lots of people inLoughton are struggling."It (what is being proposed) is not a party to end all parties but we think we can put on agreat party for the town and anyone who wants to visit us."The Love Loughton event, which attracted several thousand people this year, will be heldagain, and it is hoped Debden Day or similar event will be held for The Broadway,Debden.A further meeting to discuss plans for events in the town will be held early in the newyear.Crews tackle container blaze9.22pm - 15th November 2011THREE fire crews have spent more than two hours tackling a blaze in a metal containerfill of cardboard in Epping.Firefighters from Epping and Loughton were called to Bury Lane at 5pm.A water relay was used to get water to the scene and police were called to monitor trafficin the area.LPG cylinders were involved in the fire and these were cooled by crews.Register for school's media service6.03pm - 15th November 2011THEYDON Bois Primary School now has an email media service to keep people informedabout its news and events.Anyone can register to receive its media releases to keep them up-to-date with theschool's achievements in the classroom and in the community.Head teacher Elspeth Bonds said: "So much good news is being created at Theydon BoisPrimary School thanks to the hard work of the staff and our pupils."Because of this we are keen to highlight what we are doing."We hope that many of our parents, their friends and families as well as villagers and01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 17 of 33businesses in and around Theydon Bois will register to receive our updates."The service - provided by Everything Epping Forest - is available free of charge tosubscribers who can ask to have their email address removed at any time.No email addresses are passed to a third party.To register to receive the school's media releases simply send an email with 'subscribe' inthe subject line to theydonboisprimaryschoolmedia@gmail.comInjured goalkeeper has "limited mobility"5.02pm - 15th November 2011THE non-league footballer seriously injured during a fight outside a nightspot has beeninterviewed by police as investigations into the incident continue.Billericay Town goalkeeper Nicky Morgan, who lives in Loughton, has been left withlimited mobility following the fight outside the back of the Sugar Hut in William HunterWay, Brentwood, at about 2.30am on October 28.He remains in Queens Hospital, Romford, awaiting a referral to a specialist rehabilitationunit.Police have identified a number of people who were involved in the incident but one manis still outstanding and officers need to interview him to get his statement and explanationfor the fight.The man was wearing a white T-shirt and became involved in the incident where puncheswere thrown before the two men fell to the ground and the victim sustained a head injury.Police urge him to contact them at Harlow Serious Crime team on 101, or 0300 333 4444.Students support South Africa projects12.58pm - 15th November 2011STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School are supporting the Little Lambs charity.Year 7 form group 7W and their form tutor Paula Goosen are collecting money for thecharity which is committed to reducing child poverty and chronic hunger and developinghope in the hearts of the children in Cape Town, South Africa.The charity distributes essential products to outreach projects to vulnerable babies andchildren.The projects in Cape Town are supporting a safehouse and disabled centre in the city,delivering baby packs to hospitals and clinics, providing blankets and essential productsfor destitute families with small children and helping create jobs.Pupils have held various events, including a sponsored run, cake sale, penny collection,jewellery sale and a sponsored silence.Now the students are planning an assembly to raise awareness of the charity and all theevents they are currently involved with.Head teacher Paul Banks said: "Part of the work we do at Roding Valley is devoted toworking with our students to give them an understanding of the challenges that somepeople face across the world."We encourage them to be actively involved in raising money or devoting their time tohelp others less fortunate than themselves."I am delighted that 7W, along with their form tutor, have taken such an active role insupporting Little Lambs."MP praises village festive market idea12.58pm - 15th November 2011EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing says a first Theydon Bois Christmas Market organisedby the parish council promises to be "a marvellous community occasion".Theydon Bois Parish Council is holding the event between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday,December 1.There will be various attractions, including a Santa's Grotto.Mrs Laing said: "Theydon Bois Parish Council is to be congratulated on organising such agreat event."She added: "I am sure that villagers and shopkeepers alike will all come together for theevent which promises to be a marvellous community occasion."I really hope that the evening will be such a success that the Christmas Market becomesa regular fixture in the village's festive calendar.".Register early for hospice run12.58pm - 15th November 2011REGISTRATION is now open for the St Clare Hospice 10k run next April.The 10k road race, on Sunday, April 1 next year, starts and finishes at the hospice inHastingwood. The race is affiliated with UK Athletics.There are medals for all finishers and a barbecue, refreshments and entertainment forspectators.There will also be a prize giving ceremony for the fastest runners. Entrants must be aged15 years or over.Entry costs £12 (£10 for affiliated runners). You can register on the day for an additional£3.Register online at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/10krun.html or ring 01279 773750 for anentry form.MP seeks council tax discount for servicemen8.35am - 15th November 2011HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is urging the Government to make it easier for localauthorities to give council tax discounts to servicemen returning from duty.Mr Halfon raised the issue in a parliamentary debate yesterday (Tuesday) when he askeda question of Andrew Robathan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry ofDefence.Mr Halfon asked whether the Government would consider introducing legislation to allowcouncils to give council tax discounts to servicemen returning from duty.He added: "At the moment, although that is possible, it is very difficult for them to do so."The Government's response was encouraging.Mr Robathan said: "It is within the powers of any local authority to give a discount oncouncil tax, should it wish to do so."I would welcome that if it improves the lot of our service personnel returning fromoperations."Last December Mr Halfon called on the Government to introduce legislation that wouldallow councils to discount council tax to Special Constables.Mr Halfon said such a move would be a boost to the Special Constabulary.He said: "This would act as an incentive and would give something back to thoseSpecials who do so much to give their efforts to communities."Two jailed over road crash death01/01/20125.17pm - 14th November 2011

Everything Epping ForestPage 18 of 33THE wife of a man killed in a road crash at Stapleford Tawney which led to a landmarkconviction for Essex Police has said she will find it difficult to forgive the couple whocaused his death.The collision happened on the A113 Ongar Road when a Ford Puma struck a pedalcyclist on shortly after 7pm on Sunday, June 13 last year.The cyclist, Steven Rodway, 38, a vehicle assessor, from Hutton, was certified dead atthe scene.Two people were arrested at the scene.In September this year the driver of the Ford Puma, engineer Alex Dexter, 23, ofTorrington Gardens, Loughton, pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by carelessdriving, one count of causing death while uninsured and one count of causing deathwithout having a driving licence.Last month bar steward Lauren Mellish, 22, from Orchard Lane, Pilgrims Hatch, who wasthe passenger in the Ford Puma and owned the vehicle, pleaded guilty to aiding andabetting Dexter who caused the death of Steven Rodway while driving without insurance.Police believe this is the first time a person has been convicted of aiding and abetting adriver who caused the death of another while driving without insurance.The two had previously been partners.At Chelmsford Crown Court today (November 14) Dexter was jailed for 15 months whileLauren Mellish was jailed for six months.Outside court, Steven's wife, Marrissa Rodway, 35, said: "Alex Dexter and Lauren Mellishhave turned our lives upside down and I know I will find it hard to forgive them for theheartache they have caused our family."Senior Investigating Officer Inspector Keith Whiting, said: "Alex Dexter drove the carwithout a licence or insurance and with the full knowledge of the owner, his then girlfriend,Lauren Mellish."They showed a disregard for people's safety with their actions resulting in the death ofSteven who was simply out riding his bike on a Sunday afternoon."They have taken the life of a young man who was a loving father and husband. They gotout of the car and made up a story to cover themselves, without offering Steven anyassistance."He added: "I have never known such callous actions at the scene of a fatal collision. Iwould like to thank Marrissa and the rest of Steven's family for the support they havegiven the investigation team."My officers have completed a meticulous investigation resulting in the first prosecution ofthis kind nationally. I hope this prosecution sends a strong message to anyone who lendstheir car to someone unlawfully."In a statement, Marrissa Rodway, added: "If I summed up Steven in three words it wouldbe: loving, proud and hardworking; while his friends would say: reliable, the organiser andthe joker."As a father, Steven doted on his girls. It came natural for him to take care, love andtease them from day one of their lives. Being parents and running our home was done bySteven and me very much as a team."Steven and I shared a love of life which has rubbed off in our children. Skiing andimproving our home were Stevens's main passions other than his family."When I met him, I wasn't into skiing. It was too cold for me I thought, but very soon hetalked me round to loving it too; he could talk anyone round to his way of thinking."Another example of this is when we brought our family home, the agents told us theelderly lady living in it would not let anyone view it, Steven knew I loved the house sincechildhood and knocked on the lady's door and soon we were offered in for a cup of tea."Now each day I worry for my girls feelings; how this has affected them and what effectsthey are going through which I don't know of. Erica, who is now aged two, does not knowwhat a daddy is and calls men of whom she doesn't know their name 'daddy' becauseshe sees her friends doing so, but to the right person."Harriett, who is now six, frequently reminisces of the many things Steven used to do withher, making pancakes and boiled eggs on a Sunday morning, secret sign language for 'Ilove you' and flipping her over with ease."She has had many hurdles to overcome in the first year without her daddy: Her birthday,Father's Day, school and family holidays to name a few. "He would do anything foranyone; close family, friends, work colleagues or just a passing person who needed helpor advice."Virtually everywhere we went he would see someone he knew to say 'hello' to orsometimes more as he did like to have a chat."His close friends have told me many funny stories of him in his earlier days and I knowthere are many more to hear. Steven always had a witty comment to say and he knew theanswers."He would have celebrated his 40th birthday this year which he would have celebratedwith all those he knew, but sadly he never got there as he was taken from us by twopeople who choose to break the law by travelling in a car unlawfully."For me, I live for my children now. Of course I am lonely and it doesn't matter how manypeople I have around me I'm still lonely without Steven. As corny as it sounds, Stevenwas my soul partner."We always shared time together, when we were not at work, visiting family and friends orjust in the house with the girls relaxing or while one was improving the home the otherwas always around; I miss that partnership."What he lacked in I complimented and vice versa for me. I miss that look and smile andeverything else that came with Steven Rodway."Harriett, Erica and I are very lucky to have close family and many friends that have beenrocks around us to help. In this case it's very true; without them it would have been verydifficult."Both Dexter and Mellish were disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to takeextended driving tests before reapplying for their licences.Pupils make their own poppy wreaths3.52pm - 14th November 2011PUPILS at Theydon Bois Primary School made their own poppy wreaths and took part ina special Remembrance Day service.All 308 pupils at the Orchard Drive school were involved in Friday's service whichincluded the hymn 'I Vow To Thee My Country', the two-minute silence, The Last Post,Revielle, a prayer and the National Anthem.During the service pupil representatives laid their specially-made wreaths at the flagpoleoutside the school's reception.Head teacher Elspeth Bonds said: "Every year we do our own Armistice Service. Wehave already gone through with the children the symbolism of the poppy and theceremony which helps them understand the meaning behind the service and the period ofRemembrance, why we have the two-minute silence and what the Armistice is all about."Each of the school's 11 classes made a poppy wreath which was laid outside the school.Poppy seeds from Flanders were scattered during the short ceremony.Four children have a parent currently serving overseas.Year 6 pupil Lauren Tebbutt, ten, whose father is currently in Afghanistan, said: "I learntthe meaning of Armistice Day and why we have it, and why it is on the 11th day of the11th month at 11 o'clock."She added: "These people fought for our country when the war was on and they tried tosave lives, and that is what they are doing now."They sacrificed their lives for us."01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 19 of 33Pupil representatives with Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, the school's sitemanager Steve Bristow and School Council co-ordinator louise Eldridge click herePolice target drivers in Nazeing3.52pm - 14th November 2011SEVENTY-eight drivers were given fixed penalty notices for a range of motoring offencesduring a road safety operation in Nazeing.Road policing officers and road safety officers from Essex County Council took part in theday-long operation on Thursday, November 10.Most of the offences were speeding, driving while using a mobile telephone and failing towear seatbelts.One driver was banned from the road for having three defective tyres and a moped wasseized from a rider who had no insurance.Another moped rider was given a fixed penalty notice in the morning after being stoppedfor having an illegal number plate and stopped again in the afternoon for the sameoffence. On the second occasion he had the moped seized and will be prosecuted.PC Duncan Stableford, who organised the operation, said: "We were contacted byresidents of Nazeing and members of the local Neighbourhood Action panel who wereconcerned about the poor standard of driving by local motorists or people travellingthrough the village."The safety checks were carried out in Nazeing Road near the shops and we found thatthe majority of offenders were speeding or driving while using mobiles."All the drivers who were stopped were offered the chance of talking with road safetyofficers for advice on improving their driving and the vast majority of people did attend thetraining sessions."Numerous residents thanked us for our efforts and we will be carrying out furtheroperations in the area soon."Four held over violent disorder10.09am - 14th November 2011FOUR people - including two schoolboys - have been arrested on suspicion of violentdisorder after an incident in Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill.The incident happened on August 8 during the time of violent disorder in London andelsewhere.A large group of youths was reported, some of whom were throwing missiles at passingvehicles.At just before 7.30pm a police car was damaged by youths throwing stones or similar.Those arrested are a 19 year old man from Leyton, east London; an 18-year-old manfrom Loughton; a 14-year-old boy from Loughton, and a 13-year-old boy from BuckhurstHill.Inspector Tom Simons, from the Loughton neighbourhood police team, said: "Policeofficers treated this incident very seriously, particularly in the wider context of events atthe time."We are still going through every piece of evidence, and following up leads to try to bringto justice anyone who was committing these crimes at the time."Anyone with any information about who may have been involved in incidents in the areathat night should ring Sgt Paul Christian or his colleagues at Loughton Police Station on101, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Church planning extension10.09am - 14th November 2011PUBLIC comments are being sought over proposals to build an extension onto St John'sChurch, Epping.Church leaders are proposing the work to give the church extra space for administrationand events and want local people to have their say over the development, and expresstheir views on what facilities they would like to see.The extension work may fit in with the district council's redevelopment of the St John'sRoad area of Epping.Anyone wanting give their views is asked to complete a survey form by Friday, December16.Completed forms should be sent to St John's House, St John's Road, Epping, CM16 5DN(next to the church).Forms which are submitted with the names and addresses will be put in a raffle with thefirst two drawn after the closing date receiving a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.School's links with Lord Mayor's Show9.58am - 14th November 2011THE Lord Mayor's Show is steeped in history and is one of the biggest events to be heldin London - but few people are aware of the link that the City and the Lord Mayor's Showhas with West Hatch High School, Chigwell.Saturday (November 12) saw the 684th Lord Mayor of London celebrate his election witha colourful display around the streets of the City of London.Among the pageantry and parade was carriage 132 which carried Alderman GordonHaines who was supported on the plinth outside Guildhall and Mansion House by hiswife, Caroline, the Marketing and Development Director at the High Road school.The couple have long-standing links with Chigwell having lived in the area until theymoved to Upminster.Ald. Haines is Deputy Chairman of Epping Forest, which overviews the forest for the Cityof London Corporation.Born in Bethnal Green, in the East End of London, he started work as a tea boy in theCity at 15, rising through the ranks to head a global financier and broker.He said: "It remains the hub of the country's wealth and the leading global financial centredespite some recent negative comment about the City of London Corporation and theBanking Sector."The financial, business, commercial and civic City have significant links with and giveconsiderable support to educational and charitable causes, benefiting many well beyondits borders."With a significant charity portfolio and active involvement in the Livery movement (Ald.Haines is set to become Master Painter Stainer in October 2012) both he and Carolinegive education, opening up opportunity, health and fitness as their main priorities,endorsing the new Lord Mayor's theme: Fit for the Future.Mrs Haines has had links with West Hatch High School for many years since joining thestaff as Head of Humanities, Religious Education & PSEC in the 1980s.After a spell running a Sixth Form Centre and working with Oxford University to establishits National Centre for RE, she has returned to West Hatch in the role of Marketing andDevelopment Director.Mrs Haines said: "Frances Howarth (West Hatch High School's head teacher) and I goback a long way and I was really excited at the prospect of returning to the school with abrief of building City links - especially with Alumni - and marketing the amazing talent here01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 20 of 33amongst students and staff."Utilising their City links Gordon and Caroline have already seen students from WestHatch perform and model in a Guildhall Fashion Show that raised £50,000 for the BobbyMoore Fund (Bobby & Tina lived near the couple when they were in Chigwell), sing for theQueenhithe Ward Club at St James Garlickhythe (the home of the Cranmer Prayer Book),learn more about the Livery through the World Skills Exhibition at the Excel Centre,celebrate the global role of women on International Women's Day meeting Sarah Brown,Theresa May and Annie Lennox on the Millennium Bridge, and benefit from mentoring byhigh-profile men and women from the worlds of business, commerce and politics.Gordon's presence on the City of London's City Olympic Committee and Caroline's linkswith the owner of the Grange Hotel chain through her work with East Sutton Park Prisonand ex-offenders has enabled West Hatch to use the confirmed base for the GBParalympic Team at next summer's Games - St Paul's Grange Hotel (GodlimanStreet.EC4) - for the spectacular Sports Ball on Saturday, January 21 next year which willbe raising money for new sports facilities at West Hatch.For further details about the Sports Ball email Caroline Haines atchaines@westhatch.essex.sch.ukAttempted robbery at village shop6.32pm - 13th November 2011DETECTIVES are appealing for help to find three men and two women involved in anattempted robbery at a North Weald shop.The incident happened at Tylers Green store, Vicarage Lane, shortly before 4pm onSaturday (November 12).The men and the women, who were both wearing burkas, entered the shop, assaulted amember of staff and tried to open the till but the staff member managed to stop themtaking cash and they left empty handed.They drove off along the A414 towards Harlow in a black car, believed to be a VauxhallAstra with heavily tinted windows.The three men all spoke with an Eastern European accent. One man was said to beabout 5ft 8ins tall with dark hair and wearing a black leather jacket.A second man was about 5ft 10ins tall, had dark short hair and was wearing a greyjumper.There was no clear description of the third man.Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects should contact the TargetTeam at Loughton Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.TOWIE stars to switch on Christmas lights6.32pm - 13th November 2011The district remembersTWO stars from the latest series of the ITV2 reality series The Only Way is Essex will beswitching on the Ongar Christmas lights.Identical twins Dino and Georgio will be in the town on Friday, December 2.The Ongar Town Forum event starts at 5pm with various attractions in the High Streetahead of the switch-on of the festive lights at 6.30pm.4.34pm - 13th November 2011REMEMBRANCE services have been held across the district to remember the dead oftwo world wars and other conflicts.Civic dignitaries joined with cadets, war veterans and members of the various youthorganisations at churches and war memorials to pay their respects.In North Weald, villagers were joined by representatives from the Royal Norwegian AirForce and the Royal Norwegian Navy.The Ongar service was held at the new Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre in FyfieldRoad, which is nearing completion on the site of the war memorial hospital.It is the first time for two years that the Remembrance Day service has been held there.Among those laying wreaths at the medical centre were the Lord Lieutenant of Essex,Lord Petre, NHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias OBE and Ongar Town Councilchairman Diana Roberts.Parades followed the wreath laying services in Loughton and Epping where EppingForest MP Eleanor Laing and Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens both took the salute.For details on how to order prints of the pictures, ring 07710 447868 or emaileverythingeppingforest@googlemail.comWALTHAM ABBEY -Members of the 3rd Waltham Abbey Simba Cub Pack at the service at the Farm HillRoad war memorial PICTURE 1(left to right) Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Waltham Abbey county and districtcouncillor Liz Webster, Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts and council leaderStuart Pryde PICTURE 2The Royal British Legion standard is lowered PICTURE 3Wreaths are laid by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 4 county and districtcouncillor Liz Webster PICTURE 5 and Waltham Abbey mayor Antony WattsPICTURE 6Two members of the 3rd Waltham Abbey Simba Cub Pack lay their wreath PICTURE7CHIGWELL -Musicians from Chigwell School at the wreath laying service at St Mary's Church,Chigwell PICTURE 8 and PICTURE 10The choir of St Mary's Church, Chigwell PICTURE 9Wreaths are laid by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 11 Chigwell Villagedistrict councillor John Knapman PICTURE 12 and Chigwell Parish Councilchairman Christine Buttling PICTURE 13NORTH WEALD -North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman Cyril Hawklns in the North WealdAirfield Museum with (left to right) Royal Norwegian Air Force Captain ErlendHagen, Major Vegard Boethun and Royal Norwegian Navy Commander HanneJohmslov PICTURE 1401/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 21 of 33North Weald Royal British Legion branch president Derek Tringham PICTURE 15The service at the North Weald Airfield Memorial was led by Chaplain BryonyMorrison PICTURE 16Major Vegard Boethun lays a wreath on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Air ForcePICTURE 17Wreaths are laid by North Weald county councillor Anthony Jackson PICTURE 18and North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman Cyril Hawklns PICTURE 19Royal Norwegian Navy Commander Hanne Johmslov PICTURE 20EPPING -The Epping Forest Pipe Band leads the parade to the war memorial wreath layingservice PICTURE 21The clergy head the procession to the war memorial PICTURE 22 and PICTURE 23Wreaths are laid by Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-StephensPICTURE 24 Epping mayor Ken Avey PICTURE 25 Epping Forest MP Eleanor LaingPICTURE 26 and two students from St John's School, Epping PICTURE 27A member of the Air Training Corps at the war memorial wreath laying servicePICTURE 28Some of the members of the youth organisations represented at the servicePICTURE 29Epping and District Royal British Legion branch president Kevin Toole, EppingForest MP Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens and his wife Jill and Epping mayor Ken Avey prepare to take the salute inEpping High Street PICTURE 30The Epping Forest Band lead the parade along Epping High Street PICTURE 31The parade salutes en route to the Service of Remembrance at St John's ChurchPICTURE 32 PICTURE 33 PICTURE 34 PICTURE 35 PICTURE 36Celebrities support school's Sports Ball12.51pm - 12th November 2011A HOST of celebrities are giving their support to a fundraising ball which will be raisingmoney for new student and community sports facilities at West Hatch High School,Chigwell.Among those set to attend the 2012 Sports Ball are former West Hatch High School pupilJohn Wilding, who reached the Judges' House stage of ITV's X-Factor for a secondsuccessive year, and stars from the reality ITV2 programme The Only Way is Essex.Money raised from the black tie event being held at the St Paul's Grange Hotel, in the Cityof London, on Saturday, January 21 (7pm-1am) will go towards improved student andcommunity sports facilities at the High Road school.Special guest will be former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager AlanCurbishley.The evening will be compered by radio DJ David Jensen and feature classicalsaxophonist Tyler Rix. John Wilding will also be performing, and auctioning his trademarkbowler hat which he wore on this year's X-Factor.Also supporting the event is Olympic gold medallist and former West Hatch High Schoolpupil Sally Gunnell.Sally said: "West Hatch encouraged me on my journey towards gold at the BarcelonaOlympics in 1992. The school shares my personal motto 'the best that I can be' andimproved fitness facilities means healthier lifestyles."Various ticket packages are available:Gold - a table for ten guests plus a celebrity (£1,500)Silver -a table for ten guests (£1,000)Bronze - individual tickets £90 (£160 for a couple).All packages include a cocktail reception, three course meal with wine, entertainment,cabaret, dancing and disco.There will also be a raffle, silent auction and live auction.For tickets and more information, contact Caroline Haines, Marketing and DevelopmentDirector, Finance Office, West Hatch High School, High Road, Chigwell; emailchaines@westhatch.essex.sch.ukGuests must be over 18, or accompanied by someone over 18 if they are over 16.You can keep up-to-date with news about the 2012 Sports Ball on Facebook and TwitterTo see the video 'advert' for the event on You Tube click hereChurches prepare for bazaar12.37pm - 12th November 2011THE churches of St Martin's, Ongar, and St Peter's Church, Shelley, are holding theirChristmas Bazaar in the Budworth Hall, Ongar, on Saturday, November 26, from 10am to1.30pm.Admission is free and there will be lots to tempt visitors.Many gift ideas will be on sale along with home-made produce, plants, hand-knittedgarments, jewellery, glassware, wooden toys and cards.There will also be old favourites like the bottle stall. There will also be a raffle andrefreshments will be served.This year the churches are sharing any profits made with two local registered charities,West Essex Mind and Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service.Both charities will be present with the Ongar & District Bereavement Support Servicerunning a mini-stall with a competition.The death of someone close is one of life's most difficult experiences and it can havedevastating and dramatic effects on feeling and behaviour.Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service is a small group of trained volunteersworking in Ongar and the surrounding area helping bereaved people deal with their loss.The charity does not charge for its services so relies on donations.West Essex Mind is affiliated to National Mind and works to support people affected bymental health, and the people around them, on the journey towards recovery.Believing that with the appropriate support everyone has the potential to take steps thatwill improve their quality of life, the charity aims to achieve this by providing a range ofdifferent activities and opportunities.Gill Richardson, chairman of the St Martin's and St Peter's Fundraising Committee, said:"Let's make this a bazaar to remember - to help those who cannot always helpthemselves."01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 22 of 33Students mark Remembrance Day10.02am - 12th November 2011EVERY member of Roma Lafferty's English class at Roding Valley High School,Loughton, took on the challenge to create a visual interpretation of First World War poetryto help commemorate Remembrance Day.The objective was to show independent learning to other students in assemblies.The pupils were encouraged to make decisions about which poems they wanted toperform, how they were going to present them, what visual aids they were going to useand who was going to speak.The outcome was an assembly that portrayed The Great War in an original way.The assembly also helped explain the significance of Remembrance Sunday and thewearing of poppies to younger students.Head teacher Paul Banks said: "The class were exceptional during the assemblies andespecially touching was the response from students who felt they better understood theeffects of war as a result."We also marked the Remembrance with a two-minute silence at 11am (on Friday,November 11) in which all 1,200 students observed the silence before returning tolessons."Year 7 student Isabella Agombar said: "I didn't really realise how many people died untiltoday."Year 8 pupil Matthew Wolsely said: "I can't believe that so many soldiers who died wereonly four or five years older than me!"June Cordwell, assistant head teacher and Head of Pupil Progress KS3, said: "It is thebest student-led assembly that I have been in for a long time. I was overwhelmed by howprofessional and informative it was."Roma Lafferty said: "This class took complete responsibility for their learning and werefully prepared to take risks by trying a new way of working."The outcome was outstanding performances from a class of young students whocontinue to make me proud to be a teacher at Roding Valley High School."The Year 9 students involved were Thomas Barnetson, Laura Barritt, Jake Butler,Georgia Cahill, Max Crosby, Eve Dennehy, Andrew Duncanson, Alanna Girvan, EliasHammond- Chorley, Caris Jaffe, Emily Jenkins, Elicia Jones, Karishma Lamba ,TiaLineker, Paris Miller, Grace Blair, Jamie Rones, Dylan Smith, Joe Turner, DannyWheeler, George Wigley, Leo Wingar and Samuel Wintle.Debden Park wins debating competition9.17am - 12th November 2011THE team from Debden Park High School, Loughton, has won this year's Epping Forestschools parliamentary debating competition.The competition, organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, was held at RodingValley High School, Loughton, last night (Friday).Haris Duherich and Clare O'Keefe received the trophy from Epping Forest District Councilchairman Ken Angold-Stephens and his wife Jill.The Roding Valley High School team of Kristian Burnett and Ross Dowsett were runnersup.Seven schools took part in this year's competition debating either for or against theMotion 'That this House believes that the UK's investment in the 2012 Olympics is moneywell spent.'Also taking part were Chigwell School, Davenant Foundation School, St John's School,West Hatch High School and Braeside School.Judges for the evening were local county councillor Valerie Metcalfe, Theydon BoisPrimary School head teacher Elspeth Bonds and David Jackman, of Everything EppingForest.Mrs Laing said: "I was massively impressed by the high standard of the debate. It was alively occasion with strong feelings on both sides."In the end the audience voted to support the Motion."She added: "The judges had a difficult decision but they appreciated the humour, theconfidence and the articulate presentation of the winning team."The Debden Park High School team of Haris Duherich and Clare O'Keefe receivethe trophy from Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest District Councilchairman Ken Angold-Stephens and his wife Jill PICTURE 1Debden Park High School celebrate their success PICTURE 2 and PICTURE 3The Roding Valley High School team whose speakers Kristian Burnett and RossDowsett were judged runners-up PICTURE 4Tomas Nechleba and Ben Silverstone represented Chigwell School PICTURE 5The Davenant Foundation School team of Meghan Giligan and HannahLiebeschuetz PICTURE 6Manisha Koolman and Emily James represented St John's School, EppingPICTURE 7The Braeside School team PICTURE 8Aaron Cope and Michael Leszman represented West Hatch High School PICTURE9Nightspot set to be demolished3.39pm - 11th November 2011MAJOR redevelopment plans have been revealed for an Epping High Street nightspot.Kiko Ventures has submitted plans to Epping Forest District Council to demolish BillieJeans bar - which came in for strong criticism when it was repainted bright pink - andredevelop the site with a mixed use development featuring retail/food and drink andhousing.Twelve homes are proposed for the first and second floors of the former Half Moon pubwith 16 car parking spaces included in the plans.The application will be discussed by Epping Town Council before a decision is taken bythe district council.Plans to extend village cemetery3.36pm - 11th November 2011PLANNING permission is being sought to extend Theydon Bois Cemetery.Theydon Bois Parish Council has submitted an application seeking the go-ahead toinclude a parcel of land which is currently in agricultural use into the cemetery in AbridgeRoad.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 23 of 33Winning hospice lottery numbers1.16pm - 11th November 2011THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow.The winning number is 275476.The £100 second prize goes to ticket number 892371. The winner also lives in Harlow.For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Chance to comment on budget increase1.05pm - 11th November 2011ONGAR residents are invited to attend next week's town council meeting and give theirviews on a proposal to increase the precept.A public meeting on Tuesday discussed the council's aspirations for 2012-13 includingupgrading the town's CCTV system, partly funding the Queen's Jubilee celebration,improving the town's play areas and providing funding to support an application for alarger grant to provide an Olympic outdoor fitness park for teenagers and adults as alegacy for the 2012 Olympics.Town clerk Aimi Middlehurst said: "The town council has looked very carefully at thebudget for 2012-13 and to maintain services at their present level will need to levy aprecept that will result in Band D council tax payers contributing an extra 8p per week."She added: "Residents present at the public meeting indicated that they would be inagreement with the town council levying an additional 9p a week to fund a programme ofimprovements as long as the additional money was ring fenced and not absorbed intogeneral administration costs."Council chairman Diana Roberts gave this assurance and added that the council wants tohear from any residents with views about the proposal before the full council meeting onThursday, November 17, which will agree the precept for 2012-13.All residents are welcome at the meeting.Anyone who wants to comment on the council's budget plans, or on any other item on theagenda (available on the council noticeboards and website) during the public participationsession at 8pm, should contact town clerk Aimi Middlehurst on 01277 365348 or emailclerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk before the meeting.Services remember war dead12.36pm - 11th November 2011POPPY wreaths have been laid at the Commonwealth War Graves in Epping toremember the 19 servicemen - including several Polish airmen - who lost their lives andwere buried in the town's cemetery.The service was led by Rev Geoffrey Connor with wreaths laid by Epping Forest DistrictCouncil chairman Ken Angold-Stephens, Epping mayor Ken Avey and Epping and DistrictRoyal British Legion branch president Kevin Toole.Earlier almost 100 people attended a short service and two-minute silence at theLoughton war memorial at Kings Green.Among those attending were Mr Angold-Stephens, and his wife Jill, Loughton mayorCaroline Pond, county councillor Chris Pond and representations from the Royal BritishLegion, Royal Naval Association, war veterans and representatives from Loughton TownCouncil.Standard bearers Patrick Mulhall (Loughton Royal British Legion branch) and JohnFitzpatrick (Loughton branch, Royal Naval Association) lower the standards at thwKings Green war memorial PICTURE 1War veterans were among those attending the Loughton service PICTURE 2Standard bearers Patrick Mulhall (Loughton Royal British Legion branch) PICTURE3 and John Fitzpatrick, Loughton Royal Naval Association PICTURE 4Rev Geoffrey Connor leads the service at the Commonwealth War Graves in EppingCemetery PICTURE5Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens PICTURE 6 andEpping mayor Ken Avey PICTURE 7 lay their wreaths at the Commonwealth WarGravesTalk on the work of a magistrate11.46am - 10th November 2011A TALK on life as a magistrate was given to the October luncheon meeting of EppingProbus Club.Guest speaker was Grahame Williams, who is vice-chairman of Loughton Probus and amember of Chigwell Rotary Club.He spent most of his working life in university administration and was head ofadministration at Queen Mary College for 12 years.He had also served as a magistrate at Waltham Forest Magistrates Court for 19 years.Mr Williams spoke about the type of cases that are heard at magistrates' courts.West Hatch set for Olympic debate9.26pm - 9th November 2011A TEAM from West Hatch High School, Chigwell, will be among the seven teamscompeting in the annual Epping Forest schools parliamentary debating competitionorganised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.This year's competition - being held at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, on Friday(November 11) - also features teams from Chigwell School, Debden Park High School,Roding Valley High School, Braeside School, Davenant Foundation School and St John'sSchool, Epping.The competition sees the teams speaking either for or against a motion, with the debatefollowing the same format as if it were taking place in the House of Commons, with MrsLaing acting as the Speaker.This year the teams are speaking on the motion: "That this House believes that the UK'sinvestment in the 2012 Olympics is money well spent".West Hatch High School will be represented by Year 11 students Aaron Cope andMichael Leszman who will be arguing against the motion.Assistant head teacher Liz Barham said: "They have to work as a team, and presentstrong arguments, and also be able to think on their feet and respond to interventionsfrom the other teams - just like in the House of Commons!"We wish them good luck in this challenging but fun competition."Mrs Laing said: "I am looking forward to another great evening of parliamentary-styledebating."Judging by the excellent standard of debating and public speaking that we have heard in01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 24 of 33previous years I am sure the students will have some strong views to air, whether theirschool has been chosen to speak for or against the motion."Students cook up success in competition5.49pm - 9th November 2011STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, cooked up a variety of dishes asthey took part in their own 'Masterchef-style' competition.Pupils from Years 8, 9 and 10 dished up a variety of dishes for the school's Future ChefCooking Competition.Head teacher Paul Banks said: "The cooking was great and the results were evengreater."The children worked extremely hard and we had some fantastic dishes - salmon, pastas,belly of pork, curry and quiche. The food was endless and all the dishes were delicious!"After much deliberation the judges - MissTanya Ogunbiyi (Head of Drama), Miss RachelPeter (Teacher of English) and Mrs Sue Sabin (Headteacher's PA) - chose Year 8student Harry Beament as the winner with Cody Smart (Year 9) runner-up.The school's head of technology, Paula Goosen, said: "I was very impressed with thequality of cooking on offer and I would like to say well done to all the students who tookpart with special praise going to Harry and Cody."I would also like say a very big thank you to our judges."Police investigating abduction report5.04pm - 9th November 2011DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a report that a man was forced intoa car and driven away at Waltham Abbey.The incident is said to have happened in the Farm Hill Road area at about 9pm onMonday, October 24 . Details have only been released today.A local resident dialled 999 and said he had seen a man being forced into the back of anold estate car, possibly a Citroen.The car was seen to drive away towards Upshire.There have been no reports to local police of an assault taking place or any personreported missing.Police have carried out checks at hospitals but have found no further evidence of theincident. However police are taking the matter seriously and anyone with any informationabout the incident is asked to contact detectives at Harlow on 01279 621802 or ringCrimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Police warning over jewellery scam4.05pm - 9th November 2011POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after a man obtained an item of jewelleryfrom a Loughton shop with a forged bankers draft.Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said a man went into the shop last Wednesday andasked about an item of jewellery on display.He telephoned the next day to say he wanted to purchase the item and would pay for bybankers draft.On Friday he returned with a draft from Barclays Bank in Loughton to the value of £1,400and collected the item.The draft subsequently turned out to be a forgery.The man was white, aged about 26 with short blonde hair. He was stocky with a tattoo onhis right arm.He had a flat nose as though he was a boxer and was dressed in a T-shirt and verydistinctive black trainers with white laces.Mr Ellis said: "I must admit this is a relatively new scam to me but shows the value ofchecking with the bank before accepting a draft even if, as in this case, it appears to beperfectly genuine."Air ambulance talk to ladies group3.52pm - 9th November 2011A TALK on the Essex Air Ambulance was given to the November meeting of Ongar andShelley Ladies Thursday Group.Paul Cook, an air ambulance volunteer, told the audience that since the charity started in1998 the air ambulance, which is not government funded, has flown 11,500 missions.There is also a Herts Air Ambulance based at North Weald airfield and both are operatedunder the same umbrella, occasionally helping each other on calls.He said that the furthest point in Essex can be reached in 18 minutes and at present thehelicopter is legally unable to fly at night.Each helicopter has a trauma specialist, a paramedic and pilot who is usually ex-militaryand the doctor is trained to work on helicopters.The operational cost of running the air ambulance is £250,000 per month with eachmission costing about £3,000 of which £1,000 goes on fuel.There are two charity shops in the county which have raised £280,000.There is also a lottery which has 40,000 members and gives one a chance of winning upto £25,000 per week. The December meeting will be a social evening for members only.The group's membership is full but anyone who would like to be added to the waiting listcan ring Jan Turnbull on 01277 362800.The district's remembrance services10.24am - 9th November 2011SERVICES of Remembrance are being held across the district on Sunday.Everything Epping Forest will be covering the services in Waltham Abbey, Chigwell, NorthWeald and Epping.If you are attending any other services and are able to provide photographs and a shortreport - and dates and times of any other services to include on this page - then pleaseemail everythingeppingforest@googlemail.comBuckhurst Hill - 9.30am - St John's Church service and wreath laying.Loughton - noon - Kings Green wreath laying followed by parade.Epping - 2pm - Epping War Memorial short service and wreath laying followed by paradethrough High Street to 3pm service at St John's Church.North Weald - 10.45am - St Andrew's Church service and wreath laying; 12.15pm NorthWeald Airfield Memorial service and wreath laying; 1pm North Weald Bassett ParishCouncil's Community Remembrance Day Lunch, North Weald Village Hall.Waltham Abbey - 9am - St Thomas's Church, Upshire; 10am Waltham Abbey WarMemorial, Farm Hill Road; 10.45am Waltham Abbey Church service.High Ongar - 10am - St Mary's Church, High Ongar, service followed by 11.15am wreathlaying.Ongar - 2.30pm - Act of Remembrance service and wreath laying, Ongar War MemorialMedical Centre, Fyfield Road.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 25 of 33Chigwell - 10.40am - St Mary's Church service and wreath laying.Theydon Bois - 10.30am - St Mary's Church service and wreath laying.Nazeing - 10.45am All Saints Church.Roydon - 10.30am St Peter's Church.Chigwell Row - 10.15am - All Saints Church.Abridge - 10am - Lambourne Church.Thornwood - Upper Clapton Rugby Club, Upland Road, Thornwood (12.30pm).Short services are also being held on Friday (November 11).These are at the Kings Green war memorial, Loughton (11am) for a two-minute silenceand Abridge Village Hall / Stapleford Airfield (11am).In Epping on Friday there is a service at the Garden of Remembrance at the town greenwar memorial (10.45am) and a Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth WarGraves in Epping Cemetery, Bury Lane (11.30am).House of Cards author at dinnerMP meets Afghan MP9.55am - 9th November 2011LORD Michael Dobbs - well-known for his work House of Cards which charted life inWestminster and was a BBC series - was the guest at a dinner in Chigwell last week.The celebrated author has also penned several books about Winston Churchill, who wasMP for Epping. Lord Dobbs, who was elevated to the House of Lords last year, spokeabout the former Prime Minister.Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: "Lord Dobbs was warmly greeted by his audiencewho well remembered his celebrated book and the television series 'House of Cards'."Lord Dobbs spoke eloquently about Churchill and his talk was greatly appreciated,particularly by those guests who actually knew Winston when he was MP in the area."9.53am - 9th November 2011EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has met an Afghan MP who has visited the UK tohighlight her case for improved rights for women and children in her homeland.Fawzia Koofi, 35, who is also a prospective candidate for the country's 2014 presidentialelection, was in the UK to highlight the concerns of Afghan women at a critical time in thecountry's peace process.Afghan women are concerned they are being excluded from the current peace andreconciliation processes.Ms Koofi's views are consistent with the findings of ActionAid's recent report 'A justpeace?' which found that women's rights and women's voices are both under threat in theface of peace negotiations with conservative factions including the Taliban, and with theimpending withdrawal of UK troops.Fawzia said: "My hope for Afghanistan in ten years' time is that no woman in Afghanistandies in childbirth, no pregnant woman has to walk for three days to reach a hospital, nogirl has to walk for four hours to reach a school."That is my ambition and hope for this country."Mrs Laing said: "I was delighted to be able to meet Fawzia. She is a very brave Afghanlady and I have enormous sympathy with her and her fellow Afghan women."Fawzia's husband was murdered by the Taleban - but she bravely fights on to improvethe lives of women and girls."The actions that our brave armed forces have taken in Afghanistan against the Talebanhave improved matters considerably but there is still a long way to go and these bravewomen are terrified that they will lose their freedom again when we withdraw fromAfghanistan, if the Taleban re-emerge."ActionAid is working with Baroness D'Souza to set up a parliamentary network linkingwomen MPs in the UK and Europe with women MPs in Afghanistan.Display remembers war dead8.07am - 9th November 2011A NEW display tells the story of some of the Loughton residents whose names appear onthe town's war memorials.An open morning giving people the chance to view the Debt of Honour display is beingheld at the Murray Hall, Borders Lane, Loughton, between 10am and noon on Friday,November 18.Mayor Caroline Pond and other councillors will be on hand, together with representativesfrom the Loughton Royal British Legion, to talk about the display.Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to attend.Sessions for chlamydia testing8.05am - 9th November 2011YOUNG people are invited to take a chlamydia test as part of a drive to help combat oneof the fastest growing sexually transmitted infections among people aged 16-24.The local NHS chlamydia screening service run by South Essex Partnership NHSFoundation Trust (SEPT) is writing to young people in the Harlow, Epping, Ongar,Nazeing, Roydon and Hatfield Heath areas to invite them to take a test.In addition there are two drop-in sessions at the Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way,Harlow, on Tuesday, November 15 (4pm to 8pm) and between 9.30am and 12.30pm onSaturday, November 19. No appointment is necessary.Cards for free condoms will also be available at the sessions.Louise Palmer, SEPT's Chlamydia screening co-ordinator west Essex, said: "If you can'tattend one of the drop-in sessions just text the word KIT to 60155 with your name, age,address and sex for your free chlamydia testing kit."Chlamydia often has no signs or symptoms, so screening is all-important to detect it.Untreated, it can lead to further infections and infertility in males and females.All sexually active 16 to 24-year-olds are advised to test annually or each time they havea new partner.Louise said: "Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean you don't have it. Test now andbe sure you are not the one in ten."Council proposing precept increase8.54pm - 8th November 2011ONGAR Town Council is proposing a council tax increase for the next financial year tohelp pay for a range of improvements for the town.An increase in the council's share of council tax bills of £4 a year per Band D property (8pa week) is being proposed however if the council decides to press ahead with variousproject ideas then the increase would rise by another £8.84 a year (Band D bills).The money would help fund the upgrading of the town's CCTV system and see thecouncil make a donation to Ongar's Queen's Jubilee celebrations.Play area surfaces would be relaid and equipment improved, and an 'Olympic outdoorfitness park' (outdoor gym) on the Love Lane recreation field would be provided.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 26 of 33It is hoped that grant funding would be available to help meet the cost of at least some ofthe projects.Town council chairman Diana Roberts, speaking at tonight's community liaison groupmeeting: "We are asking that people will agree this 17p per week increase."These improvements will be of benefit to all of Ongar's residents."Anyone who would like to comment on the proposed precept increase should contact thetown council.MP: Torch visit will be "fantastic occasion"4.13pm - 8th November 2011THE visit of the Olympic Torch to Waltham Abbey will be a "fantastic occasion" for thearea, according to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.The announcement was made yesterday that the Torch will be coming to Waltham Abbeyon Saturday, July 7 next year as part of the 70-day, 8,000-mile Torch Relay.Mrs Laing said: "With one of the Olympic venues, the Lee Valley White Water Centre,being so close to Waltham Abbey it was always likely that the Torch would come to thetown but now that the visit has been confirmed the town can really start getting ready forwhat will be a fantastic occasion."She added: "The town's history, with the Abbey Church and its links with King Harold, arealready known far and wide but the visit of the Torch will really put Waltham Abbey on themap."It will bring people to the town and the surrounding area and with large crowds expectedon the day it also promises to be a massive boost for shopkeepers in Waltham Abbey."Health centre's memorial wall revealed2.59pm - 8th November 2011Public toilets refurbishedPASSERS-BY have been given a first glimpse of the memorial wall which features on thefrontage of the new Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre.Until now the inscribed wall has been hidden behind wooden hoardings which stretchacross the front of the Fyfield Road site as work continues to make the area accessiblefor Sunday afternoon's Remembrance service (2.30pm).The wall features two lines from the words of Remembrance.There will also be retractable hooks on which remembrance wreaths can be hung.It was also proposed to have poppies engraved into the wall.As building work is continuing on the site the wreaths which are laid at Sunday's servicewill later be moved to the Pleasance car park in the High Street.The memorial wall at the new Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre click herePart of the inscribed section of the memorial wall click here1.41pm - 8th November 2011WORK to refurbish the public toilets in Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, has beencompleted, at a cost of £30,000.Waltham Abbey Town Council funded a major overhaul of the premises making good theexisting building and internal fixtures and fittings.This included supplying and fitting new toilets, basins, new cubicle partitions and doors,the laying of anti-slip floor tiles and new wall tiles.New lighting was also installed and the building was redecorated.The new-look toilets will be officially opened by Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts at10am on Friday, November 18.Choir to sing at repaired church1.39pm - 8th November 2011A CONCERT by the Three Valleys Male Voice Choir will be the first held at Mary'sChurch, Sheering, following repairs after a fire broke out in January last year.The choir will be performing at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 12.In recent months the choir has increased its repertoire to include a greater selection ofmodern 'Songs from the Shows' and a finale of traditional male voice numbers.Tony Moore, the choir's concert manager, said: "We are really looking forward to singingat this lovingly restored church and supporting the dedicated Friends of St Mary's whohave worked tirelessly to reach this point."For more details and tickets, priced £7 including an Interval drink, ring 01279 734334 or01279 734442.New restaurant set for High Street1.51pm - 7th November 2011THE former Café Unico premises in Epping High Street are to reopen as a Wildwoodpizza restaurant.In a press statement, Wildwood - the pizza chain owned by Tasty Plc - said it has taken a20-year lease on the 4,000 sq.ft unit, at a rent of £92,000 per annum (with a £210,000premium payable to the outgoing tenant).Nick Weir a director at Shelley Sandzer, who advised Tasty on the deal said: "Wildwoodhas ambitious growth plans to expand its footprint in London and the Home Counties."It will be the tenth Wildwood to open in the UK with others already trading in CanaryWharf, East London, Essex and Buckinghamshire.Planning permission is being sought for various internal work on the premises.Baby joy for BBC News presenter Kate1.35pm - 7th November 2011BBC News presenter Kate Silverton, a former pupil of West Hatch High School, Chigwell,has given birth to a baby girl.Clemency Florence Rose weighed in at Queen Charlotte Hospital on Saturday afternoonat 8lbs 9ozs.Kate's mother, Pat - who works as Epping Forest District Council's Waltham Abbeyinformation assistant at Waltham Abbey Town Hall - told Everything Epping Forest: "Kateand Mike and all the family are absolutely over the moon."Torch visit will "showcase" town1.27pm - 7th November 2011THE visit of the Olympic Torch to Waltham Abbey during the 70-day, 8,000-mile TorchRelay to the Olympic Stadium will be a massive boost for the town and its businesses.Waltham Abbey Town Partnership chairman Norma Green said: "I think it's probably one01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 27 of 33of the best things that has happened to this town for a very long time."It will give people who may not have had the opportunity to come here the opportunity tosee the history that Waltham Abbey has to offer."It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town."She added: "The fact that the torch is coming here will be a bonus for the shopkeepers."Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts said: "Even though we have seen the White WaterCentre taking shape right on the edge of our town, I think many people have looked onLondon 2012 as a far off event."The Torch Relay really brings home to everyone the fact the Olympic Games are comingand it's happening right in our community."Councillor Liz Webster, Epping Forest District Council's Olympic Champion, said: "Thearrival of the Flame feels like the start of the countdown to the Olympic Games."Epping Forest District Council's leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Ricki Gadsby said:"The Flame is a chance for all of us to participate in the Greatest Show on Earth. It's up tous to make the most of the fantastic opportunity presented by the London 2012 Games."I can't wait for the arrival of the Flame."The Lee Valley White Water Centre will be a host location for the London 2012 OlympicTorch Relay.The centre, where the Olympic Canoe Slalom competition will take place, will provide adramatic backdrop to the Flame and will mark the countdown to the start of the Games.It is intended that a torchbearer will carry the Flame down a section of the course when itvisits Waltham Abbey on Saturday, July 7.The Lee Valley White Water Centre is the only brand new Olympic facility that can beused by the public ahead of the Games.Lee Valley Regional Park Authority chief executive Shaun Dawson said: "It's fantastic thatthe Flame will be visiting Lee Valley White Water Centre and that we are helping it alongits journey to the Olympic Stadium."This is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the centre as an Olympic venue andthe water sports that are available to the public to come and try including rafting, canoeingand kayaking."Civic dignitaries and representatives from the Lea Valley White Water Centre andWaltham Abbey Town Partnership are among those who gathered at the AbbeyChurch, Waltham Abbey, this morning to celebrate the news that the Olympic torchwill be visiting the town click hereOlympic torch to visit Waltham Abbey9.29am - 7th November 2011THE Olympic Torch will visit Waltham Abbey on Saturday, July 7 next year as part of its70-day, 8,000-mile journey from Lands End to the Olympic Stadium at Stratford.The town is one of 17 communities in Essex chosen to host the London 2012 OlympicTorch Relay.The torch will also visit Harlow on July 7 having been in Brentwood the previous day.Essex County Council 2012 Games cabinet member Stephen Castle said: "I am thrilled toconfirm the communities across Essex through which the Olympic Torch will be makingits journey to the Olympic Village."This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the passage of the Olympic Torch soclose to home as we engage people across the county, building excitement as we countdown to the start of the Games."This is our opportunity to demonstrate how the Olympic Spirit is alive and well in theEssex."More than 1,000 villages, towns and cities across the country have been announced bythe London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG)through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by torchbearers during the London 2012Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has realised the aspiration of takingthe Olympic Flame to within an hour's journey time of 95 per cent of the population.In fact over 95 per cent of the population will be within just ten miles of the Olympic Flamenext summer.The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearerseach of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the localcommunity.In December this year successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer andfinal Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from next February onwards.To view the interactive map to find where and when the Olympic Flame will be carried,visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymapStudents pick up careers information9.00am - 7th November 2011YEAR 10 students at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, were invited to the World Skillsevent at the Excel Centre, London, where they could get a variety of information onpotential career choices.The school's careers co-ordinator, Sara Gabriel, said: "This is an amazing event thatenable students to wander around industries and learning providers questioning them onwhat they do and offer while getting ideas for career paths that they may not have thoughtabout."The students split into groups to tour the numerous stands and displays.Student Adil Sait said: "Instantaneously our group was drawn to the robotic technologysection which showed how engineering was changing the face of industrial production aswe know it."We moved through a large variety of independent skills providers which includedhorticulture, beautification, web design, space technology, electrical, art, building andarchitecture."The three-hour tour went in a flash."For me conversations with two companies' representative lined a possible path for myfuture. Honda Motor Company and Logicalis - a mediator for bright new ideas into theworld of business by converting their ideas into a reality."Aneesha Grewal won an X-Box after entering a Crown Paint competition which saw herhaving to use a stencil without making mistakes and blobs.She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the day, learnt a lot and would recommend other Year 10students to go next year."Restaurant holding preview nights7.36am - 6th November 2011THE new Miller and Carter steakhouse at the Wake Arms roundabout, Epping, is invitingpeople to a VIP launch party ahead of its official opening.The restaurant officially opens on Friday, November 18, but the manager is giving aselect few the chance to be the first to experience the steakhouse.Manager Craig Sunter said: “We can’t wait to open the doors of our new Miller & Carter,so we’ve decided to let people have a sneak preview by hosting a party on Thursday,November 17.01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 28 of 33“We’re very proud of our offer and we want to showcase our new restaurant as soon aspossible and let people from the local area experience what Miller & Carter is all aboutbefore anyone else."At the event there will be champagne and canapés - a selection of tasters from the menu.Anyone who would like to attend the opening party should register by visitingwww.millerandcarter.co.uk/eppingevents.The steakhouse is also holding preview session with 50 per cent off guests’ food bills onTuesday, November 15, and Wednesday, November 16, to help prepare the new team.People can register their interest via the launch party weblink.St Clare Hospice receives £30,000 boost9.46pm - 5th November 2011ST Clare Hospice has received £30,000 as a result of the closure of the Loughton Lions.The charitable group was founded in 1999 and over the last decade has contributed muchto the local community.Lions charity trustee John Wickens said: "Having been involved since the start of StClare, with attending the first public meeting, I have a strong connection and belief in whatthey do."The funds from the Lions charity were left by a legacy from Ronny Henson, which hasbeen invested and used to support other local charities since."Now sadly the Lions Charity has been dissolved in Loughton and its funds disbursed tolocal good causes, St Clare Hospice being one."The hospice's trust fundraiser, Tony Smith, said: "We were very sorry to hear that theLoughton Lions Charity was being dissolved after so many years working in thecommunity but delighted to learn that the trustees had decided to include St ClareHospice in the final disbursement of their funds."This magnificent gift really will make a difference helping to meet the cost of providingour care to the community."Deadline approaches for council grant bids7.08pm - 5th November 2011CHARITIES, groups and societies in Loughton are being reminded that the deadline toapply for Loughton Town Council grants in 2012-13 is December 31.In recent years, the town council has provided up to £33,000 in grant funding and asimilar will be available in 2012-13.In the current financial year, the council has awarded grants to Alzheimer's SocietyEpping Forest £6,000; Citizen's Advice Bureau £5,150; Cystic Fibrosis Trust £250;Debden Horticultural & Allotments Society £200; Forest Musical Productions £500; Home-Start Epping Forest £500; ignite £750; Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society£300; Loughton Festival £750; Loughton Film Society £500; Loughton Potato Ground£500; Loughton Youth Project £2,000; New Vistas £500; Noah's Ark Toddler Club £270;Norway House Stakeholder Partnership£100; Restore Community Church £300; RodingRoad Allotment & Leisure Gardens Association £300; Samaritans of Redbridge £625;Shiners (Youth) Football Club £200; South Loughton Cricket Club £600; The LoppingEndowment£1,500; Together: Working for Wellbeing £550; Victim Support £100;Vitalise£400; West Essex Alcohol & Drugs £3,000.The council has also provided £8,000 towards Christmas light displays in The Broadwayand High Road.An application form can be downloaded from www.loughton-tc.gov.uk/7fias.pdf or bycontacting Shirley Haynes at the town council offices.Busy time for Epping Forest Pipe Band8.23am - 5th November 2011THE Epping Forest Pipe Band will be leading two Remembrance Sunday parades onNovember 13.They are leading the parade in Chingford in the morning for their Patron Branch of theRoyal British Legion with a memorial service at the Cenotaph at the top of Kings HeadHill, and a service at the St Peter and St Paul's Church, Chingford Green.In the afternoon, the band leads the Epping parade to the wreath laying at the town greenwar memorial and then along the High Street to the Remembrance service at St John'sChurch.Tomorrow (Sunday) the band are leading and providing music for the Waltham ForestSafer Transport Team's fundraising event for Veterans Aid, a registered charity whichcares for veterans in crisis.The Pipe Band will be providing musical inspiration along the entire route for a team ofpolice officers, PCSOs and military personnel who will be pulling a fully ladenRoutemaster bus for one mile through Westminster, starting at 11am near the Cenotaphand finishing next to Veterans Aid headquarters in Victoria.To donate go to www.justgiving.com/bigbuspull. All spectators welcome.Town's Christmas window competition8.20am - 5th November 2011LOUGHTON Town Council has launched its Christmas Window Competition which isopen to all shops and businesses in Loughton.Any window festively designed in a Christmas theme is automatically eligible for thecompetition - there is no need to apply.Now in its thirteenth year, the competition has three categories - local/independent,multiple/chain store and charity.The winners of each category will receive an engraved cup to keep for 11 months, acertificate and £100 for their nominated charity.The runner-up and highly commended entries in each class will be awarded a framedcertificate.The window displays will be judged on a range of criteria including overall impression /visual impact, creativity / ideas, artistic merit, inventive use of materials and effort.All decorations must be in place by Thursday, December 1.Judging will take place soon after and be completed by December 7.Winning hospice lottery numbers8.18am - 5th November 2011THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow.The winning number is 308871.The £100 second prize goes to ticket number 709591. The winner also lives in Harlow.For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Schools benefit from Tesco scheme01/01/20124.23pm - 4th November 2011

Everything Epping ForestPage 29 of 33EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing was invited to the Waltham Abbey Tesco store topresent toys and equipment to four local schools as part of the Tesco for Schools andClubs scheme.Pupil representatives from Waltham Holy Cross Infants School, Upshire Primary School,Leverton Junior School and Waltham Holy Cross Junior School received their boxes ofgoodies at the Sewardstone Road store this afternoon.The nationwide scheme, now in its 20th year, enables schools and clubs to redeemvouchers from Tesco purchases for a range of products.This year shoppers in the local area received vouchers over ten weeks which theydonated to a school or club of their choice. Waltham AbbeyTesco deputy store manager Robert Kendrick said: "Tesco for Schools and Clubs is ascheme which our team are proud to be part of."Thousands of customers have been collecting vouchers to help their local schools andclubs get new equipment showing what can happen when a whole community getsinvolved."Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to meetpupils and teachers from local primary schools and to see the happy smiles on thechildren's faces as they unpacked the goodies from the boxes."The Tesco scheme is brilliant because everyone in the local community can contribute totheir local schools."Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing helps the pupils unpack one of the boxes of Tescogoodies PICTURE 1 and PICTURE 2Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing tries her hand at juggling with some of the ballswhich were among the schools' items PICTURE 3Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, store deputy manager Robert Kendrick and thestore's community champion Michele Moore with the pupils from four local schoolsPICTURE 4Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing with pupils from Waltham Holy Cross InfantsSchool PICTURE 5 Upshire Primary School PICTURE 6 Leverton Junior SchoolPICTURE 7 and Waltham Holy Cross Junior School PICTURE 8Students to debate Olympic investment7.15am - 4th November 2011SEVEN of the district's schools will be competing in the annual Epping Forest schoolsparliamentary debating competition organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.This year's competition - featuring teams from Chigwell School, Debden Park HighSchool, Roding Valley High School, Braeside School, Davenant Foundation School, StJohn's School, Epping, and West Hatch High School - is being held at Roding Valley HighSchool, Alderton Hill, Loughton, on Friday, November 11, after the school won last year'sdebate.The competition sees the teams speaking either for or against a motion, with the debatefollowing the same format as if it were taking place in the House of Commons, with MrsLaing acting as the Speaker.This year the teams will be speaking on the motion: "That this House believes that theUK's investment in the 2012 Olympics is money well spent".Mrs Laing said: "I am looking forward to another great evening of parliamentary-styledebating."Judging by the excellent standard of debating and public speaking that we have heard inprevious years I am sure the students will have some strong views to air, whether theirschool has been chosen to speak for or against the motion."Have your say on Epping Forest7.09am - 4th November 2011THE Conservators of Epping Forest are keen to engage local people, visitors andstakeholders in the planning and development of projects, plans and policies which canaffect the forest.The Draft Statement of Community Involvement outlines with whom, when and how theConservators intend to consult in the future.This will allow the City of London Corporation to carry out improved consultations and tobe consistent in its approach to seeking the views of its stakeholders and visitors.Consultation for the Draft Statement of Community Involvement for Epping Forest runsuntil December 9.The document is available on the City of London's website.Hard copies are available at the three forest centres - The Epping Forest Visitor Centre,High Beach, IG10 4AE (open daily 10am-3pm); Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge,Chingford, E4 7QH (open Friday-Sunday 10am-3pm) and The Temple, Wanstead Park,E11 2LT (open Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm)Comments or suggestions can be made by emailingeppingforestsci@cityoflondon.gov.ukComments can also be given in person by appointment (ring 020 8532 5334 to book) onSaturday, November 5, noon-3pm at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, High Beach;Wednesday, November 9 (10am-noon) at The Warren, Loughton; Friday, November 11(2pm- 4pm) at The Warren, Loughton; Wednesday, November 23 (10am-noon) at TheTemple, Wanstead; Friday, November 25 (1pm-3pm) at Epping Forest Visitor Centre,High Beach; and Tuesday, November 29 (5pm-7pm) at The Warren, Loughton.Superintendent of Epping Forest Paul Thomson said: "We would like to hear from asmany people as possible, so please do get involved now to actively contribute to thefuture management of Epping Forest, and ensure your voice is heard."Students prepare for debating competition10.33am - 3rd November 2011STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, are preparing for a public speakingdebate which will focus on the investment being made in the London 2012 Olympics.The Alderton Hill school is hosting the competition, which is held annually by EppingForest MP Eleanor Laing, as it is the current holder of the Epping Forest ParliamentarySchools Debating Competition trophy following their success 12 months ago.The debate will be held at the school on Friday, November 11.Six members of Roding Valley High School's Year 10 group - Jamie Sims, Bria Chaplin,Lauren Marbe, Joe Kemp, Ross Dowsett and Kristian Burnett - have been workingtogether to build up their team's arguments.The motion for this year's debate is "That this House believes that the investment in the2012 Olympics is money well spent".Ross Dowsett and Kristian Burnett will be the school's speakers on the night speaking infavour of the motion.Teacher of English Luisa Rapone said: "The parliamentary debate is such an exciting,challenging competition and one we take very seriously at Roding Valley."The motion is particularly relevant to all our students with the Olympic Games being just01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 30 of 33months away and almost on our doorstep, making what I believe will be the closestcontest yet.The students are so enthused by the motion and opportunity to take part - hopefully wewill be able to retain our title but either way the students have excelled themselves withthe effort, passion and commitment they have shown."MP praises voluntary sector10.24am - 3rd November 2011EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praises voluntary groups for not only being costeffective but very often providing a better service because those running the group do sopurely because they want to.Mrs Laing, who was speaking during Cabinet Office Questions in the House of Commons,cited the work of Epping Forest Home-Start a good example.Mrs Laing was supported by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civic Society, when she said thatvoluntary organisations provide a lot more than just value for money.Mrs Laing asked: "Does the Minister agree that voluntary groups set up by people who dowhat they do because they want to, and because they have a lifetime of experience in thefield - one example is Home-Start in my constituency - often fulfil their roles not only in amore cost-effective way, but better than others?"Mr Hurd agreed saying: "Absolutely. Value is reflected in two ways, in terms of cost and interms of the effectiveness of the support that is given."In my experience, volunteer-led organisations enjoy a different level of trust among thepeople whom they are trying to help."Trust chairman to leave PCT10.22am - 3rd November 2011NHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias is to leave the PCT in the latest phase of NHS reorganisation.The strategic health authority for the region, NHS Midlands and East, has appointedformer NHS North Essex chairman Chris Paveley as the new chairman for NHS NorthEssex - which covers NHS West Essex, NHS North East Essex and NHS Mid Essex -from December 1.NHS North Essex chief executive Sheila Bremner said: "We wish Chris the very best inhis new role. As chairman of NHS North East Essex, Chris headed up a high-performingand successful organisation."His experience in the NHS, and previously in other sectors, will be an enormous benefitto our task for the next 18 months to transform our local NHS and drive up quality andefficiency in our local services."She added: "We are sorry that our other two PCT chairmen will be stepping down at theend of November."David Barron for NHS Mid Essex and Alan Tobias in NHS West Essex have achieved agreat deal in their service to local people. Both Alan and David have been excellentchairmen, popular with staff and appreciated by local partners."They gave their time and commitment, frequently beyond expectation, to get the bestcare for local people."The new appointment is in line with Department of Health recommendations that thereshould be a single chair for clusters of PCTs that have been set up to manage thetransition to new arrangements for the NHS by 2013.The appointment runs until March 31, 2013, when, subject to parliamentary approval,Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities will take over health carecommissioning and PCTs and strategic health authorities will be abolished.Festive shoppers to get free parking10.20am - 3rd November 2011SHOPPERS using the Epping Forest District Council car parks will be able to park for freeon Saturdays over the festive period.Safer, Greener and Highways portfolio holder Penny Smith was responding to a questionfrom Conservative councillor Chris Whitbread, who hoped the council would beencouraging people to 'shop local', when she said the arrangements which have been inplace for some years would be "unchanged".Mrs Smith told Tuesday's council meeting: "Of course we are supporting our localbusinesses."I hope that everyone will come to our towns and use the free car parking in our towncentres."Police appeal over wanted man2.33pm - 2nd November 2011POLICE are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a violent man who has linkswith the Buckhurst Hill area.Christopher Renda, 30, is wanted on suspicion of an arson attack at a business inQueens Road, Buckhurst Hill, on October 27.A police spokesman said accelerant was poured through the letterbox of a businesspremises between 7.30pm and 8.50pm and set alight.Damage was caused to the inside of the building.Renda is described as white, of medium build, with blue eyes, short dark hair and cleanshaven. He is also known to have links to the Isle of Dogs.Essex Police advise members of the public not to approach Renda but to contact policeon 999.PICTURE - Christopher Renda click herePupils become DJs for a day8.58am - 2nd November 2011TWO West Hatch High School pupils became radio DJs for the day - when theybroadcast live to the High Chelmer shopping centre in Chelmsford.Jack Noakes and Joe Duffield broadcast to thousands of people through the centre'spublic address system, delivering their own brand of radio genius -'The Jack and JoeShow'.The broadcast was part of the 'Changing Chelmsford Festival of Voices' project whichlooks at how the people of the town can have a say regarding the future of somelandmark buildings - including the Marconi works, the home of radio.The Year 10 students began learning how to use radio during Year 9 when they workedwith Hal MacLean, from Creative Learning Systems, during a 'Creative partnerships'project.The boys have developed a unique style and played some of the most up-todate music,interspersed with interviews, chat, and even a live session from a local band.During the morning they were joined by BBC Essex weekend breakfast presenter IanWyatt who talked about being a real DJ, and gave the boys hints and tips about how they01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 31 of 33could further their own careers.Later in the day the pair interviewed the chairman of 'Changing Chelmsford' and a hot airballoon pilot.Two members of local band 'James and the Giant Petes' turned up for a session andinterview, playing four tracks and talking about their intended career successes.Hal said: "This was all managed superbly by Jack and Joe who had to organise the studiospace and make some last minute changes to the equipment in order to get the showrunning live."Throughout the day the pair were accompanied by Hal MacLean, Director of CreativeLearning Systems.He said: "These two have shown an amazing skill level and picked up the art of radio in avery short time."I am secretly hoping they will one day become stars in their own right, and run their ownshow on a national station. They certainly have the talent to do so."The show ran from 9am until 5pm but thanks to the equipment provided by West HatchHigh School it was able to be scheduled and managed very easily.Last year the school invested in a 'Schools Radio' station provided by PSquared fromHull, and ran a project with Year 9 boys aimed at bringing a new approach to learning andengaging youngsters.Part of the project included visiting the BBC studios in London and delivering a live showto parents and staff at school, as well as some lunchtime slots in the school canteen.Dozens of council posts vacant8.01am - 2nd November 2011EPPING Forest District Council currently has 55 vacant posts - 27 of which have beenvacant for more than six months.The figures were revealed by council leader Lesley Wagland in response to a questionfrom Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Whitehouse.Council to look into toilet needs7.59am - 2nd November 2011BUSINESSES in the district could be paid to make their toilets available to the public.The idea has been put forward by Liberal Democrat district councillor Janet Whitehousewho told last night's council meeting that the introduction of a Community Toilet Schemecould be cost effective.She said the council's public toilets currently cost the authority £141,000 a year to provide- money which could be allocated to 141 local businesses to make their toilets available.Loughton Independent councillor Stephen Murray said: "I think this is worthy of support.We are only asked (through the motion) to investigate it. I do think that there is somemerit."It could be a very cost effective way of letting more people in this area spend a penny."Loughton Residents Association councillor Caroline Pond said Loughton Town Councilwas already working on such a scheme for Loughton High Road.Loughton Residents Association councillor Jennie Hart said: "A lot of people don't likeusing the 'superloos'. I really do like the idea of going to a shop and using the toiletsthere."Epping Conservative councillor Chris Whitbread said the main towns already have plentyof toilet facilities - in supermarkets and cafes.He said: "I really do think that we need to flush the original motion (proposed by MrsWhitehouse) away. Where the merit in this may lie is in our rural areas and not in ourtowns."Before we run headlong into something lets look at this very carefully."Councillors approved an amendment moved by Conservative finance portfolio holderGagan Mohindra giving the go-ahead for an investigation into whether the district'scurrent public toilet provision meets local needs and demands and if not whether aCommunity Toilet Scheme is a possible solution.What do you think about the idea of a Community Toilet Scheme?Email your comments to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.comAward recognises local history work7.58am - 2nd November 2011Cow butchered in fieldTHE efforts of Epping Forest District Council and a local historian in producing a bookhave been recognised with the presentation of an award.The council is the joint winner of the Alan Ball Local History award for The Life and Art ofOctavius Dixie Deacon, a 52-page colour book by Chris Pond and Richard Morris.The Epping Forest District Museum purchased a number of sketches by Deacon, an artistand publisher who lived in Loughton.The museum made the sketches available to Loughton and District Historical Society whoundertook the research into Deacon's life and work and wrote a comprehensiveintroduction, and published the book at its own expense and at cost price.Michael Saich, from the awarding committee - the award is made by the Library ServicesTrust, part of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals - whopresented the award to leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Ricki Gadsby, museumofficer Tony O'Connor and Chris Pond from Loughton and District Historical Society.For a picture of the presentation, click here8.08pm - 1st November 2011A COW has been slaughtered and butchered in a field near Abridge, police haverevealed.The incident was reported to police this morning after a farmer found the remains in oneof his fields.Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis has described the incident as "somewhat disturbing".He added: "It would appear his cow had been expertly butchered in situ leaving just theinnards and the skin in the field."I presume the incident happened overnight. I know that last year, just before Christmas,we had report of a similar incident involving a pig on a small holding."Mr Ellis added: "Please be aware for your livestock as we approach Christmas and keepyour ears to the ground on this."Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.Museum break-in investigated8.06pm - 1st November 2011AN Iron Age gold coin and a bracelet remain missing following a break-in at the EppingForest District Museum, Waltham Abbey.Two other coins were recovered following the incident which happened at the Sun Street01/01/2012

Everything Epping ForestPage 32 of 33MP secures fuel debatepremises in the early hours of Sunday morning.A number of displays were damaged and the items were discovered missing by museumstaff.The museum was closed on Monday and Tuesday.CCTV footage is being studied and Epping Forest District Council has said it will bereviewing security to see if there are any steps that could be taken as a result of theincident.The police investigation is continuing.5.45pm - 1st November 2011HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has secured a parliamentary debate over fuel tax after105,000 people put their name to his e-petition organised with the organisation FairFuelUK.Mr Halfon has campaigned for months in a bid to get Parliament to look into the high costof fuel.Now, following a lengthy battle, campaigning and three visits to the backbench committeeto argue for a debate the go-ahead has finally been given from the authorities for a threehourdebate in the main chamber of the House of Commons.The debate is expected to be scheduled for a half day (afternoon) on Tuesday, November15.The e-petition, which was tabled by Mr Halfon, was one of the first to attract over 100,000signatures.Mr Halfon said: "The rising cost of fuel is a major issue which affects everyone. I amdelighted that the petition received such marvellous support and achieved the 100,000names required to trigger a parliamentary debate in such a short time."Mr Halfon's campaign has seen him address parliament, ask a question at PrimeMinister's Question Time and take part in a protest along Whitehall to Downing Street.He said: "We are facing a silent crisis as the cost of living is rocketing. Steadily, month bymonth, energy and petrol bills are crippling our economy."Figures from the Royal Automobile Club show that the average motorist in Harlow isgetting fleeced for £1,700 a year just to fill up the family car. This is one tenth of theaverage local salary.He added that the Government defines "fuel poverty" as spending a tenth of your incomeheating your home, but asked: "What about spending a tenth of your income just drivingto work?"Mr Halfon said: "The case for cheaper petrol is not just popular; it is good economics, too.Experts at the LSE have published research showing that our soaring petrol prices arecontributing to UK unemployment."Added to that, the high price is creating a poverty trap, as people can't afford the costs ofgetting to work. In fact, petrol is now so hugely expensive, that it is costing theGovernment money. This is because fewer people can afford to drive, leading to lower taxrevenues."Figures from the AA show that the Treasury received £1 billion less in revenue frompetrol taxes in the last six months, compared to 2008. If this is true, it is disastrous."We urgently need a study of petrol taxes, by the Treasury, to see whether high fuel taxesare actually making it harder to close the deficit."Rip-off petrol prices are one of people's top concerns, according to Populus."To his credit, George Osborne has taken major steps to help, including a 1p cut in fuelduty and abolishing Labour's 'tax escalator'."But we urgently need to do more. We need no new fuel taxes in this Parliament."The 4p duty rises that are planned for January and August 2012 must be scrapped, andthe Government needs to pressure the oil companies to keep prices down."Dying Matters talk at seminar3.16pm - 1st November 2011A TALK on Dying Matters was given to the West Essex Mind and Spirit Group's lunchtimeseminar held at Waltham Abbey Health Centre.Guest speakers were Tracy Reed, education facilitator for end-of-life care for NHS WestEssex, and Giles Wright, communications manager at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood.About 60 people found the presentations most thought provoking.The speakers also answered various questions from the audience.The group's next lunchtime meeting is at the health centre, Sewardstone Road, WalthamAbbey, on March 8 next year.Guest speakers Giles Wright (left) and Tracy Reed (fourth from left) pictured withmembers of the West Essex Mind and Spirit Group committee click hereRemember to Light Up A Life8.58am - 1st November 2011ST Clare Hospice has launched its annual 'Light up a Life' series of celebration eventsand Christmas light dedicationsThe hospice's communications manager, Giles Wright, said: "Light up a Life is about usgiving something back to the community, a chance for people to come together at whatcan be a difficult time of year, to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones,together."People can dedicate lights in memory of someone, which will be turned on at specialevents, including at St John's Church, Epping; Loughton Methodist Church; St Martin'sChurch, Ongar; and the Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey.The events themselves are not a religious service but an opportunity to reflect andcelebrate, with festive songs and poignant readings. Once the lights are illuminated theywill remain shinning until the 12th night.Giles added: "Light up a Life is not solely for people who have experienced hospice care,or indeed lost someone in the hospice. It is open to anyone who has lost family, friends orpeople close to them."It can be comforting to know that a symbol of their life is glowing publically and amongstthe hassle and bustle of the festivities, they are not forgotten."For us, Light up a Life is part of our support to the community which created us, andsustains us."Through our work we recognise the importance of remembrance and reflection and wantto be able to provide a focal point for our community to do that."For details on all the events go to the what's on page.People are asked to contact St Clare to register their interest and for dedication forms.Loughton 'Light up a Life' will be led by mayor Caroline Pond and includes a candle litprocession to Kings Green.If you would like to dedicate a light, and join one of the events, visitwww.stclarehospice.org.uk/lual or ring 01279 773750 where a member of the team will bepleased to give you all the information you need.Man trapped in Crooked Mile crash01/01/20128.51am - 1st November 2011

Everything Epping ForestPage 33 of 33THREE fire crews are working to free a man trapped in his vehicle following a crash onthe Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey.Firefighters from Waltham Abbey, Loughton and Cheshunt were called out shortly after8am after a car left the road.No other vehicle is involved.MP slams Child Support Agency7.56am - 1st November 2011HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has called for an urgent parliamentary debate about theChild Support Agency after slamming the organisation as "incompetent and inefficient".Mr Halfon said he is repeatedly hearing horror stories about the organisation when heholds his regular surgeries.He made his demand for an urgent debate when he raised the cases of three constituentswho he claimed have been poorly treated by the CSA.Mr Halfon said that in one case the CSA is "refusing to pay money that is rightfully owed"after the man was found not to be the father of a child.Mr Halfon said the situation was causing the man "immense hardship".Sir George Young, the Leader of the House of Commons, promised to take up the case.He said: "I will certainly contact ministers at the Department for Work and Pensions andask them to pursue the individual case raised."Sir George added: "We all know from our own casework that the CSA generates afantastic amount of work."The Government are in the process of reforming the child maintenance system byputting the child first, encouraging parents to come to an agreement about financialsupport and then providing statutory back-up where that is impossible."We believe that that will be a better system than the one we have at the moment.Speaking later, Mr Halfon said: "Time and time again in my surgeries in Harlow, there areexamples of the CSA behaving incompetently. Today I raised this with the Government,as many Harlow residents are suffering because of it."The CSA is causing them real hardship. The Leader of the House agreed to help, and Ihope we can get these cases resolved."Footballer injured in assault7.56am - 1st November 2011A NON-league footballer from Loughton was due to undergo surgery yesterday followingan assault which left him unable to move his legs.Billericay Town goalkeeper Nicky Morgan was taken to Queens Hospital in Romfordfollowing the incident which happened outside the Sugar Hut nightclub in William HunterWay, Brentwood, shortly after 2.30am on Friday (October 28).The player is being treated for a neck injury.A statement posted on the Ryman Premier League club's website yesterday states: "Nickhas improved slightly. He has movement in his arms and toes but cannot move his legs."He is having an operation to reduce swelling. It is too early to assess the full extent of hisinjuries."His parents would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support."Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jamie Gingell said: "We believe the victimhad helped staff break up an altercation at The Sugar Hut and became involved againwhen an altercation broke out at the rear of the building."The man is thought to have been injured when he was pushed to the ground andassaulted by one man, although we believe about nine other men were involved in thealtercations."We are studying CCTV images of the incidents and would urge the ten people involvedto come forward before we go looking for them and start knocking on their doors."Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Serious Crime Team atHarlow Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.All rights reserved © everythingeppingforest.co.uk 2008-2012 | About | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Design:5belowzero01/01/2012