Nov 11 - Everything Epping Forest

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