Oct 10 - Everything Epping Forest

Everything Epping ForestPage 3 of 20EPPING Forest District Council's sport and health development team have teamed up withConcept Fitness to develop a club that will help young people improve their sportsperformance.The sessions will use the latest concepts in fitness training. The multi-sports club is aimedat young people aged from 11 years and over.The scope of the club is to develop sports specific skills and abilities that can be easilytransferred on to the field or court.The club will take place every Thursday at Concept Fitness in Epping High Street - a stateof-the-artfitness facility.Sessions start on Thursday, November 4, with classes running from 4pm until 5pm.The club is free but booking is essential as places are limited.For more information, ring Brett Sizeland on 01992 579050 or emailbrett@conceptfitnessuk.comDance programme starts next week27th October 2010LATIN and Ballroom dancing is coming to Ongar with the launch of a six-week danceprogramme.Emma's Dance Academy in collaboration with Epping Forest District Council's sport andhealth development team is running the programme at the Budworth Hall, High Street,Ongar, for all ages and abilities, between 7pm and 8pm every Tuesday from November 2.Classes cost £5.For more information, ring Emma Stocker on 07956 116827.Warning after cashpoint theft27th October 2010POLICE are reminding people to remain vigilant when withdrawing money from cashmachines following a theft in Epping.A man was using the cash machine at Barclays Bank in the High Street at 10.40am onTuesday, October 19, when he was tapped on the shoulder by a man who indicated to himthat he had dropped a fiver.As the victim crouched down to retrieve the money, his card was taken by another man.The man later discovered that £300 had been withdrawn from his account.The suspects are white men, aged 21 to 40, with black short hair. One had spotty skin andwas wearing casual clothes.The other had olive skin and was wearing a blue jacket and dark jeans.Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "We need to warn as many people as possibleregarding this scam, people should visit and view our 'warning over cashpoint crooks'article and video on the Essex Police website so they can understand how the scam worksand how to protect themselves."Anyone with any information should contact Pc Tracy Topche at Epping Police Station on0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Skate park proposals to be unveiled27th October 2010A GROUP of youngsters are taking steps to get a skate park built in Loughton.‘Skate Loughton’ a community interest group now with an open membership of morethan150 people aged from seven to 40, have been discussing the needs of the group withleading skate park design company Maverick Industries.They are set to unveil a first draft plan for the desired park at a BMX and skate ramp eventbeing funded by Loughton Town Council and Essex Police at Roding Valley Playing Fieldsbetween 11am and 3pm on Friday.A similar event held last year attracted more than 300 local bike and skateboardenthusiasts.The group hope that news of the design plans will attract even larger numbers this year.Lead member Josh Moynihan said: "We are all really excited to see what the companyhave come up with design-wise following our meetings with them. There is a huge localBMX and skate community and we as a group are prepared to fundraise and work withother parties to make a positive new community leisure resource a reality."Last year’s half-term skate ramp event indicated that land next to Willingale Road was thefavoured proposed site of the user group and Loughton Town Council.Members of ‘Skate Loughton’ plan to invite key stakeholders to a short presentation eventin the near future and have a planned a series of fundraising events which includesponsored cycle rides, sky dives, car washes and a music event.Josh added: "It is important that the project has the full backing of the local community andall the local authorities now."This park has been talked about for so long, but hopefully our positive actions now willsoon warrant wider support."Anyone interested in the skate park is urged to visit the tennis courts at Roding ValleyPlaying Fields on Friday (11am-3pm) where there will also be a mobile ice rink.The skate park designs will then be displayed at The Space, Loughton Library, for widerconsultation and feedback.Music event to highlight youth forum27th October 2010A YOUTH music event will be held in Ongar to help pave the way towards the launch of ayouth forum in the town.Music Talks is being held at the Budworth Hall, High Street, Ongar, from 7pm until 11pmon Saturday, December 11.Information will be available about joining the Ongar Youth Forum, and there will also beplenty of live music, food and drink.Ongar Youth Forum will give young people the opportunity to generate new ideas totransform Ongar and the surrounding villages in the interest of young people.The forum will also create a voice for young people across Ongar and the villages.Anyone aged 14 to 21 who is interested in attending the event should email ConnorLattimer at connorongaryouth@gmail.com or Ongar Town Council on 01277 365348 oremail town clerk Mark Squire at clerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.ukDying Matters campaign launches27th October 2010A CAMPAIGN is being launched next week to promote the national Dying Matterscampaign which promotes issues surrounding death and dying and aims to break downthe taboo which exists.Karen Weatherill, team assistant with the long-term conditions and end of life team at NHSWest Essex, said: "It is important that we all prepare for our deaths, something whichfrightens and worries a lot of people.02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 4 of 20"However there are few certainties in life apart from perhaps taxes and dying. "We want toencourage everyone to think about how they would want to be cared for and to know aboutthe services available to them locally."The campaign month will be officially launched on Monday (November 1) with aninformation stand at Epping Market.Members of the public are encouraged to spend a few moments chatting with the teamand looking at the information materials available. Information stands will also be mannedat the Harvey Centre, Harlow (Friday, November 5) and in Waltham Abbey (Tuesday,November 16).Karen added: "There are so many practical plans and considerations which can be madenow which will neither hasten death nor slow it down."What they will do is help ensure you are cared for as you wish you be and those aroundyou are supported and can have special positive memories."We believe strongly that there is such a thing as a good death and everyone has the rightto it."Vehicle seized in road checks27th October 2010MOTORISTS were stopped in Ongar during a road safety operation during which a vehicleseized.Officers from specialist teams stopped vehicles during the operation which was designedto increase road safety and reduce crime.Officers carried out stop checks and used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)technology yesterday (Tuesday) to identify vehicles whose drivers were committingmotoring offences or had been involved in crime.Nineteen people were stopped for not wearing a seat belt, seven people for using a mobilephone whilst driving and one vehicle was seized.Epping Forest district commander Alan Ray said: "We continue to focus on reducing crimebut are equally committed to reducing the number of road crashes involving fatalities orserious injuries."We are targeting unacceptable driver behaviour such as; manner of driving, use of amobile phone, failure to wear a seatbelt, speeding and intoxication."Something as simple as not wearing a seatbelt, even in a minor or low speed crash couldresult in a death."Air bags, when deployed, are designed to cushion a driver's face and body which isrestrained by a seatbelt, by not wearing a seatbelt, the air bag could break the driver'sneck."Seatbelts are the primary safety device in all vehicles."He added: "Whilst reducing and detecting crime, we want to try and keep people as safeas possible whilst travelling through our district."Man victim of "unprovoked attack"25th October 2010POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an unprovoked assault in Epping.A 54-year-old man was struck on the back of his head, pulled to the ground and punchedby two men as he walked in Centre Drive, near the alleyway that leads to Epping Station,at about 11.50pm on Monday, October 11.The victim suffered cuts to his face, nose and head and swelling to his nose and rightknee.Investigating officer PC Steve Bolingbroke said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attackon a man who was doing nothing more than walking home. We are keen to catch thepeople responsible."I urge anyone with information to contact me please."Anyone with any information should contact PC Bolingbroke at Epping Police Station on0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Vandals target skate park25th October 2010VANDALS have targeted the skate park in Bansons Lane, Ongar.Ongar Town Council says there have been "a number" of incidents of vandalism in recentweeks, with notices ripped off and excessive litter strewn over the site and thrown overfences.Council staff reported that it took over an hour one morning to clear the debris, despitethere being two bins on site.There has also been some damage to the skate park surface which the council willundertake to repair shortly.Town council clerk Mark Squire said: "The council is keen to keep the facility for the benefitof local residents and co-operation from all users would be appreciated."Police renew murder appeal25th October 2010DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a man who was murdered in his Sheering homemore than four years ago have renewed their appeal for information.Officers believe that the answer to who killed Joe Shipton in March 2006 still lies within thelocal community.Detective Sergeant Ed Mayo said: "Despite the passage of time, we are determined to findwho killed Joe Shipton."Someone knows who is responsible and I believe that their conscience may be troublingthem and so now is the time to contact police or give information anonymously viaCrimestoppers."His family want justice for him.Joe's sister, Betty Taylor, said: "Joe is dearly missed by the family and we hope with thepassage of time anyone with any information surrounding Joe’s murder can now comeforward and help the police."Michael ‘Joe’ Shipton, 61, was murdered between 4.30pm on Friday March 24, 2006, and10am the next day in his home in The Plashets.He died alone, the result of what police have described as a "callous and cowardlyattack".A post mortem showed that he died of head injuries after being struck several times with ablunt instrument.He was discovered after a concerned friend called at the house, where he lived alone andfound him dead.Police found no evidence that the attacker forced their way in, but are keeping an openmind on whether Joe knew his killer.Joe was well known in the area, travelling around by bicycle. He had lived at his home formany years and would go drinking in the local pub.He had been made redundant from his job in the 1970s and did gardening and other oddjobsfor cash.He had no real close friends and would sometimes not be seen for some time. He had02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 5 of 20contact with his relatives, mainly by telephone.Detectives launched a murder investigation and more than 700 people were interviewed,including all residents in the village.Posters and leaflets were distributed and the murder was featured on the BBC'sCrimewatch programme.A reward was offered for information leading to a conviction however no one has beenarrested to date.DS Mayo said: "Someone knows who killed Joe and now is the time for Joe’s family to getsome answers and see justice done. "Anyone with any information can call me, in confidence, at Brentwood major investigationteam on 0300 333 4444."Antiques stolen from church25th October 2010VALUABLE antiques worth over £5,000 have been stolen from All Saints Church,Nazeing.An oak chest, table and candlesticks were among the items taken between noon onSunday, October 3, and 3.45pm on Monday, October 4.The 17th century oak chest has carved panels on the front and measures 148ins by 68ins.It is worth over £4,000.A "Pembroke" oak table - 71.5ins tall, 91.5ins wide and 57.5ins deep - has a drawer with ametal keyhole in the centre and off-centre knob. There is a false drawer at the other endwith no keyhole but an extra wooden knob.There is considerable damage to the table, the top of which is water stained, however it isworth about £800.Also taken were two solid silver or crystal candlesticks, a patern chalice, a pyx and twocruets.These items were at least 100 years old and worth over £1,000.Anyone who has been offered the items, seen them for sale or has any information aboutthe theft, should ring PC Daniel Stevens at Epping Police Station on 0300 333 4444 orCrimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Crews tackle converted barn blaze25th October 2010FIREFIGHTERS from Ongar were among eight crews called to tackle a blaze in aconverted barn at High Roding.The crews were alerted to the fire in Rands Road shortly before midnight last night andspent more than three hours dealing with the incident.The property was said to have been "well alight".Crews from Ongar, Leaden Roding, Dunmow, Old Harlow, Chelmsford and Brentwoodwere on the scene until the early hours.One crew is currently (7.15am) still on the scene damping down and checking for anyhotspots using a thermal image camera.A joint police and fire investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire..Art society prepares for exhibition25th October 2010EPPING Art Society is holding its 15th annual exhibition in St John's Church, Epping, nextmonth.Some 50 artists will be displaying their paintings and 3D work from Saturday, November20, until Monday, November 22.The exhibition will be open from 10am until 4pm on the Saturday and Monday and from11.30am until 4pm on the Sunday. Entry is free.The artists work in many different styles and media and there will be landscapes,seascapes, portraits and more experimental work on display.All the work will be for sale.RAF serviceman snaps up award23rd October 2010A ROYAL Air Force Senior Aircraftman from Ongar has won a prize in an annual RAFphotographic competition.David Turnbull, who joined the RAF seven years ago, won first prize for a picture of nineHarrier GR7s in a diamond nine formation.He took the photograph as the planes took part in a flypast to mark the creation of Number4 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Wittering, taking over from Number 20 (Reserve) Squadronas the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit.Each year the RAF celebrates a year of photography through its annual photographiccompetition culminating with an awards ceremony.David, whose parents John and Jan live in Mayflower Way, Ongar, entered the competitionwhich is open to uniformed, MoD civilian and contractor photographers, professional andamateur, who work for the RAF.The competition aims is to encourage high professional standards within the service'sphotographic specialisation and to enhance the positive profile of the RAF.The RAF has more than 200 professional photographers, employed in all areas of theservice including station PR activity, technical, intelligence, reconnaissance, combatcamera teams, videographers and airborne trials work.To see David's picture, click herehttp://www.raf.mod.uk/gallery/2010RAFPhotographicCompetition.cfm?viewmedia=10.Deputy portfolio holders proposed23rd October 2010DEPUTY portfolio holders could be appointed to work with cabinet members on EppingForest District Council.Councillors have opened the door to the possibility of deputy portfolio holders with theoverview and scrutiny committee recommending changes to the council's constitution.This would allow up to ten councillors to act as deputies in support of the portfolio holderswho make up the cabinet.While not holding any additional powers, deputy portfolio holders could be a good way ofproviding support to the cabinet as well as helping councillors gain experience of moresenior positions.There are no plans at present to provide any extra financial allowances for proposeddeputies.Meanwhile, the council is to consider giving members of the public more opportunity tospeak and ask questions at its meetings.Members of the public can already ask questions at cabinet and some other meetings.02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 6 of 20A report by the constitution and member services standing panel recommending extendingthe rules to allow representations as well as questions was accepted by overview andscrutiny committee and will now be recommended to the full council for adoption.Loughton Festival appeals for events23rd October 2010PLANNING for next year's Loughton Festival is underway.Led by volunteers under the direction of event director Sue Taylor, the Loughton Festivalworks with schools, churches, local organisations, clubs and societies to produce sixweeks of music, arts, heritage, literary and children's and young people's events that drawthe community together and raise money for charity.Every year local organisations, clubs, schools, churches, Loughton Town Council, andEpping Forest Arts independently organise their own events as part of the festival to raisefunds both themselves and various charities.Next year's event will be supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind.These events become part of the Loughton Festival. Sue is inviting local groups andorganisations to contact her if they would like to be included in the April 2011 LoughtonFestival programme. Individuals may also apply to be included.For example this year councillor John Markham displayed his artwork at the GardenersArms.The festival is unable to fund associated events but will offer support and include allassociated events on its website www.loughtonfestival.org and, where space permits, inthe printed programme.Associated events can be staged anywhere in the Loughton / Epping Forest area,including Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Theydon Bois, and Waltham Abbey.All an event organiser needs to do is agree to include the Loughton Festival logo on theirpublicity and undertake to raise money for the Guide Dogs charity.Some Loughton Festival highlights to look forward to include the Loughton Youth MusicFestival and the popular all-day guided walk across fields and forest: 'From William Pennto Charles Dickens', who are both associated with Chigwell.There will also be talks by local historian Peter Lawrence and James Bettley, who in 2007published the newly-updated Pevsner of Essex, an operatic concert and much more.Anyone wishing to participate in the festival programme, or businesses offering to sponsoran event / donate towards festival costs should ring Sue on 020 8508 2512 or emailinfo@loughtonfestival.org.ukChildren see crash during safety lesson23rd October 2010CHILDREN were given a graphic lesson in road dangers when they witnessed a car crashduring a safety operation in Waltham Abbey.The ten children and an Essex Police officer were carrying out traffic speed checks outsideLeverton Junior School when a passing car suddenly went out of control, hit a parked carthen spun into a brick wall and garden hedge.No-one was injured in the crash which happened in Honey Lane shortly after 11am onThursday (October 21).A young woman, from the Waltham Abbey area, who was driving the car has now agreedto go on a driver improvement scheme.PC Duncan Stableford, of Chigwell Road Policing Unit - who was teaching the pupils aboutroad safety and the dangers of speeding - said: "The children were checking the speed ofdrivers on one side of the road when a car travelling in the other direction went out ofcontrol about 15 yards further along the road."The car clipped the parked car and because its front wheel was damaged it mounted thepavement, struck a brick wall and came to rest in a hedge. The car was badly damagedand will probably be a write-off."The driver was badly shaken and admitted she had lost concentration and had failed toclear the parked car."It was a good thing she was wearing a seat belt because the car struck the wall with someforce."We do school speed visits to teach children about crossing the road safely and beingaware of the speed of cars."The crash also taught them to always be alert when on the road and to always wear aseat belt."St Clare Hospice lottery numbers22nd October 2010THE £1,000 jackpot winner in this week's St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow, Theticket number is 413282.The £100 prize goes to the holder of ticket number 620593. The winner also lives inHarlow.Anyone wishing to check the winning numbers or wants information about how to join thelottery should visit www.stclare-hospice.co.uk or ring the St Clare lottery team on 01279773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am -1.30pm).Funding secured for skate park22nd October 2010FUNDING has been guaranteed for a new skate park in Waltham Abbey.Essex County Council has announced that following the Government's ComprehensiveSpending Review, funding has been allocated to proceed with 13 playgrounds acrossEssex that had previously been on hold.The list includes the skate park in Town Mead, Brooker Road.Essex County Council children's services cabinet member Sarah Candy said "The grantfrom the Department for Education had been under scrutiny and so confirmation of fundsto Essex of £615,000, which allows all 13 playground projects to go ahead, is great newsfor the county and its children."It is vitally important for children and young people in Essex to have access to free placesto play and I am sure that local communities will join me in expressing delight that theseprojects can now be continue."The playgrounds can now continue with their individual plans with immediate effect; in thehope that all projects be completed by the end of the financial year.Chamber hosting supper quiz22nd October 2010THE Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is holding a Supper Quiz at Theydon BoisVillage Hall on Saturday, November 20 (7.30pm).The evening includes a supper of sausages and mash (and a vegetarian option) with a baropen throughout the evening.02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 7 of 20Tickets cost £12 each, including food. There will be tables of eight.For more details, email secretary@eppingchamber.co.uk, ring 0843 289 8184, or visitwww.eppingchamber.co.ukQuiz night raises £1,00022nd October 2010A QUIZ night organised by a Debden hairdressers raised £1,000 for St Clare Hospice.The quiz, held at Parsonage Court, Loughton, was organised by Geraldine, fromGeraldine’s Hair in The Broadway, and Anita, the event co-ordinator at Parsonage Court.The hospice's community and corporate fundraiser, David Bishop, said: "Special thanksmust also go to Greg and Paul for supplying the pie and mash, Nick Taylor, our quizmaster for the evening, and Jan McNeil for providing the delicious ploughman’s lunches."Artists to host museum workshops22nd October 2010ARTISTS from Creative Space will be at the Epping Forest District Museum, WalthamAbbey.They will be leading the Big Draw art workshops tomorrow (Saturday), Tuesday (October26) and Saturday, October 30.The theme will be the museum's current exhibition, Eric Dawson at Ninety.Participants will be encouraged to use Eric’s watercolours of people and places in EppingForest to create their own works of art in a variety of media.The cost is £1 per child. There is no need to book, just drop in. Children must beaccompanied by an adult at all times.For more information, ring the museum, at 39-41 Sun Street, on 01992 716882 or visitwww.eppingforestdistrictmuseum.org.ukFree electric blanket testing22nd October 2010EPPING Forest District Council’s safer communities team and Essex Fire and RescueService is holding a free electric blanket testing session.Electric blankets can be taken to the Civic Offices (first floor), High Street, Epping,between 10am and 2.30pm on Monday, November 8, and the team will test it while youwait.The safer communities team will also be available to answer questions about crime anddisorder and anti-social behaviour.For more information, ring the safer communities team on 01992 564608 or emailsafercommunities@eppingforestdc.gov.ukHelp keep cats safe22nd October 2010A CHARITY is urging people to take action to keep pet cats safe during the fireworksseason.The Epping Forest and District branch of Cats Protection said while celebrations can begreat fun for people, cats can be left stressed-out, confused or injured by fireworks.A spokesman said: "Apart from the obvious physical damage suffered through accidentalcontact with fireworks, cats can be badly affected by fireworks noise and lights."Possible behavioural problems as a result of fear and stress could include house soilingor excessive grooming, whilst there is also the danger of a pet cat running away and neverreturning home."For more information on keeping felines safe and happy during the fireworks season, ringCats Protection on 01992 579539.Jewellery theft sparks appeal21st October 2010FOUR items of jewellery have been stolen from a property in Loughton.Entry was gained to the property in Hatfields when a rear kitchen window was forcedbetween 8.20pm on Sunday, October 10, and 1.20am the next day.Stolen were a gold wedding band which is described as quite wide, patterned with sets ofthree vertical and horizontal lines around the ring and a gold ring with Topaz mount, set ina high claw patterned with lines up the side.The ring is slightly worn.Thieves also got away with a ladies watch (make unknown) with a gold and silver metalstrap, white face and gold numbers, and a gold chain, not fine, with the links joinedtogetherAnyone with any information should ring Detective Sergeant Caroline Williams at LoughtonPolice Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Church welcomes new curate21st October 2010A NEW curate has been appointed to the Epping District Team Ministry.Helen Gheorghiu Gould was born and grew up in Bedford and moved to North Waleswhen she was eight.She is married to Sergiu who was born in Romania and they have three children.Helen started her working life as a journalist in Ely and spent several years at the theatricalnewspaper The Stage, before becoming a freelance writer and researcher into arts andculture in humanitarian situations.She became culture and development consultant for the British Council, and served on theUK UNESCO culture committee, linking culture to international development policy. Sheran a charity, Creative Exchange, promoting culture in humanitarian aid and developmentfor ten years.Helen and her family moved to Epping from Leytonstone where they had worshipped at StAndrew’s Church since 1997.In recent years Helen has served as development worker at St Andrew's, developing acommunity cafe, Cafe Refresh, and creative programme, and more recently has beendevelopment worker for Commission4Mission promoting visual art in churches and missionin Chelmsford and London, in which she will continue to be involved after ordination.She first sensed that God was calling her to be ordained at the time of her confirmation in2000 by the Bishop of Richborough.She has trained for ordination at St Mellitus College in London and Chelmsford and willserve as curate with Epping District Team Ministry.Helen said: "I hope to have a particular community emphasis to my ministry in Epping. Ienjoy being out and about on market day, and visiting local shops and businesses."I also hope to be involved in the development project for St John's - it is a really exciting02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 8 of 20vision for the future of the town church, and it will be important to have the communityinvolved in it."As a family we are delighted to be living in Epping and are enjoying getting to know thetown - the dog is especially happy to be surrounded by so many trees and squirrels!"Most of the time I can be seen peddling to and fro on my ancient battered Raleigh bicyclewhich I have had for almost 30 years!"Restaurant celebrates anniversary21st October 2010EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing was among the guests invited to celebrate the 14thanniversary of a Loughton Indian restaurant.She joined other guests and staff at Bengal Spice, in Forest Road, with the gatheringraising money for Haven House Hospice.Mrs Laing said: "I thanked them on behalf of all their regular customers for their very kindhospitality and congratulated them on their 14th anniversary."We are all very pleased to be able to support a local family-run business but of course it’snot difficult for customers to be loyal because the Bengal Spice provides such greatservice, lovely atmosphere and brilliant food."It was a wonderful idea to raise funds for the hospice which is such a highly valued localcharity and so important in our local community.".Police facing £50m savings target20th October 2010ESSEX Police looks set to have to save some £50 million by 2014.The figure has been revealed following today's Spending Review announcement that hasconfirmed that the police service will have to make significant savings.An Essex Police spokesman said that although final figures will not be known until thegrant settlement is made in late November/early December, it is the force's assessmentthat it will have to save about £50 million.Some of the savings result from anticipated cuts in the police grant from the governmentbut there are other financial pressures that we also have to deal with.Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss said: "We will now study these figures in order tounderstand the exact consequences for the Essex Police force budget."Together with the Essex Police Authority, we will tailor our plans for savings to fit with thebudget we are given. The Chief Constable has said before that we will have to make majorchanges to the way we organise policing in Essex in the coming years."As more than 80 per cent of our budget is spent on officer and support staff salaries, therewill inevitably be less staff employed by us as we move forward to work in a climate oftighter budgets."We are currently working on a completely new 'Blueprint' for policing and are taking theopportunity fundamentally to re-design all aspects of how we deliver our services." Mr Blissadded that although savings of £17 million had been made in the past two years, therewas scope further to reduce spending without affecting the high standards of localpolicing.Sharing the costs of services by working closely with other forces, particularly Kent, isalready reaping rewards and there is potential for other collaborative work in the comingmonths.In keeping with public priorities, Essex Police will seek to continue its delivery of frontlineservices ensuring a visible and accessible presence.He added: "Essex Police's Reform Programme has been set up to look at the differentareas across the force to find the best way successfully to meet the budget cuts, manageresources, improve productivity and use the comprehensive spending review as anopportunity to develop a new 'Blueprint' for policing in Essex."Our aim is to ensure we continue to deliver a high standard of service to the public.".Singers wanted for competition20th October 2010SINGERS are invited to enter this year's Ongar Rotary Club Sing-Out competition.This is the second year of the competition held in memory of the late Frank Collins, a longtimemember of the club.The aim is to encourage people to take-up and enjoy singing, either as a hobby or acareer. The competition is open to contestants aged ten upwards.Chief organiser Tony Moore said: "It is a known fact that singing is good for your health, ithelps with your lungs, your heart and with your lifestyle. You will never be lonely with thefriends you make through singing."Since last year’s competition a number of contestants have gone on to appear inproductions nationally.Dolly Harrington is appearing in Oliver at London’s Drury Lane Theatre while Cell BlockBlues, two talented young men, are receiving countless booking requests.Richard Owen said: "Last year’s competition really gave us the confidence we needed totake that one gigantic step forward and we haven’t looked back since. Many thanks toOngar Rotary Club for giving us that opportunity."The preliminary auditions for choirs and singing groups will be held on Saturday,November 6 (10am-3pm).Soloists’ auditions are on Saturday, November 13 with the finals taking place in theevening at a Showcase Concert when all finalists will entertain an audience at theBudworth Hall, Ongar.Tickets and entry forms are available from the Budworth Hall and John Sear estate agentsin the High Street. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door. Three judgeswill select the best contestant.Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. All competitors will receive aspecially designed certificate.Singer/songwriter and Rotary supporter Bridget Metcalfe, who is having continuingsuccess with her BBC Three Counties Radio Sunday evening programme where she playsmusic and interviews celebrities, is giving a free singing lesson to one lucky winner.For more details about the competition, email Tony Moore at mooreafg@tiscali.co.uk orring 01279 415563.Inquiry will decide on housing scheme19th October 2010PLANS for 60 'assisted living' apartments in Ongar will be decided at a public planninginquiry next year.McCarthy & Stone wants to build the development for the frail elderly, with communalfacilities and parking, on land fronting the High Street near Station Approach.The district council has said that had an appeal against non-determination not been lodgedthe application would have been refused for various reasons.The council says McCarthy and Stone has failed to provide an appropriate financialcontribution in lieu of onsite affordable housing.The application is for 45 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments, and communal02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 9 of 20facilities that include a residents lounge, guest suite, refuse area, care support staff dayroom, laundry room, dining room, kitchen, warden’s accommodation and staff room.Objections had been sent to the district council by Epping and Ongar Railway andresidents of Bowes Drive and Bansons Way with issues raised included noise and trafficcongestion, privacy, a lack of public transport and the scale of the development.Ongar Town Council has also objected saying it believes the proposals are a "grossoverdevelopment of this sensitive site close to the Ongar Conservation Area".Councillors add the building would be out of scale and "contextually challenging" to theexisting street scene while also having an adverse impact on and loss of privacy forneighbouring properties.A planning officer's report states: "The applicant has set out reasons why it would beimpractical to provide affordable housing provision on site and that they are prepared tocontribute towards off-site affordable housing provision, but the council considers thesuggested contribution level is below that which is required."Golfers support League of Friends19th October 2010GOLFERS at North Weald's Par 3 course have raised over £1,100 for the League ofFriends of St Margaret's Hospital and Community.A cheque for £1,122 was presented to League of Friends treasurer John Hill.The money for wards at St Margaret's - particularly Beech Ward, the stroke unit - wasraised by the Sunday Morning Players and Friends.Course owner Clark Baker donated all green fees and vouchers, a fruit basket and ahandmade quilt to help boost the total raised.Mr Hill described the players' efforts as "magnificent", adding: 'The League of Friendsexists to raise and collect funds to provide equipment and extras for patients and staff at StMargaret's, over and above that which the NHS is able to provide."Five taken to hospital after crash19th October 2010FIVE people were taken to hospital following a crash involving a coach and a minibus onCanes Lane, North Weald.Nine people were examined by ambulance staff following the incident which happenedshortly before 9.30am today (Tuesday).It is understood that the coach was stationary and unoccupied when the collisionhappened.Three ambulances and a rapid response car were sent to the scene.Local manager Ann Trow said: "There were nine people in the minibus when the collisionoccurred, and we checked over all of them at the scene."Two of them had potential spinal injuries so were immobilised on spinal boards and takento Princess Alexandra Hospital."Three further patients were taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with minor injuries."The remaining four people did not need hospital treatment so were discharged from thescene."Woman sees off carjacker19th October 2010POLICE are appealing for information following the attempted robbery of a vehicle inLoughton.A 47-year-old woman, from Loughton, was in queuing traffic in Old Station Road at about7.15pm when a man approached her open driver’s side window.The man grabbed her and demanded she get out of the black BMW 3 series.The woman wound up her window, trapping the man’s arm and then released it slightlyand drove off leaving the man behind.The man was aged between 20 and 30, white and wearing a dark coloured jumper.The woman was left shaken but uninjured.Inspector Tom Simons said: "I am determined we catch the person responsible for thisoffence which was committed against a woman on her own during the early evening."Thankfully she was uninjured and had the presence of mind to take evasive action toprevent her vehicle being stolen."She was parked in queuing traffic and therefore other motorists in the queue must haveseen someone acting suspiciously or the offence being committed and I would urge themto contact police as soon as possible."Anyone with information should contact police at Loughton on 0300 333 4444.Work starts on hospital demolition18th October 2010WORK on the multi-million-pound Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre is underway, withthe demolition of the war memorial hospital.Essex Demolition Contractors Ltd, which has been awarded the demolition contract byNHS West Essex, expects to take up to eight weeks to demolish the Ongar and DistrictWar Memorial Hospital in Fyfield Road.Ann-Marie Grant, head of estates development with NHS West Essex, said: "Thedemolition is a delicate process as we want to salvage several thousand bricks and usethem in the new medical centre."It was always our wish to keep a link with the war memorial hospital by using some of thebricks in the stairwell of the new building."She added: "We hope people will appreciate the way we will be ensuring that part of theold building lives on in the new medical centre."The new medical centre will provide accommodation for the town’s two doctors’ practices,a dentist and a range of other health services.Funding for the medical centre has been approved and it is hoped that the centre will beopen for Christmas 2011.Open day at nature reserve18th October 2010AN open day is being held at the Cripsey Brook Nature Reserve in Ongar on Saturday,October 30.The free day is being organised by Ongar Town Council which is working closely withEpping Forest District Council, Country Care and Epping Forest Arts.The event - at the reserve off The Borough, Greensted Road, Ongar, from 1pm to 3pm - isbeing held to highlight the ongoing work at the site to develop the nature reserve as anarea of natural beauty for the people of Ongar and to attract new wildlife and wild flowersto the area.There is still a lot of work to be done but great strides have already been made. Young andold have worked hard to make the event a success with significant contributions from02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 10 of 20children at Chipping Ongar Primary School and older residents from Finch Court, Shelley.There will be fun events such as welly throwing and face painting for the children.Additionally there will be the opportunity to learn more about the natural environment andconservation issues.There will be the chance to learn more about the site, meet local rural craftsmen withdemonstrations such as hedge laying.Refreshments will be available and all visitors will entered into a free prize draw.Groups receive community fund cash18th October 2010FIVE local organisations have received a cash boost through Veolia Water's CommunityInvestment Fund.They are among 39 chosen from within the Veolia Water Central supply are and selectedby a Veolia Water staff committee.Funds were awarded to organisations promoting child welfare and education, socialinclusion, improving quality of life for the disadvantaged and the natural environment.In total the fund made 15 bronze awards (grants up to £500), 20 silver awards (up to£1,000) and four Gold Awards (up to £2,500).A Vision of Britain, North Weald and Ongar's Theatre Resource received gold awards. AVision of Britain organises activities to encourage people to achieve improved physical andmental wellbeing by exploring their local environment through social engagement, art,photography, multi-media and the direct observation of the natural world.The grant will provide 20 seated exercise classes for three local sheltered housingschemes.Theatre Resource works with disabled and socially excluded people offering training,education and learning opportunities in creative industries.The grant will buy a mobility hoist to help disabled people in and out of their wheelchairs.A silver award went to AIM (the mental health charity which provides a drop-in club forpeople with mental health problems.The grant will enable the club to hire a hall every week so that people will have somewhereto meet where they can support each other.Two Harlow organisations - Kisses 4 Kids and the St John's Ambulance Nursing Cadets -receive bronze awards.Kisses 4 Kids provides recreational activities in the interest of social welfare. he grant willgo towards creating a sensory room at Princess Alexandra Hospital so children withspecial needs have their own special place to go.The Harlow Nursing Cadet Division undertook 2,350 hours of voluntary service last yearallowing many local events to take place.The grant will be used to purchase a laptop to assist training of the cadets.MP hosts Rotary club lunch18th October 2010EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing hosted a special lunch at the House of Commons for aparty of visiting German Rotarians.The Rotary Club of Epping and the Rotary Club of Epping Forest joined together to bring agroup of Rotarians from Sinsheim in southern Germany to the area.The lunch, held in the Strangers Dining Room, was organised by Nigel Linsdell, from theEpping Forest club.Mrs Laing welcomed the guests to the House of Commons and gave them a short tour ofthe Palace of Westminster after lunch.She told them that her father had been president of his local Rotary Club and she herselfhad taken part in Rotary exchanges with other European countries when she was ateenager.She vividly recalled making a speech in French to a Rotary club in the south of France but,being less fluent in languages nowadays, she declined to address the House of commonsgathering in German.Mrs Laing said: "I was delighted to be able to host the lunch for the Rotary clubs and theirguests from the Sinsheim club, and I think they enjoyed seeing around the splendidsurroundings of the Palace of Westminster."Having been brought up in a Rotary family, I have great respect for the enormous amountof work which is done by Rotarians in our local community."Crowds turn out for King Harold Day17th October 2010MEDIEVAL music and a host of sideshows were among the attractions at the seventh KingHarold Day.The Swords of Chivalry living history group performed sword fighting in the arena whilevisitors could also see birds of prey and a performance by the Chingford Morris Men. Theywere joined by medieval musicians Richard and Elizabeth York, and The Black RavenKnight and his horse Beau.Various organisations took part in the day, including Waltham Abbey Historical Society, theEpping Archers who organised archery sessions for visitors, The Lee Valley Regional ParkAuthority and the Rotary Club of Corringham and Thameside.A procession through Sun Street from the Epping Forest District Museum to the AbbeyChurch ended with the laying of flowers on King Harold's tomb. Laying flowers wereEpping Forest District Council chairman Anne Grigg, Waltham Abbey Mayor Ricki Gadsbyand Jean Church, on behalf of Waltham Abbey Historical Society.Speeches were given by King Harold Day Society chairman and event organiser TriciaGurnett and Rev Peter Smith, the new rector of the Abbey Church.Also present at the laying of flowers was Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and her son,Matthew, who was dressed in a suit or armour.Annette Banks displayed her embroidery of the Bayeux Tapestry, which took her over 20years to make.Bees from Pebadale Apiaries were on display in an observation hive while the craftmarquee included crafts which might have been practised in the 11th century.Hospice shops want furniture17th October 2010OLD furniture is wanted by St Clare Hospice to sell in its charity shops.The hospice's retail sales manager, Louise Hamilton, said: "In the current climate thedemand for good quality, second-hand furniture has never been greater."Sadly the supply of donations has dwindled because people just don’t change theirfurniture as frequently plus we now have to compete with national charities for furnituredonations."The St Clare furniture collection service operates full-time, six days a week and covers thewhole of west Essex and border of east Herts.Louise added: "As a small local charity we run a very tight ship to ensure as much aspossible of the money raised goes to patient care."Our furniture collection service to donors is free. We have just one van, therefore it may02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 11 of 20take a few days for furniture to be viewed and collected so to avoid disappointment, weask donors to give us as much notice as possible when offering donations of furniture."For more details about donating furniture to the hospice's shops, what safety regulationsfurniture has to comply with and how to Gift Aid donations, emailshops@stclarehospice.org.uk, ring the St Clare retail office on 01279 773732 or 773734,or the distribution team on 01279 639752.BBC talk at probus club17th October 2010FORMER BBC political correspondent Brian Curtois was the guest speaker at the lastEpping Probus Club meeting.He spoke about some memorable moments reporting for the BBC. Mr Curtois had startedhis career with local papers in Hornchurch, Ilford and Nottingham, then joined a pressagency and finally became the BBC's political correspondent.He spoke about his interviews with celebrities including Cassius Clay, Bruce Forsyth andTerry Wogan and the many news stories he had covered about Prime Ministers from TedHeath to Margaret Thatcher, the latter where he had experienced a "hand bagging" (verbalinquisition) from the lady.He had also interviewed, in their early days, Kenneth Clark, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown andDavid Cameron.His memorable moments of news coverage included the great Harrison Gibson Fire atIlford which destroyed two large shops, and the Brighton bombing at the Conservativeconference where the TV crews provided the lighting to help free Government MinsterNorman Tebbit and his wife from the debris of the hotel,The next meeting is on Wednesday, November 10 when Alan Dowsett will talk about theForth Bridge.The club has some vacancies for retired or semi-retired men.For more details, ring secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.Burial park holding open day16th October 2010FREE outdoor family fun has been lined up at a North Weald open day later this month.Epping Forest Burial Park is inviting families to visit the 52-acre woodland on Saturday,October 30 (from 9.30am), when activities will include heavy horse logging, conservationprojects, a falconry display, woodland crafts and children’s activities.Park manager Carmen Daniels said: "It’s a great opportunity to get out into the fresh airand have fun exploring the woodland."The heavy horses and falcons are always popular, so we’re expecting lots of visitors."Those keen to get their hands dirty are being urged to sign up for coppicing, treetransplanting and hazel fence construction - activities being led by park staff and EppingForest Conservation Volunteers to mark National Make A Difference Day, which will runalongside open day activities.An award-winning green cemetery, Epping Forest Burial Park is open 365 days a year withvisitors always welcome - whether they want to enjoy a woodland walk, visit a loved one orfind out more about funerals.Last month the park received further recognition of its high standards when it was named awinner in the 2010 Essex Business Excellence Awards.For more details, ring 01992 523863 or visit www.woodlandburialparks.co.ukHalloween campaign launched16th October 2010A CAMPAIGN has been launched to offer reassurance to Waltham Abbey residents overthe Halloween and Bonfire Night periods.The 'Bang out of Order' campaign has been set up to reduce criminal damage and antisocialbehaviour.The Safer Communities Partnership initiative brings together staff from Epping ForestDistrict Council’s community development Team, Essex Police, Essex Fire and RescueService and Trading Standards.The campaign, which is launched on Monday (October 18), runs until October 29. All juniorschools in Waltham Abbey are receiving 'Be Safer' Trick or Treating talks and crucialfirework safety information.Shop keepers will be visited in a bid to avoid large amounts of flour and eggs being sold toyoung people at this time.Additionally, extra activities will be provided for young people during half-term.On Tuesday, October 26, the `Bang out of Order` campaign will have a stall outside Tescoin Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey between 10am and noon where advice, postersand goodies will be available.Apples galore at Copped Hall15th October 2010CROWDS descended on Copped Hall, Epping, for the annual Apple Day.More than 2,000 visitors are estimated to have attended the event which featured applesof many varieties, which were on display and available for purchase.Members of the East of England Apples and Orchards Project gave advice on thecultivation of orchards and the growing of some 250 varieties of apple.The many 'garden party' attractions included countryside features with shire horses, livepoultry, ferret management, lace making, woodcrafts, haberdashery and a straw balecastle for children to climb when not involved in "apple games".Music was provided by the Bow Creek Folk Group, piano accordionist ChristineBeetlestone, and pianists Norman Lansdowne-Davis and Trevor Roberts who both playedthe Broadwood piano in the saloon.Refreshments were available from a large refreshment tent, a beer tent manned by DaveKaraskas, cakes and teas in the racquets court organised by Margaret Gervis, adelicatessen stall, hot dogs and burgers from the Epping Church’s butchers and an icecream van.Other attractions included the North Weald Airfield Museum, the Copped Hall Rolls Royce,the Epping Forest Conservators and other organisations.Stewards were on hand in the mansion where a new feature was the work underway torestore the lift, which was one of the first to be installed in a stately home.Also of interest were the archaeological excavations at the site of the former TudorMansion and, especially, the new archaeological room in the Victorian Wing where thearchaeologists involved described the nature of the work and displayed some interestingdiscoveries.The walled, rock and long gardens were much appreciated by the many who visited themand purchased home-grown produce.The proceeds totalled £16,000 - which will be used to help with the restoration work - arecord for a single Copped Hall event.02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 12 of 20Woman arrested over suspected brothel15th October 2010A WOMAN has been arrested following a warrant on a suspected brothel in Chigwell.Officers attended an address in Manor Road yesterday (Thursday) following informationbeing received of anti-social behaviour at the address.Loughton Inspector Tom Simons said: "My officers have been working closely with thecommunity and our specialist crime division officers over many months listening andverifying the concerns of our local residents."We will continue to seek out people who try to exploit others and set up brothels, causinganti-social behaviour and upset to other members of the community."We want to send a clear message that these activities will not be tolerated."A 48-year-old woman, from Woodford Green, was arrested on suspicion of managing abrothel and bailed until December 16.Bus public meeting cancelled15th October 2010A PLANNED public meeting to discuss bus services in Ongar has been cancelled - afterjust one bus operator offered to attend.Ongar Town Council had planned the meeting having received a number of complaintsfrom residents regarding the level of service on public transport.All local bus operators and representatives from Essex County Council were invited toattend a public meeting.A statement from the town council said: "Unfortunately Ongar Town Council were unableto secure the commitment of operators to attend and therefore the meeting has had to becancelled. Only one bus operator offered to attend."Ongar Town Council is exploring other avenues to enter into a dialogue with the relevantbus operators."Anyone who has any specific grievances regarding bus services can complete a complaintform which is available from the council office in Bansons Way, Ongar, is open 9.30am-1pm Monday to Friday or by ringing 01277 365348.Hospice lottery winning numbers15th October 2010THE winning £1,000 ticket in this week's St Clare Hospice lottery is 578853. The winnerlives in Sawbridgeworth.The £100 prize goes to ticket number 310646. The winner lives in Bishop's Stortford.Anyone wishing to check this week's winning numbers or wants more information abouthow to join the lottery should visit www.stclare-hospice.co.uk or ring the St Clare lotteryteam on 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).Man rescued from ditch12th October 2010A MAN has been rescued after collapsing in a ditch in Loughton.Four fire crews were called to Alderton Hill after the 55-year-old man collapsed in a threemetreditch shortly after 3pm on Tuesday.Firefighters took about an hour-and-a-quarter to free him, leaving in the care of theambulance service.Crews used an HGV platform, ladders and rescue lines to rescue the man.Cavalcade of Light cancelled12th October 2010WALTHAM Abbey Town Council has "reluctantly" cancelled the town’s Cavalcade of Light,usually held on the last Friday in November.Financial constraints as well as health and safety issues has led to the cancellation of thisyear’s event.A hoarding in Sun Street which is screening the building works makes the road too narrowfor both vehicles and the pedestrian barriers so the council, after taking advice from policehas taken the decision to cancel the event this year.Town council leader Stuart Pryde said: “The decision was taken by council afterconsiderable discussion; trying to think of different routes etc but any changes to the routebrings with it far greater expense.”The festive lighting will still be present this year, and it is hoped there will be additionallights in the town.Waltham Abbey’s festive lighting will be switched on on Saturday, November 27.Other events to celebrate Christmas will include the annual Christmas Party for youngchildren, and a Christmas Market.New chaplain starts at hospice11th October 2010A NEW chaplain has started in her new role at St Clare Hospice. Rev Joyce Smith wasordained in 2000 and became a curate at St Mary’s, Old Harlow.In 2002 she joined the Team Ministry at Waltham Abbey and became Team Vicar withresponsibility for St Lawrence, Ninefields and St Thomas, Upshire.She said: “Before being ordained, I worked in Dental Public Health and in the CommunityDental Service where I had particular responsibility for the dental care of people withspecial needs."I was also involved in teaching, vocational training and research into quality of life issuesrelated to oral health."Joyce will work closely with patients, their families and the staff and volunteer team, fromacross west Essex and the border of east Herts, to deliver holistic care and support.Hospice chief executive Richard Cowie said: “The opportunity for a patient to have spiritualsupport is fundamental to hospice care."We are delighted to have Joyce working here as part of our team and know the work sheunder takes will have an immediate benefit to so many people."Using her skills, such as the use of puppets Joyce is able to start conversations and bringfun to the care people are receiving."Man charged over fatal crash11th October 2010A MAN has been charged in connection with a fatal road collision on the M25 last year.The man, from Spalding in Lincolnshire has been charged with causing the death by02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 13 of 20careless driving of Ian Roberts, 63, who died when his car was in collision with anarticulated lorry on the M25 between junctions 28-27 on October 22 last year.Mr Roberts, from Exhall near Coventry, was certified dead at the scene.The man will appear at Harlow Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 10.Town prepares for King Harold Day10th October 2010ORGANISERS of Saturday's King Harold Day are promising it will be a "bumper day out".The seventh King Harold Day is set to have more attractions than ever, some exciting newones and the return of some old favourites.There is a new living history enactment group, The Swords of Chivalry, and new medievalmusic makers, Richard and Elizabeth York. Black Raven Knight are all making a welcomereturn.The Orchard Initiative - Lee Valley Regional Park has arranged for the Orchard Initiative tobe at King Harold Day.There will be a working apple press using fruit from the Abbey’s own orchard, and visitorscan try its apple juice.Annette Banks will be showing her amazing embroidery of the Bayeux Tapestry, whichtook her over 20 years to make.A procession will leave the Epping Forest District Museum at the end of Sun Street atnoon, led by the musicians and the Anglo Saxon flag, and head along Sun Street, throughthe Market Square, under the Lychgate and into the Abbey Churchyard, where a ceremonywill take place at the Harold Memorial Stone.A guard of honour will be formed by the Waltham Cross Detachment, Hertfordshire ArmyCadet Force.Fresh flowers will be laid on the memorial stone by principal guests, the chairman ofEpping Forest District Council, Anne Grigg, and Waltham Abbey mayor Ricki Gadsby.Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing will also be present, and Rev Peter Smith, rector ofWaltham Abbey, will speak.Admission, which includes a programme, is £2.50 per adult, £1.50 for senior citizens, withchildren who are accompanied by an adult free of charge.Wildlife gardening talk10th October 2010A TALK on wildlife gardening was given to the October meeting of Ongar and ShelleyLadies Thursday Group by Barry Kaufmann-Wright.Mr Barry Kaufmann-Wright, who has been a naturalist all his life and served with EssexPolice for 32 years including time as a Police Wildlife Crime Officer, worked with the lateGerald Durrell at Jersey Zoo so beginning his love for wildlife and landscape photography.He has a collection of 57,000 slides.Village commuter car park planned8th October 2010PLANNING permission is being sought for a 179-space commuter car park in TheydonBois.Applicant George Dilloway wants to site the car park on the former Old Foresters Club landoff Abridge Road.A planning application with Epping Forest District Council includes details for an accessroad, access bridge, lighting, security centre, CCTV, landscaping and drainage works.The scheme includes 13 disabled parking spaces.New chief executive appointed8th October 2010NHS West Essex chief executive Catherine O'Connell has lost out in the battle to becomechief executive of the three north Essex PCTs.The three Boards of NHS Mid Essex; NHS North East Essex and NHS West Essex haveannounced the appointment of Sheila Bremner who is currently chief executive of NHS MidEssex but will now lead the NHS across all three PCTs as they seek to work more closelytogether to deliver more co-ordinated and integrated health and health care services.Sheila said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this exciting new role. It is vital thethree PCTs co-operate to reduce our management costs so we can invest more in thefront line of health and health care."Each PCT will continue to have a Board that can be held accountable by local people butthe organisations will work together far more closely to deliver what local people need."She added: "I am committed to delivering the improved health and healthcare local peoplewant and deserve and to ensuring we meet head on the financial challenges faced by theNHS locally."We will invest in better quality services that deliver better outcomes for patients by beingmore productive; creating an environment where innovation flourishes; and where wefocus more on prevention of disease."We will only be successful in meeting these challenges if we continue to build effectivepartnerships with our local communities, including the local authorities and GPs."Essex Transition Board chairman David Barron said: "Sheila is the right choice for job. Shewill bring her vast energy and commitment to the post and will drive through the changeswe need to make to meet the challenges we face and I am sure she will work closely withcolleagues across the NHS and local authority sector to help prepare the NHS for thefuture."NHS East of England chief executive Sir Neil Mckay said: "Sheila is a strong andrespected PCT chief executive. "I believe she will make a great success of the task shefaces as the NHS seeks to meet both quality and financial challenges in the coming years."I also know she is committed to ensuring the right balance is struck between delivering forpatients and the public now and building links with local authorities and GPs as the NHSprepares for the future.".Fresh appeal after man dies8th October 2010POLICE have renewed their appeal for witnesses to a road collision after a man who wasstruck by car in Sheering died from his injuries.The man was in collision with a silver Ford Focus car in The Street shortly before 7 15amyesterday (Thursday).The 27-year-old man, from Bishop's Stortford, was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital,Harlow, and later transferred to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, with serious headinjuries.The man died this morning.Anyone with any information about the collision should ring the Chigwell road policing unit02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 14 of 20on 0300 333 4444.St Clare Hospice lottery numbers8th October 2010THE £1,000 winner in this week's St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Old Harlow. The ticketnumber is 868029.The winner of the £100 second prize (number 742755) lives in Old Harlow.Anyone wishing to check this week's numbers or wants information about how to join thelottery can visit www.stclare-hospice.co.uk or ring the lottery team on 01279 773730 (officehours Monday-Friday, 9.30am-1.30pm).Citizen of the Year nominations wanted8th October 2010NOMINATIONS are being sought for Epping Forest District Council's Citizen of the Year.The closing date for nominations is Friday, November 26.The award will be presented at the annual civic reception being held at Gilwell Park onFriday, March 11.There is no lower or upper age limit but district council employees and current servingcouncillors are not eligible.A nomination form can be downloaded the council's website or hard copies are availablefrom the council information desks at Epping, Loughton or Waltham Abbey and BuckhurstHill Parish Council Information Centre.Man suffers head injuries7th October 2010POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving a pedestrian and a car in TheStreet, Sheering.The incident happened shortly before 7 15am today (Thursday).A silver Ford Focus car was in collision with a 27-year-old man, from Bishop's Stortford.The man was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, and transferred to the RoyalLondon Hospital, Whitechapel, with serious head injuries.Anyone with any information about the collision should contact the Chigwell road policingunit on 0300 333 4444.MP welcomes rent legislation change7th October 2010NAZEING, Roydon and Sheering MP Robert Halfon has spoken of his delight that hiscampaign for local authorities, such as Epping Forest, to be able to keep the rents theyreceive has come to fruition.Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced that new Government proposals will meancouncils can keep all rent and sales receipts they collect rather than having to pass themon to central Government.Mr Halfon has campaigned for a long time for the change and had fought hard inParliament to keep Harlow housing money for Harlow people recently raising the issuewith the Prime Minister.The previous Labour Government had been taking £13 million a year out of the Harlowsocial housing money - even though there are one in ten people in Harlow on the council'shousing waiting list.Mr Halfon said: "Following years of campaigning I am delighted the new Government hasconfirmed that this unfair system will be reformed."He added: "The full extent of the situation was revealed by Housing Minister Grant ShappsMP in his answer to my written question in the House when it emerged that the totalamount taken out of Harlow by the previous Labour Government totalled nearly £75 millionover the last few years."This money could have been put to good use, to benefit the thousands of council tenantsin Harlow. Instead it was used to boost the coffers of the Labour Government to be spentelsewhere in the country."I am glad the new Government will finally scrap this unfair system, and keep Harlowhousing money for Harlow people."I have repeatedly said there needed to be an urgent shake-up in law to enable rents paidby Harlow tenants to be ploughed back into local housing rather than be handed over tothe Government."I am delighted my efforts have borne fruit and that these changes will be introduced."Railway group holding exhibition7th October 2010TWELVE working layouts will be running at Epping Railway Circle's exhibition at TheydonBois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois.There will also be trade stands for sales of model railways, tools and books at the eventbeing held between 10.30am and 5pm on Saturday November 6.Refreshments, including homemade cakes, will be available.Admission is £3.50 for adults (family ticket for two adults and two children £9;children/concessions £2).Schoolboy fights for bus service02/12/20106th October 2010A LOUGHTON schoolboy is hoping to persuade the authorities that a local bus serviceshould be saved.Shannon Toms, a pupil at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, swung into action whenhe became aware that H1 route, which serves Epping and Loughton, was under threat.He contacted county councillor Chris Pond who told him that the county council haddeemed the service unnecessary because it was duplicated by the 541 service and theLondon Underground.Shannon, who writes the Shannon Says column on Everything Epping Forest, said: "Istrongly object to the proposal to withdraw route H1 on Saturdays, unless a viablealternative is made available."Route 541 is not such an alternative as it was a poor compromise caused by withdrawalof other Arriva services, it does not serve St John's and Fairmead wards in Loughton, andis not a direct route between Loughton and Epping - it takes about 50 minutes by a roundaboutroute."Shannon, who is a member of the Young Essex Assembly, added that the LondonUnderground Central Line also failed to offer a suitable alternative.He said: "The Tube stations at both places are poorly sited and a walk of some four milesthere and back is necessary to reach the respective town centres.

Everything Epping ForestPage 15 of 20"H1 is understood not to be failing the county’s £5 per passenger subsidy limit."The route, a bus corridor for some 75 years, needs developing, not abandoning, andChris (councillor Pond) believes it might be so expanded (Monday-Friday) commercially in2011."Get ready for carols6th October 2010THE Theydon Bois and District Friends of Cancer Research UK will hold its carol serviceat St John's Church, St John's Road, Epping, at 8pm on Friday, November 26.The family event will feature music provided by the band and choristers of the SalvationArmy.An appeal will be made by Darren Couchman, Area Volunteer Manager for CancerResearch UK.PCT chairman reappointed6th October 2010NHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias OBE has been re-appointed for a further four-yearterm, to serve until 30 September 2014.Alan, is a qualified solicitor, former London boroughs chief executive and latterly chairmanof an IT company. Alan, who lives in Buckhurst Hill, was, for six years, Chairman of EssexProbation Service, a board member of Springboard Housing Association as well as trusteeto two Charitable Trusts.Mr Tobias said: "I am delighted to have been re-appointed as chairman of NHS WestEssex. The NHS is experiencing a challenging period with many changes ahead in whatcontinues to be difficult financial times."I am confident that with the support of the Board and our dedicated staff we will continueto be able to provide much valued health services for the people of West Essex,"The appointment is made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments'Code of Practice. He receives £34,152 per annum.All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in theselection process.However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirementfor appointees political activity (if any declared) to be made public.Mr Tobias has declared no political activity in the last five years and has declared noministerial appointments. West Essex PCT covers the Epping Forest, Harlow, Uttlesfordareas and is responsible for commissioning local health services and improving the healthof the local population.The PCT manages services for older people, community nursing and community clinics. Itworks closely with GPs, dental practices, pharmacists and optometrists.Search on for Young Citizen of the Year6th October 2010THE search is on to find the district's Young Citizen of the Year 2011.The prestigious award goes to someone who has given their time and energy, on avoluntary basis, to benefit the local community.The award is open to anyone aged 11-18 living in the district. Nominees do not have to bewell-known or involved in major events.It could be anyone, just as long as their efforts benefit local people.Nominees have shown outstanding courage, done something of great benefit to you oryour community or shown extraordinary commitment, energy and effort in their particularfield or towards achieving a particular goal.The winner will be invited to attend the civic awards ceremony on March 11 next year, toreceive a certificate and cheque for £100.For more information contact Diane Butler on 01992 564365; emaildbutler@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or download a nominaton form atwww.eppingforestdc.gov.ukThe closing date is Wednesday, December 22.Go-ahead given for new almshouse6th October 2010PLANNING permission has been given for a new almshouse to be built in Epping.The Epping and Theydon Garnon Joint Charities have obtained planning consent fromEpping Forest District Council for the property in the long back gardens of the existingalmshouses in Thornwood Road.The almshouse is being paid for from money given to the organisation by the Pelhamfamily many years ago. Epping and Theydon Garnon Joint Charities has also obtained aloan from the Theydon Garnon Refugee fund which owns and maintains the refugeebungalow in Bower Hill.A foundation stone will be laid to mark the new almshouse. It is hoped this will be laid byEpping mayor Olive Dunseath.Behind the stone there will be a time capsule and the trustees have contacted localschools asking the pupils to make suggestions as to what it should contain.The foundation stone will be donated by local funeral directors Daniel Robinson and Son.The trustees are delighted that so many local businesses and funds are involved with theproject.PICTURE - To view an artist's impression of the new almshouse, click herehttp://dl.dropbox.com/u/8853427/new%20almshouse.jpgCoffee morning raises over £1,0005th October 2010ORGANISERS of a Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning event in Thornwood havethanked everyone who helped raise over £1,000.Volunteers ran a delivery service to local businesses while visitors to Thornwood VillageHall could browse stalls and enjoy a menu which included sausage and bacon baguettes,soup and quiche, as well as a selection of homemade cakes..The event raised £1,026 - £26 more than last year.Service to commemorate bombing5th October 2010A SERVICE of Remembrance will be held on Saturday to commemorate the 70thanniversary of the bombing by the German Luftwaffe of Spriggs Oak, Epping.The bomb, which fell at 8.05pm on Wednesday, October 9, 1940, killed eight expectant02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 16 of 20mothers and injured 14 other people.The house was badly damaged and Palmers Hill was partially blocked.The short service, organised by the Epping and District branch of the Royal British Legion,will be held in the grounds of Spriggs Court at 8pm on Saturday - exactly 70 years after theincident.The service will be conducted by Rev Geoffrey Connor. Wreaths will be laid by EppingForest District Council chairman Anne Grigg, Epping mayor Olive Dunseath, Royal BritishLegion branch secretary John Duffell, and Sandy Turner, the daughter of Adela Frankswho was one of the women killed in the bombing.Members of the public are welcome to attend the service.Great Wall trekkers raise £50,0005th October 2010FIVE fundraisers from the district were among a 25-strong group who trekked along theGreat Wall of China for St Clare Hospice.The walkers spent five days walking sections of the wall at Mutianyu, Gubeikou,Jinshanling and Juyong guan and spent a day in Black Dragon Paw Park.Some parts of the wall were restored and the trekkers had to negotiate crowds of touristswhereas other days were on old unrestored parts of the wall and they had to climb upcrumbling steps and through undergrowth.Trekker Meg Martin, from Epping, said: "I initially signed up for the China Challengebecause both my parents died in a hospice so supporting my local hospice (St Clare) wasdear to my heart, plus I had always wanted to walk the Great Wall of China and this was afabulous way of combining both."The experience lived up to all expectations with stunning scenery, some tough challengesin the actual walking and climbing of the thousands of steps, a chance to get to knowabout a completely different culture to ours, and with a group that was extremely friendlyand supportive."What more could one wish for and in the process I have personally raised nearly £6,000with some more donations still to come."She particularly wants to thanks her sponsors who include West Hatch High School,Chigwell; Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Primary School and Fawbert and BarnardPrimary School, Harlow, as well as any local shop owners and managers in Epping.Meg is now considering another similar challenge in 2012.The group - which included Jonathan McGovern, from Epping, Stephen Awosunle andGinny Makepeace Awosunle, from Loughton, and Ben Sowerby, from Theydon Bois -enjoyed one day’s rest in Beijing at the end of the trek and visited the Forbidden City and alocal Beijing Hutong.With Gift Aid, it is hoped the group hae raised £50,000 for the hospice, enough to fund twoweeks of specialist 24-hour inpatient care for eight patients at any one time.For details about next year's Great Wall of China trek (October 8-16), emailfund@stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773750.Maurice clocks up 1,000th walk5th October 2010A MAN who joined the district council's walking for health scheme after suffering heartattack has just completed his 1,000th walk.Maurice Day, a walk leader for Epping Forest District Council’s Lifewalks scheme, joinedLifewalks in 2002. in July 2001,Maurice, of Willingale Road, Loughton, suffered a mild heart attack while working on hisallotment and was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, and then to Bart’sHospital where he ended up having a quadruple heart bypass.While recovering, his surgeon advised him to take up some form of exercise. In January2002 Maurice started walking with Lifewalks.Maurice said: "I started to walk a few times a week and was really enjoying myself."In 2003 I was asked if I would like to become a volunteer leader and readily agreed. In2005 I became a part-time paid leader."I haven’t looked back since and am looking forward to my next 1,000 walks!"For more about Lifewalks, ring Lifewalks co-ordinator Karen Williams on 01992 564222 ore-mail kwilliams@eppingforestdc.gov.ukRound Table prepares for fireworks5th October 2010ONGAR Round Table's annual Ongar Firework Extravaganza will be held at ChippingOngar Primary School on Friday, November 5.The gates open at 6.30pm.As well as the professional fireworks display, there will be various stalls and rides.A limited number of tickets will be on sale from John Sear Estate Agents, High Street,Ongar, and Chipping Ongar Primary School, Greensted Road, from mid-October.The event will be raising money for local causes.An Ongar Round Table spokesman, in a warning to people planning to attend the event,said: "If you or your children intend to buy 'Glow Sticks', please buy these from insideChipping Ongar Primary School (on the night)."The ones sold on stalls outside are nothing to do with Ongar Round Table and the profitsgo in someone's pocket rather than to local causes we support."Abseilers urged to sign up5th October 2010PEOPLE with a head for heights are being encouraged to sign up for an abseil down theAbbey Church tower in Waltham Abbey.The fundraising event is being held on Saturday, July 16 next year.Participants will be able to raise money for the charity of their choice and help boost fundsfor the Abbey Church.Half the money raised will go to the church and half to a charity of the person's choice.Anyone wanting to take part - minimum age of abseilers is 11 - need to pay an £18deposit.For more details, ring Nicola on 01992 711892 during office hours or emailnicola@theabbeyifd.co.ukVolunteer physiotherapist joins hospice5th October 2010A NEW volunteer physiotherapist has joined St Clare Hospice.Graham Ball, from Harlow, is helping to support the therapy team and the growing demandfor the service.Physiotherapist Emily Stowe said: "The physiotherapy aspect of our caring work isrelatively new still to St Clare although already delivering benefit to patients enabling them02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 17 of 20to be as independent and mobile as possible."Being able to offer a complete physical, psychological and spiritual service is core to ourwork."I have been the only physio working part-time until now, and the demand for patientsrequiring my help has grown hugely, not only in the day therapy unit but also on our inpatientunit and even visiting patients own homes, when needed."Graham, who recently graduated with a Masters in physiotherapy from UEA in Norwich, islooking to have a full-time career in healthcare.He said: "This is great experience for me, I do work as a physio for Leyton Orient FootballClub but that is obviously a sport’s role and I’m keen to gain healthcare relatedexperience."I will be helping Emily to assess and support patients, run symptom management groupsand work as part of the multi-professional team to maintain quality of life for our patients."Emily added: "I’m so grateful to Graham for his time and help, it will mean we are able tosee and do more for people and offer more support to our colleagues here at the hospice."MP praises community efforts4th October 2010THE efforts put in by Waltham Abbey Town Partnership to promote Waltham Abbey as atourist attraction have been praised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.Mrs Laing also heaped praise on the organisers of King Harold Day when she attended theannual general meeting of the Partnership at Town Mead, Waltham Abbey.The evening was also a celebration of King Harold Day which recently won the 'best event'award at the Essex Tourism Awards.Mrs Laing praised everyone involved with the Town Partnership, in particular Norma Greenwho has put so much effort into the organisation.She paid tribute to Mrs Green's "amazing energy and commitment" describing her as "thedriving force of the organisation which continues to go from strength to strength".She also praised King Harold Day organiser Tricia Gurnett for her amazing success withthe event which is being held this year on Saturday, October 16.Mrs Laing said: "King Harold Day has become such a resounding success. It has grownand grown over the years and its success has rightly been honoured through the EssexTourism Awards."So many people from all over the country now come to the event. There are so manystalls and contributors, and so many local people thoroughly enjoy the day which helpsremember a major figure in history."The meeting was also addressed by Lisa Bone, of 'Visit Essex, who told the audience howimportant tourism has become for our part of Essex.In the Epping Forest area some 3,000 jobs have been created by tourism.Mrs Laing thanked Naomi Chant for her much-valued contribution towards the work of theLea Valley Park which will host London 2012 Olympics events at the White Water RaftingCentre being built on the edge of Waltham Abbey.The meeting re-elected Norma Green as chairman, Tony O'Connor (curator of the EppingForest District Museum in Sun Street, Waltham Abbey) as deputy chairman and MaggieRadcliffe as treasurer.Horse loose after road crash3rd October 2010A HORSE was loose on the M11-M25 interchange at Theydon Garnon following a roadcrash involving three vehicles and a horsebox.One person was trapped in one of the vehicles following the incident which happenedshortly after 5.30pm on Saturday.Fire crews from Loughton, Brentwood and Grays were called to the scene and usedspecialist cutting equipment to free the casualty.The horse was rounded up and tethered during the incident.Hair salon arranging quiz night3rd October 2010A DEBDEN hair salon is holding a quiz night for St Clare Hospice.Geraldine's Hair Salon, The Broadway, is arranging the fundraising event which will beheld at Parsonage Court, Rectory Lane, Loughton, on Saturday, October 9.Tickets, priced £7, include a pie and mash dinner. Dinner will be served at 6.30pm with thequiz at 7pm to 7.30pm.Tickets are available from Geraldine's Hair Salon or Anita, at Parsonage Court, on 0208502 3666.The hospice's community fundraiser, Dave Bishop, said: "I'd like to say a big thank you toGeraldine and Parsonage Court for making this event possible. It's because of localcommunity heroes that we can continue to care for their neighbours, friends and familieswhen they need us.The hospice has been built and run on quiz nights and other similar fundraising activitiesover the past 20 years and they are as important today as ever as our funding reduces andservices grow."Two police stations could close2nd October 2010ONGAR and Waltham Abbey police stations could be closed with the officers based at thelibraries and fire stations.The idea is being considered by Essex Police as a cost-saving initiative following asuccessful pilot scheme in Tiptree.Essex Police, Essex County Council and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service launcheda programme earlier this year to identify locations where staff could potentially be broughtunder one roof, with the aim of looking for more effective and cost-efficient ways of workingtogether.A three-month pilot is underway in Tiptree, where police officers are using the fire stationas an administrative base, and are serving the public from the village’s library.An evaluation process of the pilot has been launched, in parallel with an early assessmentinto opportunities for similar working bases to be rolled out to other parts of Essexincluding an assessment of potential property sharing at Ongar, Stansted Mountfitchet,Brightlingsea, West Mersea, Wivenhoe and Waltham Abbey.Essex Police Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss said: "I’m a firm believer that our staff areat the heart of our organisation and our service to the public, not our buildings."As long as we are content that we can continue to deliver the same high-quality service inany shared premises, we will look to continue the roll out of the initiative across Essex."We have a challenge ahead of us with the anticipated public sector budget cuts, and ourpriority is to maintain the same calibre of policing service for the public, using opportunitiessuch as sharing resources with other partners to save money."Council launches new minibuses02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 18 of 202nd October 2010TWO new minibuses have been officially launched by Waltham Abbey Town Council.The vehicles have been purchased with money given to the council by Waltham AbbeyRotary Club when it closed some time ago.The old minibuses were coming to the end of their useful life, and the Rotary Club donatedfunds to replace them.The council has now replaced both vehicles with two new white 15-seater minibuses. Eachis fitted with a tail lift.The buses, for use by community groups, were formally handed over to the council earlierthis month when they were received by Town Mayor Ricki Gadsby.For more information, ring Bev at Waltham Abbey Town Hall on 01992 714949.MP praises flower festival2nd October 2010EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised the efforts of those involved with the recentSt Mary's Church flower festival in Theydon Bois.The festival was held as part of the church's harvest festival celebrations when the churchwas filled with harvest-themed flower arrangements.Mrs Laing said: "The flowers were beautifully displayed by local ladies whose artistic talentwas magnificent and helped ensure the event was a resounding success."There was also an array of stalls in the churchyard raising money for the church -everything from candy floss to a tombola and a Guess the Station on the Undergroundmap, as well as a Champagne Draw.Pupils to get flavour of the Olympics2nd October 2010PUPILS from King Harold School, Waltham Abbey, have visited the white water raftingcentre - the London 2012 Olympic venue on the edge of the town.Thousands of school children from across London, Essex and Hertfordshire will be given aunique opportunity to try out the facilities at the Lee Valley White Water Centre – the onlybrand new London 2012 venue to open to the public before the Games - for free.The venue is currently being constructed by the Olympic Delivery Authority and will opento the public in spring 2011.Pupils from the Broomstick Hall Lane school were among those visiting the centre onThursday for the launch of the Education Pledge, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’soffer to education authorities in London, Essex and Hertfordshire to select a class ofsecondary school students, aged 14-plus, from each borough or district, to experience afree rafting session on the competition course.The selected school children will be among the first to experience the thrill of white waterbefore the Olympians arrive.The youngsters met world championship medallist and Great Britain canoe slalom teammember Lizzie Neave and men’s senior Great Britain raft team captain Paskell Blackwell.Lizzie said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the nation’s children to be involved in thebuild-up to the Games and to inspire the next generation of Olympic hopefuls."Team GB is looking forward to training at this unique centre and we are all very excitedabout what we can achieve here on home soil during the Games."Paskell said: "I’m delighted to be supporting the Education Pledge. Not only will it letschool children experience a completely new and exciting sport, they’ll be trying out abrand new, state-of-the-art, custom-built facility that cannot be matched anywhere in theworld."To be able to watch the Olympians on the TV having tried the course out first is quitesomething."Lee Valley Regional Park Authority vice-chairman Michael Rye said: "We are thrilled to beable to offer so many school children the opportunity to experience a free white waterrafting session at Lee Valley White Water Centre."The Education Pledge is a great example of the way in which children and localcommunities from across London and the regions will directly benefit from this leadingvenue."Young people are at the heart of the Olympic legacy and will feature heavily in theprogrammes and activities we’ll run across the four venues the authority will own andmanage following the Games."I’m delighted to invite schools from across London, Essex and Hertfordshire to sign up forthe Education Pledge; a unique opportunity to experience an early legacy for the Games".The rafting sessions will take place as part of an Education Festival at the Lee ValleyWhite Water Centre in June and July next year.In addition to white-knuckle rafting the festival will see students learn about the venue andthe Olympic and Paralympic Games and enjoy a range of activities such as orienteering inthe 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park surrounding the venue.The Lee Valley White Water Centre opens in spring 2011 and has two courses - a 300mOlympic Games competition course and a 160m training course, perfect for sportsdevelopment.Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is working hard to ensure the centre will be an inclusivefacility, used by a huge mix of people, from schools and community groups to medalwinningathletes and future hopefuls.The centre is one of four London 2012 venues Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will runafter the Games, including the Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and TennisCentres.Funeral for former councillor1st October 2010THE funeral of long-time Ongar parish councillor Fred Adams will be held on Tuesday(October 5).Mr Adams was a councillor, representing Shelley, for 48 years, between 1955 and 2003.His love of football and cricket - he was a supporter of Leyton Orient and Essex CountyCricket Club - will be remembered at the service with anyone attending asked to wear asplash of red or white.The service is at 1.45pm followed by cremation at Chelmsford Crematorium at 3.30pm.There will be family flowers only. Donations can be made to the Ongar and DistrictHealthcare League of Friends.PCT "well positioned" for challenges1st October 2010NHS West Essex achieved a budget surplus in the last financial year and is now ready toface the challenges that lie ahead, the PCT's annual general meeting was told.Chief executive Catherine O'Connell said: "Last year was a particularly challenging yearand it is just an indication of the start of the new world that we are entering. We did comein on target and in balance."02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 19 of 20She added: "We met all our main targets, including 18-weeks - and this was the key targetfor the NHS last year - and we had 'good' ratings from the Care Quality Commission forboth the quality of services and use of resources, and we were also rated best publicsector health employer in the Sunday Times Best Companies List."The PCT achieved a surplus of £815,000 in 2009-10 against a turnover of just under £420million. This is compared to a £1.45 million surplus in 2008-09.The PCT's provider arm returned a £98,000 surplus (against a turnover of just over £38million).NHS West Essex Director of Finance Dean Westcott told the meeting: "This (the financialsurplus) was achieved against a background of significant pressures."He reported that the PCT had received a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commissionfor the way it managed its finances."This (2009-10) was a very strong performance in the face of considerable pressure andundoubtedly has positioned us positively for the challenges ahead."MONEY MATTERS: Monthly column1st October 2010In this month's column Loughton-based accountants and business advisers Haslers focuson unwelcome tax demands for employees and the Regional Employer National InsuranceContributions Holiday.Up to 1.4 million taxpayers are expected to receive an unwelcome surprise as HMRC arein the process of issuing calculations of PAYE underpayments for the last two tax years.The underpayments, some of which run into thousands of pounds, but with and average ofabout £1,400 are a result of incorrect tax codes being operated against their pay.The errors have come to light due to the checking of individuals’ liabilities by HMRC afterthe introduction of their new NPS computer system.Those individuals who have underpaid tax of less than £2,000 will generally be expected torepay the unpaid tax via extra tax deductions from their pay from April 2011 onwards.Those with larger sums due will need to make arrangements to pay the amountoutstanding.Dame Lesley Strathie, HMRC chief executive, announced during her appearance at theTreasury committee that HMRC was dropping plans to charge three per cent interest onthe larger amounts of underpaid tax due.According to the HMRC guidance: "Those who have underpaid will make additionalpayments through the PAYE system, provided the payment due is under £2,000."All payments will begin next year, and no immediate, one-off payment will be required. Incases of genuine hardship HMRC will allow payments to be spread across a period ofthree years."If the payment due is over £2,000, HMRC will write to the individual again setting out thenext steps for repayment."A significant number of taxpayers, about 5.8 million, are also expected to receive a chequefor a repayment of overpaid tax.The average amount overpaid being £400. If you receive a calculation of underpaid oroverpaid tax, and would like it checking please contact Haslers on 020 8418 333, or e-mailadvice@haslers.comIn the Emergency Budget the Chancellor announced the Regional Employer NationalInsurance Contributions Holiday.The Coalition Government intends to introduce a scheme, to become law in early 2011, tohelp certain new businesses where the ‘principal place of business’ is not in GreaterLondon, the eastern or south east regions.The scheme is intended to apply to businesses commencing on or after September 6,2010, with transitional rules for those which commenced on or after June 22, 2010.Broadly, for businesses commencing within the three-year qualifying period, employers willnot have to pay the first £5,000 of Class 1 employers’ NIC due in the first 12 months ofemployment. This will apply to each of the first ten employees hired in the first year ofbusiness.The relief can be by way of a reduction in monthly/quarterly payments of employers’ Class1 NIC or by refund.There are various anti-avoidance rules to prevent businesses ceasing and restarting andfor companies which fall within what are known as the ‘IR35’ or Managed ServiceCompany regimes.One point to note is that the scheme will not become law until 2011.To quote from the guidance: "The Holiday will be introduced in a National Insurance Bill inthe autumn and is expected to receive Royal Assent in early 2011, when it will becomelaw."Until that time, businesses eligible for the Holiday will, as a result of the exercise of HMRCCommissioners’ collection and management powers, be able to receive the benefit of theHoliday from September 6, 2010.New businesses which choose to participate in the scheme in advance of it becoming lawshould note that if the draft is not enacted in substantially the same form they will berequired to pay over to HMRC by April 19, 2011, any contributions that they have withheldwhich remain due."So, wait and see may be the best option in the near future.For further help or guidance on these issues, or any financial matter, contact Haslers on020 8418 333, or email advice@haslers.comCarjack victim "was followed"1st October 2010A WOMAN who was repeatedly punched and kicked by carjackers in Buckhurst Hill hadbeen followed, police have revealed.The 25-year-old woman was attacked when she parked her silver BMW 116 car in RousRoad when she went to visit a friend at about 10.25pm on Tuesday.As she got out of the driver's seat she was aware of a man walking quickly towards her.She was then punched in the face and head about ten times and kicked when she fell tothe ground.The man then demanded her car keys and got into the driver's seat while a second manentered the passenger's door.The car was driven away at high speed into Loughton Way in the general direction ofValley Hill.The woman was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital and treated for facial injuries. Doctorsalso believe her nose was fractured.Dc Tom Dinsdale said: "We are now aware that the robbers arrived in Rous Road shortlyafter the woman parked outside her friend's home."They got out of a black or dark car that parked two vehicles ahead of the woman's BMW.It was then driven off by a third man."We want to hear from anyone who saw the incident. We also want to hear from anyonewith information about the car the robbers arrived in or anyone who saw the stolen carbeing driven away at speed."The man who assaulted the woman was black, about 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, slim and aged in his20s. He was wearing a dark hooded top with a cream or beige rim around the top of thehood. He was also wearing dark trousers and trainers.02/12/2010

Everything Epping ForestPage 20 of 20The second man was also black and was of large build. He was wearing a beige hoodedtop and a dark trousers.Anyone with information should contact Dc Dinsdale at Waltham Abbey CID on 0300 3334444.All rights reserved © everythingeppingforest.co.uk 2008-2010 | About | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Design:5belowzero02/12/2010