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Hopes remain over new school plans |
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29th July
2010
EPPING Town Council has withdrawn its
objection to the St John's School compulsory
purchase order as hopes remain that the new
school development can still go ahead. Essex
County Council plans to compulsorily purchase
land at Bury Lane for the new school entrance.
The school project received outline planning
consent following a public inquiry in 2006.
Approval was given for the construction of an
entrance adjacent to the junction of Bury
Lane/Lower Bury Lane which would necessitate
closure of the entrance to Lower Bury Lane.
Funding for the whole school scheme was to come
from an enabling residential development on the
existing school’s footprint.
However due to the recession the value of the
enabling development has recently been reported
to be insufficient for the project to continue.
The town council objected to the compulsory
purchase of land to form a vision splay because,
if funding was unavailable for the school, the
entrance would not be needed.
If the new entrance was constructed far ahead of
the new school, the closure of the Bury
Lane/Lower Bury Lane junction would create
considerable difficulties at the alternative
Lower Bury Lane/High Road junction which would
affect both residents and through traffic
without yielding the benefit of the new school.
The town council was also concerned the
proposals for new junction arrangements at the
High Road have not been published and pressed
for examination of an alternative position for
the new entrance at Bolt Cellar Lane.
The town council withdrew its objections
following detailed discussions with the county
council project team which culminated in the
July 27 meeting.
The project team was able to confirm that a
realistic proposal to save the school project
has been put forward by the private developer
(which is currently under examination by the
county council).
They stated the entrance will not be constructed
in isolation of the whole project.
The county council has also brought forward a
proposal for the High Road junction treatment.
In regard to the possibility of using Bolt
Cellar Lane as an entrance to the new school,
the town council did not wish to unnecessarily
delay the construction of the new school, if
funding could realistically be found, and
therefore chose not to reopen this issue, which
had been determined by the 2006 public planning
Inquiry.
Providing a funding agreement can be worked out,
it is understood the withdrawal of all
objections to the compulsory purchase order will
allow the school project to go forward without
the lengthy delay caused by a further public
inquiry, a town council statement said. |
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Armed pair snatch five-figure sum |
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29th July
2010
DETECTIVES are appealing for information
about an armed raid in Buckhurst Hill.
A 58-year-old man was confronted by two
knife-wielding men in Brook Road shortly after
9am on Wednesday, July 28.
They threatened him with violence while dressed
in balaclavas before stealing a five-figure sum
of cash and driving off in a silver BMW X5.
They parked a short distance away in Gladstone
Road and set fire to the inside of the vehicle,
before the pair and their accomplice, the
driver, ran off.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Gary
Staff said: “Our enquiries have revealed the BMW
was stolen from west London during a burglary in
June. It appears to have been a targeted attack.
"At this stage, our main focus is speaking to
witnesses who saw the BMW being dumped and three
men running away. We don’t know whether they ran
off to catch a Tube or whether they had a
transfer vehicle.”
The assailants are described as white, about 5ft
10ins tall and were dressed in dark clothing.
Police are continuing to examine CCTV to see if
the assailants have been captured on camera.
The victim, who lives in the Loughton area, was
uninjured.
Anyone with information should contact
detectives at Waltham Abbey Police Station on
0300 333 4444 |
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Work starts on arts centre interior |
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29th July
2010
THE Theatre Resource Arts Centre at Great
Stony, Ongar, will be closed over the summer for
initial construction work on the interior of the
Edwardian School building.
The centre is now closed to the public until
Monday, September 13.
The building work undertaken during this time
will include the construction of a walkway
around the top of the main hall.
The walkway will eventually lead through to the
new section of the arts centre currently under
construction.
Administrator Karen Bush said: “The main
building is only being closed for a short time
to cause as little disruption to our regular
users as possible.
"When we open again in September visitors will
start to see a real difference to how the
building looks inside, it really is very
exciting.”
During the closure Theatre Resource will
continue to run arts projects and courses in and
around Essex and Hertfordshire and the eastern
region.
For more about the building development or
Theatre Resource’s project work, ring 01277
365626 (fax/minicom 01277 365003) or visit
www.theatre-resource.org.uk |
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Youth council backs internet safety |
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29th July
2010
PROMOTING ways in which to use the
internet safely is a top priority for the Epping
Forest Youth Council.
Following their peer conference event earlier
this year, youth councillors pledged to raise
awareness of issues such as cyber bullying and
internet safety, and to publicise helpful advice
or resources on the subject to local young
people and their families.
Youth councillor Jekin Patel said: “The Epping
Forest Communities Safety Partnership made us
aware of an excellent CD ROM that offers clear,
easy advice to parents and young people about
how to use the internet safely.
"Through the Partnership we managed to secure
500 free copies of the CD ROM which we feel
would be of particular benefit to parents with
children in Years 5 and 6, although there are
good sections on it for young people themselves
too.”
The ‘Know IT All’ CD Rom is a unique interactive
guide produced by Childnet International and
includes a guide demonstrating how to report any
concerns online, along with interactive quizzes
and activities.
The youth council will be arranging to
distribute the CD ROMs via local primary schools
in the district.
Extra copies are also available on a first come,
first served basis, by contacting the youth
council office on 01992 564365 or by emailing
efyc@eppingforestdc.gov.uk |
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Band to hold open-air concert |
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28th July
2010
THE Epping Forest Band will be performing
on the Green outside the Civic Offices, High
Street, Epping, on Sunday (August 1).
The annual free Proms on the Green concert will
be held between 3pm and 5pm, and will be in
Epping Hall, St John's Road, if wet.
The band will play a variety of music, including
the New World Fantasy.
James Miller will join the band to sing a
Tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as leading the
singing during the finale of traditional Proms
songs.
Anyone going along should take a chair and a
picnic.. |
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Crews tackle tyre blaze |
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28th July
2010
FOUR fire crews have spent two hours
tackling a blaze in Epping Upland.
Firefighters were called to Hunters Hall shortly
before 2pm on Wednesday (July 28) where a
container full of tyres, paint and other rubbish
was ablaze.
The crews from Epping, Harlow and Ongar had
dealt with the incident by 4pm.
They were hampered by poor water supplies and a
water shuttle - in which fire engines took it in
turns to leave the site and replenish supplies -
was used. |
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Sports proposals postponed |
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28th July
2010
PROPOSALS to develop additional sporting
facilities at Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool have
been postponed because of the current financial
climate.
Epping Forest District Council leisure and
wellbeing portfolio holder Brian Rolfe put
forward the proposal to delay with great
reluctance but noted that sports facilities
continued to be provided at the sports centre in
Broomstick Hall Road.
The council cabinet also agreed a range of
measures to fund capital investment in other
council-owned sports facilities in exchange for
reduced management costs from centre manager SLM
Ltd.
Extending the management contract with SLM, the
council will invest almost £800,000 in improved
health and fitness facilities for Loughton
Leisure Centre with annual management cost
savings of £100,000.
A total of £192,000 will be invested in new
fitness equipment at Epping and Ongar in
exchange for reduced management costs of £53,000
per year.
Finance portfolio holder Chris Whitbread noted
the annual return for the council of 12 per cent
on the deal, far better than any conventional
investment the council could make at the current
time. |
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Hospital “excellent” three times
over |
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28th July
2010
ST Margaret’s Hospital has been rated as
“excellent” across all three categories of a
rigorous annual assessment.
The hospital, run by West Essex Community Health
Services, was one of only 16 NHS sites out of
142 across the east of England to score
excellent in all three areas covering quality of
the environment, food and privacy and dignity.
St Margaret’s repeated its excellent performance
of last year in the annual Patient Environment
Action Team (PEAT) assessments managed by the
National Patient Safety Agency.
PEAT assessments score NHS organisations from 1
(unacceptable) to 5 (excellent) with the aim of
driving up standards in the non-clinical aspects
of a patient’s healthcare experience.
The assessments cover all NHS hospital and
inpatient units with ten or more beds.
Phil Wing, lead nurse for West Essex Community
Health Services, said: “We are very pleased to
repeat our performance of last year by scoring
excellent in all three categories.
"This demonstrates the ongoing commitment of all
our staff to maintain the highest standards for
our patients.” |
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Elected to Young Essex Assembly |
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27th July
2010
EPPING Forest youth councillor Shannon
Toms has been elected onto the Young Essex
Assembly.
Shannon, 14, represents Epping Forest district.
He has lived in Loughton since 2003 and attends
Roding Valley High School, Loughton. Shannon was
recently elected a co-opted member of YEA (Young
Essex Assembly) for Essex. Members of the YEA
represent the voice of all young people in the
county and campaign to make their lives better.
There are four meetings, or sittings, of the
whole YEA each year but smaller (sub) groups
meet once a month.
Each member of the YEA joins one sub-group.
The sittings are held all over Essex but
sub-groups meet at County Hall, Chelmsford.
Shannon said: “I love being a youth councillor
so far. I love representing Epping Forest. I
look forward to not only assisting YEA but also
EFYC ( Epping Forest Youth Council).
"I look forward to being a youth councillor for
the next few months until the elections in
October." |
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Dispersal order for village |
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27th July
2010
A DISPERSAL order has been signed for
areas of Nazeing to give police more powers to
deal with groups of people causing a nuisance.
The dispersal order will start on Saturday,
August 7, and be effective for six months.
Sgt Sally Davies said: "Last year, during the
summer holidays, there was a noticeable rise in
complaints from local residents regarding
anti-social behaviour in the Nazeing area.
"This year, alongside our partners, we have
organised a dispersal order to coincide with the
holidays to equip officers with more powers to
respond to any reports of anti-social behaviour
and deal appropriately and proportionately.
“The dispersal orders will not affect law
abiding peopl. These orders will only affect the
small minority who cause anti-social behaviour.”
The order gives the police powers to issue
groups of two or more offenders with a warning
to leave the area for 24-hours.
If they return before that time they can be
arrested under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.
The orders also give police the power to take
home children under the age of 16 if they are
out past 9pm who are likely to cause anti-social
behaviour.
Neighbourhoods and Partnerships Superintendent
Adrian Coombs said: “This order is about dealing
with local residents' concerns and we will be
reviewing the order after six weeks.
“The dispersal orders give the police another
tool to effectively deal with any concerns there
and then; addressing any incidents of
anti-social behaviour and nip it in the bud
before it has a chance to escalate.
“We want to ensure that people, who live nearby
or wish to visit Nazeing, can do so peacefully.” |
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Fun day for Help for Heroes |
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27th July
2010
A FAMILY fun day is being held in the
Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey, on Saturday (11am
to 5pm).
There will be six bouncy castles and slides, an
old-style coconut shy and wet sponge stalls,
five-a-side football, face painting, drama,
belly dancing, Majorettes; motorcycles and
vintage cars and a range of refreshments.
Pastor Geoff Ace, of the Lea Valley Church, said
“This year Mick Fitch has worked on behalf of
the church to help arrange this event for the
community.
"It is an opportunity to help the town get
together and enjoy a day for all the family.”
Admission is free although all the profits from
the day will go to Help for Heroes.
Geoff Ace will lead a motorbike ride-in from
High Beech on his Bandit 1200.
The ride-in will travel via Upshire, Ninefields,
Roundhills and Sewardstone Road.
Mike Tobin, chairman of Roundhills Residents
Association which has organised the ride-in,
will take up the tail end on his Triumph Sprint
955i.
Mr Tobin said “The residents association felt a
small minority of young people on motorbikes and
mini-motos had given problems to the police and
the community, so it would be good to show that
the vast majority of motorcyclist do a lot for
the community and particularly for charity.”
The ride-in will start at the Bikers Tea Hut,
High Beech, at 11am.
A minimum donation of £5 is suggested. |
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Fire safety talk for drivers |
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27th July
2010
ANOTHER advanced driver has received his
certificate from the North East London and Essex
Group of Advanced Motorists.
Yanko Dunev recently passed his advanced driving
test and was pleased that he has now become one
of the many other members who have been through
the process of improving and developing their
driving skills becoming a safer and more skilful
driver. The award was preceded by an interesting
presentation from the Essex County Fire Service
about fire safety in the home.
Many people think they know what to do in the
event of a fire, but it was soon clear after the
talk from the many questions, that talks like
this are invaluable.
Members were advised about what to do in the
event of an engine fire.
Contrary to belief, these should not be tackled
by lifting the bonnet slowly and firing a fire
extinguisher into the blaze.
Modern cars and engines are made from many
different new materials and discharging an
extinguisher onto them could have dramatic
effects.
Many modern aluminium engines contain magnesium
which is a highly flammable metal and is very
difficult to extinguish.
Better to leave the car alone and call the fire
brigade.
Resident expert Chris Cadman again entertained
members with another informative presentation
about the risks we all face when driving and how
to cope with them effectively.
The next group meeting is on September 14 when
members will be treated to another interesting
evening of guest speakers and activities.
For more details, ring Mr Leggetter on 020 8550
2454 or visit
www.neleiam.co.uk |
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Smoke seen coming from
cockpit |
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26th July
2010
FIRE crews were called to North Weald
airfield after smoke was seen coming from the
cockpit of a plane as it came into land.
Firefighters from Epping, Ongar and Harlow were
alerted at 4.20pm yesterday (Sunday) and were
put on standby as a "precautionary
measure", a fire service spokesman
said.
The spokesman added: "The plane landed
safely and there was no need for any action by
firefighters." |
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Victim died day after 21st birthday |
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26th July
2010
THE mother of a motorcyclist who died
following a road crash the day after his 21st
birthday has paid tribute as police renewed
their appeal for witnesses.
The collision happened near the entrance to
Stapleford Airfield, on Ongar Road, Abridge,
when a red Yamaha motorcycle and a blue Ford
Fiesta collided at 7pm on Friday (July
23).
The motorcyclist, Liam Sargeant, of Lambourne
Road, Chigwell, was taken to Queens Hospital,
Romford, but died a short time later.
The car driver, a 22-year-old man from the
Epping Forest district, was arrested at the
scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous
driving.
He has been released on police bail until
Tuesday, September 21, pending further
enquiries.
Liam had lived with his mother, Deborah, and was
her only child.
He attended Debden Park High School before
leaving at 16 to pursue employment with a
furniture-fitting firm.
He worked there for several years before joining
a motorcycle fairing remould company. He
had been there for six months.
Deborah said: "Since starting off his
hobbies with a moped he moved up to a 600cc
motorcycle after passing his test. His love of
motorcycles led him to take his advanced
motorcycle test and gain a racing licence.
"Liam had also had some off-road experience
with a 250cc motorcross bike. He will be missed
by me and his friends."
A section of the road was closed for five hours
while forensic collision investigators gathered
evidence which will help establish the cause of
the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision should
contact investigating officers at Chigwell Road
Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444. |
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DEATH CRASH UPDATE: Woman comes
forward |
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24th July
2010
A MOTORIST arrested on suspicion of
causing death by dangerous driving following a
road crash near Abridge has been released on
police bail.
Meanwhile a woman motorist who police had said
could have seen the collision between a Ford
Fiesta and a motorbike has now come forward
following media appeals.
The collision happened when a red Yamaha
motorcycle and a blue Ford Fiesta car were in
collision on Ongar Road, near Stapleford
Airfield, at 7pm yesterday (Friday).
The motorcyclist, a 21-year-old man from
Chigwell, was taken to Queens Hospital, Romford
but died a short time later.
The car driver, a 22-year-old man from west
Essex, was arrested at the scene and was taken
for questioning at Harlow Police Station.
He has now been released on police bail until
Tuesday, September 21.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to
contact investigating officers at Chigwell Road
Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444. |
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Holiday theme to flower festival |
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24th July
2010
SPAIN, Arizona, Lapland and Canterbury
are among the destinations featured in flowers
at St Mary's Church, Stapleford Abbotts,
'Holiday Snaps' is the theme for this year's
flower festival where visitors can enjoy
ploughman's lunches and teas and browse over
various stalls selling books, bric-a-brac,
second-hand clothes and plants.
There is also a raffle.
The flower festival is on until 4pm today, and
from 10am until 4pm tomorrow (Sunday) with a
thanksgiving service at 6pm tomorrow. |
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DEATH CRASH: Motorist arrested |
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24th July
2010
A MOTORIST has been arrested after a
motorcyclist died following a road crash near
Abridge.
The collision happened when a red Yamaha
motorcycle and a blue Ford Fiesta car were in
collision on Ongar Road, near Stapleford
Airfield, at 7pm yesterday (Friday).
The motorcyclist, a 21-year-old man from
Chigwell, was taken to Queens Hospital, Romford
but died a short time later.
The car driver, a 22-year-old man from west
Essex, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of
causing death by dangerous driving.
He is being questioned by road policing officers
at Harlow Police Station.
A section of the road was closed for five hours
while forensic collision investigators gathered
evidence which will help establish the cause of
the crash.
Police are keen to speak to the female driver of
another blue Ford Fiesta who is thought to have
seen the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to
contact investigating officers at Chigwell Road
Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444. |
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School unveils building plans |
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23rd July
2010
A MAJOR building project is being
proposed for a Buckhurst Hill school.
Essex County Council is seeking the go-ahead for
a single-storey block on the Buckhurst Hill
County Primary School site in Lower Queens Road
with associated parking, hard play areas,
landscaping and covered walkway access.
A PE store, cycle and pupil scooter shelters and
ramp access to a courtyard is also included in
the plans along with a new ramp access to the
main school entrance.
Buckhurst Hill Parish Council will consider the
application before a full decision is made. |
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New women's group launched |
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23rd July
2010
A NEW women's group is being launched in
the district.
Sue Taylor is starting the group, All About You,
for women who have something to say, and who
would like the chance to say it to other
like-minded women living locally.
Sue says there are other women's groups in the
Loughton and Epping areas but they tend to be
for women who like to hear talks or they allow
business owners to network.
All About You's focus will be on
self-development and mutual support and will
provide women with the opportunity to socialise
and make new friends in a supportive
atmosphere.
Women from all backgrounds will be
welcome.
Sue said: "It really does not matter what
you do or where you are in life as long as you
are friendly and willing to listen to other
women, as well as talk about the things that are
important to you."
Sue is very interested in developing a 'skills
swop', where members can share services and
knowledge for free.
Sue will be bringing her expertise as a coach
and educationalist to the group and hopes other
members will be willing to join her in sharing
their skills and expertise, whether they be in
business, beauty and alternative therapies,
linguistic or in home-based skills.
Any women interested in helping shape the new
group, or who would like to join, can contact
Sue on 020 8508 2512 or email suetaylorcoach@aol.com
As well as being a local coach, Sue is also the
director of the Loughton Festival.
She offers face-to-face coaching in Epping
Forest, Waltham Forest and Redbridge as well as
providing coaching by telephone or email. |
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Five arrested after pub
stabbing |
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23rd July
2010
POLICE are appealing for information
about a fight at a Loughton pub during which a
man was stabbed and a woman suffered severe
facial wounds.
Police say five people have been arrested in
connection with the incident which started in
the beer garden at the Cottage Loaf pub, Jessel
Drive, at about 6.30pm on Wednesday (July
21).
A spokesman said a fight between women escalated
to involve both men and women.
A 21-year-old man, from the Romford area,
sustained stab wounds and was taken to Whipps
Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, where he was
treated. He was released from hospital yesterday
(Thursday).
A 48-year-old Loughton woman remains in Princess
Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, with severe facial
wounds.
Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed
the fight or saw anyone leaving the scene.
Three women aged 46, 37 and 21, from Loughton,
were arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed
to various dates later this month and in
August.
Two men - a 16-year-old from Loughton, and a
44-year-old, from Harlow - were arrested on
suspicion of grievous bodily harm with
intent.
The 16-year-old has been released on police bail
and man remains in police custody. |
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Hospital scores well in
assessment |
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23rd July
2010
PRINCESS Alexandra Hospital has continued
to score well in the annual assessment of
environment, food and privacy and dignity.
The hospital posted ‘good’ for the quality
of the food in the Patient Environment Action
Team (PEAT) inspection 2010.
It received an "acceptable" rating for
environment. In the third category, privacy and
dignity, which was introduced last year, the
hospital also scored ‘good’.
PEATs carry out independent inspections of the
state of the building fabric, overall
cleanliness of the hospitals and the quality of
food served to patients and staff.
The teams are made up of matrons, nurses,
doctors, catering and domestic service managers,
dietitians, estates specialists and
representatives of patient groups.
Jim Hathaway, associate director of facilities
at the hospital, said: "As with previous
years we have been most gratified at the
comments received by patients during the
inspection visit.
"Inevitably there were some issues
identified which will be addressed going forward
and these will be developed into an action
plan.
"We will also be ensuring that the very
positive comments from patients will be fed back
to the appropriate teams.
"The comments will also help shape our
patient experience strategy as we continue to
seek new ways to improve our services for
patients." |
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Who goes that extra mile? |
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23rd July
2010
THE search is on for the East of England’s
customer service champion.
Do you know someone who goes the extra mile when
it comes to customer service?
If so, they could be in the running for
the title of Customer Champion in a new
nationwide competition run by the Institute of
Customer Service.
The Institute has launched the search to
celebrate those who always put the customer
first.
One winner will be chosen from each of the nine
UK regions represented by the Institute.
Nominations are sought got the London and East
region.
The regional winners will go forward for the
national competition.
Institute chief executive Jo Causon said:
"We want you to nominate someone who has
gone above and beyond the call of duty for
you.
"Perhaps your local newsagent went to great
lengths to order in your favourite magazine, or
your mobile phone operator was really helpful in
investigating a query on your bill.
"All of these unsung customer service
champions have a chance to be recognised in the
awards."
Nominations can also come from employers or
colleagues of someone who excels in customer
service.
"It’s a great way of showing appreciation
to your team mates or staff members for the
effort they put in," she said.
Visit www.nationalcustomerserviceweek.com
before August 31 to make your nomination.
Winners will be announced during the Institute’s
National Customer Service Week (October
4-10).
Regional winners will receive a choice of
experience gifts up to the value of £150 while
the person who nominated them will be given £50
shopping vouchers.
The overall national champion will be treated to
a weekend break.
For more about the awards, which are open to
members and non-members of the Institute, visit www.nationalcustomerserviceweek.com
or ring the Institute of Customer Service on
01206 571716. |
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Woman cut free from wreckage |
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22nd July
2010
A WOMAN has been freed by firefighters
after being trapped in her car following a crash
in Theydon Bois.
Crews from Epping, Loughton and Harlow were
called to Piercing Hill at 4.20pm today.
They took about 15 minutes to free the woman who
was left in the care of paramedics.
A fire service spokesman said no other vehicle
was involved in the incident. |
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Traders back underage sales
campaign |
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22nd July
2010
THE majority of retailers in the district
have shown their commitment to preventing
underage sales of age-restricted products, by
signing up for the Challenge 25
initiative.
Over the past five months Essex County Council
Trading Standards, working in partnership with
Epping Forest District Council, Epping Forest
Safer Communities Partnership and Essex Police,
has been helping retailers implement a Challenge
25 policy, to help prevent underage sales and
crack down on antisocial behaviour.
Challenge 25 aims to reduce some of the
uncertainty that staff face when selling
age-restricted items (including alcohol,
tobacco, knives, solvents, aerosol paints,
fireworks, DVDs and video games).
Anyone who looks under 25 will be asked for a
valid form of ID. Trading standards will be
carrying out a series of test purchases in over
the coming months and will be visiting premises
that have not signed up for Challenge 25 to
ensure they have the necessary procedures in
place to prevent underage sales.
There is still time for retailers to join the
scheme and they will be given guidance by
Trading Standards on how to adopt the
policy.
All premises that sign up receive posters and
leaflets about Challenge 25, and staff are given
advice on how to spot a fake ID, avoiding proxy
sales and refusing a sale.
County councillor Tracey Chapman, cabinet member
with responsibility for trading standards said:
"I am pleased to see the majority of
premises in Epping Forest have adopted the
Challenge 25 policy to stop age-restricted
products from being sold to children.
"Using Challenge 25 can really help staff
prevent underage sales, so I encourage all
retailers to sign up if they have not already
done so." |
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Stolen dog reunited with owners |
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22nd July
2010
A LOUGHTON family have thanked police
after their pet dog was returned four months
after being stolen.
Petal the Chihuahua was stolen on April 12 from
the Swanshope, home of Angela Petts, her
daughter, Ellie, eight, and her brother, Anthony
Stevens.
But following investigations by officers at
Epping and Loughton, Petal was found at an
address in the Ilford area.
Detective Constable Laura Dyer, of Epping CID,
said: "We received information that a dog
matching the description of Petal was being kept
in the Ilford area.
"We obtained a warrant and visited the
address on Sunday morning where we found a
Chihuahua dog. We contacted the owners who
confirmed it was theirs."
She added: "We are extremely pleased to be
able to return Petal home and we would like to
thank the owners and the local media for working
closely with us in our investigation.
"
Angela Petts said: "We would like to thank
Laura and all the officers involved in the
investigation for finding Petal for us. We had
practically given up hope of getting her
back.
"Petal is settling in well, it’s as
though she’s never been away."
A 19-year-old man, from Ilford, who was arrested
on Tuesday, July 20 on suspicion of handling
stolen goods, has been bailed until August 12
pending further enquiries. |
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Council chief executive to
retire |
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21st July
2010
EPPING Forest District Council chief
executive Peter Haywood is to retire after 32
years working for the authority and 42 years in
local government.
Mr Haywood joined the council in 1978 in the
finance department.
During his time at the council he held positions
including chief accountant, finance director and
joint chief executive.
He became chief executive in August 2007.
Mr Haywood has been involved in all of the major
decisions made by the council over many
years.
Working mainly behind the scenes, it was in
large part his financial stewardship of the
council that provided the money for better
services.
Under his guidance the council became debt-free
and developed the process of creating investment
income used by councillors to support services
and keep the council tax down.
Housing projects such as the regeneration of the
Limes Farm Estate in Chigwell, leisure projects
such as the construction of Loughton Leisure
Centre and a range of town centre enhancements
including Ongar, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and
most recently The Broadway would never have been
possible without the sound financial foundations
set down by Mr Haywood, the council said.
A council spokesman said that while all councils
face a very difficult economic future, Mr
Haywood leaves Epping Forest District Council
financially far stronger and better able to
protect services than most others.
Council leader Di Collins said: "We are
grateful for Mr Haywood’s many years of
service. Over the years both the council and the
wider world have seen significant changes.
"Mr Haywood has played a major role in
making sure the council has adapted and delivers
the services that local people want and
need.
"He leaves the council in a strong position
to meet the difficult challenges of the next few
years." |
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Homes plan "very
ill-advised" |
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21st July
2010
A HOUSING development in Buckhurst Hill
is being recommended for approval, despite
claims that there will be a shortage of school
places in the area.
Buckhurst Hill Primary School is set to expand
next year however there will be a shortage of
places in the area from September.
St John's Primary School is also at capacity and
has no room for expansion.
The proposals for 14 houses on the BPI Poly site
in Brook Road are considered by St John's School
to be "inconceivable and very
ill-advised".
Buckhurst Hill Parish Council has also objected
along with residents from ten neighbouring
properties to the proposed development
site.
The City of London (Epping Forest Conservators)
has voiced no objection.
A planning officer's report states: "Whilst
there is a forecast deficit of school places
over the next few years, the applicant is
willing to make a financial contribution towards
the cost of providing additional school
places.
"Accordingly the principle of the
residential development of this brownfield site
is accepted.
"The development proposed is considered to
be acceptable in terms of its design and impact
on neighbouring properties.
"Overall it is considered on balance that
there would be a satisfactory level of amenity
for the occupiers of the proposed
dwellings." |
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Police hunt serial flasher |
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21st July
2010
POLICE are appealing for information
following several incidents of indecent exposure
in Waltham Abbey.
The first two happened in Shernbroke Road - at
11.45pm on Thursday, June 3, and at about 2.30am
on Saturday, July 3.
The third was also on July 3, at about 3.55am,
in Farthingale Lane.
The fourth occurred at 9.15pm on Friday, July
16, in Paradise Road.
The suspect is described as a white man, aged 18
to 24, 5ft 8ins, of slim build, with blond to
light brown short hair, pale skin, large eyes
and wearing a dark green, grey or blue hoody.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Hayley King
said: "Although none of the victims were
approached or harmed, we are keen to identify
this man to prevent him from carrying out any
more indecent acts.
"We urge people to contact us immediately
should they have information about this man or
if they are aware of any similar
incidents."
Anyone with any information or who knows who the
man may be should ring officers at Waltham Abbey
Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111. |
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Cinema could feature in retail
scheme |
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21st July
2010
A CINEMA has not been ruled out as part
of a major new retail development in Loughton.
The development in Langston Road would
complement existing shopkeepers in The
Broadway.
Epping Forest District Council and Polofind Ltd,
owners of neighbouring sites, are exploring the
possibility.
The district council's legal and estates
portfolio holder, Lesley Wagland, said only 14
per cent of retail spend in this type of
development is retained in the district.
Most people go outside the district for their
out-of-town retail park spending.
This could be a real opportunity to encourage
residents to spend more money locally, creating
new jobs as well as supporting existing
businesses.
In any such development, councillors were keen
to see easy pedestrian access between The
Broadway and a retail park as well as good links
with the local underground station.
Councillors also wished to ensure full
consultation with residents and local
businesses.
The council added that the current layout of
Chigwell Lane could prove a stumbling
block.
Progress on proposals is partly dependent on
satisfactory highway improvements. Mrs Wagland
assured the council cabinet that controls are
usually placed on out-of-town retail parks to
ensure they compliment rather than compete with
local town centres for trade.
In response to a question, Mrs Wagland did not
completely rule out the possibility of some form
of cinema. |
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Fun day at Old Orleans |
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20th July
2010
AN End of School Fun Day is being held at
the Old Orleans restaurant, Epping, on Friday
(July 23).
Visitors will be able to enjoy a host of
activities, including an inflatable penalty
shoot-out and basketball.
There will also be face painting, waffle
decorating and competitions with various prizes
on offer.
The event, at the Epping New Road restaurant by
the Wake Arms roundabout, runs from noon until
7pm. |
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Flag day success for MS Society |
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20th July
2010
A FLAG day collection in Ongar has raised
£403 for the East Herts and West Essex branch
of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
For the third successive year Ongar Mothers
Union members provided collectors for the
collection held recently in the town.
Collecting in the High Street and outside the
Sainsbury supermarket, with kind permission of
the manager, £403 was raised which will go
towards supporting those in the district
affected by the debilitating condition, now
estimated at some 478 people.
Since beginning to support the charity in this
way nearly £1,400 has been raised by the
Mothers Union collectors.
Branch vice-chairman Peter ‘Snowy’ Evans
said: "We sincerely thank the collectors,
the Sainsbury and Senners staff who helped us
and all who donated."
Anyone wishing to know more about the work of
the branch or how they help can contact the
branch by ringing 07880 828 858. |
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Twelve flats set for house site |
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20th July
2010
PLANS to demolish a house in High Road,
Chigwell, and build 12 apartments on the site
are being recommended for approval.
Epping Forest District Council is considering
revised plans for ten two-bedroom apartments and
two three-bedroom penthouses and 17 parking
spaces (including six disabled bays) at 118 High
Road.
Planners are seeking a legal agreement which
would require the applicant to contribute
£16,242 towards education in the area.
Chigwell Parish Council is again objecting about
the over-dominant expansion of the roof height,
with the inclusion of two additional penthouses
which it says is "highly disproportionate
and overbearing, especially to the house
opposite".
Objections have also been lodged by two nearby
households and Chgwell Residents Association
which says the development is out of character
with the street scene.
An original scheme for 16 flats was rejected in
1997 however outline permission for ten flats
was granted five years ago.
A planning officer's report states: "This
is a substantial scheme but the proposed
residential block of flats can be comfortably
accommodated on this large plot without causing
significant harm to either the street scene or
the setting of the listed building opposite the
site.
"The revision to the previously refused
scheme addresses the reasons for rejecting it at
appeal. No harm is caused to highway safety and
the parking provision is more than
adequate.
"The impact of the development on the
living conditions of neighbours has been closely
considered and there are no justified planning
grounds to refuse on this basis.
"The proposal is for a well-designed
building, attractive in itself and having the
appearance of a large detached house. |
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Car stolen and set alight |
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20th July
2010
POLICE are appealing for witnesses
following the theft of a motor vehicle in
Loughton.
A Ford Focus was taken from Brook Road between
8.30pm on Friday (July 16) and 2.30am on
Saturday.
The vehicle was later found on fire about 100
yards down the same road.
Anyone with any information should contact PC
Charlotte Mead at Loughton Police Station on
0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on
0800 555 111. |
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Charity ball raises almost
£20,000 |
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19th July
2010
THE Chigwell Riding Trust for Special
Needs raised nearly £20,000 at its first ever
charity ball.
More than 200 people attended the gala event at
the Metropolitan Police Club, Chigwell, on
Saturday.
Guests were welcomed by two Stormtroopers from
Star Wars, and master of ceremonies Mark Howard
entertained and hosted the event in hilarious
style. Magicians circulated during the
evening.
The climax to an auction was the sale of a lorry
load of horse manure which fetched £500!
Organiser Nicola Quilter, from Buckhurst Hill,
said "I was thrilled with the generosity of
the guests. We all had a memorable evening and
hope this event will raise the profile of this
very special local charity."
Centre manager Deborah Hall said: "This has
been a wonderful first for the charity. We have
never raised so much money in one event.
"The ball has introduced us to new friends
and has been a chance for old friends and riders
to get out in style."
James Lingfield, ten, is a rider who made a
'celebrity appearance' to read a poem he had
written specially for the ball.
The poem ended with the words "changed my
life".
Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs opened
over 40 years ago and has led the way in
developing horse riding for people with special
needs.
Trustee Susie Jolly said: "It is amazing
what a difference the trust makes to everyone
involved. Working with the Trust is an enriching
experience for riders and volunteers
alike." |
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Youngsters prepare to Lift
Off! |
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19th July
2010
THE music, dance and drama workshop Lift
Off! is at St Michael and All Angels Church
Hall, Roding Road, Loughton, from Monday (July
26) until Wednesday, July 28 (10am to
3.30pm).
Working with three professional artists,
youngsters aged eight to 11 will create their
own short play, and after three fun-packed days
will put on a performance for family and
friends.
Participants must take a packed lunch and wear
comfortable clothes.
Places, £45 (£25 concessions), must be booked
by ringing 01992 564226. |
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Services charity talk to Probus |
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19th July
2010
A TALK on the SSAFA Forces Help charity
was given to the last meeting of Epping Probus
Club.
Lt Col Colin Baker of the Essex branch served 25
years in the Army being commissioned initially
in an infantry regiment.
He served in Germany, Cyprus, Aden and Hong
Kong, has been to university twice and finally
served in the Army Education Corps.
On retirement he became secretary of the SSAFA
Essex branch. He was in theory now retired from
this office but was still very much involved
with the charity.
SSAFA is the oldest of the service charities
being formed in 1885 in memory of General
Gordon, who was murdered in Khartoum during the
Sudanese troubles, to provide financial support
for the families of solders, sailors and later
airmen, hence SSAFA (Solders, Sailors and Airmen’s
Association).
In comparison, the Royal British Legion was
founded in 1921 to provide welfare for
ex-serviceman, and Help For Heroes was formed in
2007 giving direct support to wounded service
personnel.
The next meeting is Wednesday, August 11, when
Colin Street will give a presentation on
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
The club, with more than 60 members, has
vacancies for retired or semi-retired men.
For more details, ring secretary Peter Francis
on 01992 573188. |
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Street lights to be turned off |
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19th July
2010
STREET lights across Essex will be turned
off overnight in a new scheme which will be
rolled out over five years.
The move was confirmed by Essex County Council
highways and transportation cabinet member
Norman Hume at County Hall, Chelmsford, on
Friday.
A pilot scheme in 2006 in Maldon and Uttlesford
saw most street lights turned off from midnight
to 5am.
However advances in technology mean a central
management system will be used which can control
individual street lights.
Lights in a particular area could be quickly
switched on at the request of the police.
The new system will be rolled out district by
district over five years following consultation
with town and parish councils.
There were some exceptions where lights were
kept on in the pilot scheme including transport
interchanges.
However, this would not cover our the district's
London Underground stations.
Janet Whitehouse, Liberal Democrat county
councillor for Epping and Theydon Bois, said:
"Many people return to Epping and other
Central Line stations after midnight when they
have had a night out in London.
"I am pleased my request for the later
lighting of pedestrian routes from stations
which have trains arriving after midnight was
accepted.
"Now people won't have to walk home in the
dark - except in Theydon Bois.
"The county won't be providing lighting
where it doesn't currently exist." |
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Crews tackle M11 blaze |
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18th July
2010
DOZENS of motorists alerted firefighters
to a grass fire at the side of the M11 near
Loughton.
Three fire crews - from Loughton and Harlow -
dealt with the incident between junctions 5 and
6 at 5.15pm on Saturday after the Essex Fire and
Rescue Service control operators took between 30
and 40 calls from motorists reporting the blaze.
Crews took about 20 minutes to deal with the
incident. |
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Flower festival highlights
song |
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17th July
2010
THE song Turn! Turn! Turn! recorded by
The Byrds in 1967 is the theme for this year’s
flower festival at St Mary’s and All Saints
Church, Lambourne.
The church is filled with arrangements for the
two-day festival, the last to be held before the
retirement of priest-in-charge Rev Gay Ellis who
has been in the parish for six years.
Visitors can sample homemade refreshments, try
their hand a sideshows, a bottle stall and sweet
tombola, and browse over stalls selling plants
and bric-a-brac.
There is also a raffle.
The flower festival continues tomorrow (Sunday).
Next weekend (July 24 and 25) a flower festival
is being held at St Mary’s Church, Stapleford
Abbotts (10am to 4pm).
There will be stalls and refreshments. Admission
is by £1 programme. |
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Man rescued after wall collapses |
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17th July
2010
FIREFIGHTERS were called to free a man
who was trapped after a brick wall collapsed in
Ongar.
Crews from Ongar, Leaden Roding, Brentwood and
Harlow were alerted to the incident in Moreton
Road at 6.45am today (Saturday).
Ambulance crews called in the fire crews to free
the 24-year-old man.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service's urban search and
rescue team was summoned to the incident with
heavy lifting gear but the casualty was released
by firefighters using specialist cutting
equipment, tools and strops before they
arrives.
The man was freed by 7:25am and left in the care
of the ambulance service.
A fire service spokesman said: "We have no
information relating to how the accident
happened or casualty injuries." |
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SIMONE SAYS: 'Where can youngsters
go?' |
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17th July
2010
The 'Simone Says' column is written by
Loughton A-level student Simone Webb.
Her articles give a student's view on life and
issues in and around the district.
And you can add your comments too.
Email your views on the issues Simone raises to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com
You can also suggest topics for future
articles.
BOTH in Loughton, where I live, and Harlow,
where I go to college, there are frequent
complaints about groups of young people hanging
around the street.
At times, they are decried as being
intimidating.
Other times they are merely criticised for lack
of hobbies or interests.
Many of these comments are made by adults - who
clearly fail to understand the problems faced by
those aged between 16 and 18.
To give an example, a close friend of mine (who
is lead singer in a local band) recently had a
gig in a Harlow pub, Yates.
She herself is 17 and had been assured by the
pub that her friends would be freely allowed
into the pub to watch and listen.
Two other friends of mine, however, both 17,
were thrown out of the pub. They were not
drinking alcohol. They were making no nuisance.
They just wanted to watch their friend
perform.
Nevertheless they were both ID checked and made
to stand outside in the street. The complete
insanity of allowing a 17-year-old to perform in
a public house but not allowing her friends to
watch her cannot go un-noticed.
The point I’m making is that while there tend
to be facilities for young people under 16, and
plenty of places for those over 18 to go,
between those two ages there is not a huge range
of choice.
More infuriatingly, The Square, an incredibly
popular music venue for young people in Harlow,
has faced repeated attempts to have it closed
down.
I’d advise any adult seeing a group of young
people in the street, rather than tutting or
wondering why they can’t go inside - think.
Where could they go? |
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Free swimming for over-60s
scrapped |
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16th July
2010
GOVERNMENT-funded free swimming for the
over-60s ends on August 1.
The scheme was one of the first to be stopped by
the Coalition Government as it seeks public
sector savings.
User of council-owned pools in the district will
find charges reintroduced at a concessionary
rate for anyone aged over 60.
All councils that took up the funding offer for
free swimming launched by the Government in
April last year will see the grants end as the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
seeks to find national savings of £73
million.
According to research carried out on behalf of
DCMS, the scheme had not delivered value for
money.
Figures published recently showed the majority
of those participating in the scheme would have
gone swimming anyway, even if they had to pay,
and that the scheme had not significantly
increased physical activity.
Analysis showed that the cost of the scheme
outweighed the health benefits.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics,
Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, said: "We are
facing an unprecedented financial situation in
this country, and it is essential that we act
now to reduce the country’s debt.
"As part of my department’s contribution,
we have examined a number of schemes to
determine whether they remain a Government
priority, value for money, and affordable in the
current economic climate."
Commenting on the decision, Sport and Olympics
Minister Hugh Robertson said: "This is not
a decision that gives me any pleasure. However,
the research shows that the great majority of
free swimmers were swimming already, and would
have paid to swim anyway.
"With a crippling deficit to tackle and
tough decisions to take, this has become a
luxury we can no longer afford."
Epping Forest District Council would have to
find an additional £80,000 a year to continue
funding the scheme from its own resources.
From 1 August over 60s swimming will be charged
concessionary prices of £2.10 (non-members) and
£1.90 (members).
Leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Brian
Rolfe said: "The Government has made it
clear that there will be many cuts across public
services.
"The end of free swimming for the over-60s
is disappointing but not completely
unexpected.
"The government and every local authority
will need to look very hard at its priorities in
coming months. Sadly, free swimming is a service
the country can no longer afford." |
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Minister visits arts development
site |
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16th July
2010
ONGAR MP and Communities and Local
Government Minister Eric Pickles has visited
Theatre Resource Arts Centre to look at the
building progress on the National Centre for
Arts Access and Inclusion.
Mr Pickles said "I believe this development
will become a jewel in the crown of my
constituency and I am astounded at the progress
that has been made since I launched the start of
building work here just five months
ago."
Due to open for business in summer 2011, the
£6.2m building project is developing the
existing Edwardian School building in Ongar to
include an accessible residential centre with 25
bedrooms, a community hall / performance space,
exhibition facilities and accessible teaching
spaces available for hire to a wide range of
users.
The centre will also include a cafe, exhibition
space and a programme of events, film screenings
and performances for the local community.
Theatre Resource director and CEO Jeff Banks
said, "We were delighted to welcome Mr
Pickles back to our project and are very
grateful for his ongoing support."
For more information visit www.theatre-resource.org.uk |
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Youth council launches
website |
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16th July
2010
EPPING Forest Youth Council has launched
a new website.
The website - www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/efyc
- is full of information about the Epping Forest
Youth Council, features the youth councillors
and highlights what they are currently working
on.
You can also find useful links to other youth
projects and services that provide information
and advice on bullying, sex, drugs, health,
crime, internet safety, policing, domestic
violence, youth democracy, what's on, revision,
skills development and human rights.
The youth councillors think it is important that
young people are able to go on-line and see who
they are and also find out about what they
do.
Check out the youth councillors` blog as this
will keep you up-to-date with their work in the
community.
Youth councillor James Jackson, from Roding
Valley School, said: "Our mission statement
is 'we are young people working together to
change Epping Forest District for the better by
voicing the views of young people who want to be
heard, to those who can make it happen'.
"The youth council aims to give young
people a voice in their community"
If you would like to contact the Epping Forest
Youth Council about an issue visit the website
and follow the link ‘Contact the Youth Council’ |
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Town holding children's street
party |
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16th July
2010
WALTHAM Abbey Town Council is holding a
children’s street party on Sunday, August
1.
The party, in support of the charity Help for
Heroes, will be held along the pedestrianised
Sun Street from noon until 3pm.
A voucher scheme is being organised through the
local primary schools for 100 party meal packs,
sponsored by a local play centre.
Even if not lucky enough to win a voucher you
can take your own party lunch pack, and for the
adults there will be a mini pig (shoulder)
roast, sausages and coffee.
Collection boxes for Help For Heroes will be
available for donations to the charity.
Entertainers on hand to amuse the
children.
The street party is one of several events being
held in the town in support of Help for
Heroes.
On Sunday, July 31, a fun day is being held in
the Abbey Gardens and on Saturday, November 13 a
Flamenco Dance Show is being held in the
Cornmill Suite at Waltham Abbey Town Hall. |
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Suspect caller sparks police
warning |
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16th July
2010
POLICE are warning people about a suspect
caller following an incident in Loughton.
A spokesman said a man called at an address in
Mornington Road on Wednesday stating he was from
a voluntary organisation.
He said he was seeking money for a charity that
sends aid to various countries.
Police intelligence suggests that the man was
acting suspiciously especially when he started
commenting on the homeowner’s appearance and
requesting to use her toilet.
The homeowner did not allow the man into her
home and he eventually left.
Police do not believe that the man approached
any other neighbouring premises.
He was aged between 20 and 30 and wearing a
jacket with some sort of high visibility
lettering.
There was a badge on the jacket, but it was
unreadable. |
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Views sought on bus passes |
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16th July
2010
ESSEX County Council is asking people
with national bus passes for their views about
the application process and the features of the
pass that are most important to them.
From April 1 next year, the county council will
take over responsibility for issuing national
bus passes to older and disabled people.
Whilst the main features of the passes will not
change (continuing the entitlement to free
off-peak travel throughout England), views are
needed about the additional benefits which are
currently offered and what are the most
important to them.
County council highways and transportation
cabinet member Norman Hume said: "I’d
encourage all bus pass holders in Essex to come
forward and take part in the consultation.
"Customer satisfaction is a key priority
and we will be conducting a full review of all
12 of the separate schemes."
Residents can take part in the consultation by
visiting www.essex.gov.uk/buspass
or ringing 0845 743 0430 to request a
copy.
Comments can also be made in writing, to ENCTS
Consultation, Essex County Council, County Hall,
Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1YY. |
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Popular member of staff
retires |
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14th July
2010
THE head of Chigwell School's junior
school has retired after nine years.
Jenny Gwinn will be fondly remembered by many
Chigwell pupils. She joined Chigwell in 2001,
first as deputy head of the junior school. She
became head of junior school three years
later.
School spokesman Loredana Morrison said:
"Pupils know that Mrs Gwinn really cares
about what happens in lessons, in
extra-curricular activities, that they are happy
and treat each other well, always fulfilling
their potential.
"Parents know that she is very experienced
and, as colleagues appreciate, Jenny sets high
standards, is always looking to make things
better for the children and has boundless
energy.
"Above all, Jenny is a pleasure to work
with. She continually strives to move things
forwards and never ceases to be positive and
enthusiastic. She is supported tirelessly by her
husband, Paul, a regular attendant at school
events.
"We will miss them both hugely as they
begin what promises to be a very active
retirement and we thank them for everything that
they have both done during their time at
Chigwell."
The new head of the junior school, from
September, is Simon James who was previously
head of junior school at Rossall School,
Lancashire. |
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Art exhibition at Theatre
Resource |
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14th July
2010
THEATRE Resource is launching a special
exhibition in the arts centre at Great Stony,
Ongar.
The exhibition will include visual artwork and a
short film created by participants of The Biz,
Theatre Resource’s weekly arts training
programme for adults with learning
disabilities.
In addition, a poster created by The Biz for
their short film has been made into a large
panel to be displayed in Ongar High Street on
the building hoardings currently surrounding
Theatre Resource Arts Centre.
Rob Smith, one of the artists working on The
Biz, said: "This has been a fantastic term
and the quality of work produced by ‘The Biz’
is really great.
"I hope many people from the local
community will come and have a look at the high
quality work this group can produce."
The exhibition will be open to the public on
Saturday (July 17) from 9.30am until 12.30pm and
from Monday, July 19, until Friday, July 23
(9am-5pm).
Admission free. |
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Pensioners enjoy cream tea |
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14th July
2010
PENSIONERS living in Epping Green and
Epping Upland have enjoyed a summer cream
tea.
The event was organised by the Epping and
Theydon Garnon Joint Charities.
Twenty-nine pensioners joined trustees of the
charity for the tea which was held at Craner’s
Fruit Farm, Broadley Common.
The tea was organised by Pam Craner and her
staff. |
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Breast unit earns praise |
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14th July
2010
THE breast unit at St Margaret’s
Hospital, Epping, has received a clean bill of
health from the national screening service as
one of the best performing units of its kind in
the country.
Now it is gearing itself to meet the needs
of a new group of women who will soon be
eligible for screening.
The unit was inspected by the East of England
Breast Cancer Screening Quality Assurance
team.
Five years ago the unit suffered a backlog of
women needing their three yearly mammograms when
it was closed for a year following concerns by
the Quality Assurance team.
Now 98 per cent of women in west Essex are
receiving their invites for mammograms within 36
months and there is currently a 72 per cent take
up to the invitation from the 36,000 women aged
50 to 64 eligible for routine screening.
Unit manager Janet Skeys said: "Any woman
with breast symptoms who are referred to the
unit by their GPs is seen within two weeks
whilst our breast screening service is now
performing at full strength as we gear ourselves
up for a lot more work.
"By the end of this year we will be
expanding the service as the age group for
eligible women for breast screening is being ‘stretched’
from the ages of 47 to 73 which will increase
our workload by 41 per cent."
The unit’s two mobile breast screening
vehicles are busy as ever with one at the Unit
itself at the moment whilst the second is
currently at Saffron Walden.
The unit also continues to play a key role in
the care and treatment of patients diagnosed
with breast cancer.
Lead breast care nurse Philippa Dooher is now an
advanced nurse practitioner for breast cancers
and able to see new and follow-up patients in
the breast clinics.
Philippa and the other breast care nurses are
seeing to all breast cancer patients six months
after their course of treatment finishes to
provide a more holistic assessment of their
condition and to discuss how they move on
following treatment.
Patients are invited to special sessions to
allow them to share their experiences with
fellow patients and to listen to guest speakers
who talk about such topics as dietary advice,
exercise and body image.
Patients are offered Reiki, manual lymphatic
drainage and reflexology whilst Fabulous and
Beautiful (FAB) volunteers help patients with
skin care, make-up and hair wear when under
treatment.
Philippa added: "Maintaining bone strength
during chemotherapy treatment is also important
and we have a nurse who is funded by charitable
funds to assess patients’ bone health, discuss
results of bone density scans and give lifestyle
advice."
The unit continues to be at the forefront of
research into effective drugs treatments for
preventing breast cancer and has already been
involved in a number of leading trials for new
drugs.
One of the trials, in the late 1990s, led to the
common use of tamoxifen after it was shown the
drug reduced the incidence of breast cancer by
one third in high risk patients.
The unit is now examining the effectiveness of
the drug anastrozole.
Breast surgeon and principal investigator of the
study, Howard Bradpiece, said: "Recent
research has shown anastrozole could be more
effective than tamoxifen at preventing the
return of cancer in post-menopausal women who
have already had breast cancer.
"This research also indicates that the drug
may prevent breast cancer in women who have not
developed the disease.
"The other advantage of this drug is that
it appears to have fewer side effects than
tamoxifen." He added: "We are part of
an international study which involves a total of
6,000 women worldwide who have high risk factors
of contracting breast cancer.
"The five-year trial is being coordinated
by Cancer Research UK, and will help us
determine whether or not anastrozole can be used
effectively to prevent breast
cancer."
The unit is also taking part in a further trial
of both anastrozole and tamoxifen to see which
is more effective in preventing new cancers for
women who have had early forms of breast cancer
in the milk ducts of the breast called ductal
carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Mr Bradpiece added: "We have been inviting
local women to take part in both trials. We are
proud to be part of this process of continuing
to push back the boundaries in finding new and
effective drug treatments against breast
cancer."
Janet said the diagnostics team continues to
grow in strength and depth with staff gaining
new skills and qualifications to improve the
level of service offered to patients.
She added: "We have three consultant
radiologists who have made a real difference to
the department - Dr Anthony Aylwin our Director
of Screening, Dr Pauline Rajan, his deputy and
Dr James Hodson.
"They are young and enthusiastic about our
work and are keen to take forward new
innovations and ways of working.
"Our diagnostics team has been further
strengthened with two mammographers qualifying
as film readers, another who has just qualified
as an advanced practitioner who can carry out
ultrasounds, and another who is studying
advanced interventional techniques.
"Also, one of our radiography assistants
has now qualified to work alongside the trained
mammographers, which means junior staff are
coming through the ranks and developing their
skills as part of our team.
"Apart from the expansion of our client
base in future, we are also looking forward to
moving into a new technical era with the
purchase of digital mammography systems - the
next generation of breast screening machinery
which will ensure we stay one step ahead as a
leading unit in breast care.
"These are certainly exciting times and we
are all excited about the future and our
continuing success as a breast unit serving
patients in west Essex." |
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Man arrested over death crash |
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14th July
2010
POLICE investigating a fatal crash in
Chigwell have arrested a man on suspicion of
causing death by dangerous driving.
The crash happened at 10pm on Thursday, May 20,
when a grey Ford Fiesta and a silver BMW were in
collision at the Romford Road-Woolhampton Way
junction.
Paul Slater, 36, from Dagenham, was thrown from
the Fiesta in the collision and died shortly
after arrival at Queen’s Hospital, Romford.
A 39-year-old man, from Romford, was arrested
yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).
He has been bailed until September 28 pending
further enquiries. |
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Television date for baker
Rosie |
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13th July
2010
A WALTHAM Abbey woman will get her five
minutes of fame when she appears on BBC2
tomorrow evening (Wednesday).
Rosie Kelly will be featured on the Moneywatch
programme which tackles the issues of jobs, pay,
mortgages, spending, borrowing, savings,
pensions, and more, in tough economic
times.
Rosie, a voluntary member of the Waltham Abbey
town planning committee with an interest in the
retail regeneration of the town, will be
interviewed regarding her involvement with www.swapaskill.com
- a service known as "a favour for a
friend".
Rosie, a keen baker who is also a manicurist and
tutors English and French, swaps her baking
products and skills for hairdressing or business
advice.
She will be talking about the swap she did with
a beautician whose nephew she teaches English in
exchange for treatments.
Rosie said: "I helped my beautician's
nephew with his reading and after eight sessions
was able to swap for eyelash extenisons!
"This would normally cost about £90 and
they lasted for weeks. All in all I have had
many treatments including a pamper day, which
featured in Woman's Own magazine last
year."
Rosie, who was recently appointed to Epping
Forest District Council's independent
remuneration panel, runs a baking stall at the
end-of-month flower market on Sundays in Market
Square, Waltham Abbey, and ran a stall at the
recent Waltham Abbey Town Show.
She has always been an enthusiastic baker and
has decided to take the plunge and start her own
baking business - www.back2baking.com.
She hopes to offer baked goods and cakes to
local businesses for their lunch or tea breaks
while also catering for restaurants and
delis.
Rosie will also be running a stall in Waltham
Abbey for the Help for Heroes charity on July
31. |
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BAFTA winner at speech day |
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13th July
2010
BAFTA-winning Old Chigwellian Nick Laws
was the guest speaker at this year's Chigwell
School Speech Day.
Nick, who won the BAFTA Film Award 2010 for
producing Fish Tank, was at Chigwell from 1970
until 1976.
He started his film career as a post boy at 20th
Century Fox in London and then worked his way up
in the industry as an assistant director and
producer of feature films.
He has worked on a range of pictures from A
Passage to India to the BAFTA-winning
documentary-drama Touching the Void.
He has also worked on five feature films with
Michael Winterbottom, including The Claim, a
Western set in the American Goldrush.
'Yes' was his first move into production
management followed by Bridget Jones - Edge of
Reason, The Constant Gardener and Blood
Diamonds, just to mention a few.
Although his work-base remains in London, he
currently lives in South Africa with his two
children and his helicopter flying instructor
wife, Jennifer.
In his warmly well-received speech Nick said
that in one’s life there are occasions when
one’s integrity is challenged, however a
school like Chigwell gives one the values to
determine what is right and wrong. |
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Parish council office officially
opened |
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13th July
2010
NORTH Weald Parish Council's office in
the village library has been officially
opened.
The opening was performed by Epping Forest
District Council chairman Anne Grigg.
The office is the result of a successful
partnership between the parish council and Essex
County Council.
Parish council chairman Cyril Hawkins said:
"As a parish council we have seen our
customers increase from an average of 24 a month
to 128 in June, which also includes additional
visitors to the library.
"We have had some people come in to the
library to speak with us (the parish council)
who have lived in North Weald for over 20 years
yet have never been in the library before. They
have now signed up to be library
members."
He added: "Moving into the library has
meant we have had to make compromises, such as a
smaller office and no council chamber.
"However the benefits that we have seen
such as the more central location, the larger
increase in visitor numbers and the longer
opening hours for the library can only bring
benefits for the community as a whole." |
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Delight at gypsy and traveller
decision |
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13th July
2010
CALLS by Epping Forest District Council
for the controversial Government Gypsy and
Traveller Direction to be lifted have been
heeded.
Councillors are celebrating after the new
Coalition Minister Greg Clark MP confirmed the
revocation of the direction in response to the
calls by district council leader Di
Collins.
In his reply to Mrs Collins, Mr Clark said:
"Despite the difficulties placed on your
authority you have shown that the council has
taken a responsible approach to meeting the
accommodation requirements of travellers in the
district. I do not hesitate, therefore, in
agreeing to your request to withdraw the
direction."
Mrs Collins wrote repeatedly to minsters in the
previous and current governments calling for the
lifting of the direction.
She said: "This is fantastic news. I am
absolutely delighted. The direction has been a
millstone around our necks for three years. It
has been especially difficult for many of our
residents and placed a tremendous strain on the
council.
"It was not even supported by our local
gypsy and traveller communities.
"After working so hard, it will be an
immense relief to all of us that the new
minister has acted so speedily."
Epping Forest District Council was one of a
small number of councils placed under Government
directions to provide disproportionately high
numbers of new gypsy and traveller pitches
compared to other councils.
Having been successful in having the original
number of pitches reduced from 49 to 34, the
council was still required to carry out a public
consultation process separately from its normal
planning procedures.
The process diverted council funds and resources
away from other matters.
Many residents lived under a cloud of anxiety
and uncertainty while the council tried to
convince the previous government not to force
through the direction.
However, within a few days of the new Coalition
Government taking office, regional planning
targets were scrapped and councillors began to
hope the new ministerial team at the Department
of Communities and Local Government was
listening.
Mrs Collins added: "Now it is over I would
like to thank the council’s staff, my fellow
councillors, our local MPs including Eric
Pickles who has become Secretary of State at
Communities and Local Government, and most
importantly the thousands of local residents who
fought tirelessly for the right outcome.
"It has been a long struggle and finally a
triumph for local democracy over big government.
"Residents and councillors alike will be
celebrating." |
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Park home rules to be reviewed |
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12th July
2010
CONTROVERSIAL regulations for park home
sites are to be reviewed.
A district council cabinet decision to impose
new conditions was 'called in' by five
councillors to the overview and scrutiny
committee.
Lead call-in member Liz Webster said: "It's
clear the majority of owners take a great pride
in their homes and have hedges and fences to
give them privacy."
She added all park home owners should be
consulted over the issue.
Housing portfolio holder Dave Stallan said the
council is legally obliged to consult with land
owners and other relevant parties.
He said the council decided to consult with the
known park home residents associations which he
understood covered 68 per cent of the sites'
residents.
Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Stewart
McMillan said the fire service supported the
model standards. "They are all about public
safety," he said.
He added park homes "do not behave in the
same way" as a house when on fire.
Peter Baines, chairman of Abridge Park Residents
Association, said 35 per cent of properties at
the Abridge site could not comply with a 'three
metres to the boundary' condition.
He asked: "Does the council expect those
homes to be moved in some other direction, or
possibly removed from the site?
"What is the point of a rule that is
unenforceable?"
Mr Baines added: "The new licence removes
residents' privacy by lowering the permitted
fence height to one metre.
"We all like and indeed have a right to
enjoy peace and privacy in our own gardens.
"The proposed licence insists we spend
around £300 each on removing a perfectly good
shed and replacing it with an inferior metal
one."
Peter McMillan, of The Owl site, Lippitts Hill,
said the site's boundaries had not changed in 35
years.
He said a majority of homes would be in
contravention of the new conditions and be made
worthless.
He added: "Our homes are safer than most
other conventional homes such as flats, terraced
houses and homes built side by side because they
are single storey, detached with a minimum
distance of 18ft between each.
"We are now faced with the ludicrous
situation that it is legal to park a car next to
our home with a full tank of petrol but our
sheds, fences and hedges are considered more
dangerous."
Bernie Leverett, of Woodbine Close, Waltham
Abbey, said residents felt the regulations had
been "bulldozed through" and
"although meant with good intent have not
been thought out as to how they would affect
residents".
He added: "People need some privacy from
their immediate neighbours and have established
their gardens with fencing and hedges at great
expense and take pride in the appearance of
their garden.
"Why should these be disturbed when they
have presented no problems, including fire
hazards, over many, many years?"
Councillor Mary Sartin, speaking on behalf of
Roydon Mill residents, said there was concern
over the lack of consultation, the loss of
privacy which would result through some of the
intended conditions, the costs to be incurred by
residents to comply and the impact on property
prices.
Councillor Syd Stavrou, speaking for residents
of four park home sites in her ward, said
residents were "extremely concerned"
and worried that they were "going to have
their worlds turned upside down".
Councillor Will Breare-Hall said he believed the
cabinet "intend to protect" residents
but added: "The evidence of a problem is
not clear."
He said the impact of the regulations on
residents would be "significant" and
questioned whether the council was acting in
their best interests if the conditions were
introduced.
The committee agreed unanimously that the
cabinet decision should be reconsidered,
initially by the housing scrutiny panel and then
by the cabinet at its September meeting.
What do you think?
Email your views to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com |
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Students take orienteering honours |
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12th July
2010
STUDENTS at Davenant Foundation School
beat 13 other schools to win Lee Valley Regional
Park’s annual Regional Orienteering
Competition.
More than 400 teenagers, aged 13-16, from
schools across London, Essex and Hertfordshire
demonstrated their team-working and navigational
skills as they raced each other to complete 18
posts of the 15km orienteering course at the
River Lee Country Park, near Waltham Abbey.
Each team of four to six students collected
points as they made their way around the
course.
Time penalties were awarded for teams arriving
after the designated finish time.
The competition is designed to promote team
working and navigational skills as well as
encourage young people to exercise and lead a
healthy lifestyle. |
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Celebrities expected at golf day |
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12th July
2010
A HOST of celebrities are expected to
take part in the Rhys Daniels Trust charity golf
day.
Teams can enter the day which is being held at
Woolston Manor, Abridge Road, Chigwell, on
Friday, October 1 (from 1pm).
Actors Bradley Walsh, Craig Fairbrass and Billy
Murray and X-Factor star Gareth Gates were among
those who took part last year.
For more about the day, and to enter a team,
ring the Epping-based charity on 01992 570550. |
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Davenant students excel at Copped
Hall |
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11th July
2010
THE hundreds of people who attended
Davenant Foundation School's Festival of Arts
did not go home disappointed.
Some 300 students - performing in choirs, bands,
the orchestra and dance and drama groups -
entertained the crowds who enjoyed drinks and a
picnic watching the performances with the
impressive backdrop of the historic
mansion.
Proceeds from the evening - which included
£1,800 from a raffle - go towards the cost of
the school's music tour to Italy in a
fortnight.
The music and dance event - the third of its
kind at the hall - was, once again, another
example of a school which excels in all things
music.
The five-hour show took months to prepare and
painstaking efforts from everyone
involved.
Davenant has long been associated with fine
concerts and performances and Saturday's
production does nothing to alter that
fact.
Under the overall control of head of music John
Powell, ably supported by equally enthusiastic
conductors for the choirs, bands and orchestras,
the talents of students at the Loughton school
never fail to wow their audiences.
It is difficult to single out one particular
performance for special praise but if there has
to be one then Muki Zubis would surely be in the
running for the top honour.
Muki, 17, was just 16 when she wrote the song
'Me' which she performed with the Upper School
Girls Choir.
She wrote the piece for her GCSE composition
exam a year ago.
The evening began with the impressive sight and
sound of dozens of full drum kits being played
by the school's drummers - boys and girls - and
it ended with electric guitars.
In between there was plenty else to entertain -
classical pieces, pop favourites and dance and
drama routines which featured everything from
Noah's Ark to Superman.
This was another night
which Davenant, its staff, students and parents,
should be rightly proud. |
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Probe launched into barn blaze |
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10th July
2010
AN investigation is being carried out
into the cause of a barn blaze in Stapleford
Abbotts.
Tractors and other farm machinery were engulfed
in flames when the fire broke out in Murthering
Lane at 12.30pm yesterday (Friday).
Crews from Chelmsford, Loughton and Romford took
almost four hours to deal with the fire and
remained at the scene turning over the remains
and damping down the area. |
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Vacancy for town councillor |
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9th July
2010
A VACANCY exists on Waltham Abbey Town
Council following the death of councillor Mike
Reilly.
The seat in the Honey Lane ward will be filled
by co-option as no requests for a by-election
were received when the vacancy was first
advertised during June.
Anyone interested in filling the vacancy can
apply however there are certain qualifications
any applicant must meet.
These include that their name appears on the
current register of the Voters List or that the
applicant should during the whole of the 12
months preceding the relevant date live in or
within three miles of the town.
Alternatively the applicant’s only place of
work during the whole of the 12 months preceding
the relevant date is in the town.
The applicant must not be debarred from standing
as a councillor.
Further details are available from the Town
Clerk.
The next town council elections are in May 2011.
The co-opted councillor will sit until that
date.
Applications setting out qualifications and
reasons for applying should be submitted to the
Town Clerk, Waltham Abbey Town Council, Town
Hall, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1DE by Friday
July 23. |
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Charity tea serves up cash boost |
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8th July
2010
A FUNDRAISING Wimbledon-style strawberry
cream tea has raised money for The Dream Factory
charity.
Staff at Loughton-based chartered accountants
Haslers were joined by local clients and friends
to enjoy tea while watching Andy Murray and
Rafael Nadal play in the Wimbledon men’s
semi-final at their offices in Loughton.
Haslers Foundation hosted the tea and raffle of
Wimbledon-branded gifts to be able to continue
to raise funds for its The Dream Factory, its
charity of the year 2010, and specifically for
Bhavin’s Dream to be realised.
Bhavin suffers from Congenital Hydrocephalus
which means he has severe physical disabilities
and finds communication extremely
difficult.
His dream is to communicate with the outside
world and he can only do this with The Dream
Factory’s help in purchasing special computer
equipment.
The Dream Factory founder Avril Mills was
presented with a cheque for just over £1,500.
It is hoped further fundraising events by
Haslers’ staff will enable the full cost of
Bhavin’s computer equipment, £2,500, to be
covered.
Haslers Foundation was set up to offer donations
and sponsorship to charities and local
fundraisers in areas of sport, welfare,
education and other good causes.
If you would like Haslers Foundation to consider
a request for fundraising sponsorship or a
charitable donation contact foundation@haslers.com
or ring 020 8418 3333 and ask to speak to a
Foundation member.
For more information about how to donate to The
Dream Factory visit www.yourdreamfactory.org,
email info@yourdreamfactory.org
or ring Avril on 020 8501 1234. |
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Museum talk highlights exhibits |
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9th July
2010
THE history and work of the Epping Forest
District Museum was highlighted in a talk to
Epping Rotary Club.
Museum officer Tony O'Connor was the guest
speaker at the club's last meeting.
He spoke about how more than 500,000 people have
directly accessed the service and through
touring exhibitions and the online services in
reality more than double that number have had
involvement with the museum since it was opened
in Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, in November
1981.
Through the establishment of the museum a number
of public and societal collections were brought
together which form the core of its
collections.
The museum's collections reflect the story of
the district from the first settlers to the
present day.
Some 50,000 items - artefacts, paintings,
furniture, newspapers and human remains - make
up the archive.
Among the highlights are The Waltham Abbey Bible
and other material from the Abbey Church.
The Bible is hand written on vellum and is all
that survives of the Great Library of what was
the richest monastery in Essex and a great
centre of royal patronage.
The Purbeck Marble Funerary bust of Richard
Bruce, uncle of the Scottish King, dates to the
13th century. It almost made it to the
Metropolitan Museum in New York before being
acquired for the museum.
There is also the Cottis Collection -
photographs, records, tools - of the great
entrepreneurial family whose ‘Archimedean
Ironworks’ and shops played such a part in the
development of Epping in the late 19th and early
20th centuries.
Major artists have been drawn to the forest
landscapes. James Paul Andre’s mid-19th
century sketches of the district are a unique
record.
Epstein, Pissaro and Hayden Mackey are all
internationally-renowned figures whose work is
reflected in the collection.
The gem at the heart of the museum’s art
collections is the archive of the transport
poster designer and First World War artist
Walter Spradbery, from Buckhurst Hill.
The exhibition programme encourages repeat
visitors and in a limited public display area is
a way to showcase material from the reserve
collections on a rotating basis.
Exhibitions are labour intensive and shows have
to be turned around in two weeks. In recent
years the museum has achieved substantial
external funding.
The Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums
In Essex Committee and in recent years
Renaissance in the Regions have provided
resources which have enable the museum to put on
exhibitions way beyond its core budget.
The museum service faces a period of uncertainty
as a non-statutory service.
Cultural services are often the first in the
firing line in periods of budgetary restraint.
However in the area there are positive
developments which offer the opportunity for the
museum service to achieve its full potential in
the coming years. London 2012 and the creation
of the Lee Valley White Water Centre, which will
be fully open from 2013, will bring new visitors
to the area.
The planned move of museum stores from the
current building in Loughton to Brooker Road,
Waltham Abbey will provide an opportunity to
improve access and increase research and
volunteering opportunities for working on the
collections. |
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New village playground
unveiled |
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8th July
2010
CHILDREN from Lambourne Primary School
joined in the celebrations at the opening of a
new playground in Abridge.
They were joined by Epping Forest District
Council chairman Anne Grigg at the facilities at
the Pancroft Ring which are the result of a
collaborative venture between Epping Forest
District Council and Lambourne Parish Council,
using money secured from the Big Lottery
Children`s Play Programme Fund.
Mrs Grigg congratulated everyone involved in the
project, particularly the local children and
young people who helped design the area.
She praised the partnership working between the
district council`s community development team,
housing staff and parish council
representatives, all of who ensured that an
excellent facility was installed.
Asking the children if they liked their new
playground, she was rewarded with cheers of
agreement.
Abridge is one of three areas to benefit from
improvement to playgrounds by Epping Forest
District Council using £243,000 of Big Lottery
funding. |
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Sport-themed exhibition opens |
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8th July
2010
A NEW exhibition will be running at the
Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey,
until September 7.
‘Sporting Heroes’, which has been awarded a
London 2012 Inspire Mark badge, opens tomorrow
(Friday).
The exhibition has been produced by Epping
Forest District Council’s Museum and Sports
and Health Development Services. ‘Sporting
Heroes’ is a touring exhibition created by
Epping Forest District Museum for Renaissance in
the Regions.
It celebrates the East of England’s sporting
success, showcasing past, present and future
athletes, providing inspiration for a new
generation of sporting talent.
Recognising the interest and excitement
surrounding the 2012 London Olympic and
Paralympic Games, stories of determination and
success will be showcased as the exhibition
travels to venues such as museums, schools and
sports venues, enabling visitors to learn more
about their local sporting heritage.
A number of sports programmes and ‘taster
sessions’ are also on offer, aimed to inspire
more people towards active participation in
sport.
The exhibition features loans from a number of
sports clubs and athletes, which highlight the
fantastic achievements of many sports people
with local links.
Seb Coe, chairmnan of the London Organising
Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic
Games said: "Sporting Heroes is encouraging
visitors to fulfil their potential.
"I am proud that with the help of partners
such as Epping Forest District Council we are
delivering on our vision to use the power of the
Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost
participation in sporting
activities."
The exhibition will be opened by Epping Forest
District Council chairman Anne Grigg. Team Essex
2012 Ambassador and Olympic and Paralympic Games
hopeful Emma Hollis will also be present.
During the opening, which begins at 1pm tomorrow
(Friday), guests and visitors will be able to
see an exhibition of football freestyle from
members of the Tottenham Football Foundation and
have a go on a canoeing simulator in preparation
for riding the rapids at the opening of the new
Lee Valley White Water Centre in spring 2011. |
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Council makes webcast plea |
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8th July
2010
RESIDENTS planning to attend Monday's
district council meeting which will discuss
regulations for mobile home sites should
consider staying at home and watching the debate
online.
Council chiefs fear more than 200 members of the
public will be at the Civic Offices, Epping, for
the overview and scrutiny committee meeting,
which starts at 7.30pm - more than can be
accommodated in the public gallery and public
areas.
A council spokesman said "a large
number" of people have expressed interest
in the debate.
Councillors are due to discuss health and safety
proposals which could mean some residents having
to remove or reduce fences, hedges and
sheds.
The council chamber can hold about 80 people and
the council has space in other parts of the
Civic Offices for people to follow the debate on
large TV screens. However, space is
limited.
Deputy chief executive Derek Macnab said:
"We have received lots of interest. There
is space for more than 200 people in the chamber
gallery and public areas where the large TVs
relay the debate but there is a danger that if
too many people turn up we will not be able to
get everyone in.
"However, all our major meetings are
webcast live over the internet.
"If you have a computer and internet access
all you need to do is log on to the council
website and you will have a guaranteed seat from
the comfort of your own home." |
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Funding secured for medical centre |
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8th July
2010
CAPITAL funding for the new Ongar War
Memorial Medical Centre has been secured.
The project to redevelop the site of the Ongar
and District War Memorial Hospital with the
multi-million-pound medical centre remains on
schedule with building work expected to start in
the autumn.
Leigh Fleming, director of corporate services
with NHS West Essex, said: "This is great
news and means the new medical centre that is so
desperately needed in Ongar has come another
step closer.
"We remain on schedule to have the new
centre open by Christmas 2011."
NHS West Essex is waiting to receive tender bids
from five companies and it is anticipated the
contract to build the medical centre will be
awarded in August.
Leigh Fleming said: "These are exciting
times for healthcare in Ongar and the
surrounding villages.
"The medical centre will be a landmark
building from which a wide range of health
services, some of which are not currently
provided in Ongar, will be
available."
NHS West Essex is holding an open day at the
Budworth Hall, High Street, Ongar, between 9am
and 1pm on Saturday, July 17, when visitors can
experience a ‘virtual walk through’ of the
new medical centre.
They will also be able to view old photographs
of the hospital, follow a timeline of key events
in its history and recall their memories of the
hospital for a publication to be produced to
coincide with the opening of the new medical
centre. |
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Musical favourites at Copped Hall |
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7th July
2010
POP hits and classical favourites will be
performed at Davenant Foundation School's Copped
Hall Festival of Arts on Saturday.
The open-air concert starts at 5pm with a
performance by the school's drummers.
Musical selections will then be performed by the
upper school girls choir and the concert
band.
Among the hits being performed will be Barry
Manilow's Copacabana and Queen in Concert.
An Andrew Lloyd Webber medley and For the Beauty
of the Earth by John Rutter feature in the
school choir's programme.
The five-hour event will also feature dance and
drama and performances by the school orchestra -
whose programme includes Elgar's Pomp and
Circumstance and Holst's 'Mars' from Planets -
the swing band and guitarists.
Proceeds go towards the cost of the school's
music tour to Italy. |
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Concern over uncontrolled dogs |
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7th July
2010
DOG walkers are being reminded about the
potential dangers of letting dogs run
uncontrolled over the Roding Valley Nature
Reserve.
The plea for dogs to be kept on leads comes from
the Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs
which has 150 riders, many from the inner city,
who enjoy riding on the reserve.
Chigwell Riding Trust manager Deborah Hall said:
"My concerns are the huge increase in dogs
on the reserve, especially professional dog
walkers.
"These people seem to come out with six or
more dogs at any one time, which are not always
on the lead.
"The dogs off the lead may well be of a
gentle nature but if they are inquisitive with
our ponies, yapping out of excitement and do not
come to the call, they are a
problem."
She added: "Many of my riders have a fear
of dogs. I am now having complaints from staff
of the special needs schools because they are
worried from a safety point of view, as I am as
well.
"In the past I had a dog that was not 100
per cent reliable and being a responsible person
I dealt with the matter in an appropriate manner
to ensure there would be no incidents.
"Dogs in a pack, however well behaved
normally, can quickly turn and it would only
take some other persons untrained dog to start
what could be a full-scale dogfight.
"Two or three years ago one of my
instructors was riding one of our well behaved
ponies when an uncontrollable dog came for the
pony.
"As a result he lost his footing and came
down, my instructor's leg was broken as a
consequence.
"It is bad enough this happening to my
staff; I would be mortified if such an
occurrence were to happen to a disabled
rider!"
She added: "Only this week I was confronted
by a professional dog walker with six dogs; some
of whom were on the lead and some weren’t.
"Again one particular dog off the lead was
pestering one of my ponies. In my opinion if any
dog is not obedient it should always be on the
lead!
"Sadly it has just been brought to my
attention that a pen swan has had her wing
ripped off and her five cygnets killed by a
dog.
"How sad is this that they are not only
frightening people and our ponies but they are
also having a damaging effect on the
wildlife?" |
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Man seriously hurt in car park
collision |
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7th July
2010
AN elderly man suffered potentially
life-threatening injuries when he was in
collision with a lorry in a car park in Waltham
Abbey.
The incident was reported to the East of England
Ambulance Service shortly after 4pm yesterday
(Tuesday).
A rapid response car and an ambulance were sent
to the car park in Sun Street. On their arrival,
crews requested that the Essex Air Ambulance
attend as back up.
Aircrew paramedic Steve Dennehy said: "The
patient was a local man in his late 70s. He had
suffered multiple fractures to his legs as well
as injuries to his pelvis and was in a great
deal of pain.
"We worked together with the land ambulance
crews to administer pain relief to the patient
and splint his legs. We then flew him to the
Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, where his
condition on arrival was potentially
life-threatening.
"It was a difficult job, but there was
excellent work between the land and air
ambulance crews." |
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Council maintains Quality Status |
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6th July
2010
ONGAR Town Council has been re-accredited
for Quality Status.
The council was judged by the Essex County
Accreditation Panel of the Essex Association of
Local Councils which concluded that it had
achieved the required standards to be
re-accredited "reflecting the excellent
work of the clerk and the councillors".
The council has enjoyed Quality Council Status
since June 2006.
The council, which is reassessed every four
years by a selected county panel, has to
demonstrate that it has met a number of
wide-ranging quality criteria which benefit the
local community.
It had to submit a set portfolio of examples of
work to make sure the high standards set are
being maintained.
Many hours of hard work from clerk Mark Squire
and the staff have ensured this success.
The Quality Status work will be on display at
the next annual town meeting. |
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'Safe and Sound' scheme launched |
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6th July
2010
A NEW home security check and accident
prevention service has been launched in the
district.
Safe and Sound helps anyone aged over 60 ‘feel
safer at home’.
Fitting stair rails and grab rails, checking
smoke alarms, door chains and window locks are
just a few of the services provided free to
Epping Forest residents.
The aim is to reduce the number of falls by
older people in their homes whilst making sure
the property is secure and safe from
intruders.
If you think you, an elderly neighbour or a
friend could benefit from the free service
contact Safe and Sound co-ordinator Steve Cox on
01992 564259, email scox@vaef.org.uk,
or ring the council’s Safer Communities Team
on 01992 564608.
Steve will visit homes and carry out a survey
identifying hazards which may cause a fall and
assess any potential security risks.
The scheme was officially launched by Epping
Forest District Council chairman Mrs Anne Grigg
with the unveiling of the project’s new
van.
Mrs Grigg said: "Our Safe and Sound
volunteers can help stop preventable accidents
like trips and falls with minor repairs and
improvements and reduce the risk of falling
victim to bogus callers with advice on home
security.
"I want our older residents to come forward
and take up this free service which can help
them to live independently and improve their
quality of life.
"I work with older people in the district
and am sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of Steve
and his new van."
Anita Nesbitt, scheme manager at Parsonage
Court, Loughton, said: "This is a
fantastic, free service that responds very
quickly to the needs of our older residents.
"It helps keep people safe within their
homes, reduces the risk of falling and gives a
confidence boost to all who use the
scheme.
"Safe and Sound will certainly help many of
our residents enjoy a safer and better quality
of life."
Safe and Sound is funded by Epping Forest Safer
Communities Partnership, Epping Forest District
Council, NHS West Essex and Essex County
Council. |
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Stroke club holds strawberry tea |
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6th July
2010
A STRAWBERRY tea was held by Epping
Stroke Club to raise awareness of the group and
issues around stroke.
Epping Forest District Council vice-chairman Ken
Angold-Stephens attended the event at the United
Reformed Church Hall, Epping, along with local
people and representatives from other
organisations.
The group meets at the church hall every month.
Affiliated to the Stroke Association, the Epping
club provides an opportunity for anyone affected
by stroke to come together to receive support,
information and participate in activities.
Run by volunteers, the group takes part in art
activities, games, and quizzes. The group also
has speakers and occasional outings.
The group is always looking for new members from
Epping and the surrounding areas who may benefit
from attending the group.
Mr Angold-Stephens said: "I was very
impressed to learn of the support the group can
provide, not only to people who have suffered a
stroke but for their families and carers as
well. The volunteers are all very friendly and
enthusiastic.
"I think there are many people in and
around Epping who have been affected by stroke
and could benefit from the group but may not
know there is one locally.
"I would definitely urge any person
affected by stroke, whether a stroke survivor or
carer, to drop in to a meeting."
The Epping Stroke Club meets between 2pm and 4pm
on the second Tuesday every month.
For more information, ring club organiser Jill
Domin on 01992 574140. |
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College honours staff and students |
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5th July
2010
STAFF and students were praised at
Epping Forest College's awards ceremony.
A packed audience of families, dignitaries and
staff celebrated the outstanding achievements of
students.
Prizes were awarded by Chairman of Governors Di
Collins and the college’s achievements were
praised by the guest of honour, Epping Forest
District Council vice-chairman Ken Angold-Stephens.
The ceremony recognised the hard work and
dedication of all this year’s students but in
particular celebrated the special achievement of
the 50 students whose endeavours were seen to be
outstanding with the pick of the group judged as
exceptional.
Heads of departments read the award nominations
for each student explaining the exceptional
standards achieved both academically and in
terms of contribution to college life and
support for their peers.
Interim principal Jeannie Wright praised this
year’s students from across the college and
reminded everyone that great teaching has the
power to reach people and inspire them.
She also praised college staff whose hard work
and dedication was reflected in both the
students' success and the college’s recent
excellent OFSTED inspection outcome.
New for this year’s ceremony special awards
were presented to staff who had been nominated
by colleagues for their outstanding
contribution.
The audience was entertained by Sabrina, with a
selection of her own numbers, supported by her
backing dancers, plus Charlotte Milne and
Laurence Mathurin in the duet ‘Tonight’ from
Westside Story. |
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Keys warning follows burglary |
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5th July
2010
POLICE are warning people not to leave
keys in locks following a burglary in Buckhurst
Hill.
Entry was gained to a property in Woodside
between midnight and 9am on Sunday when the
burglar reached in through a cat flap and
removed the key from the inside lock. Handbags,
a purse and various bank documents were
stolen.
The handbags were later found nearby.
Police a reminding people to always remove keys
from locks and put them in a safe place where
other family members are aware in case of an
emergency.
Anyone with any information about the break-in
should ring PC Caroline Williams on 0300 333
4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555
111. |
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Safety device for lone workers |
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5th July
2010
COMMUNITY health staff are taking extra
measures to help make sure they are safe when
working alone.
A special lone worker device is being
distributed to district nurses, health visitors,
community nurses, therapists and support workers
who work alone in the homes of patients they
visit.
If a lone worker feels under threat or needs
emergency medical help they can activate the
device which connects to a central receiving
point where a trained operator can listen in to
what is happening.
The operator can alert the emergency services if
necessary and a recording of what took place
could be disclosed in any subsequent legal
proceedings.
During 2007-09 there were 26 incidents of
physical or verbal abuse of community staff
working in west Essex, an average of one
incident a month.
Lisa Fuller, clinical service development
manager with West Essex Community Health
Services, said: "The fact we have had these
incidents shows there is a need for this device.
We want to support our staff and reduce any
sense of isolation they might have working alone
in the community."
The lone worker devices are being rolled out to
a 380 community health workers in a partnership
project between West Essex Community Health
Services and Reliance Protect which has
developed the devices.
Lisa said: "This particular device has been
chosen by the NHS Security Management Service as
a simple and effective way of protecting lone
workers.
"Our staff have an excellent relationship
with the vast majority of our patients.
"However, it matters they have reassurance
and can raise the alarm if they need to." |
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Faulty lights spark traffic queues |
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5th July
2010
MOTORISTS heading through Ongar High
Street are facing lengthy delays with traffic
lights stuck on red.
Queues have been tailing back to the Four Wantz
roundabout and beyond, and to Brentwood Road in
the other direction, during this morning’s
rush hour.
The traffic lights are at the scene of roadworks
outside the Indian restaurants in the
centre of the High Street. |
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Blaze at butchers shop |
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5th July
2010
TWO fire crews have dealt with a small
fire at an Ongar butchers shop.
Crews from Ongar and Brentwood were called to
Padmore Butchers in the High Street at about
3.15am today (Monday) to put out a fire
involving the roof and awning.
Crews cut away the affected area to ensure the
fire was fully extinguished.
The cause of the incident is still being
investigated. |
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Fifth win for runner Crispin |
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4th July
2010
SOME 250 people took part in this year's High
Ongar 10k run which was raising money for St
Clare Hospice and local charities.
Crispin Bloomfield, from Billericay Striders,
won the race - for the fifth time - in 33mins
32secs.
Runners started from Forest Lodge Road, High
Ongar, and followed a course which included
private farm tracks, Willingale Airfield and
passed All Saints’ Church, Norton
Mandeville.
The race was started by Epping Forest District
Council chairman Anne Grigg who has chosen St
Clare Hospice as one of her charities for the
year. |
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Seminar offers VAT advice |
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2nd July
2010
LOUGHTON-based chartered accountants and
business advisers Haslers hosted a VAT seminar
presented by VAT Partner Debra Dougal.
Subjects included the Emergency Budget, errors
and penalties and a round-up of 2010
changes.
Topical discussion took place enabling the 20 or
so delegates to resolve some VAT issues that
they were currently experiencing.
Debra said: "As always, the VAT seminars we
hold at Haslers generate a great deal of
interest.
"It is a good opportunity to look at real
examples faced by other agents and to look at
ways of resolving some of the more complicated
issues." |
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Howzat Town Day this Sunday |
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2nd July
2010
THE Howzat Town Day is being held at
Loughton Cricket Ground on Sunday (July 4).
The event, from 10am, is being organised by
Loughton Town Centre Partnership and Loughton
Cricket Club. Admission is free.
The event will feature the Asda Kwik Cricket
Festival, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
Cricket Factory, a 50ft obstacle course, 32ft
mega slide and various sideshows, stalls,
classic cards and live music.
Evening entertainment will be provided by the
Beached Boys.
Food and other refreshments will be available. |
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Rotary club raises £13,000 for
hospice |
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2nd July
2010
THE annual Epping Rotary Club golf day in
aid of St Clare Hospice raised £13,000 towards
the cost of providing specialist care.
The event, now in its sixth year, has raised
enough to fund the hospice’s day therapy unit
for over two weeks.
The hospice's community fundraiser, Vicky
Parker, said: "We are extremely grateful
for the generosity of everyone who comes along
and takes part and also for the use of all the
facilities at Saffron Walden Golf Club for the
whole day, making the event possible.
"We had 34 teams taking part this year and
even the weather held up!"
The golf was followed by a meal and auction. |
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FA board "should resign"
- MP |
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2nd July
2010
HARLOW MP Robert Halfon says the board of
the Football Association should resign after the
last three England managers "have all
produced nothing but failure".
In a Parliamentary Motion, Mr Halfon - a staunch
Chelsea supporter - said: "All (the three
managers - Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren
and Fabio Capello) have all been given hugely
expensive contracts with little
result."
He added the House should note that
"amazingly" Capello's contract was
renewed just a few weeks ago meaning the FA will
have to pay out more money "if, as
expected, he is sacked".
His motion stated that he believed there is no
reason for the England football team to fail in
this way. Mr Halfon added he believes that
"for years England has punched well below
its weight because of the ineffective management
of the Football Association".
He called for a "footballing revolution at
FA headquarters" with the fans having much
more input into decision-making".
Mr Halfon said: "We have great players,
playing for some of the best clubs in the world.
Yet for too long the FA Board have made the
wrong decisions and judgements at crucial times.
There have also been too many shenanigans at FA
headquarters."
He added: "For years, England has punched
well below its weight, and this World Cup was an
unmitigated disaster, with just one 1-0 victory,
against Slovenia.
"The FA Board have failed the England
national team. The buck stops with them. It is
time for them to go.
"It is time to democratise the FA and make
the organisation accountable to the fans." |
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Couple admit £130,000 benefit
fraud |
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1st July
2010
AN Epping couple are awaiting sentence
over the biggest benefit fraud case ever handled
by Epping Forest District Council.
Robert and Samantha Martin initially pleaded not
guilty to benefit fraud involving £130,000 and
were due to go to trial at Chelmsford Crown
Court on June 1.
They changed their plea in the face of
overwhelming evidence and will be sentenced on
July 8. Mr and Mrs Martin were arrested while
living at a property in Crows Road, Epping, in
August 2007.
Documents seized at the property included
evidence of other properties and bank and
building society accounts worth hundreds of
thousands of pounds.
The council uncovered a web of fraud. Working
with the Department for Work and Pensions,
police and other agencies, it became clear this
was the biggest case the council had ever
uncovered.
One key officer who later transferred from
Epping Forest District Council to Chelmsford
Borough Council remained on standby to give
evidence. While claiming income support, housing
benefit and council tax benefit, the Martins
held nearly £500,000 in undeclared
assets.
As well as pursuing its own claims, the district
council also brought the prosecution for income
support fraud on behalf of the Department for
Work and Pensions.
Council leader Di Collins said: "These were
professional criminals. Over a period of years
they stole more than £130,000. "They
covered their tracks but ultimately the whole
scam came to light thanks to patient and
tenacious work by our investigation team.
"They did a fantastic job in unravelling
the deception and bringing these people to
justice." |
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Bogus callers steal jewellery |
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1st July
2010
TWO men posing as plumbers stole
jewellery from the home of an 87-year-old woman
in Waltham Abbey.
Police say that the men called at the property
in Amwell Court at about 11.15am on Saturday
(June 26) and told the woman they were plumbers
and asked her to check her taps as there was a
problem with her neighbours’ water
system.
The men entered the property and were allowed to
check the plumbing.
It was later discovered five precious rings and
numerous other sentimental pieces were missing
from the bedroom.
The men were white, aged 20, 5ft 6ins tall, with
dark cropped hair and of average build. One was
wearing a dark T-shirt and dark trousers, the
other was wearing a black and white patterned
long sleeved top.
Anyone who has any information about the
incident should ring PC Jacqueline Mileham on
0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on
0800 555 111. |
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MONEY MATTERS: Monthly column |
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1st July
2010
In this month's column, Loughton-based
accountants and business advisers Haslers urge
people to keep proper records
HMRC have recently issued a reminder about the
various 'toolkits' they have developed to assist
agents when preparing returns.
Although the toolkits are aimed at tax
professionals, they highlight common errors and
the steps that can be taken to reduce those
errors.
The first series of toolkits cover marginal
small companies' relief, capital allowances for
plant and machinery, personal and private
expenditure, capital gains tax for land and
buildings, and capital gains tax for trusts and
estates.
The intriguing thing about all of the toolkits
is that the main area of risk for all these
areas is record keeping, or the lack of it! In
addition, for capital allowances for plant and
machinery the main areas of risk include record
keeping (for example different proportions of
non-business use during the period of ownership
and detailed records of all acquisitions and
disposals), acquisitions and disposals (for
example whether the asset qualifies for capital
allowances) and non-business use of assets,
particularly cars.
For private and personal expenditure, the main
areas of risk are record keeping (for example
non-business expenses being incorrectly recorded
or mis-posted in the business records and
claimed in error as allowable expenses),
personal bills being paid by the business,
travel and subsistence, entertaining, gifts,
subscriptions and sponsorship, and drawings and
capital account.
So the moral is clear - good records today keep
the taxman at bay.
If you would like to discuss this area in more
detail, contact a member of Haslers Tax
Department on 020 8418 3333 or email advice@haslers.com
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Shakespeare and Chopin at Copped
Hall |
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1st July
2010
A SHAKESPEARE play and a piano recital
have entertained audiences at Copped Hall. The
Greek Theatre Players performed Shakespeare's
Henry VI, Part 2, on the lawn behind the
mansion.
And then last Saturday renowned concert pianist
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones gave a piano recital in the
newly-opened saloon at the rear of the mansion.
His performance of works by Chopin, Handel,
Grieg, Schumann and other composers was enhanced
by the magnificent views now possible from the
room out across the grounds to the open
countryside.
Light refreshments were served during the
interval.
Copped Hall Trust chairman Denys Favre thanked
Iwan for his recital and especially the members
of the Friends of the Trust who had helped with
the event.
The proceeds from both events will be used to
fund further restoration of Copped Hall. The
next major event is on Sunday, July 4, when the
Fitzwilliam String Quartet will be giving an
evening recital in the saloon (7pm).
Entry is via the Upshire Road gates (from 6pm).
Tickets are available from the trust's box
office on 01992 610713. . |
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Your hospital memories wanted |
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1st July
2010
AN open day is being held at the Budworth
Hall, Ongar, on Saturday, July 17, to give
people a chance to reminisce over the Ongar and
District War Memorial Hospital. Visitors will be
able browse over old photographs of the hospital
- including a picture of its official opening -
and some of the staff who worked there.
The open day - from 9am to 1pm - will also be a
chance to look forward with visitors able to get
an update on the redevelopment plans.
Members of the NHS West Essex project team
working on the new Ongar War Memorial Medical
Centre will be available to give an update on
the project.
Architect James Philipps will be showing a video
‘walk through’ of the new building, which is set
to be open by Christmas 2011, and will be
explaining how a new war memorial will be
incorporated into the development.
NHS West Essex director of corporate services
Leigh Fleming said: "We have always said that we
want the new medical centre to be a landmark
building which can provide high-class medical
facilities for the people of Ongar and the
surrounding villages.
"We also want it to be a building that remembers
the past and we want to ensure that the war
memorial hospital continues to be remembered as
a major part of Ongar’s history." She added: "We
will be incorporating the stonework from the
front of the hospital into the new medical
centre and also plan to use some of the bricks
from the hospital in the new development to
ensure the new building remembers the old."
NHS West Essex is seeking peoples’ memories of
the hospital as it plans to produce a booklet
charting the history of the hospital to coincide
with the opening of the new medical centre.
If you have memories of the hospital go along to
the Budworth Hall on Saturday, July 17. It may
be that NHS West Essex will need to arrange a
convenient time to meet with you at a later date
to get full information about your memories. |
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