College talk at town meeting

10th March 2010

A TALK on Epping Forest College will be given at Loughton Town Council's annual town meeting. 
Quentin Butler, the college's head of partnership services, will speak on the achievements, current work and plans for the college at the meeting which is being held at The Murray Hall, Borders Lane, Loughton, at 8pm on Wednesday, March 24.
Unlike the regular meetings held during the year in the council chamber, this is a meeting for local government electors in the town and not a meeting of the council. Reports will also be given on the council's activities during the past year and its on-going plans for the future. 
Residents can ask questions, express their views and generally join in the discussions. A new innovation this year is an opportunity for local organisations to promote their work by mounting displays in the hall. 
Doors open at 7.30pm to allow residents to view the displays. 
After the meeting there is a chance to have an informal chat with councillors over light refreshments.

Boy suffers broken elbow

9th March 2010

A TEENAGER suffered a broken elbow during a disturbance at Stonards Hill, Epping. 
Police were called to reports of teenagers causing a disturbance at 7.35pm on Friday (March 5). 
A 15-year-old Epping boy sustained a broken elbow and bruising. 
Police arrested a 17-year-old Epping youth for possessing an offensive weapon - an 18-inch metal weights bar. 
He has been bailed to appear in court on March 19. Police are appealing for witnesses. 
Anyone with any information should ring police on 0300 333 4444.

Students prepare for music festival

9th March 2010

THE Loughton Youth Music Festival will be held at Loughton Methodist Church at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 20. 
The festival brings together A-Level student musicians from local schools in a non-competitive environment giving them the opportunity to play their examination set pieces before a live audience. 
Musicians from Davenant, West Hatch, Bancrofts and Trinity will be taking part. 
The guest of honour will be Stuart McDonald, one of the UK’s premiere live TV and event directors. His credits include Parkinson, Top of the Pops, An Audience With, Gladiators and many other entertainment awards and event shows. 
Loughton mayor Ken Angold-Stephens will also be among the audience. 
Tickets, priced £8 (under-16s free) are available from the church office on 020 8504 8447, or on the door on the night.

Youngsters ready for Mix Up night

9th March 2010

THE first, fully young people-organised music and dance showcase performance featuring young, local talent is being held on Saturday. 
Aspiring bands, DJs, dancers and MCs will come together at Debden Park High School to share and celebrate the incredible level of local young talent at the 'Mix Up' event. 
The idea for the event came from Year 11 Debden Park High Street student and recent Epping Forest Arts Bursary winner Chris Chichlow who will be hosting the event with his LYP Radio Urban Show co-presenter Oshae Margurite. 
Chris said: "In the past there has been live music events organised for local young bands, but never really for local MCs and the Urban music audience. 
"There is a great local scene in Epping Forest. We’ve got MCs coming from Ongar, Epping, Loughton and Limes Farm. I think people will be surprised when they hear how good these performers are and what they have to say." 
Mix Up has been organised by a group of young people who have been working with Connexions, Loughton Youth Project, Soundlab Studios and Loughton Music Academy in gaining academic accreditation in musical event organising. 
In recent weeks the group have learned about sound and lighting, recorded a radio advert and ordered posters, banners, tickets and refreshments, in preparation for Saturday’s event. 
Performing will be locally acclaimed band ‘Reachback’ who have recently signed to a professional management company and already have a record label offer. 
Lead singer Ruby Williams, 19, said: "It's going to be great playing at Mix Up. We’re anticipating a really diverse young crowd and I’m sure fans and friends of everyone performing will get behind all the acts. 
"Our band jumped at the chance to perform a collaboration track with MCs and dancers. Everyone involved is really talented and really appreciative of everyone else." 
Loughton Youth Project manager Nick Robinson added: "We have so many incredibly talented, driven and open-minded young people in our local community and Mix Up epitomizes that. This event is their idea. They found the funding and booked the venue and performers.
"The fact that young people have organised such a diverse, multi-cultural performing arts event in Debden says an awful lot". "
Mix Up runs from 7.30pm to 11pm at Debden Park High School in Willingale Road. Entry is £2. 
For more details, visit www.loughtonyouthproject.com.

Fuchsia society closes after 40 years

8th March 2010

A LONG-standing Epping floral society has disbanded after 40 years. 
A decision was taken to disband Epping and District Fuchsia Society at a recently convened special general meeting. 
Membership had diminished to the point where the club was no longer viable due in no small measure to escalating running expenses such as the cost of engaging speakers and staging its annual show. 
The society’s founder and president was the late Fred Brown, who lived in Coopersale, and was also life vice-president of Coopersale Horticultural Society.

High Beech pupils' soccer success

8th March 2010

PUPILS from High Beech Primary School are through to the next stage of a football tournament. 
They were watched by Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini when they beat off competition from Upshire, Chigwell and Epping primary schools in the first heat of the Bill Nicholson Schools Cup at Old Chigwelians Sports Ground, Chigwell.
 The Italian goalkeeper was on hand to reward the winners as the four schools battled it out to advance in the inaugural competition. 
The Bill Nicholson Memorial Fund is providing funding to run the tournament in about 100 Essex and Hertfordshire schools. 
The Bill Nicholson Schools Cup incorporates four age groups from each participant school ranging from Year 3 up to Year 6 - giving about 2,500 children the opportunity to take part. 
Tottenham Hotspur Soccer Schools coaches will deliver the tournament in each selected area in school curriculum hours, giving each year group the chance to represent their school. 
Each child receives a certificate of achievement, and the winners of each heat receive medals for all players and a trophy for the school.
The county finals involving the winners from each district will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur First Team training ground in Chigwell this summer.

Students prepare for music nights

8th March 2010

MUSIC students from Epping Forest College will be performing at two nights of live music in the college’s professionally-equipped theatre. 
First year BTEC National Diploma in Music students and BTEC First Diploma in Music students will be performing on Monday (March 15). 
Performances of a wide range of cover material will enable students to showcase their talents on a range of instruments, including keyboards, vocals, guitar, bass and drums. 
The following evening (Tuesday, March 16) sees performances from second year BTEC National Diploma in Music students. 
Composition forms the basis for a substantial amount of performance and recording work for the second year of music studies at the college. 
The programme consists of second year music students performing an eclectic mix of original compositions. 
As part of their coursework, music students also undertake project management of the various events in which they are involved. 
These two live music events are no exception and students have taken responsibility for all aspects of the projects, including marketing, publicity and financial planning. The performances begin at 7pm. 
Tickets are £2/£3 available on the door.

Family to cycle for charity

8th March 2010

CHARITY-minded Leigh Macrae and her family will be taking part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s women-only cycling event, Pedal it Pink. 
The chartered accountant, from Epping, will join hundreds of women at the River Lee Country Park on Sunday, March 28, in memory of her grandmother who died from breast cancer ten years ago. 
Leigh, who is taking part with husband, Rob - an Epping town councillor - and daughters Keira and Evie, said: "I feel that taking part in Pedal it Pink is a great opportunity to do something in her memory. 
"She had a long and happy life before she was diagnosed, but if lives can be prolonged further, especially for younger women, then I’m happy to help in any way I can." 
Leigh and her family are taking on the family 5k lap. To sponsor them, visit the Just Giving website http://original.justgiving.com/leighmacrae

Police name crash victim

7th March 2010

THE pedestrian who died following a collision with a car in Theydon Bois on Friday evening has been named. 
John Eldred, 56, of Hemnall Street, Epping, was in collision with a Vauxhall Corsa car in Coppice Row - near the village hall - at 9.45pm. 
Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact the road policing unit at Chigwell on 0300 333 4444.

Choir launches fourth CD

7th March 2010

THE Felicitas Chamber Choir will launch its fourth CD at a concert at St John's Church, Epping. 
The concert on Saturday, March 20 (7.30pm) features two larger scale works - Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli and Poulenc's setting of the Stabat Mater. 
The programme will also include a couple of tracks from the choir's new CD 'My Spirit Sang All Day: A Celebration of English Choral Music' - which was recorded last autumn and features a range of sacred and secular English music from the 16th Century to the present day. 
The choir's first CD, English Church Music, was produced in 1997 with its second, A Cappella in 1999. 
The new CD is the first recording for Felicitas since it released A Ceremony of Carols in 2003. Some 500 copies of the new CD have been produced, and these will be on sale at the Epping concert, priced £10 each. 
Tickets for the concert are priced £10 (children and students £5). They are available from the ticket secretary, 19 Cedar Court, Churchfields, South Woodford, London, E18 2QU (020 8498 0561). Enclose a stamped addressed envelope and cheque payable to 'Felicitas' with orders. 
For more about the choir, visit www.felicitas.org.uk

Five arrested in police raids

6th March 2010

FIVE people were arrested when police executed seven warrants across the district.
Officers working on Operation Sutton targeted addresses in Epping Forest, as well as Harlow and Brentwood yesterday (Friday) as they targeted suspects involved in burglary, handling stolen goods and drug offences. 
Eleven people were arrested and various items recovered including bags of what are believed to be cannabis and amphetamines, cannabis plants and drugs paraphernalia. 
Also recovered were a ball-bearing gun, air weapon, firearms ammunition and four knives. 
Police seized electrical goods including computers and mobile phones, under the Proceeds of Crime Act. 
Acting Superintendent Keith Dobson said: "This operation is the result combining police intelligence and information provided by the public on local burglars over the past few weeks. 
"Over 40 officers, supported by neighbourhood specialist officers and trained door entry teams from police support units, began the operation at 6.30am. 
"Search warrants had been obtained aimed at known burglars, receivers of stolen property and those who supply drugs in exchange for stolen property. 
"The operation demonstrates our determination to identify and arrest those who wish to commit crime in our communities and to provide confidence to our residents that we will do everything possible to reduce crime and make safer communities for us all to live and work."
 In Epping Forest, a 33-year-old Loughton woman and an 18-year-old man, from Waltham Abbey, have both been charged with drugs possession and bailed to appear before Harlow magistrates on March 17. 
A 27-year-old man,. from east London, will also appear before Harlow magistrates on the same day charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle. 
A 26-year-old man, from Waltham Abbey, has received a caution for drugs possession while a 37-year-old woman, from Waltham Abbey, has been bailed until March 31 pending further enquiries regarding drugs possession and ammunition offences.

Pedestrian dies after car collision

6th March 2010

A MAN has died after being struck by a car in Theydon Bois. 
The 56-year-old man, from the Epping area, was walking on Coppice Row, near the village hall, at about 9.45pm last night (Friday) when he was in collision with a silver Vauxhall Corsa car being driven by a man from Barking. 
The man was treated at the scene and then taken to Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, where he died. 
Police want to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have seen the man or the car before the collision, or who saw the collision. 
Anyone with any information should ring the road policing unit at Chigwell on 0300 333 4444.

Youngsters asked about activities

6th March 2010

YOUNGSTERS in North Weald are being asked what activities they would like in the area.
Epping Forest District Council’s Safer Communities Team is working with crime reduction charity Nacro and police community support officers to try and organise activities for North Weald’s young people to get involved in. 
Nacro’s Youth Bus will be on the forecourt of the King’s Head Garage, High Road, North Weald, between 7.30pm and 9pm on Thursday, April 1. 
Community safety and transport portfolio holder Syd Stavrou said: "We would like all local young people aged between 12 and 18 who live in the North Weald area to visit the bus for drop-in sessions. We can then get some idea about what activities they would like to take place in the North Weald area." 
She added: "I have received a lot of feedback from local young people who complain there is nothing to do in North Weald. "The whole point of this event is to get it straight from the horse’s mouth. 
"Once we know what activities are wanted, we will do our utmost to organise a weekly event in a local venue that has actually been requested." 
For more information, ring Katie Sparks, anti-social behaviour investigator for Safer Communities, on 01992 564195.

Trading standards target 'fake cod'

5th March 2010

FISH and chip shops across the district have been targeted by trading standards officers following reports that cod was being substituted for cheaper alternatives.
Undercover surveillance was carried out after trading standards received intelligence reports from across the country that primarily Pangasius was being served instead of cod by some unscrupulous fish and chip shop owners.
Pangasius fish, which is also called Vietnamese River Cobbler, Basa, Vietnamese Catfish, Panga and Tra, sells for £5 per kg compared to £11.75 per kg for cod. 
A team of trading standards officers carried out an operation targeting fish and chip shops across the county, including premises in Epping Forest, Maldon, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Harlow, Rochford, Castle Point, Tendring and Basildon.
The visits were carried out covertly with officers tasked to order cod and chips from the menu. 
Following the transaction, the officer then identified themselves and gave the reason for their visit. 
Each sample collected was then tested - with all portions passing the authenticity test. 
County councillor Tracey Chapmen, cabinet member with responsibility for trading standards, said: "Our team has proven once again what a fantastic job they do. 
"By taking a proactive stance to intelligence reports such as this, residents are reassured and a clear message is put out to rogue traders - you are not welcome in Essex."

VOTE 2010: Chamber hosting debate

5th March 2010

A PRE-election debate is being held by the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce.
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing will answer questions and debate burning issues both local and national at the breakfast meeting, at Woolston Manor, Abridge Road, Chigwell, at 7.30am on Wednesday, March 17. 
Representatives from all the local political parties have been invited. 
The question and answer session is an opportunity for local business people to express themselves and a list will be prepared so email secretary@eppingchamber.co.uk 
Admission to the meeting is £12 for members (guests £15, which includes full English, Continental or vegetarian breakfast). 
To book, ring 0843 289 8184; email secretary@eppingchamber.co.uk or visit www.eppingchamber.co.uk

Cathedral hosts school concert

5th March 2010

MORE than 160 pupils, parents and staff took part in Chigwell School's annual concert held at Brentwood Cathedral. 
Pupils from the High Road school were joined by 20 boys from Loyola Preparatory School, Buckhurst Hill. 
The choir set the scene with Brahms’s 'How lovely are thy dwellings' from his German Requiem and this was followed by Mendelssohn’s 'Hear my Prayer', with Nina McMillan, winner of last year’s Chigwell Musician of the Year competition, as soprano soloist. 
The programme also featured Karl Jenkins’ dramatic and moving piece The Armed Man, which proved a very popular choice for both performers and audience alike.
The piece was commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds for the Millennium celebrations and was initially dedicated to victims of the Kosovo crisis. Its profoundly stirring music moved some members of the audience to tears. 
The more dramatic movements, which in contrast had most of the audience jumping out of their seats, were performed with equal passion and the overall effect was quite uplifting and awesome. 
School spokesman Loredana Morrison said: "There were some impressive solos from within the choir and everyone who took part, not least Director of Music Miss Amanda Lapwood, should be thanked and congratulated on such a wonderful concert, which many are hailing as the best ever performed.

Fixture pile-up hits pitches

5th March 2010

A FIXTURE pile-up is causing problems for teams using the Stonards Hill recreation ground in Epping. 
Epping Football Club has asked the town council if it can increase its use of pitches during the end of season period, in particular for back-to-back matches on Saturdays and additional Bank Holiday games. 
The town council has added there is also additional pressure on the pitches from unauthorised training sessions. 
A report to Tuesday's town council meeting states: "Each year the council comes under pressure to allow extra matches to be played. 
"However there is a balance to be struck between allowing the clubs to complete an increasing number of fixtures on the one hand and on the other retaining playable pitches and providing reasonable public open space at reasonable cost to local residents." 
The council says back-to-back games were tried last year with the result that the quality of the pitches significantly deteriorated causing the cancellation of some matches. 
The report adds: "Experience shows that Bank Holiday matches do not allow pitch recovery after wet Saturday fixtures." 
Councillors are expected to refuse to allow back-to-back matches or Bank Holiday play for adult teams however it supports a "flexible approach" being taken to provide additional facilities for fixtures when conditions allow.

Coffee morning raises cash

4th March 2010

ORGANISERS of a coffee morning and sale hope to raise £1,000 for The Meningitis Trust. 
Various stalls selling everything from kitchenware and greetings cards to homemade cakes and jewellery were manned at Magdalen Laver Village Hall as charity-minded local people raised money for the charity. 
Frances Cook, who started raising money for the charity after her granddaughter suffered from meningitis, said: "It was marvellous. The support was overwhelming."
The fundraising efforts, which included a raffle, raised £724.18 on the day with the final total to be boosted by Barclays Bank which has promised to match some of the proceeds.

New roles for county councillors

4th March 2010

TWO Epping Forest county councillors have been given new roles in a county council cabinet reshuffle. 
Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South county councillor Valerie Metcalfe has been appointed deputy cabinet member for Education and the 2012 Games while North Weald and Nazeing county councillor Anthony Jackson is deputy cabinet member for Major Projects and Commercial Services.

Family fun at community event

3rd March 2010

A FREE community consultation event is being held at Shelley Primary School, Ongar, between 3pm and 8pm on Thursday (March 4). 
Shelley Primary School pupils will be performing at 3.30pm with the winners of the school's colouring competition announced at 4pm. 
There will be a children's story time at 4.30pm and a performance by Ongar Youth Group at 7pm. 
There will also be activities for all the family as well as the opportunity for residents to pass on their views and ideas via a community consultation board. 
Everyone who completes the consultation will be entered into a free prize draw. 
Refreshments will be served throughout the event.
Activities include mini manicures (3pm to 7pm), family portraits (3pm to 5pm) and art and craft and face painting. 
For more details, ring 01992 564524 or 01992 564556. 
The programme is subject to change and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Accident and emergency under spotlight

3rd March 2010

EMERGENCY health facilities will be discussed at a forum meeting next week.
Residents are invited to attend Essex County Council's West Area Forum to express their views on two important aspects of health service provision in their area. 
The meeting, at the Adult Community College, Fyfield Road, Ongar, at 10am on Tuesday (March 9), will give people an opportunity to hear more about proposals to reconfigure accident and emergency hospitals in north London. 
This will affect people who use hospitals such as Whipps Cross, King George, Ilford, and Queens, Romford. 
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to air concerns about the service provided by the East of England Ambulance Service. 
The forum will also hear from NHS West Essex about its plans for health care provision and how it aims to tackle the needs of local people. 
This discussion will assist local members to identify issues for further review over the coming months.

Man charged over post office robbery

3rd March 2010

A 20-YEAR-OLD man has been charged in connection with a robbery at Lindsey Street Post Office, Epping. 
Unemployed James Hansen, of Beaconfield Road, Epping, is accused of robbery following an incident at the post office and stores at 2pm yesterday. (Monday). 
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Harlow magistrates this morning.

Drivers questioned over stabbing

2nd March 2010

POLICE investigating the attempted murder of a man near Ongar are following new lines of enquiry after stopping drivers in the area. 
Chris Davies, 42, was stabbed in the back and arms at a stable block and storage yard in Woolmongers Lane, Stondon Massey. 
He was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, where his condition was initially described as critical. He underwent emergency surgery and is now in a stable condition. 
A week on from the incident - which happened at 6.50am on Tuesday, February 23 - officers from one of Essex Police's Major Investigation Teams stopped drivers as they continue with their investigation. 
The operation was intended to find new witnesses who were in the area around the time of the attack. 
Detectives were hoping someone may have seen unusual or suspicious activity in Woolmongers Lane or possibly a vehicle that drew their attention as it sped off.
Police stopped 81 vehicles and identified a number of witnesses who provided information that will give new lines of enquiry. 
Detective Superintendent Liam Osborne, who is leading the investigation, said: "This does not appear to be a random attack and I am hoping today's operation may provide fragments of information that will help us piece together a wider picture of what happened. 
"I appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time who saw or heard anything that could help us build that picture to contact the police." 
Anyone with any information should contact the major investigation team at Brentwood on 0300 333 4444 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
Two men, aged 61 and 39, were arrested on February 24 for conspiracy to murder are on police bail until April 7 while the investigation continues.

Health project to keep your records

2nd March 2010

A NATIONAL programme is being rolled out across west Essex this year which will see an electronic summary of your health information being produced. 
Summary Care Records will help NHS West Essex staff and healthcare professionals across the country deliver better, safer care by enhancing the way your health information is stored and managed. 
Nationally over one million Summary Care Records have already been created. 
Your Summary Care Record is an electronic record of important information about your health. 
It will be available to authorised healthcare staff providing your NHS care in England. 
This means if you ever have an accident or become ill and need urgent or out-of-hours advice or treatment away from your normal GP practice, the clinicians treating you can have immediate access to important information about you. 
Your Summary Care Record will initially have information about your current medications, any allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you experience. 
Authorised NHS healthcare staff will be the only people allowed to access your Summary Care Record if they are involved in treating you, and there are strict security measures in place to protect your information. 
If a healthcare professional needs to view your Summary Care Record, your permission will be asked beforehand unless it is an emergency and you are unconscious for example. 
Patients may opt out of having a Summary Care Record by completing a Summary Care Record Opt Out Form which will need to be sent or taken to their GP practice.
However Dr Kamal Bishai, GP and chairman of Epping Forest Practice Based Commissioning Group said: "We believe the creation of Summary Care Records will help deliver better and safer care throughout the NHS and we would strongly recommend to our patients that they do not opt out of having one." 
Nationally to date fewer than one per cent of people have decided to opt out. Patients aged 16 and over who are registered with a GP practice in west Essex will receive a letter from NHS West Essex chief executive Catherine O’ConnelI, together with a patient information leaflet explaining Summary Care Records. 
There will then be 12 weeks for people to decide what to do. If a person decides that they would like to have a Summary Care Record they need do nothing and the process of creating the Summary Care Record will begin.
It is hoped the whole process will be completed by the end of this year. Whatever you decide, you will be able to change your mind at any time. 
For more information, visit www.westessexpct.nhs.uk and click on the purple Summary Care Records button.

Chigwell School staff stage pantomime

2nd March 2010

STAFF at Chigwell School took to the boards at the start of Lent Term for the biennial staff pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. 
Deputy headmaster David Gower was the Beast and Samantha Dick made her stage debut as Belle. 
Roderick Lonsdale played Belle's father and had to contend with the traditional pantomime horse in the guise of Andy Hill (front) and Richard Hartley (rear). 
Creag Lawrence made a convincing baddie drawing plenty of booing from the enthusiastic audiences and Rob Ogle and Stephen Goodfellow were his bumbling sidekicks. 
Juliet Boughton as Mrs Potts, Ben Wille her son Chip, together with Father Simon Paul ensured a happy ending was reached. 
here were cameo appearances from a number of staff including Jenny Gwinn and a surprise appearance from headmaster Michael Punt. 
Particular thanks go to drama scholar Abbie Cassen and her crew who directed the production and to Jack Jeffreys and the returning Matthew Gibbs (who took a break from university to maintain his record of being the only person to have watched every staff pantomime since it started in 1999) who did a great deal of work backstage. 
The two performances were very well received by the audience and the event raised well over £2,000 for Haven House Children’s Hospice. 
Mr Gower thanked everyone involved and said he was, as ever, very impressed with what staff could put on in such a short space of time during the term.

MONEY MATTERS - Monthly column

2nd March 2010

THIS month, in their monthly column, Loughton-based chartered accountants and business advisers Haslers focus on student loan repayments and the vehicle scrappage scheme 

Student loan repayments 

HMRC has announced a new initiative to reduce student loan over repayments for those ex-students who repay their loan through PAYE deductions. 
Ex-students have been in the position whereby it has been difficult for them to avoid over repaying their student loan as the loan term came to an end. 
This is due to the time delay between their employer making deductions from their salary each month and submitting an annual return showing the individual repayment amounts for each employee. 
Ex-students will now be able to opt-out of PAYE repayments in the last 23 months of repayment and transfer to a Direct Debit arrangement. This should meant the ex-student will not over repay their loan. 
This new initiative has been introduced by the Student Loans Company (SLC). 
The SLC will try to contact borrowers shortly before the last 23 months to offer and arrange this option. 
However if a borrower is aware they are reaching this point they can contact the SLC direct and arrange to repay the balance of their loan in this way. 
Employers will not have to change their procedures as their authority to stop making deductions comes from HMRC on a form SL2 Stop Notice and this authority will be issued in the normal way. 
For more details, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/student-loan.htm
and www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/

Vehicle scrappage 

The Vehicle Scrappage Scheme is a voluntary scheme for motor dealers under which participating dealers give buyers a £2,000 discount off the purchase price of a new car (or certain types of small van) in exchange for scrapping their old qualifying vehicle. 
The government has announced the deadline for the end of the Vehicle Scrappage Scheme has been extended from the proposed February 2010 until March 2010. 
The extension is to allow manufacturers and dealers more time to prepare for and operate the final phase of the scheme. 
The scheme, which is jointly run by the government and car manufacturers, will now run until the end of March 2010 or until the funding is exhausted, whichever is the sooner. 
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "Against the background of the economic downturn the Scrappage Scheme has proved a great success, driving UK car sales, protecting jobs and supporting the supply chain for car manufacture at a time when this sector needed it most.
"If you’re considering buying a new car, you should place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, because the budget is strictly limited." 
For more details, visit www.scrappage.org.uk/
If you would like further advice on either of these issues, or any other matter, contact Haslers chartered accountants and business advisers, on 020 8418 3333, email advice@haslers.com

Burglars flood house

1st March 2010

A HOUSE in Loughton was flooded after burglars stole all the water and heating pipes, radiators and water tanks. 
Detectives are appealing for help after thieves broke into the council-owned property in Goldings Road which had been left empty following the death of its last occupant.
When officials went to visit on February 23 they found entry had been forced, metal fixtures had been stolen and damage running into thousands of pounds had been caused.
Police say the thieves would have needed a vehicle to remove the stolen metal.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in Goldings Road should ring Detective Constable Lee Pudney at Loughton Police Station on 0300 333 4444.

A century of guiding celebrated

1st March 2010

ABOUT 150 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, the Senior Section and adult leaders from Epping, Theydon Bois and Coopersale helped mark a century of Girl Guiding. 
They were joined by past members and leaders at St John’s Church, Epping, to celebrate and give thanks for 100 years of Girl Guiding. 
This was the largest guiding gathering for some years in the church, with a total of 12 flags being paraded. 
Betty Farringdon, Sylvia Hepton, Sally Hayes and Georgia Halstead, whose ages range from 17 to 86 - therefored spanning much of the century, talked about their memories. 
However they were united in showing just how important Guiding has been in their lives and how much enjoyment it had given them. 
Epping and Theydon District Commissioner Emma Farra spoke about how many more leaders are needed to give more girls the chance to take part in Guiding. 
All the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section and adult leaders renewed their Promise and a collection was taken in aid of World Thinking Day.
For more information or to volunteer contact Emma Farra on 01992 573210.

Theatre legend remembered

1st March 2010

TWELVE graduating students at East 15 Acting School performed at Chigwell School's Drama Centre. 
The sketches were part of the annual tribute to theatre legend Ken Campbell and his ‘school of night’, or art of improvisation. 
The students’ mentors on the night were two of Ken’s most talented disciples, actors Josh Darcy and Sean McCann. 
Ms Daisy Campbell, Ken’s daughter, attended the performance, to everybody’s delight. 
All students’ acts were outstanding and original however Claire Gaydon received the Ken Campbell Award for her performance which was declared the most innovative.
Both Chigwell and East 15 Acting School are very grateful to former parents Ann and Barry Scrutton who decided on the spot, after seeing the acts, to sponsor the awards this year and next year. 
Chigwell School spokesman Loredana Morrison said: "It was a most enjoyable evening and guests were able to mingle with the cast and other theatre students during the reception that followed the performance. 
"This was an example of what Chigwell does best, in addition to maintaining consistently high academic standards, it brings the community together and encourages young, promising talents, within and outside the school gates."

Vacancies on standards committee

1st March 2010

TWO vacancies have arisen on Epping Forest District Council's standards committee. 
The positions must be completely independent of the district, town and parish councils for which the committee has responsibilities. 
Along with a third independent member they will share responsibilities with six councillors drawn from the district and local town or parish councils. 
Although the most visible role of the standards committee members is to hear complaints and adjudicate on the conduct of councillors, there is much more to the position. 
Standards committee duties also include monitoring and advising on the code of conduct to which local councillors are bound. It promotes the code and offers training to councillors as well as advice on ethical issues. 
There are four meetings of the full standards committee each year which are held in the evenings and last up to two hours. 
In addition, various sub-committees meet for the purpose of dealing with complaints. These are usually held in the daytime. 
Independent members of the standards committee may receive a small allowance of £500 to cover the personal costs of their role. 
A larger allowance is payable to the chairman of the committee, a position which must be held by one of the independent members.

Chairman's role for VAT expert

1st March 2010

A SENIOR member of staff at Loughton-based Haslers has been appointed chairman of a specialist VAT panel. 
Debra Dougal, VAT Partner at Haslers chartered accountants and business advisers, has been appointed chairman of UK200Group’s Tax Panel. 
Debra is the Panel’s first VAT specialist chairman and hopes that, through her specialism, she will be able to bring a different outlook to the Tax Panel during her chairmanship. 
Established in 1986, the UK200Group is recognised in the professions and the commercial world as the foremost mutual association of quality assured independent accountants and lawyers serving the SME business sector. 
With a membership of some 110 firms, together with international associates in more than 55 locations in over 30 countries the UK200Group (www.uk200group.co.uk) provides services, products and skills training designed to enhance both the status and performance of members. 
Debra, an ex-linguist, having mastered six languages including Esperanto, and an avid musical theatregoer – she has watched more than 100 West End shows – did not originally envisage a career in tax. 
Rather, with the idea of utilising her strong language skills, she had wanted to join the Immigration Service but found herself, for the next 14 years, at HM Customs and Excise (now HM Revenue & Customs) eventually progressing to VAT fraud investigation. 
Since moving into practice in 2000 and joining Haslers, 
Debra has continued to provide high level VAT consultancy to all clients as well as being involved in training delivery, and has extensive lecturing experience which she continues to use, delivering seminars to clients and business groups. 
She has appeared in a variety of TV quiz shows, including The Weakest Link in 2001. She is now setting her sights on entering Mastermind and getting a strong team together to beat the BBC Eggheads quiz team.

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