Fire leaves family of six homeless

6.02pm - 6th February 2012

A FAMILY of six have been unable to return to their Roydon home following a fire. 
The blaze broke out at the property in Old House Lane at 11.50pm last night (Sunday).
A fire service spokesman said the fire started in the extension of the house and spread into the roof void. 
Three fire crews, from Harlow and Epping, took two hours to deal with the incident. 
A man who suffered the effects of smoke inhalation was left in the care of the ambulance service.

SNOW LATEST: Nu-Bar closed tonight

6.00pm - 6th February 2012

THE Nu-Bar in Loughton will be closed tonight.
While the venue is normally closed on Mondays it had been planned to ppen this evening to show the Liverpool v Tottenham Premier League clash on its big screens. However the decision has been taken that the premises will remain closed.
Meanwhile tonight's meeting of Buckhurst Hill Horticultural Society - a talk on 'Wildlife in the Garden' by Barry Kaufman-Wright at St James' Church, Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill (7.30pm-9.30pm) - has been cancelled.
Tonight's Ongar and District Healthcare League of Friends committee meeting has been postponed.

SNOW LATEST: Roding Valley High School open tomorrow 

5.58pm - 6th February 2012

RODING Valley High School, Loughton, will be open to all students tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7). 
The school will be open at the normal times and lessons will run as planned.
Students should take extra care as they make their way around the site and only walk on areas that have been cleared of snow and gritted. 
Students should also take care in corridors and on the stairways in school. 
Head teacher Paul Banks said: "We have relaxed our uniform requirements relating to footwear and students should wear footwear that is appropriate to the winter conditions."

SNOW LATEST: Horticultural society meeting cancelled 

11.28am - 6th February 2012

TONIGHT'S meeting of Buckhurst Hill Horticultural Society - a talk on 'Wildlife in the Garden' by Barry Kaufman-Wright at St James' Church, Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill (7.30pm-9.30pm) - has been cancelled because of the snow.
Also cancelled is the Ongar and District Healthcare League of Friends committee meeting.
High Beach Primary School is closed today and St Andrew's Primary School, North Weald, will be closing at 2pm.

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Waltham Abbey is 'Festival Town' 

10.49am - 6th February 2012

VARIOUS festivals are being planned for Waltham Abbey. 
At a well-attended event in Waltham Abbey Town Hall on Friday, Waltham Abbey Town Council leader Stuart Pryde launched the 'Waltham Abbey: Festival Town of the Lee Valley' initiative. 
There will be a festival held between April and December every year - including food festival in May, a history festival in October, and a festive festival in December. 
The concept, developed by town councillor Richard James, encourages local organisations and people to fully participate in organising and producing the events that in turn make up the festivals. 
He said: "This is a town initiative rather than a town council one but the town council is here to facilitate and enable these events to take place." 
Representatives from local businesses and organisations received the ideas warmly, and there are now a number of willing volunteers to take this initiative forward. 
Any residents who would like to be involved can ring the town hall on 01992 714949.

MP praises Holly House Hospital 

10.26am - 6th February 2012

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised the work being carried out at Holly House Hospital and the treatments it provides hailing it as a "great asset" for the local community. 
Following a visit to the Buckhurst Hill hospital, Mrs Laing added that she welcomed the hospital's policy regarding any of its patients who had received a PIP breast implant. 
The £20m improvement project which is well underway at the High Road hospital and its stance on the PIP implants situation were among the issues covered when Mrs Laing met hospital director Phil Bates and customer services manager Matthew Hayday. 
The first part of the development work is set to be completed in April with the project due to be finished in about October. 
Once completed the hospital will be more than double its current size. 
There will be three new theatres, a new outpatients department, basement parking, new bedrooms, a new post-operative recovery area, new facilities for pathology and the pharmacy and additional administration space. 
While being a private hospital, Holly House - which is part of Aspen Healthcare - also treats NHS patients, and last year was chosen by over 3,500 patients as their preferred hospital for NHS treatment. 
Mrs Laing said: "I was delighted to see how well the expansion work at Holly House is progressing. The hospital is a great asset to our local community. 
"It's brilliant that with the NHS choice system patients are able to choose to have their operations at Holly House. 
"I know how many people appreciate being able to have certain treatments there rather than having to travel to a bigger hospital." 
Regarding the PIP breast implants situation, Mr Bates told Mrs Laing that any woman who had received a PIP implant at the hospital would be treated as a priority case should they have concerns. 
Mrs Laing said: "Knowing how concerned a number of constituents are regarding the PIP breast implant issue I was very pleased to hear that any woman who received a PIP implant at Holly House only has to go there for a consultation and Holly House will arrange for a scan or if necessary removal of implant." 
Following a discussion with Mr Bates and Mr Hayday, Mrs Laing has promised to contact Epping Forest District Council to support the hospital's efforts to be able to temporarily use its front lawn for additional parking, until the building work is completed. 
This would provide between ten and 15 more parking spaces.

New care service launched 

10.10am - 6th February 2012

A NEW care service that will help people in Loughton and Epping maintain their independence and stay in their own home, has been launched today. 
Homecare, run by care provider Places for People, offers a range of services from a 15-minute home visit to help with personal care or practical tasks to more comprehensive support, that might include personal care, dressing, shopping, cooking, cleaning, medication and companionship or help just getting out and about.
Statistics suggest that by 2041, the number of people aged 65 or over will rise by 83 per cent, which could lead to increased demand for care and support services.
Homecare is designed to be flexible to meet the needs of every customer as their needs change over time.
Lisa Ayers, services manager at Places for People, said: "Many people will be at crisis point when they need to choose care services for themselves or for family members. "We're encouraging people to talk to us before they reach that crisis point so they have more time to make better informed decisions about any help they might need now or in the near future. 
"We have been providing care and support services for many years and with an ageing population, we know there is a growing demand for Homecare in the wider community, to help people who need some support due to poor health or disabilities. "Our care workers are professionally qualified and trained, friendly, approachable and here to help customers in whatever way they can". 
A dedicated telephone number and webpage have been set up for anyone wishing to take up the Homecare service or find out more - 0845 601 2209 or visit www.placesforpeople.co.uk/homecare

SNOW LATEST: School information

9.53am - 6th February 2012

HIGH Beach Primary School is closed today and St Andrew's Primary School, North Weald, will be closing at 2pm.

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Students set for outdoor activity trip

9.32am - 6th February 2012

STUDENTS at West Hatch High School are being given the chance to experience an outdoor activity trip to the Lake District. 
The trip is being offered to pupils who work exceptionally hard in their PE lessons and enjoy getting involved in the activities on offer and challenging themselves to improve.
They are also pupils who have excellent behaviour and conduct in PE and around school. 
The trip takes place during the June half-term holidays departing on Monday, June 4, and returning on Thursday, June 7. 
Jon Redding, the school's head of PE, said: "I am hoping to take 26 pupils and the trip is open to all pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10, although places will be allocated on a first come first served basis." 
The trip costs £375. This includes return travel by train from London to Cumbria, the hire of two minibuses in Cumbria for the duration of the stay, three nights full board accommodation with the YHA in Keswick, all activities for three days with qualified instructors and all evening activities. 
All organisation of the tour is being undertaken by the school to keep the costs as minimal as possible. 
Any parents who would like their son or daughter to take part in the trip should contact Mr Redding at West Hatch High School. 
A non-refundable deposit of £200 is required for each child. 
For more details, ring 020 8506 5374 or email jredding@westhatch.essex.sch.uk

Apprentices on track with railway

9.30am - 6th February 2012

A GROUP of apprentices has been recruited in partnership with Transport for London to maintain the Epping Ongar Railway heritage line and work towards providing passengers with a connection to the London Underground. 
The group, which started work last month, has been employed by Manchester-based Vital Rail, which has set itself an ambitious target to recruit and train 270 apprentices across the UK by June this year. 
Each of the 270 apprentices will complete an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Rail Engineering with Vital Skills Training - a qualification for those who want to work in the rail transport industry that combines theoretical work with hands-one training in a realistic work environment, leading to a Level 2 NVQ. 
Part of Vital Services Group, Vital Skills Training is one of the largest suppliers of training services for the rail, energy, mechanical and electrical and construction sectors and the success of current projects has prompted the company to invest further in apprenticeships. 
In Manchester, 50 young people will complete an apprenticeship as will a group of 24 apprentices who will work on a project in Staffordshire to restore part of the Foxfield heritage railway at Stoke-on-Trent. 
Chris Marsack, infrastructure manager at Epping Ongar Railway, said: "We are pleased to welcome Vital and the apprentices to Epping Ongar Railway on this 'win-win' project. 
"The railway provides an ideal real-life classroom, enabling the students to learn and practice skills and the safe practices needed to advance their careers, with the added benefit that the works they undertake helps our volunteer teams as we maintain the closest heritage railway to London."

Vital Skills Training apprentices hard at work on the Epping Ongar Railway click here

Student raises cash for hospice

9.27am - 6th February 2012

CHARITY-minded West Hatch High School pupil Cameron Lyttle has raised hundreds of pounds for charity. 
Cameron, 13, has been collecting from local businesses to support Haven House Children's Hospice - and has also been raising money to help fund a forthcoming athletics trip he will be undertaking with the school to Majorca. 
Following a successful summer on the tracks, the school has invited Cameron to join the athletics team for warm weather training in Majorca to help athletes prepare for the 2012 season. 
Athletics training is based on two two-hour sessions a day involving both fitness and technical work, culminating at the end of the week in an individual and team competition. 
These sessions will take place on an eight-lane 400m tartan track. 
There are likely to be other training groups including athletics clubs and international athletes using the facilities so the pupils will have the opportunity to train with, and learn from, the best.
The selection of pupils for the trip has been based on their commitment to sport and their general manner around school and their sporting ability. 
Only 30 pupils from the school have been invited on the trip of a lifetime and they will represent West Hatch High School to the best of their ability. 
With the help of his sister, Shaniah, seven, and mum Julia, Cameron has visited numerous shops and businesses in Woodford. 
Their efforts during January alone raised £300 for the hospice while sponsorship which Cameron has generated from family and friends for his trip has reached £200.
Cameron, who lives in Waltham Road, Woodford, decided to support Haven House because it is a local charity which appealed to him as the money he raises will benefit childen not as fortunate as himself.
Cameron, a Year 8 pupil at the High Road school, said: "I really enjoyed the challenge and it was good practice for my running. 
"I am looking forward to meeting some of the children soon and seeing what the money raised will go towards for them.
"I would definitely consider doing it again for charity." 
To raise the money Cameron set himself an individual challenge and organised and ran 5kms from Haven House to West Hatch High School on Saturday, January 28, in 21 minutes (18 minutes without stopping). 
Cameron's mother, Julia, said: "I am really proud of what Cameron has achieved and the fact that he decided to do this not only for this amazing opportunity but also for the charity. 
"Cameron has had a great response from everyone including his teachers, family, friends, his football team LOASS FC and also local businesses. 
"On behalf of Cameron and the family we would like to thank everyone for your support."

SNOW LATEST: School opening information

6.53pm - 5th February 2012

WEST Hatch High School and Roding Valley High School will be partially closed to students on Monday.
West Hatch High School will start at 9.45am for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. 
The school will be closed for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 but expects to be open as normal on Tuesday (February 7). 
Roding Valley High School will be open to students in Years 9, 10 and 11 only. 
School will be closed to students in Years 7 and 8 on Monday however it is hoped that the school will be open to all students on Tuesday. 
Head teacher Paul Banks said: "We have taken the difficult decision to partially open as there are still large areas of the site that remain treacherous and we cannot ensure pupil safety for the whole school population. 
"We have also, in line with other secondary schools in the area, taken this decision early to give parents as much notice as possible." 
There will be a late start to school Monday with registration at 9.40am with lessons running as normal from Period 2 to Period 5. 
Afternoon registration will take place as normal. 
All after school clubs / activities have been cancelled for tomorrow (Monday). 
Mr Banks added: "We will also be relaxing our uniform rules relating to footwear tomorrow and students should wear footwear that is appropriate to the severe winter conditions. 
"Students should also take extra care on their journey to and from school. 
"On site, students must stay in those areas that we have been able to treat today and tomorrow morning."
Debden Park High School plans to be open as normal on Monday. 
A statement on its website this evening (Sunday) states: "We are aware that poor weather conditions this evening may produce icy conditions tomorrow and understand that parents may judge that the journey to Debden Park will not be possible to do safely. 
"In these circumstances students will not be expected to attend and parents should contact the school on 020 8418 1214."

Man charged with attempted murder

10.23am - 5th February 2012

A 28-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with attempted murder by detectives in connection with an assault on a 64-year-old man from Sheering. 
The victim was found with serious injuries on a playing field in Harlow. 
The man was found with serious facial injuries and fractures to his arms and hands on January 30. 
He continues to recover in hospital. 
Bradley Burnip, a 28-year-old unemployed man, of Mead Lane, Hertford, was arrested on February 2 and has now been charged with attempted murder. 
He will remain in police custody prior to his appearance at Harlow Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday).

SNOW LATEST: Your pictures and weather reports

9.46pm - 5th February 2012

You can email your snow photos and snow news to Everything Epping Forest.
What are the conditions like where you are? How are the roads?
Email your snow news and pictures to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com. 
You can also Tweet your news and photos via Twitter - @eefnews

PICTURES:

BUCKHURST HILL - William Wallis emailed these pictures of Forest Edge click here  and his snowman click here to Everything Epping Forest

HIGH BEACH - @ig9blog on Twitter - tweeted these High Beach photos to Everything Epping Forest - Children sledging click here and the Kings Oak pub click here

EPPING - Emma Edwards emailed this picture of Bell Common, Epping click here

BUCKHURST HILL - @1stop_Genealogy on Twitter - tweeted this picture of Loughton Way to Everything Epping Forest click here

LOUGHTON - The Alderton Hill-Old Station Road roundabout click here (Photo by Melissa Page) 

LOUGHTON - Station Road click here (Photo by Melissa Page) 

LOUGHTON - High Road click here (Photo by Melissa Page) 

LOUGHTON - Goldings Road click here (Photo by Melissa Page)

COOPERSALE - Paul Claydon - @paul_in_essex on Twitter - tweeted this picture of Coopersale to Everything Epping Forest click here 

ONGAR - The scene near the Ongar Castle moat click here and here  

ONGAR - St Martin's Church, Ongar click here 

ONGAR - This chap was one of the few early risers in Ongar High Street this morning click here 

NORTH WEALD - Sue Hanks, from North Weald, emailed this picture of the Pike Way junction, North Weald, to Everything Epping Forest click here

EPPING - Emma Edwards - @MrsEddy21 on Twitter - The Drummonds, Epping click here

WALTHAM ABBEY - Mark Reeves - @MarkReeves1 on Twitter -  tweeted this picture of Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, this morning to Everything Epping Forest click here 

WALTHAM ABBEY - Mark Reeves - @MarkReeves1 on Twitter - tweeted this picture of Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, last night to Everything Epping Forest click here

SNOW LATEST: Central Line trains suspended

UPDATED 9.42am - 5th February 2012

THE Central Line service between Loughton and Epping has now resumed.

8.30am - 5th February 2012

THERE are no Central Line trains between Loughton and Epping because of the overnight snow, Transport for London has said. 
A spokesman said the service had been suspended "due to adverse weather conditions".
Several inches of snow has fallen across the district overnight. 
Police are advising motorists across Essex to avoid any unnecessary journeys today because of the conditions. 
A spokesman said: "No major problems have been reported so far, but those who have to drive this morning are advised to take extreme care. 
"There are a few abandoned cars but the main routes are moving, albeit with only one track through the snow at the moment." 

What are the conditions like where you are? 
Email your snow news and pictures to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com. 
You can also Tweet your news and photos - @eefnews

Police step up village patrols

2.50pm - 4th February 2012

POLICE have increased patrols in North Weald as the community looks to end to a spate of graffiti and vandalism which is blighting the village. 
Numerous incidents of 'tags' being painted around the village have been reported, play areas have been damaged, and residents are also being plagued by nuisance motorbikes and 'quad bikes'. 
More than 50 people attended a public meeting in the village hall this morning when they heard that police have already mounted an operation to track down those responsible. Villagers have been urged to be vigilant but not vigilantes. 
Anyone who sees people causing damage is being asked to report it to police immediately. 
Councillor Graeme McCormack, chairman of the parish council's environment committee and the local Neighbourhood Action panel, told the meeting: "It has become apparent that the problem with graffiti is becoming steadily worse. 
"This village hall gets hammered from time to time but it seems to have spread throughout a large part of the village. 
"It's unpleasant. It's your environment. It's our environment. 
"Some of it (the graffiti) is offensive. We also have vandalism and some of it is quite dangerous." 
He said a 4ft high pole in the village hall play area had been set on fire while bolts on swings at School Green Lane had been removed or broken leaving the equipment in a potentially dangerous state. 
Graffiti had also been daubed on trees and bins in Roughtalleys Wood. 
Mr McCormack said that because the same graffiti 'tags' were appearing around the village he believed the damage was being caused by just a handful of people.
"It's only a few people doing it. There are 4,000 - 5,000 people in the village and they are having their lives blighted by these people. I think we can beat them." 
Police Sergeant Paul Milton said an operation was already underway in the village, with an increased police presence. 
"This is going to be stepped up in the coming weeks," he said. 
Sgt Milton said criminal damage was the only crime which had increased in the area over the past year. 
Total offences recorded in the North Weald, Epping and Thornwood area had dropped from 891 between April 1, 2010 and January 26 last year to 796 for the same period in 2011 to this January. 
In North Weald alone the figure had fallen from 237 to 197. 
However the number of criminal damage incidents had increased from 35 to 37. 
North Weald Bassett Parish Council - which organised the public meeting - is gathering photographs of damage and will be organising a one-off clean-up of street signs. 
Mr McCormack added: "It will cost money - hopefully it will make the village look nicer."
Following a suggestion made at the meeting the parish council's annual assembly meeting in April will discuss the idea of a graffiti wall where people can paint their graffiti.

Sgt Paul Milton addresses the public meeting in North Weald Village Hall click here

Man arrested over assault

4.20pm - 3rd February 2012

A 28-YEAR-OLD man from Hertford has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a Sheering man was found in a Harlow playing field with serious injuries.
The arrested man is currently in police custody. 
Police are still looking for the victim's vehicle, a maroon Ford Escort, registration number M953 OAN, and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim - who is described as white, with short dark greying hair, wearing a black jacket, pink shirt, a grey woollen jumper and blue jeans - between 7pm and 9pm on Monday, January 30. 
Anyone with any information should ring the Harlow Serious Crime team on 101.

Winning hospice lottery numbers

4.18pm - 3rd February 2012

THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot prize in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Epping. The winning number is 808218. 
The £100 prize goes to ticket number 212005. The winner lives in Harlow.
For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).

Views sought on Ongar market move

9.37am - 3rd February 2012

THE Ongar Town Forum is seeking views over the possible move of the town's Wednesday market from the Pleasance car park to the High Street. 
In a letter to local businesses, forum chairman Martyn Pattie said: "It is very apparent that the number of people using the High Street over the last few years has been very much on the decline, many visit Sainsbury's, but with notably less footfall down the High Street. 
"The market on a Wednesday in the Pleasance car park again is not currently conducive to encouraging people to visit our range of unique shops and small businesses. 
"Ongar Town Forum would like to investigate the possibility of moving the market into the parking bays in the centre of the town and of course expanding the number of stall holders. 
"This could greatly benefit yourselves with the flow of customers through the town itself." 
The forum is keen to further gauge support before it approaches Epping Forest District Council and Essex Highways.

Hospice lottery winner urges others to join

7.45pm - 2nd February 2012

A SUPPORTER of the St Clare Hospice lottery, who has won the £1,000 jackpot twice in ten months, is urging people to support the charity by taking part in the weekly draws. 
Kaye Fryer, who has made a donation to the hospice to help support its valuable work following her latest success, said: "Two of my closest friends have needed the support of the hospice when their fathers fell ill. 
"What the hospice offers is just invaluable to so many people at such a difficult time in their lives, the support is so precious and positive. 
"My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, fortunately she made a full recovery, but not everybody is that lucky." 
Kaye added: "Taking part in the hospice lottery is so easy. I have three chances and pay £13.02 a month by standing order. Each chance works out at £4.34 for a month's lottery play. 
"It is a great way to support the charity and you stand a chance of winning something yourself!" 
Kaye, a mother-of-three who lives in Harlow, added: "The work they do is incredible." 
Kaye signed up for the lottery when she was approached by a doorstep canvasser from St Clare. 
Kathy Fuller, the hospice's lottery officer, said: "All our canvassers carry photo ID and their names are listed with Essex Police. 
"We are really pleased to say that The St Clare Hospice Lottery now has 6,000 players taking part in the draw each Friday." 
She added: "We still need more players and we encourage members to pay by standing order as this the most cost effective way to play our lottery. 
"It was not so long ago that our numbers had really dropped and we are so grateful to all our members both old and new. 
"Of course not everyone can pay by standing order and some people pay by cheque or credit card. We also have some very dedicated lottery collectors who are call on existing members each month." 
Kathy added: "One of best parts of working in the lottery department is that on a Friday either myself or another member of the team has the fantastic opportunity to phone the £1,000 winner. It is such a privilege to be able to do this and a lovely end to our week. 
"I actually made the phone call to Kaye and it was just a great to hear her reaction! You never know if you are member the next call I make could be to you!" 
For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring the lottery team a ring on 01279 773730. 
Each week there is a £1,000 jackpot, a £100 second prize and 40 runners-up prizes of £10. 
Lottery participants, who must be aged over 16, are allocated a unique number which they have for as long as they play. 
Winners are selected in a computerised random draw every Friday. 
Prize cheques are sent out automatically so there is no need for winners to claim their prize. 
The winning numbers are featured on Everything Epping Forest and Everything Harlow.

Kaye Fryer celebrates her St Clare Hospice lottery win with daughter Shannon click here

Assault victim last seen in Sheering

3.41pm - 2nd February 2012

A MAN has suffered head injuries and broken hands after being attacked in Harlow.
Police say the 64-year-old man - who was last seen in Sheering - was found on a playing field between Mallows Green and Maples, Harlow, at about 9pm on Monday (January 30). 
He sustained fractures to his jaw, cheekbones and eye sockets and also has injuries to his arms and broken hands. 
Detective Inspector Martin Read said: "This is a particularly nasty attack on an elderly man who was left out in an open field at night. "In this cold weather it was very fortunate that he was found when he was." 
The man was last seen at about 7pm in Sheering. 
He is described as white, with short dark greying hair and was wearing a black jacket, pink shirt, a grey woollen jumper and blue jeans. 
Anyone who may have seen a man answering this description between 7pm and 9pm on Monday, January 30, or may have any information about how he got to the area of Mallows Green or have witnessed him being assaulted should contact the Harlow Serious Crime team on 101. 
Police are also looking for the victim's car, a maroon Escort, index number M953 OAN.

Murderer to serve minimum of 20 years

3.39pm - 2nd February 2012

A DRUG dealer who murdered his friend, dismembered his body and disposed of it like rubbish has been jailed for life to serve a minimum of 20 years. 
Douglas Binet, 54, of Hanson Drive, Loughton, was found guilty of murdering Anthony Whitefield, 47, between February 6 and March 31 last year at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday following a trial. 
Following the guilty verdict, the judge, His Honour Mr Justice Sweeney, gave Binet the chance to think about disclosing where he had disposed of Mr Whitefield's head, which has never been found. 
Binet chose not to reveal where Mr Whitefield's head is. 
Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact them on 101. 
Mr Whitefield's severed arms were found in a lake off Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, while his torso and legs were discovered by police in Binet's rear garden following his arrest on April 1. 
His right arm was discovered by a fisherman at the lake on March 31 while his left was found on April 2 by the Essex Police Marine Unit. 
Anthony Whitefield was reported missing by one of his daughters on February 10 last year. 
During the trial Binet concocted a web of lies claiming Tony's torso and legs were delivered to his back garden after he was threatened at gunpoint by a man who told him he would receive a package and he should keep his mouth shut or something terrible would happen to members of his family. 
Binet claimed he did not phone the police out of fear of reprisals.are."

Three injured in Crooked Mile crash

3.38pm - 2nd February 2012

THREE people have been taken to hospital following a road collision on the Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey. 
The East of England Ambulance Service was alerted to a three vehicle collision shortly after 7am today. 
Ambulance crews from Cheshunt, Loughton and Waltham Abbey attended the scene.
Service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: "All three casualties were 'walking wounded' and after treatment at the roadside by the ambulance crews were taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital for further care."

Upgraded fitness studios open

3.16pm - 2nd February 2012

FITNESS suites at Ongar Leisure Centre and Epping Sports Centre have been upgraded. 
Epping Forest District Council vice-chairman Brian Rolfe and leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Ricki Gadsby officially opened the new Everyone Active facilities.
The £192,000 deal involved sports and leisure centre contractor SLM Ltd, branded as Everyone Active, reducing its management charge to Epping Forest District Council by £53,000 a year in exchange for the one-off payment towards the new equipment.
Ongar now boasts 32 items of cardio equipment including new treadmills, cross-trainers, adaptive motion trainers, a stepper, upright and recumbent bikes, a sci-fit arm cycle, Concept Two rowing machines and two X-Dream Trixster cycles.
Ongar also has 11 Precor resistance machines. 
Epping is looking equally good. 
Mr Rolfe, who cut ribbons to officially open each new suite, said: "It gave me great pleasure to open the new suites. If you have never tried a gym or fitness suite, I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Epping or Ongar. 
"These facilities must be among the best in our district. I was really proud to open them." 
Mrs Gadsby said: "I would like to congratulate Everyone Active and the staff at Epping Forest District Council. In these hard economic times, this is a great example of the public and private sector using initiative and imagination on behalf of our residents.
"Users of the new fitness suites will find some of the newest and best equipment to be found."

Irene proves she is a Master

3.12pm - 2nd February 2012

IRENE O'Dell, St Clare Hospice's community Macmillan Nurse, has passed her Masters in advanced practice. 
As part of her studies Irene spent a day a week for two years at Anglia Ruskin University at Chelmsford studying various elements which covered inter-professional working, leadership, ethics, and research. 
Irene said: "I found the course very challenging. I was well supported by colleagues and St Clare Hospice and I am delighted to have passed. 
"It will enable me to enhance previous knowledge and skills and adapt to changes for the 21st century."
Community manager Alison Kempthorne said: "Obviously Irene had to put an awful lot of her own time and effort into achieving the end result. 
"She talks fondly of the support from her team members who rallied round to pick up patients on her case load to ensure care was not compromised while Irene stretched herself with study and research.
"The purpose of this study was to arm Irene with the additional knowledge skills and disposition over and above her clinical practitioner expertise." 
Alison added: "St Clare Hospice and the people we care for will now reap the rewards of her hard work and I am delighted to have her working as a member of our team."

Argentine education director visits school

2.26pm - 2nd February 2012

A DIRECTOR from the Ministry of Education in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has visited West Hatch High School, Chigwell, to see how the school is leading the way in its use of IT. 
Jorge Aguado, the director general of technology education in the city, has been working with Microsoft on a project to support teaching and learning in the city through the use of IT. 
Ground-breaking systems established at the High Road school enable pupils and parents to access a wide range of school-relating information online. 
Work undertaken by the school has drastically reduced the amount of paper - forms and other teaching material - and gives parents an online insight into their childrens' learning and progress. Information available online includes pupils' progress reports, homework set, attendance records, behaviour logs and timetables. 
Each pupil at the school has their own school email address which can be used in and out of school. In addition parents have access to online advice and guidance on how they can support their sons and daughters learning at home. 
The school's Information Systems Manager, Alan Richards, who explained the various IT systems to Mr Aguado during the visit last Thursday, said: "Our ethos is that we don't do anything unless it can be available through Sharepoint (the Microsoft system). "Students can bring in their own laptops, hook them up to our wireless system and access all the material they need. The system can also operate on their smartphones." 
He added: "At the end of the day to help a student learn you need the assistance of all the stakeholders in the school, and that includes the parents. 
"We have given parents online access to all the data so that they can get more involved." 
With regards to the homework element of the system, Mr Richards said: "A parent could log on at 3pm and find out what homework their child has been set by the time the child gets back home." 
Video-streaming provides supporting information for parents and students. 
Mr Richards, who has been awarded the title Most Valuable Professional by Microsoft for his high level of technology knowledge which he can share with the community, said: "They (the parents) are part of the learning process rather than being at a distance." 
Head teacher Frances Howarth said: "We were delighted to welcome Jorge to West Hatch and to explain and demonstrate to him the various systems and programmes which have been introduced here. 
"We hope to further help him to implement similar systems in Argentinian schools in the future."

Jewellery stolen in house break-in

8.40am - 2nd February 2012

SENTIMENTAL family jewellery was stolen in Loughton when a woman returned home to find two thieves in her house. 
The burglary happened in Sedley Rise when a rear door was forced shortly after 5pm on Tuesday, January 24. 
The thieves ran off towards the junction of Marjorams Avenue and Church Hill.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Katherine Clarke said: "The jewellery belonged to various members of the woman's family, dating back 90 years and it has now been wiped out. 
"She had returned home after spending the day with family and found these two in her home. 
"She tried to stop them, but they managed to ran off. We're looking to speak with anyone who was in the area on that Tuesday evening and saw this criminal duo running off." 
The male and female thieves are described as white and in their early 20s. 
The man was stocky and wearing a black jacket while his accomplice was wearing a hoodie. 
A forensic examination of the scene was conducted and house-to-house enquiries were completed. 
Anyone with information should ring detectives at Loughton Police Station on 101.

Firm celebrating 120th anniversary

8.36am - 2nd February 2012

BUCKHURST Hill-based architects and interior designers The Tooley & Foster Partnership is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. 
Now one of the longest standing practices in the UK, the company has always been based in Buckhurst Hill, as well as having had, at different times, branch offices in the West End and France. 
The practice was originally set up by Herbert Tooley who moved to the area from Sheffield when he married, and at the outset designed, among many diverse projects, a number of interesting local houses, many of which are still in existence today.
In 1900 Rex Foster became his articled pupil and he spent nine years there while qualifying, before leaving to set up on his own. 
However he found work very hard to come by and in 1910 was asked to return - it was then that the name Tooley & Foster was established. 
Work grew steadily up to the outbreak of war in 1914, was virtually non-existent during it, and blossomed again from 1919 onwards when Rex Foster returned from service with the Royal Engineers. 
In 1922 Herbert Tooley retired early, tired from the war and unable to keep up with Rex Foster's new found energy in the post-war era! 
The next decade was very busy for the practice, although remaining relatively small, undertaking large sewage schemes, extensions to hospitals and work at a number of schools, until the onset of the depression at the beginning of the 1930s when there was another serious downturn in work. 
Rex Foster's nephew, Bob Foster, joined him in 1936 before enlisting in the RAF after the outbreak of war, when the practice was once again reduced to a skeleton. 
The post Second World War period under the new Labour Government was an exciting one, with the rapid growth of public sector work including a massive nationwide schools building programme, the birth of the NHS and a drive to build as many new houses as possible, and with it the practice grew from small to medium with a staff of about 25 throughout the 1950s.
It further increased in size and workload throughout the 1960s with the range of work expanding to include commercial projects, large prefabricated housing estates, the start of specialist housing and more school work. 
Metrification brought changes to the way the practice worked, and at the same time there was a move to provide additional services to complement the core discipline of architecture. 
By the end of the 1970s this included structural and electrical engineering, landscape architecture and building supervision. 
In 1962 the practice moved into Warwick House where, courtesy of a number of refurbishments and extensions over the years, it is still located. 
It was a time of change, including for a short period the unfortunate loss of the name in favour of TFP Architects!
A small recession at the beginning of the 1970s slightly rocked the boat but it was the serious one at the end of 1992 that almost saw the downfall of the practice, with staff numbers reducing from about 35 to under 15. 
This coincided with the centenary anniversary when the business held a large exhibition in Cambridge and at The Royal Institute of British Architects. 
A project of two multi-storey car parks at Lakeside Shopping Centre effectively 'saved' the practice at the beginning of 1993 - a planning application was made only three weeks after being appointed - and this was the start of slow but steady growth again throughout the 1990s. 
The first part of this century saw the trend continuing. By now the practice had gone back to its core discipline of architecture with associated interior design, and the size, range and quality of projects increased, including new buildings and refurbishments for prestigious clients such as Grosvenor Estate, Capital Shopping Centres, Clerical Medical, local authority and public schools, as well as many projects for housing associations, for which they have won a number of national awards. 
By 2006 the office had been extended and the practice had grown to a staff of nearly 60, including a West End branch office. 
The past few years have been very difficult but by taking tough decisions and concentrating on its core strengths the practice is even now seeing some faint signs of 'green shoots'. 
The main thrust of its current work includes care and extra care homes - Anjulita Court in Bedford won a Pinders Healthcare Design Award in 2010 and is a regional finalist of the 2012 Civic Trust Awards - educational projects, including the remodelling and refurbishment of Tower Hamlets College to form The National Skills Academy for Financial Services which won a RIBA/LSC Award in 2009, and a new 800-seat concert auditorium for Saffron Walden High School is currently on site - and buildings where sustainability, in which the practice now has a professional specialism, is paramount.
Cranes Court in Basildon, which is nearing completion is one of the first housing schemes designed to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes in Eastern England. In this Olympic year, when a number of their buildings are being used as either Olympic training centres or for actual events, 
The Tooley & Foster Partnership is looking forward to the next 120 years with optimism.

Graffiti tags spark police appeal

5.28pm - 1st February 2012

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after numerous graffiti tags appeared on walls and fences in North Weald. 
A public meeting organised by North Weald Bassett Parish Council to discuss the issues of graffiti and vandalism in the parish is being held at North Weald Village Hall, High Road, North Weald, at 11.30am on Saturday. 
Police Community Support Officer Lizal Scott said: "I have been speaking to local residents who say more and more of these tags are starting to appear. 
"The area we have found the most tags is in Pike Way, it is such a shame as it is a lovely place. Graffiti tags often make areas appear run down. 
"These youths, who we believe are local, may just think they were having a bit of fun, but these residents are now faced with the hassle of removing the graffiti, which can be costly. 
"A lot of people work hard to make this community nice, and graffiti just blights it. If you know who these tags belong to, or you saw who did this, we want to hear from you so they can be made to face the consequences of their actions. 
"Each tag of graffiti could be classed as a separate crime, therefore when we find the people responsible, if they have marked their tag in many different places they could face multiple criminal damage charges. 
"Help us reduce graffiti, do you know someone that covers their books in graffiti markings or signs in a similar tag? We want to hear from you." 
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PCSO Scott at Epping Police Station on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Club celebrates golden anniversary

4.53pm - 1st February 2012

THE Ongar Club for the Physically Handicapped celebrated the start of its golden anniversary year with a special cake cutting - and a Royal talk. 
The club - which meets at St James Church Hall, St James Avenue, Ongar - was given a talk this afternoon by Norma Jennings entitled 'The Day I met the Queen - The Inside Story' which focused on a visit by Her Majesty to a school in Harold Wood where she was a teacher. 
About 40 club members attended the celebratory tea afternoon which saw the cutting of an iced sponge cake made by June Giles. 
The club, which held its first meeting on February 7, 1962, has a full programme of events planned for its golden anniversary year. 
For more about the club, ring chairman Colin Green on 01992 522500.

Ongar Club for the Physically Handicapped committee members with the anniversary cake click here

Candidates wanted for youth council

10.25am - 1st February 2012

CANDIDATES are wanted for the Epping Forest Youth Council elections 
Anyone aged between 13 and 17 and who wants to give young people a voice in the community can stand for election to be a youth councillor.
There are 20 seats up for grabs - two for each of the eight secondary schools in the district and four independent seats for candidates who either attend school or college outside the district, or are excluded from school, home educated or even working. Youth councillors are elected for two years. 
They are required to attend two evening meetings a month at the Civic Offices, Epping.
They will also have to organise a community event at their school, encouraging pupils to volunteer and to give something to the community, embracing the Big Society theme. 
The youth councillors will be trained to develop skills in public speaking and giving presentations. 
The schools will be invited to the Civic Offices to meet their local councillors, participating in a question and answer sessions to boost their understanding about local democracy in the district. 
Epping Forest Youth Council is an elected group of non-party political young people.
Formed in 2007, it was set up to involve young people in the decisions made by Epping Forest District Council on services and issues that affect their age group.
Anyone interested in becoming a youth councillor should read and complete the candidate information booklet and return to the council by Friday, February 24. 
For more information, ring Young Persons' Officer Diane Butler on 01992 564365 or email dbutler@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

New clerk aims to preserve town's history

8.26am - 1st February 2012

THE new Epping town clerk is vowing to do all he can to help maintain the town's history and character.
Ash Tadjrishi, who is replacing Bob Whittome, joins the town council having previously been deputy clerk with Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council in Hertfordshire where he started as events' manager. 
Mr Tadjrishi told Everything Epping Forest: "Epping is a town steeped in history and it is clear that one of the main focuses of the town council is to maintain and preserve that in the face of external pressures for development. 
"There's a lot of architectural merit in Epping and that's something to be proud of because it will take an effort to preserve it in the future. 
"Local planning is just one of the issues the town council members are concerned about and as clerk I aim to ensure that the views of members, as the town's elected representatives, are heard."
In just the few weeks that he has been in Epping, Mr Tadjrishi is already well aware of the strength of community spirit that exists in the town. 
He said: "Being new to the area means I've got a lot to learn but hopefully I can bring a fresh outlook and will be able to support what the members want to achieve with appropriate advice." 
With a background in event planning the annual Epping Town Show will continue to be one of the key dates in the local calendar - and something Mr Tadjrishi is looking forward to being involved with. 
"Considering the Town Show is free to attend, what we provide is exemplary. With an interest in public events I hope I can be an asset to the team and help them bring about improvements or build added value." 
He added: "We always welcome comments or suggestions. Giving feedback enables the town council to properly consider the needs of its residents and local organisations." 

New Epping Town Council clerk Ash Tadjrishi click here

Inquest held for Abridge murder victim

8.26am - 1st February 2012

A VERDICT of unlawful killing has been recorded into the death of Clive Enkel who was attacked in his Abridge home more than three years ago. 
The murder of Mr Enkel, on September 25, 2008, was an horrific incident which provoked shock and disbelief from his father, his family and the community at large.
Clive was at home on the evening of the attack with his elderly father, when his assailants smashed through the front door, pushed past his father, then chased Clive upstairs to his bedroom. 
There they subjected him to a brutal assault leaving him with head injuries, which ultimately led to his death. 
The thoughts of the investigation team are again with Clive's father, Louis, and his family at this difficult time. 
Despite an extremely lengthy and intensive investigation by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, no-one was ever charged in connection with the incident. 
Detective Sergeant Paul Lopez said: "No case like this is ever closed and I am sure the identity of the murderers will be known outside of their own group. 
"I'd like to take this opportunity again to appeal to them to contact the police and tell us what they know. 
"Your information will be treated in the strictest confidence so if you know anything at all please contact Brentwood Major Investigation Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111." 
Members of Clive's extended family were present at the inquest and fully support the police efforts to identify those responsible for the killing. 
This would bring them some measure of closure.

Man found guilty of murdering friend

8.25am - 1st February 2012

A DRUG dealer has been found guilty of murdering his friend whose dismembered body was found in a lake in Buckhurst Hill and in a garden in Loughton. 
Douglas Binet, 54, of Hanson Drive, Loughton, was found guilty of murdering Anthony Whitefield, 47, between February 6 and March 31 last year at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) following a trial. 
Mr Whitefield's severed arms were found in a lake off Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, while his torso and legs were discovered by police in Binet's rear garden following his arrest on April 1. 
His right arm was discovered by a fisherman at the lake on March 31 while his left was found on April 2 by the Essex Police Marine Unit. 
Anthony Whitefield was reported missing by one of his daughters on February 7 last year. 
Mr Whitefield's head has never been found. 
During the trial Douglas Binet concocted a web of lies claiming that Tony's torso and legs were delivered to his back garden after he was threatened at gunpoint by a man who told him he would receive a package and he should keep his mouth shut or something terrible would happen to members of his family. 
Binet claimed he did not phone the police out of fear of reprisals. 
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Robinson, said: "Tony Whitefield was a loving family man and devoted father who was killed and then horrifically dismembered by Douglas Binet. 
"Mr Binet has failed to take responsibility for this despicable crime and has continued his deceit throughout this investigation. 
"Having brutally cut Tony into pieces, he dumped parts of his body like rubbish. Sadly for Tony's family, his head has never been recovered, preventing them from having a proper funeral and fully understanding how Tony died. 
"Mr Binet has refused to co-operate with locating the last part of Tony and detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate would be keen to hear from anyone who can assist us in bringing the last part of this case to a conclusion. 
"Finally I would like to pay tribute to Tony's family who have conducted themselves with great dignity despite the situation they have found themselves in at the hands of Douglas Binet." 
In a statement, Tony Whitefield's family said: "We would like to say how extremely happy we are with the outcome of today's verdict. It has been a very difficult year for all who knew dad and we are glad that justice has finally been served. 
"Things will never be the same for us, but from now we can start to rebuild our lives. Tony was not just our father; he was a grandfather, a brother, a partner and a friend. He was truly loved and liked by all and was tragically taken from us. 
"Our greatest respect and thanks go to the whole team at Kent and Essex Police who have been incredibly supportive throughout the whole case. 
"Unfortunately our father's head has never been found and the defendant refuses to tell us where our dad's head is. 
"We would like to appeal to anyone who knows where it is so that we can lay our father to rest as a whole, as any normal human being deserves. 
Douglas Binet was remanded in court custody prior to his sentencing at the same court tomorrow afternoon (Thursday).