Stebbing Scene Your Village — Your Magazine

Edition No: 139 Autumn 2016

The end of a chapter - Mark Lanyon takes in the last harvest

After three generations in which the Lanyon family have owned and worked much of the land around us, this was Mark’s last harvest. We are towards the end of the busiest time of year for farmers but, hopefully by the next issue, we’ll know more about what the new managers of the land are planning that might affect what we see when we walk the footpaths and by-ways around us. The Scene was very pleased to fund equipment for Little Harts, all the more so after their successful first few months. It is good to see more young families moving into the village, engaging with village organisations, and fund-raising to develop new provision and support for children and young parents in the village. More about Little Harts overleaf. This issue is bursting at the seams - with new contributions such as Julie Bull’s book review and the enigmatic Anastasia and Jonquil’s piece on local transport. We are missing our Eating Out page this time but, if you care to write a review of a good eating experience, please send it in. Richard Foot, Editor

1 Little Harts Parent & Toddler Group

So here we are! We survived our first few sessions of our new, local toddler group - and what a positive response we have had! We kick off again in September with renewed energy and with quite a bit of excitement concerning what we hope to bring to the group during the new term ahead and, let's not forget, leading up to Christmas. We had a fantastic response from the Pub Quiz, kindly held at The White Hart. So much fun was had (not to mention a decent amount of money raised) that we hope to do it again during Easter time next year. The profit raised secures us a ‘home,’ in the shape of the village hall for the next few months. It also allows us to look at the needs of parents and carers, in and around the village, as well as the needs of the children. Watch this space for a Child Resuscitation workshop! Little Harts hopes to create a sustainable, happy environment where our youngsters can flourish and prosper alongside their parents and carers. This wish couldn't exist if it wasn't for those attending and contributing on a weekly basis; it is because of this I’d like to share some comments from these (very wonderful I think!) people… (Continued on page 3) 2 (Continued from page 2)

“Little Harts Playgroup is a much needed local resource for both my 2 year old son and myself. He is given the opportunity to develop his personal, social and emotional skills as he 'plays' alongside others. He is developing relationships with children he will potentially go to school with and this will only make the transition smoother when he does start school. As for me, I just love the opportunity to meet with like-minded parents and carers and sharing 'motherhood' tales - good and bad! It's great to meet people in the local community and it shows what an inclusive and friendly village we live in.” - Nikki Munsun and Henry (aged 2). “I am a parent from another village and my one year old enjoys 'Little Harts' immensely! This friendly group is welcoming and thoughtful of any newcomer who pops in. My Monday mornings are far more exciting to look forward to, knowing that my son and I will meet, socialise and enjoy our time in this amazing community-based parent and toddler group in wonderful Stebbing. A truly great addition to the village!" – Karen Whitehouse and Dexter (aged 16 months). “Having one year old twins, even just leaving the house can be a challenge some days and I often worry how I will cope when I get to my destination. Stebbing toddler group has given me a safe, local space to take the boys. There are lots of extra pairs of hands to help and smiling faces to share the trials and tribulations of parenting with. I never thought I would look forward to Monday mornings so much; great friends, great fun and cake, what more could any parent ask for?" - Katie Flaxman, Jack and Oscar (aged 1 year). “Parents, carers, babies and toddlers all benefit in so many ways by attending Little Harts. Children learn to socialise and play. Adults attending have a relaxing, child friendly environment to make friends and gain support from others’ experiences. We are always looking for ideas which will interest adults and children alike and rely on our parents and carers to keep the activities stimulating and popular.” – Linda White, grandparent to Sienna. Thank you to all who attend Little Harts, it’s great to meet new people and to see the little people form new friendships. We hope to create a group of ‘Little Harts Helpers’ who can facilitate and contribute to new ideas to keep the group fresh and forward thinking. So if you are interested in helping in any way, do just give us a shout. We’d love to hear from you!

Kulli Saran-Chandler 3

Offering great quality timber, garden furniture & fencing at competitive prices Open to the general public & trade Find us just off the roundabout between A120 Great Dunmow & Tesco 01371 876841/01371 734400 www.dunmowfencingsupplies

4 Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan

Are you interested in the future development of Stebbing? Do you want to have your say? The Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan is being compiled by a working group of local residents and the Parish Council. It will establish a vision for the evolution and long-term sustainability of Stebbing Parish and the village. The Plan, once adopted, will set out a blueprint for the future of the parish and contain planning policies which will be used to determine planning applications locally. You should by now have received a copy of the Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan brochure through your letter box, explaining what the Plan is. You should also have received a questionnaire. This asks just three questions:

 What is it that you like most about living in Stebbing?

 What would you like to improve about Stebbing?

 What would be your top three priorities for the Neighbourhood Plan to address? It is important to the future of Stebbing that the residents have their say, so please make sure everyone in your household completes a questionnaire. If you haven’t received a copy, or you would like additional copies, they are available in the village shop. It can also be easily completed on line at our web site: www.stebbingneighbourhoodplan.co.uk We are hoping that the answers to these questions will provide the working group with the direction that the residents of Stebbing think is important. Based on the answers we receive, we will compile a more detailed questionnaire later in the process. Neighbourhood planning is a vital part of the Government's plans to help local communities play a much stronger role in the shaping of their area. For the first time, local people can create a Plan that allows them to develop planning policies that reflect the priorities of their area and have real legal weight. It results in policies on objectives for the area, infrastructure priorities, assets of community value, locations for preferred development - as well as a map outlining open spaces of community importance. The whole village will then decide at a referendum vote whether Uttlesford District Council should bring the Neighbourhood Plan into force in the District Plan. If you want to have your views included in the process, please make sure you complete and return the questionnaire. Thank you to those of you who have already completed the questionnaire. We will be at the Village Fete on Sunday 25th September to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan with you and this will also be the closing date for handing in the questionnaires. If you would like any further information, please call Robert James on 01371 855927

5 A Message From Our Vicar

Dear friends, Over the last few weeks our nation has experienced a period of social and economic upheaval that is unprecedented, at least since World War II. At the end of June, the EU referendum result brought us face to face with a new era for Britain. It has been very unfortunate that the result has led to xenophobia and racism rearing their ugly heads again. I voted Remain but I believe in democracy and I don’t believe that my friends who voted Leave, did so because they are racist. At the same time, IS terrorist attacks on the continent have made us nervous and even suspicious. The murder of a priest at Mass in Rouen has drawn particular attention to the possibility of similar attacks here. I recently received two emails from senior church leaders. One was a link to a training video on how to cope with a gun attack in your church and the next was reassuring me that government sources indicate no such threat is imminent in our area! I saw a report on the news recently, telling the story of how some passengers had come to the aid of a victim of racist abuse on a train and had told the perpetrator that it was not acceptable. What struck me was, not so much the commendable and courageous behaviour of those passengers, but the fact that this was a news item; it should be a normal everyday occurrence that racism is shouted down, not something that happens unusually and is therefore felt to be newsworthy. The Archbishop of Canterbury referred to this sort of thing as ‘cracks in the crust of politeness and tolerance’. I often say in church that our congregations are inclusive and that we have a place for all, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, political opinion, social position, economic circumstances, etc. Indeed the gracious conversations I have observed in the villages since the EU referendum have shown me that the way we voted doesn’t have to define our on-going relationships. I’m still hoping that this atmosphere we have created in our communities will prevail. Beyond our boundaries however this is not so clear, as ignorance and prejudice have led to comments like, “We voted ‘Leave’, now you have to leave,” being addressed to Eastern Europeans and Asian people alike. Over the summer we celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday. You may have seen the book published to mark the occasion, “The Servant Queen and the King she serves”. It is a book that draws on the Queen’s Christmas broadcasts, which increasingly in recent years have overtly mentioned her Christian faith. One of her favourite Bible passages is the Good Samaritan, a story that teaches us, not only how to care for and love our neighbours, but also how to receive love and care for them, even if they are different from us. It seems to me that this well known story is what our nation needs to hear again

6 at this time, to remind ourselves of our core values of respect, dignity and welcome. Forty years ago, if you wore safety pins in your clothes you were probably anti-establishment, a punk. How ironic therefore that we, who wear them in our lapels today, are sending out a message that says “I am a safe person, you will not be abused by me”. You can read more about the campaign at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36661097

With every blessing, Tim

Revd Tim Goodbody Tel: 01371 856080 Mob: 07708 660162

7 Essex County Council Stebbing Primary School Stebbing Dunmow Essex CM6 3SH

Executive Headteacher Mrs Karen Wallace Head of School Miss Lucy Mawson Telephone 01371 856260 Fax 01371 856091 Email [email protected] [email protected]

Thank you to everybody who supported us at our annual summer fete on Saturday 9th July. It was such a success and was incredibly busy from start to finish. There were a number of fun games for the children and plenty to keep the adults entertained too. A huge thank you to our marvellous AFSS for such a well- executed event! We certainly raised a huge amount of money. The total currently stands at £2,080! We will be planning how to use it when we return to school in September. (More on this on pages 61 & 63 - Ed) We had a number of other exciting events at school. Our younger children visited the Stansted Aerozone as part of their Space topic. This gave them an insight into the different roles at the airport as well as the history of flight. There were science experiments and exhibitions showcased too. They had a wonderful time! Key stage two visited The British Museum as part of their Ancient Egypt topic. Again, a fantastic experience for the children, where they got to see artefacts and found out key information to help the topic come alive! Our year 6 leavers also visited France at the end of the term. This annual trip gives the group the opportunity to practise their spoken French and celebrate their hard work over the last few years. We will, of course, be very sad to say goodbye to our oldest children. We wish them every success for their continuing educational journey. Huge congratulations to the Clayden family. Mrs Clayden, our Senior Teacher, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Saturday 16th July. Mum and baby are doing well! We were lucky enough to meet the gorgeous Isabelle in the last week of term! School begins on Thursday 1st September 2016. We are excited to welcome three new teachers into the school. Miss Summers will be teaching Wrens (reception and year 1). Miss Hayden will be teaching year 3 and Mrs Dicks will be teaching year 4/5 whilst Mrs Clayden is on maternity leave. Kind regards to you all, Miss Lucy Mawson, Head of School

8 Some Year 6 memories

This year has been great because of all the personal achievements like becoming a prefect and starring in a lot of sporting events, including when my team won the Tag Rugby tournament, which I captained. Thus this has been the best year I have had here at Stebbing. I wish I was a year five so I could stay here for another year.

Archie Driscoll

In my time at Stebbing I have had a lot of opportunities to express myself in different ways, which is a positive thing to have at school. Stebbing also has a lot of different clubs and sporting events throughout the year. Most sporting events are organised by Mr. Le Masurier, although most members of staff help out as well. But the biggest sporting event you will experience is sports day - which is all different types of activities rolled into one. When you have sports day you will be separated into different houses (Chestnut, Beech, Oak and the house I was in - ASH.) When you are a year six, you will go to a place called Kingswood, which is an activity park where you stay for a week. Kingswood was probably the best bit about year six (in my opinion). My favourite activity at Kingswood was the leap of faith, which is a tall pole that you jump off - but you are strapped to a wire!

Sadie Newman

At Stebbing we have had lots of fun times and we would like to share some of our favourite memories of Stebbing Primary School. When we went to Kingswood, one of our teachers accidentally locked two girls in their room for about 20 minutes before we all remembered and rushed back to their room to let them out! Also, we did ‘the bin bag challenge’; you have to make an outfit out of bin bags and other materials, then put it on and do a catwalk. It was so fun walking down a catwalk, giggling. Another memory from Kingswood was the 3G swing, which is basically a huge swing which goes really high. Two girls screamed so hard it hurt our ears! Another funny memory is of when one of our teachers was playing football and he went to kick the ball and fell flat on his back! We laughed so hard! It was a privilege to attend Stebbing Primary school as it is so wonderful and all the teachers and students are so happy and friendly. We will all miss it but I hope the school will see many more children as the new school year starts.

Harry Rogers and Esme Clayden.

9 10 Stebbing Village Stores Three at last!

We seem to have survived the terrible twos and we look forward to our 3rd birthday on the 31st August, just as this magazine is being printed. We have learned to walk, to talk and to argue and are becoming more confident in facing the world. Everyone involved, from the first twinkle in the eye to the present time, have good reason to congratulate themselves for their part in what is, by almost every measure, a very successful enterprise. Some individuals have given truly extraordinary amounts of their time to make sure of the Stores’ success, though the many who do a regular shift and those who fill in when cover is needed, are also essential cogs in the machine. Our present business model has clearly worked so far and we have no immediate concerns about the financial viability of the enterprise as it stands but, as I said in the last issue, we cannot expect people who are already devoting large chunks of their life to the Stores to keep taking on more when villagers move on and too few come aboard to replace them. I don’t want to harp on about it but I have been disappointed with the small response to our recent leaflet and we may have to look closely at our current model in the near future in order to ensure long term sustainability. Nothing is too onerous if there are enough villagers to share the burden. If the only way of reducing unreasonable demands on individuals is to fund more paid labour then we might have to. It would be a shame to have to go too far down this road, as it would change the nature of the enterprise and render the Stores more vulnerable to any downturn than it is at present. At the moment I am just hoping that there are a few people out there who do feel that they might be able to help out in our tea room once per week or help with our ordering and stock control or some other aspect of management. Playing shops really is quite a lot of fun; that, and the social interactions, are the main reason why we do it, so I am keen to ensure that no-one starts to regard it as hard work! Whether you are a customer, a member of the Society that owns the business, or an all important volunteer, thank you all for your support.

The cover of Stebbing Scene when the Stores We’ll be grown up before you know it! opened in 2013 RF

11 12 A Trip on the Stebbing Minibus

On a sunny Tuesday morning in early August, roving reporters Anastasia and Jonquil took to the high roads again, this time heading for Great Dunmow in Stebbing's very own mini bus, driven with diligence and precision by volunteer Graham. Concerned by recent cuts to bus routes, the two wanted to sample the only remaining direct link to this lovely nearby town. They found the experience comfortable, convenient and thoroughly enjoyable. Here's why… The bus leaves, on the dot at 9.30pm, from The Friends Meeting House, so that passengers en route do not miss the connection, nor are they kept waiting. Simply stand by the roadside, flag it down and, well before 10 am, you'll be on Great Dunmow High Street, having spent a cheerful journey chatting to fellow passengers or simply gazing out of the window at our beautiful Essex countryside. The cost is a mere £1 each way. Tuesday is market day so you are able to stock up on the fine fresh foods on offer there, as well as pop into the doctor's surgery, chemist, or library, browse the charity shops, enjoy a delicious coffee at Scrumptious - before meeting at the Co-op at 11.45, where your friendly driver awaits to help you on board. That's two hours of freedom from driving, parking or waiting for a bus that never comes. During your time in Dunmow, should you wish to do a big shop at Tesco, the driver will take you there, wait while you shop, and return you to the town when you are finished - keeping heavy bags on board so that you don't need to lug them around. Within a short time you'll be back in Stebbing, safe and sound. Wonderful! However, this service too is under threat. Generous fundraising activities, such as quiz nights at the White Hart, have helped the bus to continue, but an important source of revenue has come from private donation, usually after a villager has borrowed the bus for an outing. In recent times, fewer people have borrowed the bus and donations have diminished. So, if you can, please put the word out. It's a fabulous bus and seats 15 people and is great for parties or trips to the airport. If you have some Tuesday mornings free, possess a driver's licence and are aged under 70, you might consider becoming a volunteer driver. Please help if you can. Anastasia and Jonquil

13 PATRICIA PILGRIM NURSERY SCHOOL Stebbing Green (off B1256) - under 10 minutes from Braintree, Bardfield and Dunmow

Places available Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm Open All Year

Pre-school educational programme sessions 1, Saling Road, Stebbing Green, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3TD Tel: 01371 856594/856702 www.patriciapilgrimnursery.co.uk facebook.com/patriciapilgrimnursery

14 Garden Club News Summer 2016

The last few months have seen highs and lows for Garden Club. The talks from our speakers on Alpines and Growing Daffodils have demonstrated again that there are some gifted speakers, who are real experts in their subjects, in this area. In September we have a talk on Edinburgh Botanic Garden which, as usual, is open to all. Our stall at the June Friday Morning Market was well- attended; we had a very large number of plants to sell and customers seemed to appreciate our highly competitive prices. Sadly our show in July had a low number of entries and indeed a small number of visitors. It was very disappointing, particularly in the light of the huge amount of work that had taken place to organise it. July's visit to Kew had two highlights for many of us. The Hive is an installation made from thousands of pieces of aluminium which create a lattice effect. The lattice is fitted with hundreds of LED lights that glow and fade as a unique soundtrack hums and buzzes around you. These multi-sensory elements of The Hive are in fact responding to the real-time activity of bees in a beehive behind the scenes at Kew. The sound and light intensity within the space changes as the energy levels in the real beehive surge, giving visitors an insight into life inside a bee colony. In June, Kew opened the country's longest double herbaceous borders. The new borders, around 320 metres long and running parallel to each other, along both sides of the Broad Walk path, have been planted for summer colour. There are bulbs for spring, and some late flowers and seed heads for autumn interest, but the planting concentrates on providing the greatest impact between June and September. I'd recommend a visit just to see these attractions alone. As September draws near, we're preparing for our stall at Stebbing Fete, where plants, produce and preserves will be on sale - do come and visit us.

Jane Foster, Tel: 856466

15

á la Mode Interiors specialise in bespoke soft furnishing, including handmade curtains, blinds, valances, swags etc. We offer a personal design service to help you achieve your own unique style. Alterations and repairs are also undertaken, and a fitting service is available on request.

Contact Janine on 01371 870838, mobile 07768 807801

Or email [email protected] www.alamodeinteriors.co.uk facebook: á la Mode Interiors

16 THE DORCAS SOCIETY ..would like to invite you to our Harvest Lunch ..at The Village Hall, 12.30pm on Friday 14th October - Tickets £7.00

Everyone is welcome but tickets are limited, so please ensure you book early Payment please at time of booking

Tickets from: Ann Pattenden 856476 or Dorothy Pelham 856733 The Dorcas Society Celebrates On 6th June 2016 the Dorcas Society celebrated the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth and the 10th Anniversary of the re-constituted Dorcas Society in 2006. We are an organisation which aims to show small acts of kindness to those experiencing illness, unhappy or stressful times. Stebbing’s Dorcas Group, founded in 1875, is the oldest club in the village. It comprises 12 members and is named after St. Dorcas, in the Acts of the Apostles, whose little band sewed clothes to help the poor. In the 19th and 20th centuries there were many such Groups in the USA and Britain. The Society was reformed in 2006 when a group of village women were invited to become members of the New Dorcas Society. Our remit has obviously changed since Victorian times and we now see our role as strengthening the very strong community spirit which exists in Stebbing by our visits, cards and small gifts to parishioners. These let villagers know that we are thinking of them if they are unwell or in hospital, bereaved, had an accident or just “ under the weather”. Many people tell us how much they appreciate these small kindnesses. Dorcas’s biggest efforts are the Spring and Harvest Lunches and Christmas gifts, as well as our lunchtime outings for older villagers. The Harvest lunch is our only fund raiser, which supports our work. When residents have lived for many years in Stebbing, and have been forced to move away, we also try to keep them in contact with old friends. For longer term loan, we have various pieces of equipment such as rollators, frames and two shelved wheeled table trolleys. We are always open to approach and suggestions and continue to ask you to let us know if friends or neighbours are unwell so that we can respond accordingly. Simply telephone 856155, 856993 or 856733. Dorothy Pelham (President) 17 18 ‘Taffy’ Winter – Cyril Victor Winter (May 1926 -4 July 2016)

It is not unusual for a ‘boy meets girl’ story to involve a pub. Except in Taffy and Elizabeth’s case, she was too young to go inside and was waiting outside for her sister. Following an eight year courtship, they married and were together for 63yrs. Taffy was born in Clewer, Windsor and his family moved to Felsted in 1928. His father had been in the Welsh Guards and the family travelled with him on postings. At one base, he was one of two small boys named Cyril who played together. This led to confusion, so he was named ‘Taff’ and it stuck. So much so, just before they married, Elizabeth had to ask what his Christian name actually was. Like so many, Taffy did not speak to his family of his wartime experiences but he did write them down and carefully stored the document in his box of treasures to be found after his death. His words are below: ‘I was called up for army training to Blackpool in 1944. Then to training with the K.O.S.B. (King’s Own Scottish Borderers). Then to Holland. We attacked the island of Walcheren to clear the Port of Flushing and Antwerp. Opposing us were 15,000 troops, a mixture of Wehrmacht, Marines, SS and AA (Anti-Aircraft) men. We were the first British troops on German soil’. This was the battle of the Scheldt and troops from Canada were also involved. Many years later, Taffy and Elizabeth were on a ferry to Ireland. Taffy was wearing his blazer with the regimental badge on his breast pocket. A Canadian man approached them and said “Sir, I want to shake your hand. In 1944, I was holed up with my comrades. The Germans were within sight and we knew we were about to die. Then we heard the bagpipes. The sound came closer and suddenly the Highlanders stormed towards us. The Germans looked, turned and ran. I want to thank you on behalf of my comrades” ‘On 8th April 1945, I was wounded. When the war was over, I was posted to Palestine’. His wound became a blessing as it prevented him from being sent to the Korean War in 1950. Back in Stebbing, Taffy worked for Eastern Electricity Board for 35yrs. He was a familiar figure in the village and at the White Hart, where he enjoyed a quiet drink and a chat. His passions were his family, his motor bikes and Scotland. Pictures of all these decorated his hospital room walls and comforted him as his life ebbed away. At his request, a piper headed his funeral procession. ‘A piper led me into battles and one will lead me to my grave’ JAK as told by Mrs Elizabeth Winter

19

 Intimate, hot wax hair removal by an expert trained therapist.  Private, hassle-free experience, easy parking.  Fully trained and insured therapist  Professional Nails, Eyelash and Eyebrows  Neals Yard Organics and Peron Rigot Wax Luxury Products

For more information and booking call Liz Williams on Stebbing 856965 or Mobile 07866 312070 www.uglybettysbeauty.com

20 Keith William Delaney (28 November 1944 – 2 July 2016)

Young Keith Delaney hated Sunday nights because they indicated the start of another week and a reluctant return to boarding school in Roydon. The weekend had been fun when, having been packed off to Sunday school by his mother, Keith would actually spend the time train-spotting at Epping. His mother later said she knew about his truancy as he always came home with smuts on his face. Keith’s father had been killed on active service in spring 1945 when Keith was just four months old, so his mother was left to bring him up on her own. She remarried a number of years later and Keith got on well with his stepfather, who encouraged him towards a career in the police force. Keith joined as a cadet and, during his thirty years service, worked in Saffron Walden, Grays, Harlow, Stansted Airport and Laindon, as well as Scotland Yard and Chelmsford headquarters. By the time he retired in 1993, Keith was Chief Inspector. Following his retirement, Keith worked as an emergency planning officer for the London borough of Enfield for fourteen years. But it was his time in the police service which meant a great deal to Keith and, as they grew up, he would tell his family, stories of his work. Perhaps it was his experience that made Keith very protective towards his children, Vicky, Ed’ and Liz. Vicky recalled, in her funeral tribute to him, how she would get the third degree if she arrived home late but how he was a ‘softie’ too. Keith met Carol in 1983 and they set up home in Bran End. Vicky recalls many family holidays; to Disneyland, Switzerland, France and Poland. Keith also visited his father’s grave in the WWII Cemetery, Reichswald Forest, Germany. It was his wish to return but poor health prevented it happening. His family will now go on his behalf. Keith’s enjoyment of final retirement was short lived. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia followed by Parkinson’s disease a couple of years later. Sadly, his mobility was affected and he was confined to bed but he never lost his sense of humour. Vicky said she once asked him if he knew her name and he immediately replied “Nuisance!” Keith stayed at home, nursed by his family until almost the final days of his life. Many of his family, colleagues and friends attended his funeral at St Mary’s church on 20 July, where he was remembered as a strong, proud man, who achieved a great deal and who always had time for Carol, his children and granddaughter. JAK, as told by Vicky Delaney

21 22 Stebbing Local History Society visit to Horham Hall

Nineteen members of the Stebbing Local History Society visited nearby Horham Hall on a glorious English August summer afternoon. Horham Hall keeps it's glories under wraps, mostly because it isn't open to the general public and can only be booked for group visits. It is, however, an important building that hosted two long, very expensive, visits from Queen Elizabeth 1st. The present building was mostly built by Sir John Cutte, Under-Treasurer to Henry VIII, who purchased the estate in 1502 and, although still very impressive, it was once larger, two wings of the building Some History Club members at Horam Hall having been subsequently demolished.

Quite oddly, the house was built straddling the parishes of Thaxted and Broxted, the boundary bisecting the entrance porch and the Great Hall - one of the glories of the building. It measures 48ft x 24ft and rises the full height of the building. It is laid out in the classic medieval/Tudor fashion, an original screen at the west end still surviving, where the main entrance to the building is situated. This end also has all the original doors to the service end of the building. At the opposite end is the raised dais where the principal members of the family would have sat. Some of these features can be seen in the grander Stebbing buildings of the period, albeit in somewhat reduced grandeur. The hall also has a very impressive full height oriel window, complete with some original 16th century glass. The hall was almost certainly originally heated by an open hearth, as the central louvre, where the smoke would have escaped through the roof, still exists and can be seen on the accompanying photograph. To me, the thing that made this visit especially enjoyable was the trust of the current owner. Evelyn Ward-Thomas gave us pretty much free reign to explore the house at our leisure and, as well as being able to wander around, viewing the impressive 16th century architecture, she and her family have built up an impressive collection of antique furniture, paintings and other treasures. Some of you will know Evelyn Ward-Thomas better as Evelyn Anthony, who has published over 45 books, translated into 19 languages, firstly historical novels and latterly spy novels and thrillers. The Tamarind Seed, written in 1971, was adapted as a film in 1974, starring Julie Andrews and Omar Sharif as lovers involved in Cold War intrigue. Evelyn was also appointed the first female High Sheriff of Essex in 1994. This was a very enjoyable afternoon and if you get the chance to visit Horham Hall, then do! Graham Jolliffe 23 24 A short walk to Stane Street

Distance just over three miles - time 1 hour or more A short walk to the south of the village to the old Roman road, Stane Street, with some fine views down the valley of Stebbing Brook towards Felsted. Starting at The White Hart, walk down Mill Lane to join the footpath (1). Cross the footbridges and follow the stream to reach the road at the bridge (2). Cross the road with care and take the path diagonally across the grounds of Priors Hall to reach the stile on the far side; please keep to the footpath. Continue on this line of path to cross the stile and onward, through the avenue of trees and the farm track, to its corner where you follow the way-mark to a metal gate (4). Taking care to mind the rabbit fencing under the gate, take the cross field path diagonally downhill to reach the corner of the field (5). At the way-mark post, turn left and simply follow the path, keeping the hedge on your left, through another gate, to reach the road (6). This is the old Roman Road, Stane Street, now boringly known as the B1256. Here you have a choice. Either take the bridleway in the field entrance on your left or continue past the cottages to take the covered footpath; they meet at the same place (7). If the entrance to the diagonal cross field path is not exactly at this junction simply continue along the bridleway until you find it. At the far end of the cross field path (8) turn left on the farm track to reach the way-mark (9) at the fishing lake. As you walk around the lake, if you are lucky, you might see the black swan. On reaching the top of the lake, turn right on the farm track at (10) and follow the field edge with the hedge on your right. Cross the stile and follow the cross field path to turn left into The Chase and down to the road (11). Take the time for a look at the Church and the old houses before you turn right to walk the short distance along the road to turn left onto the footpath (12). Even though this is only a short distance, please take care on the road. From here, keep the hedge on your left before reaching the open field (nice view of the Church behind you). At the way-mark on the field corner (13) take the diagonal path to your left and reach the lane - which should bring you out opposite the community shop; if you time it right the café will be open for tea and cake.

Brian Martin 25 26 Welcome to Stebbing

The Cole family of five moved to Warehouse Road, Stebbing back in March of this year. I help my sister run her company, Little Scrummers Rugby Club, my husband Dave is a Contracts Manager for a Building Company, Charlie (16) is currently awaiting his GCSE results, Henry (13) is looking forward to the new football season with the local Flitch Youth Team and Annabelle (5) has settled brilliantly into Stebbing Primary School. The Cole Family We haven’t come far - we lived previously in Little Canfield in a new build - we craved open countryside and a bigger garden. We also wanted to move to a house with potential to accommodate my parents too; they moved back to the UK from Lanzarote in June. A garage extension and conversion later and they will join us for good, waving goodbye to their rental house in Dunmow. We have all settled in really well, largely down to how welcoming our immediate neighbours have been (welcome wine, flowers and plants in abundance!) and the parents in the school playground (who will not allow me to stand alone at pick up time)! The people of Stebbing have definitely made the transition for us really easy. It isn’t hard to love living in Stebbing - beautiful countryside, friendly people and, as I write, the sun is shining! I know all 7 of us will be really happy here for many, many years to come. Joli Cole

There are others of course who have recently moved into the village and it would be good to hear about anyone else who is happy to be included in our ‘Welcome’ page in future editions. If you’d like to write your own like Joli, introducing yourself or perhaps a neighbour, that would be even better! (Ed)

The White Hart

Come and hear the band - a respite from the sun on Fete Day... Hogshead Sunday 25th September - 3.30pm onwards 27 28 The Mad Medic

Hello everyone - we have so many new people in and around the village, so a big welcome hello to you. Those of you who know me realise that, although I could wallpaper my lounge with certificates for work, common sense eludes me. Unfortunately I am greatly lacking in that department so life is quite varied. I wrote an email to the lovely friends going to India with me, intending to say, "I can't wait for our adventure," but predictive text translated it as, “I can't wait for our dentures”. Then, after my night shift with poorly children, I cleaned my teeth before my next stint and didn't notice that I had picked up my colleague’s haemorrhoid cream (its tube was the same size & colour) and began cleaning my teeth with it - erghhhhh! I was traumatised! On a lovely little note though, one of the children's nans said, "Ooh she is doing Teaching clinical treatments to railway orphans well after her “Kleptomania" (Septicaemia). Anyway, about our up and coming trip to Mumbai, apart from the usual annoying visa palaver, all is going well. I can't believe that it is my 42nd trip; the joy of having such a huge family of darling children is indescribable and seeing my travel companions gain from the trips is wonderful. They feel the warmth of love from everyone involved in my life out there and don't want to come home, totally understanding how it is possible to change the life of children in despair. So many people cannot see why I sacrifice holidays and a social life to work extra hours to care for my precious street and railway children but, if they walked a mile in my shoes out there, they would just know why. Loving children and protecting them is its own reward. My life is hard work but filled with love; I am privileged and therefore nothing is a sacrifice; it’s my purpose. On this trip I am also aiming to buy each of the forty patients (dear friends) at Ackworth Leprosy Hospital, a pillow and 2 pillow cases. We have a school room in the grounds for our Wadala Bridge slum children so, after my clinic there, we spend time with the patients - where I check dressings and take sweets etc. from the UK. There is so much to tell but I have taken up enough space, so thank you for reading this and for the lovely comments I get. Thank you so much to Bruce and Wendy Haynes who have paid for some much needed sensory toys and games for babies and children with AIDS in a home I am very involved with in Bandra. Love to all of you, wishing you well,

Valerie (The mad medic) xxxxxx

29

30 Free Parking Gift Vouchers Available

Manicures/Pedicures La stone/Bamboo/Thai Massages Facials/Tanning/Waxing/Tinting Jessica Nails/Gel Nails/ Lash Perfect

Please call Jessie on 01371 823192

31 Open Gardens and Scarecrow weekend, 11-12th June 2016

Visitors came from as far away as Kent. The event had been widely publicised and featured on the Open Gardens website which drew many people. Our sincere thanks to The Dressing Up Box for the huge scarecrow, advertising the event, at Throws Corner - by kind permission of Agrii Ltd., our main sponsors. We were very grateful for their support. We had fourteen interesting and different gardens to visit, the variety providing interest to all. The school entered 'The Royal Family' scarecrows, providing much interest and fun. Becky Challis first had the idea of including scarecrows in the weekend; it was a brilliant one. Entries were initially slow to arrive but suddenly, scarecrows were popping up through doorways and windows, over walls, suspended from pub signs, lurking in doorways, jumping railings and generally brightening up the village causing laughter, merriment and many cars to slow down - not a bad effect! The Kings Head provided a wonderful venue for lunch and teas, it was also a perfect stage for the Bishops Stortford Ukulele Society who entertained us on Sunday and then led the Scarecrow parade. Many thanks to Lesley and her team for all the very hard work. The Church provided delicious teas on both days and our thanks to Hazel and her helpers for running this so efficiently. The plant sale on both days helped to boost funds and the Craft Fair, organised by Angela on Saturday was very successful. Our thanks to everyone involved with organising and making the event a great success. If you have photos it would be good to share the memories, please email them to [email protected]. We were delighted to have raised £5,000.00 for the Church building project. The feel good factor throughout the village was worth much more than money so lets make it an even bigger event next time, with lots more scarecrows and more people taking part. Gardeners and artists - put your thinking caps on for 2018!

Chris and Vicky and Wendy and Patrick

32 ...And Some Reflections from Rainbows We love crafts and making things at Rainbows and all of the 1st Stebbing Rainbows and leaders were up for the challenge. Of course it had to be the ‘Rainbow’ theme. We were donated a bale of straw and set about filling the brightly coloured clothes we had unearthed from attics and local charity shops. There was a great deal of discussion about what our scarecrows should be called but Daisy and Billy were the most popular choices. We tried to incorporate everyone’s ideas, including buttons for eyes, straw hats, plaits for Daisy, welly boots, patches and braces, rainbow ribbons and straw hands. Our twin scarecrows were proudly displayed on Crystal’s gate for the weekend. Despite the rain on the Sunday, eleven Rainbows met at the school and then processed excitedly with Daisy and Billy down the High Street to Church Meadow for the judging and finale. The Rainbows were so pleased that Daisy was ‘The People’s Choice’ and thrilled to be presented with their box of sweets. These have been shared and enjoyed during each of the last few meetings of the term! Billy and Daisy now have an important job to do. If you look in the fields as you pass through Great Bardfield, you may see them on duty, helping the farmer and doing what scarecrows do best. Liz Hooper, Rainbows

33 34 Stop the Erosion of Rural Communities in Essex (SERCLE) Update

As many people may be aware, both Uttlesford and Braintree District Councils are considering building a huge housing estate on the border of Uttlesford and Braintree. This estate could total 13,000 houses built over 2,500 of prime agricultural farm land and result in the closure of Andrews airfield. A new town on our doorstep. To oppose this development, local residents started SERCLE, which now has supporters from Stebbing, Great Saling, Bardfield Saling, Rayne, Shalford, Felsted and the wider region... and it continues to grow!! We have been promoting our cause via flyers that were hand delivered to thousands of local residents, our facebook page, web site and the first of several public meetings on the 21st July in the Friends Meeting House. The public meeting was well attended by residents, several local parishes and elected officials. It also resulted in many supporters coming forward to assist running the campaign. There is still a lot of confusion about the development. At an exhibition held at Great Saling to promote Braintree’s local plan, Braintree council’s planning officials were unable to answer resident’s concerns. SERCLE believes the development is not only inappropriate and unsustainable but will significantly impact the wider region, with an increase of traffic on all our roads, pollution and strain on existing infrastructure such as schools, utilities, GP surgeries, dentists, police, fire stations etc. The councils are keen to promote “Infrastructure first” developments but, given the district’s experiences of other large developments, SERCLE perceive that district councils do not have the necessary influence with developers to ensure this occurs. District Council Consultations By the time this article has been published, the first Braintree Local plan consultation will have closed. However, both Braintree and Uttlesford are planning final consultations later this year. This is where residents have a final chance to oppose this development (Continued on page 37)

35 36 (Continued from page 35) Campaign Working Group Many volunteers came forward to be part of a working group to assist in running SERCLE. The team’s activities will vary, ranging from developing arguments against the proposed new town, to press releases, raising awareness, meeting with elected officials and external organizations such as Essex Wildlife Trust, Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Heritage England etc. What can YOU do? Support our campaign by:  Signing a petition against the development  Keeping up with our campaign by going to the SERCLE Facebook page and website and showing your support  Responding to the Winter 2016 consultations. When they are published, SERCLE will provide guidance to help you respond to local plan consultations and - MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Moving forward to ensure the campaign is effective, we need your support. If you would like to take part or have skills or contacts that would be beneficial to our cause, please contact SERCLE. Our supporters are not ready to give up and allow future generations miss out on what we have today! Web Site: www.sercle.org.uk Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/sercle.org Email: [email protected] Petition: www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-west-of-braintree-new -settlement-development.html Nick Buhaenko-Smith 37 DPS PLUMBING & HEATING CONTRACTORS LTD

Domestic plumbing, heating and Reg. No. 018705 gas work undertaken, including bathroom installation and wall tiling

Steve Peter Telephone 01371 856029 Telephone 01371 879103 Mobile 07850 942120 Mobile 07850 942121 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Registered Office: Green Ley Mill Lane Stebbing CM6 3SL

38 Cricket, The White Hart and Grand Reunion

Back in 1970 a gaggle of friends from the cockling village of Leigh-on-Sea, bored with the introduction of league and over matches, formed a little cricket club with the sole intention of maintaining the old-fashioned afternoon timed game, practised for years by villages up and down the country … and so Estuary Amblers “Coarse” Cricket Club was born! As a founder member of the Amblers (and lead singer with Grand Reunion - see below), Mickie D has fond memories of matches with Stebbing Cricket Club. The summer of 1971 saw the first village game played against Stebbing CC and a long-standing sporting friendship was immediately cemented. The Amblers went on to establish regular encounters with villages such as Finchingfield, Gt. Canfield, Little Bardfield, and many others, but the good-natured rivalry with Stebbing was always the highlight of any Amblers’ season. A major part of that connection was the White Hart and the numerous singing sessions that would erupt in the pub following the afternoon’s battle on the greensward – win, draw or lose! Amblers have long been associated with singing and the rafters of the White Hart would always be lifted when the team was in town, with such strains as Jerusalem, T’was Pleasant & Delighful, Here’s Good Luck to the Barley and Swing Low, all supported with actions. Mickie’s two eldest daughters, then mere tots, used to love Sunday afternoons. A drive out to the country, running around the cricket ground, then snuggled up in their p-jams in the corner of the pub, listening to the sing-song, before being tucked into their sleeping bags and ensconced in the back of the estate, as Mum drove them all home through the darkening Essex lanes. Happy Days! Happy Memories! How Mickie loved Stebbing, the White Hart and those halcyon cricket days! Some particular memories:  The posters stapled to the telegraph poles, advertising the ‘Singing Cricketers from Leigh’, when Estuary Amblers were due in Stebbing over the weekend - and leading a full house of White Hart patrons in a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ style chorus.  The bending of pub trays in a head-banging version of “Mule Train”.  The annual playing of the full range of bells, hanging from the White Hart ceiling, with full chorus accompaniment.  Dave Rains (God bless him) waking up on Monday morning to find his garage sign had absconded - and buying it back in a White Hart mock auction when the Amblers returned the following year!  Returning to the White Hart in the early hours to drag out the clientele involved

(Continued on page 41)

39 English Tuition Julie Bull B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. E.L.S., C.R.B. checked

I am a highly experienced English tutor living in Stebbing, offering tuition to help to develop confidence in the subject and to prepare for exams, including common entrance, 11+, GCSE and A Levels. Please contact

Email: [email protected]

Telephone 07890 540059 or 01371 856 768

40 (Continued from page 39) in a lock-in, to bounce-out the car after the Amblers’ chauffeur, a senior driving instructor with the British School of Motoring no less, had missed the bend out of the village and deposited said car in the ditch!  Kipping overnight in the White Hart when the locals wouldn’t let Amblers leave as the ‘Old Bill’ was sitting in his patrol car at the end of the village! (They would not of course be so irresponsible today! - Ed)

A date for the diary: Saturday, September 10th at The WHITE HART, 8.30 pm. May 1991 saw Nick Eldred take over as Landlord of The White Hart. In the summer of that same year, Grand Reunion, Leigh-on-Sea’s very own Cockle Rockers, played a storming gig at the Hart on August 11th. Previously a duo, this was the first time GR’s current line-up played together… so a return of the Cockle-rocking four to celebrate a BIG “DOUBLE” 25 YEAR BASH is not to be MISSED!!!! Grand Reunion were formed in 1986 when Mickie D and Pete Bailey were introduced by a mutual muso contact, Captain Blood. The duo played their first Gig in May of that year in the iconic music pub in Leigh-on-Sea, the GRAND Hotel (hence their name). The Grand was home to such luminaries as Lee Brilleaux (Dr. Feelgood), jazz trumpeter Digby Fairweather and Viv Stanshall (Bonzo Dog Doo- Dah Band). Grand Reunion became the resident Saturday band. In the summer of 1991, Joe Parker approached the band and offered his talents as an accordion player bringing with him bassist, Jon Green. The boys have built up a massive reputation over the years and have been a regular feature on the Essex, and London circuit. They have been dubbed, “Prime Exponents and Inventors of a genre of music classed as Cockle Rock”. They have toured the Black Forest area of Germany seven times, been regular stalwarts of the Leigh Folk Festival – the largest free folk festival in the country, had their song, specially written for the 2012 World Cup, played as a regular favourite on Essex Radio and supported one of England’s greatest singer/song-writers, Ralph McTell. Their first CD was recorded at Joe & Co, in Dean Street, London, around the corner from Ronnie Scotts! The studio belonged to Stebbing resident, Paul Hart, who had donated the studio time at an auction held by Stebbing Cricket Club, when they were raising funds for the new pavilion.

as told to RF by Mickie D 41 42 Big is beautiful too! In the summer edition of Stebbing Scene, I wrote about small birds, both in the village and the wider world. I then got to thinking about the largest birds you are likely to encounter. Birdwatchers always discuss how you define the largest - is it the heaviest, the tallest, the longest or the bird with the greatest wingspan? Well I think it can be any of these because each, in its own way, can be very impressive. The largest bird seen around Stebbing, the mute swan, is also the largest and heaviest in the whole of the British Isles, weighing in at Mute Swan up to 12 Kg. There is a project underway to reintroduce great bustards to Salisbury Plain and, as they can weigh up to 16 Kg, they would become the largest British bird if the project is successful. The tallest bird you will see around Stebbing is the grey heron, which stands at just over a metre. If you have a pond, no doubt like us, you will have had herons visit your garden or you may have seen them standing motionless beside a local lake or stream. The tallest bird in Britain is the common crane at 1.2 metres. This is a bird that, for many years, was absent from the country due to persecution. However, in the 1960's cranes from the continent arrived in the Norfolk Broads and soon started to breed, now being well established in that area with more than 35 birds present. The largest bird of prey you will see in the vicinity of Stebbing is the common buzzard. Not many years ago they were virtually unknown in Essex and yet now I see up to five birds at a time displaying over the village giving their distinctive mewing call. One of the strangest bird sightings I have had in Stebbing was in March 2000 when an eagle owl was present for a few days. This bird had escaped from captivity and, although it ranged fairly widely, it roosted in the large conifer behind the Friend's Meeting House. The bird was recaptured but, given their fearsome reputation as hunters, I am amazed that I did not hear reports of missing pets. Eagle owls are the largest owls in the world and regularly take prey up to the size of muntjac deer. When one escaped and took up residence on the edge of a housing estate near Watford in the late 1980's, locals could not understand why squirrels and pets went missing and then the penny dropped. One dog walker I spoke to told me that the owl had followed him down the road from rooftop to rooftop before attempting to snatch his Jack Russell! When broadening your search to the largest birds in the world, top of the list is the enormous ostrich; the males stand up to 2.8 metres and weigh up to 156 Kg. Not surprisingly at that weight ostriches are flightless. The largest flying bird is Africa's kori bustard, which weighs up to 19 Kg. Finally the bird with the largest wingspan is the mighty Andean condor, which weighs up to 15Kg and has a wingspan of up to 3.2 metres. The sight of these birds soaring over mountains in South America is quite breathtaking. Howard Joliffe 43 44 Stebbing Ladies Stebbing Ladies held their summer social event at Gatehouse Farm in July, hosted by Val and Dave Stokes. Forty six ladies and guests had a very enjoyable evening, where everyone brought either a savoury dish or dessert. Needless to say there was plenty to eat; Stebbing ladies are very good cooks! We were lucky with the weather and were able to be out in the garden until quite late - and some were reluctant to go home even then. It was a really enjoyable social evening.

Our forthcoming events, all held in the Village Hall, starting at 8.00pm:  Sept 28th - Jackie Kingdom is going to entertain us with stories of Stebbing in the 1960’s.  Oct 26th - Wardrobe, styles and layering. The Dunmow boutique is going to help us put outfits together we may not sometimes feel we can wear.  Nov 23rd - Our Christmas meal for members.

We are a very active group of ladies who meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month (except Aug and Dec) and have a varied programme of speakers and activities - why not join us ? Enquiries: Val Stokes 01371 856882

HERITAGE WEEKEND Saturday 10TH and Sunday 11TH September

The Old Friends Meeting House, Stebbing ..will be open for viewing and

..Stebbing Local History Society will be putting on an exhibition of their archives

Come and see what Stebbing was like in the past

Refreshments will be available

45 46 Stebbing Bowls Club The season is now drawing to a close and how very short it has seemed. At the start the weather was so cold it really did make indoor bowls look very appealing, but with the sun shining we are back to normal. As I have said before, nothing beats a friendly game in the sun and a drink on the veranda afterwards. We have had a good season all round. Our competitive side will unfortunately go down next year from Division 1 in the North West Essex League. Despite our meteoric rise last year we put up a good fight but were beaten by very good (County Standard) players. But we do go down to Division 2 with our heads held high as we were never badly beaten. We will be greatly missed as all opposing teams said our League Captain, Mark, produced the best after- match supper in the county. We still have some more friendly games in the County and continue to do well. These are great fun and we get to view other clubs and meet on a less competitive basis. Our social events for non bowlers have been a great success every time. We still have to host a group of cricketers returning soon and later a group of golfers who want to try the game ending with a BBQ and drinks. We are open to any group who would like to try the game and make it a social afternoon or evening event. As always, we are open any Thursday for individuals to join us and try the game or, alternatively, give one of us a call and arrange a more private session at your convenience. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact: John 856 155 or Pat 856 211

Stebbing White Hart presents

QUIZ NIGHT Wednesday 19th October at 7.30pm All proceeds in aid of Stebbing Over 60’s Club Teams of up to 6 players To reserve a table ring Nick 856383 - Entry £5 per person

47 48 Book Review

Maggie O’Farrell This Must Be the Place Tinder Press, London, 2016, Hardback, £18.99 Maggie O’Farrell’s seventh novel is her best yet, with an extraordinary breadth of character, time, place and personal situation. A surprising, compelling story - disjointed and frustrating, beautifully written and insightful - it’s the sort of book that kept me thinking about it when not reading. Ostensibly concerning two central characters, other connections add depth to a fractured narrative, linking multiple perspectives. The first-person narrator seamlessly contrasts with the third, creating empathy for each person. We want to know about them. A non-linear narrative makes it occasionally necessary to remind oneself of how they’re related, but most are fully fleshed-out as believable and sympathetic, except maybe one used late in the story, primarily to move it towards its conclusion. Otherwise, we gain a real sense of physical presence, with afflictions and addictions as seen in life. Descriptions of chronic eczema are agonisingly visceral, the portrayal of suffering from a severe stammer, excruciating, and the descent into alcoholism, devastating. These conditions are presented with an apparent accuracy that is profoundly moving. Impossible to fit a single genre without reduction, the novel’s themes of love and family are shown between couples, in parental, filial and sibling love; between existing and once-existing family; children both present and absent; and babies, nearly-babies and lost babies. Grief and longing, particularly for elusive offspring, are unbearably drawn and desperation feels very real. However, O’Farrell’s lightness of touch relieves darkness, and humour often relates to contrasts in culture of place – with varied settings, directed by the book title, including Ireland, America, London, Paris and, incongruously, a Bolivian salt-flat. Exceptionally beautiful hardback binding complements, through old maps of Ireland and America, with a spine of Atlantic Ocean, hidden beneath the more ordinary dustjacket. The intention in obscuring the main design is perhaps to illustrate the underlying, pervasive impact of background. O’Farrell’s writing is elegant and precise, creating strong, fresh, terrifically apt imagery, as in the ‘closed fist of pollarded plane trees.’ I will remember that metaphor whenever I see those blunt forms. Also apt is an extract from Louis MacNeice’s ‘Snow’, describing the world as, ‘crazier and more of it than we think, incorrigibly plural.’ These sentiments are brilliantly expressed in O’Farrell’s juxtaposition of elements such as vulnerability with defiance, fame with isolation, trust with betrayal, and remorse with optimism, evident in struggles to maintain relationships … and remain sane. Her use of language is always eloquent and often intensely thought provoking. I am reluctant to read reviews that give away the story so have avoided spoiling that discovery for readers. However, I hope that I have been able to explain enough of this book’s appeal to encourage others.

Julie Bull 49

WEST ESSEX JUDO CLUB Class Times Tuesdays 6pm – 7.30pm Novices & Juniors 7.30pm – 9.30pm Advanced & Seniors Saturdays 10am – 11.30am Novices & Juniors 11.30am – 1.30pm Advanced & Seniors

Held at Stebbing Village Hall, Mill Lane, Stebbing Contact Faith on 07595331073, [email protected] or via Facebook NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME YOUNG OR OLD!

AFTERNOON CARPET BOWLS EVENING CARPET BOWLS THURSDAYS 2.00 - 4.30pm THURSDAYS 7.30pm at the Village Hall at the Village Hall Cost £1.50 including tea and biscuits Cost £1.50, including tea and biscuits

Newcomers welcome - Informal Guidance, encouragement and a warm instruction and encouragement given welcome come free Contact: Pat Hopwood 856183 Contact: Roger 856348 or Ann 856476

BADMINTON SAVE YOUR OLD STAMPS New members needed Please save old postage stamps, British or foreign, as I collect them to Wednesday evenings 8pm-10pm th help The Leprosy Mission, who are also glad to (except 4 Wednesday of each month) receive old picture postcards of any kind. If you In the Village Hall, Mill Lane have any, please drop them in to me at : Contact: Graham Phillips 856021 6, Oakfield, Stebbing - or phone me on 856325 and I can collect them. or Mobile: 07971573414 Thank you, Anne Howard

Did you know that this issue, and back copies, are available to download at www.StebbingScene.uk 50 Richard’s Rant! The Olympics are finished, along with any illusions that there might be any truth in the old school adage, “It is the taking part, not the winning, that matters.” It was always a meaningless platitude when uttered by PE teachers, who showed in everything they did that they were only ever really interested in the winners. Now the UK has discovered that, by spending a lot more money on sport, we can get lots more medals, I fear this will be a continuing trend. Roll on the next big football tournament where, by spending lots of money on foreign players in our Premier League, we ensure that the England team gains no particular advantage from all their money. Somehow it feels more British to have absurdly high hopes of an average team, inevitably leading to disappointment and the need for a little stoicism in the face of defeat. The sooner normal service is restored, the better. We also have a temporary respite from the legions of commentators who are employed to tell us what we are watching (which I accept is of value to the visually impaired), then they tell us what we have just watched and have a little debate, in which they try and outdo each other on the use of superlatives while generally mangling the English language with talk of “medalling” (a verb which I sincerely hope never makes it into a reputable dictionary). And why cannot these people understand the difference between number and quantity? I don’t want to be told that there are less people in the stadium than were hoped for or that the amount of medals we won is ‘amazing.’ The BBC has become a leading force in the movement to impoverish the English language and such errors are far more annoying than when a commentator tells you ..”he nailed his face to the mast” - at least there’s nothing wrong with the English there! RF Stebbing Village Hall Available for hire, for all sorts of occasions: Family events ♦ Birthdays ♦ Funerals ♦ Christenings ♦ Wedding Receptions Village clubs ♦ Carpet Bowls ♦ Badminton ♦ Table Tennis ♦ Pilates Meetings ♦ Stebbing Ladies ♦ Garden Club ♦ Friday morning Market ♦ Over 60s ♦ History Society ♦ NCT pre-natal classes ♦ First Aid Courses and Quiz Nights Why not start a new group? Chess, Bridge, Music, Dance, Craft, Floral or anything else? We have vacant slots on Monday morning and afternoon, Tuesday & Thursday mornings in the main hall. The Pelham Room is available for smaller gatherings. We have lots of pre-school toys, suitable for a Toddler Group or a Parents & young children Coffee Morning. If interested, contact our Steward, Donna - Tel: 01371 811 433

51 52 The Scene Crossword - 139

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10

I’m pleased to hear that quite a few of you are doing 11 12 the crossword now. Please let me know how you get on. I enjoy making them, 13 14 15 but it is important to know that others are finding 16 17 them enjoyable. 18 19 20 21 Good luck as always

RF 22 23

24 25

Across 1 Local organisation misspells tube line (6) 4 Handy, but told, "don't employ when empty" (6) 9 Small picture company starts low, but higher than flute (7) 16 We assent, the Doctor of Surgery will make corrections (6) 10 Holds back with regard to little insurance (5) 11 Left Jason's ship and made slow movement (5) 17 Traditional Queen who buys and 12 No, it belongs to me, and 'e’s been proposed (7) sells (6) 13 Tabloids which channel iron? (6,5) 19 Turn by French street for purchaser 18 Bum is in wrong for this village facility (7) (5) 20 Exclude unruly beard (5) 21 Second tied around low basin (5) 22 Found in sinner, vying with the jitters (5) 23 Red, and dead upset - much feared (7) 24 Make mistake in reluctant fortified wine (6) H E A D A B R A S I V E 25 Slides on ice with Jamaican music and terrific O L K R C L A starters (6) M A D E I R A H O L D S Down E E N Z I N Y W O R L D W I D E W E B 1 Drink softly to the French and become pliant (6) 2 One competes to take car back to Her Majesty O E L V S S (5) R A N R U N N E R S U P 3 Lou took in disorder but he's watching (7) K U G U M I 5 Sound strings and find way to spirit (5) B R E A K T H E B A N K 6 You can rely on them when the day finishes (7) B S R N B I 7 Linnets lose point and turn to pay attention (6) 8 Sum up railway team to be saved by 1ac? (11) A G E N T E N T W I N E 14 Even run about to disconcert (7) L R E G S D S 15 Communist has connection to the head - but an L A Y I N G O N T E S T ignorant person (7) Solution to Crossword no: 138 53 54 The Rodings and Surrounding Area U3A The August speaker at the Rodings U3A's monthly meeting was a great success. Joan Williams has been volunteering at Kentwell Hall for many years and speaks Tudor style English as easily as modern English. She uses a different name when in the kitchen, as do all the people who bring the Tudors to life on the estate. She came dressed in the clothes a cook would have worn at that time and brought with her a variety of implements, spices and other paraphernalia connected with the art of preparing food. Many of the audience remembered their children having gone on school trips to Kentwell Hall, and the challenge of dressing them in suitable clothing as well as providing a Tudor packed lunch! One of our members hosted a successful bridge drive for twelve Rodings and Dunmow U3A members at the end of July. Scrabble is also popular and it is hoped a second Scrabble Group will soon be viable. There will also be a second Book Group beginning in the autumn. The latest new group to attract members is based on Science and Technology. A number of people are anxious to learn Spanish and a group will soon start up for that purpose. September 1st sees the first day of the new RU3A subscription year, so anyone considering joining should do so now to get the best value for their £15 per year. Members may attend monthly meetings which take place on the first Tuesday of every month except January. Belonging to interest groups only involves payment if the group meets in a village hall. Most group meetings take place in people's houses, or outside in the case of walking, boules and tennis. The Outings Organiser is busy planning excursions for the coming months, including theatre visits and a trip to RHS at Wisley for A Taste of Autumn. Every year one of our members writes and presents a quiz, to take place in November. It includes a tea and cakes interval and is always a very lively occasion. The Rodings U3A website can be found by googling those three words. It contains lots of information about our activities and events. Please email [email protected] or telephone Louise Searl on 01277 362043 with any queries or for further information.

Question and Answer! Q. Who is largest? Is it Mrs. Bigger or is it her baby?

A . As everyone should know, Mrs. Bigger’s baby is a little Bigger

55 56 Letters to the Editor

We would like to thank everyone who organised the Church End BBQ, Scarecrow Trail and Open Gardens. We thoroughly enjoyed them and appreciate all the hard work and planning that these events involve. Colin and Mandy Mason

As the date drew near, the forecast seemed destined to ruin the weekend but, after a wet start, we hung the bunting, acquired a lovely fat scarecrow, did last minute tidying/panicking, and opened the gates. Following a slow start things accelerated and we found ourselves chatting to many very enthusiastic visitors. At times we thought we had lost some as more seemed to arrive than leave. After investigating we found that they were tucking themselves in quiet corners to sit and enjoy the sunshine and the views. A queue formed and we had to rapidly employ our brains as a mini 'Gardener's Question Time' evolved. The afternoons were great fun and, because of the very complimentary comments we received, we plucked up courage to ask the National Garden Scheme if they would be interested in including us in their Yellow Book, and we were thrilled that they chose to do so. We are delighted that our garden will continue to raise funds for Charity. Jenny and Wally Hudgell

I would like to thank all the sponsors and people who donated to my recent London charity walk, with a special mention to all my friends in Stebbing. Together with Stewart Turner, my soon to be son in-law, we raised more than £750 for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK. As sufferers from Crohn’s disease, we walked, not only to raise money, but also to raise awareness, especially amongst young people. Our message is – Melanie and Stewart - London Walk you can get through it. Melanie Jones

57 58 Key information about 105

What is 105? 105 is a new number that people in England, Scotland and Wales can call to report or get information about power cuts in their area. 105 is free to call and will put people straight through to their local network operator. The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put themselves, or someone else, in danger. If there is a serious immediate risk, people should call the emergency services too by dialling 999. When will the public be able to use 105? 105 is live and will be fully up and running and launched to the public in September 2016. At this point, the public will be able to call 105 from most landlines and mobile phones. Can people call their electricity network operator directly? Yes - 105 is just one of the ways that people can contact their electricity network operator. People can also contact their network operator directly by phone or via their website. Most network operators can be contacted through social media too. To find out who your network operator is, use the postcode finder tool at powercut105.com. Why do we need 105? Many people don’t know they should contact their local electricity network operator if they have a power cut. They often mistakenly call the electricity supplier they pay their bills to. That’s why the networks are introducing 105 – to give customers an easy-to-remember number to call that will put them through to the local people who can help. What is an electricity network operator? Electricity network operators manage and maintain the underground cables, overhead wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses. They are the organisations that people should contact if they experience a power cut - no matter who they pay their bill to. In England, Scotland and Wales, there are six Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) that operate in different geographical regions as well as multiple Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) that can operate anywhere in Great Britain. DNOs and IDNOs are each responsible for ensuring that homes and businesses have electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

59 60 Stebbing School Fete

The 9th July was fast approaching, bunting was unraveled, gazebos unbent and posters designed. What could be happening at the School? The Summer Fete! The annual event is organised by the AFSS with a great deal of support from children, parents, staff and other 'willing' members of the village. It is always a huge success and this year was no exception. Volunteers began arriving at 8.30am; there was a lot to do before the grand opening at 1pm. Parents, teachers and children put out tables and attached banners made by the children. Each class had its own stall which this year included:  Coconut shy (highly dangerous activity with a remote chance of winning)  Bottle tombola (who even knew Lidl made sauerkraut liqueur)  Hook a duck (a prize every time can induce speed in a 5 year old greater than has ever been witnessed at sports day)  Name the teddy  Guess the number of sweets in the jar …… and many more. With the BBQ lit, it was time for a much welcomed sausage in a roll and cup of tea. Then on to erecting hurriedly purchased gazebos; last year's really were beyond repair! And putting out 2000 donated books (well it felt like that many) and pre-loved (and hopefully pre-washed) school uniform. With the arrival of bouncy castles, go karts, Mercedes cars, a gunge tank and some other exciting stalls opening time was upon us. The afternoon delivered everything a school fete should deliver: prizes, ice cream, sponge the teacher (Goldilocks AKA Mr Le Masurier drew quite a crowd - water proof mascara needed for next year!), gunge tank (Mrs Wallace, what a good sport and it's surprising the loose change people can find when the need arises!) and fantastic demonstrations of cheerleading, self-defence and gymnastics. The time flew by and it was soon time to announce the winners of the raffle, bake off, silent auction etc. There were some amazing prizes this year. We were lucky enough to have been donated a signed England shirt, a trial flight at Andrewsfield, a Mercedes for the weekend and a week in a beautiful villa in Spain! So a huge thank you to all those who donated prizes.

61 Stebbing Directory

AFSS/Stebbing School Office 856260 Badminton Graham Phillips (eve) 07971 573414 David Arnold (afternoon) 856271 Beavers Julie Yapp 07713 398903 Bell Ringing John Gilbert 856516 Bowls Club Pat Going 856211 Brownies Loraine Irani 07788 412813 Carpet Bowls Pat Hopwood 856183 Church – St Mary’s Tim & Ruth Goodbody 856080 Church Flowers Hazel Kerr 856993 Cricket Club Adrian Farr 856691 Cubs Maxine Walker 856232 New Dorcas Society Rosie Pitkethly 856155 First Aid Training Val Mulcare-Tivey 856935 Footpath Rep Brian Martin 856664 Friday Morning market Sue Tekell 873225 Friends Meeting House Angela Newbrook 856464 Garden Club Jane Foster 856466 History Society / Archive Derek Towler 856680 Guides Sue Brown 07915 648952 Guides – Senior Section Sarah White 856032 Judo Club Andy Kiberd 811433 Ladies Group Gina Going 856211 Meals on Wheels Ann Howard 856325 Medi-Call EMS Val Mulcare-Tivey 856935 Minibus Adrian Greenway 856892 Over 60s Eve Stephenson 856293 Parish Clerk Greg King 855805 Police All non-emergency 101 Rainbows Liz Hooper 856814 Scamps Sophie Osborne 856103 Scouts Andrew Lipski 821671 Stebbing Society Jenny Nichol 856401 Tennis Club Erika Taunton 07841 904362 Village Hall Donna Kiberd 811433 Village Stores Volunteer staff 856380 White Hart Nick Eldred 856383

Please help us to stay up to date - tell us about changes – Richard Foot 856122

62 As the crowds began to slip away and the great clear up began, it was only left to thank all the wonderful people who made this year's fete such a success. Whilst putting away the bunting for next year, I noticed a crumpled piece of paper at the back of the cupboard. It had been written by last year's organisers and was titled 'Never Forget!' I thought you might like to see it...

NEVER FORGET  In the run up to the school fete no one is more powerful than the chair of the AFSS. Put his number in your mobile so you know who's calling and prepare yourself accordingly

 If you have ever worked in accountancy/book keeping/banking, keep this a deadly secret. When the gazebos are being taken down and everyone else is relaxing with a Pimms, you will be counting 10 pence pieces in the Pod

 If you are going to donate a book for the book stall, ensure you have not written your name in it (unless it is of a highly intellectual nature)

 Bake Off - do not attempt to buy a cake at Dorringtons and pass it off as your own

 If you have ever worked in media, beware. If there is the slightest possibility you have ever met, or even walked past, someone remotely famous, you will be expected to invite them, or at the very least have them sign something for the raffle.

 No matter how bad you are in the kitchen it is essential to make an effort for the cake stall. There is no greater fear than your Gluten Free Banana Loaf being labelled 'make us an offer' at the end of the day If only I'd found this sooner.....

Andy Kiberd

63 Caption Competition

Can you write a caption for this photo? A bottle of wine for the best we receive (in the Editor’s opinion)! Please send entries to The Editor: Richard Foot

[email protected]

Closing date is 1st October 2016

Winner of the Summer 2016 (#138) Competition

I thought some entries were trying to be a little too clever and I chose instead to go for a simple, but pleasing, twist on an old proverb. The winner was Ruth Farnfield with:

You can lead a horse to the village shop but you can't make it volunteer!

Stebbing Scene is your magazine and we hope that you enjoy receiving it each quarter. Thanks to our advertisers, we are able to produce a professionally printed magazine, which is delivered free to every household in Stebbing. Our first priority is to entertain and inform village residents, but we hope that in doing so we can ensure that advertising with us is worthwhile. For most people in the village, when seeking local tradesmen or services, the natural first source of information is the Scene. If you own a small, or large business, why not place an advert in ‘Stebbing Scene’. Prices for 4 issues range from £30-£95. We can only produce a magazine that meets the needs, and satisfies the interests of Stebbing residents if you continue to send us articles and reports of events and social activities in the village. We welcome photos, reports and announcements covering all aspects of life in Stebbing. Let us have your views on the magazine and on how we can improve and develop. If you have an opinion, a moan, or a suggestion then please contact one of the team. Please send contributions to: Richard Foot (articles, reports, and letters) [email protected] Karen Howe (advertising) [email protected] Jackie Kingdom (obituaries) [email protected] John Pitkethly (queries about delivery) [email protected]

Copy date for next issue is 15th November 2016 All contributions are welcome. E-mail is preferred where possible, but even handwritten contributions are accepted (if we can read them).

DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot assume responsibility for errors. Stebbing Scene is delivered free to all Stebbing residents and its existence depends on our advertisers. However, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for resulting transactions. 64