119 Autumn 2011 Stebbing Scene

StebbingStebbing SceneScene Your Village — Your Magazine

Edition No: 119 Autumn 2011

A Celebrity Comes To Stebbing! More pictures in centre pages.

Following Jenny McGinn’s departure to pastures new (see page 2) I somehow found myself holding the baton in the race to be the editor of the Scene. It proved surprisingly easy to win a one horse race - and I hope that I can prove a worthy successor to those who have done so much to produce a magazine that we are all rightly proud of. This has been achieved by having strength in depth (I’ll try to avoid too many clichés!) and in producing this edition I have been guided (or perhaps tolerated) by Jenny, Jackie Kingdom and Peter Finlay. I have also learned how much we depend on many people in the background who ensure that Stebbing’s free magazine is of such good quality. I have much to live up to, and hope you will help me with your contributions and ideas on how to make the Scene even better.

Richard Foot Editor

A big thank you to Jenny McGinn

Jenny has been Editor of Stebbing Scene since Anne Howard stood down in 2005. It is true that she was ‘strong armed’ into the role by her partner Tony Lanyon, but he convinced her that she could do it, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for that (as for much else). The magazine she inherited was in A4 format, stapled in one corner, and before that year was out a printer had been bought and the magazine transformed into A5. Whereas in 2005, an issue had 36 pages, the magazine has since grown to some 60 pages today. Tony helped out of course, and Jenny was able to rely on invaluable support from others, including Jackie Kingdom, who took on the advertising, and Rodney Evans, who helped with the printing and suggested the change of format. In mentioning these, I hope that others will not feel ignored, as the magazine depends on a great deal of help from people in the village, whether contributors, deliverers or those helping in other ways with production. Jenny wishes to express her gratitude to all who have helped her over the years. Jenny McGinn & Tony Lanyon

Jenny first moved into the area with her family in 1966 and she got to know a lot of people in the village when Mrs Scott asked her to help out at the White Hart for three weeks – which resulted in her working behind the bar for more than three years. It was here that she met Tony and his first wife Pat, who remains a good friend of Jenny’s today. Jenny raised her children here and her husband Patrick played cricket for the village, and was chairman of Stebbing Cricket club. He died in 1994, and a few years later Tony, who was by now separated from his second wife, invited her out for dinner and they became partners soon after. They remained so until his death in April of last year.

Jenny is now moving on, and has found a house to suit her in Castle Hedingham, where she will be closer to her daughter. Understandably she feels unable to keep on the task of editing the Scene, although she has loved her life in Stebbing and is sad to be leaving it. She continues to have a great many friends in the village, however, and she will not be too far away to visit often.

On a personal note, I was grateful to Tony and Jenny for the friendship they showed towards Margaret and me after we came to the village in 2002. It was they who asked me to do some interviewing of long standing residents to record their reflections on village life for the Scene. It enabled me to contribute, and at the same time to learn a little about the people of Stebbing. I hope that in taking over the role of editor I can continue to develop the magazine as Jenny has done, and can still call on the help of the many people who do much of the hard work!

It is our Stebbing Scene and you have handed over a magazine in fine form Jenny, for which we all thank you. Your many friends wish you well in your new home.

Richard Foot

Annual Village Cricket Match – St Mary’s Church v. A Stebbing X1

“ The BBQ is not very well – it’s not going to work!” comes a phone call about four days before the event. “Why, what’s wrong?” says I. “It’s got a holey bottom” comes the reply. “I know it’s the annual Church Cricket match but aren’t we taking the analogy just a little too far” says I.

“No, no, no” comes an exasperated response “It’s obviously been left out in the rain and the bottom has rusted away !”. “Can you fix it?” “Do you know, I think I can” comes the enthusiastic and positive response – “Well, onward Christian soldier!” says I and Phil Cobb and his trusty cohorts do a magnificent job in rendering the BBQ totally fit for purpose.

….and so started events for the annual Church v a Stebbing X1 Cricket match. The weather was absolutely perfect and James Crick and Kevin Meakin – the two Captains – strode purposefully to the middle – flicked the coin and Stebbing were to bat first. This normally heralds the immediate issue of hard hats to all the spectators, cars hastily moved to safer places and the boarding up of any windows within a one hundred yard radius ! – and so it was that the Stebbing team set about the Church bowling with great gusto. Even Steve Sparrow, who valiantly and possibly unwisely had volunteered to umpire – called for a suit of armour!

As ever the Stebbing X1 batting was excellent with great scores from Kevin Meakin, Dale Brinkley, Graham Joliffe and James Hill who all reached the statutory 25 runs before retiring. It was only some inspired fielding and bowling from the Church team that stopped the score from becoming embarrassing. Special mention must be made to Rob Matthews for his superb one handed catch and for the Mills family – Owen and Mark’s bowling and Ian’s catch which I think surprised him as much as it did the batsman!

Continued on next page->

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->Cricket: Continued from previous page. Sledging was fairly rife during the match – Mike Studd our resident Paramedic asked me if he should shadow one of the villages batsman – just to make him feel slightly uneasy ! Nick from the White Hart announced loudly that the wine was corked which rattled the Vintner somewhat ! The village team scored 169 for 7 which was a great score for 20 overs. Now came the turn for the Church team to wield the willow with great gusto – however it was more like wobbling the wood as a fairly severe collapse ensued. However, as usual Rob Matthews secured his 25 runs to try and bring some normality to the proceedings. Then Andrew Simister approached the wicket – his is a tree surgeon by trade – and promptly launched a huge 6 over the large tree on the boundary – it made him feel at home ! Very soon the last man was walking towards the wicket - the Vintner had been pressed into service. I love village cricket, where else would you find a wicketkeeper called Sid smil- ing benignly with two cans of Carlsberg lager behind the stumps?! The bowling was very gentle and generous towards the last man in and it was only the demon pace of Wild Wally who undid the Vint- ner’s and the churches innings – we finished on 106 all out !

The BBQ held together well and Richard Wilcox and Peter Milner did a wonderful job feeding the masses – it as a great turnout with about 110 people spectating. Special thanks must go to Mike and Cath Studd who staffed the bar and for Cathy Beaven and Sue Crick who sorted out the food. Many thanks to the umpires Steve Sparrow, Paul Short, Wally and Ian; also to Humph Barbier who stepped in at the last moment to do the scoring – a very difficult task as no-one really knew the names of who was bowling or batting – which made his job interesting to say the least, some of the finer details will be lost in the mists of time.

The actual game finished at about 9.15pm and at 9.08pm I had the following message on my mobile from Phil Barker and Dave Stokes who were sampling whisky and worrying the Haggis in Scotland!. “Good Evening Vintner – Scotland calling – just enquiring how the losing team are feeling ! Cheers Mate !” Isn’t is amazing how news travels !

Yet again a really great evening and many thanks to all who made it so special – Stebbing does it again! Here’s to next year – you never know, the Church may even win ! on the other hand ………..

The Vintner

Escape to the Country Michelle Keeling

It was a cold, crisp January morning. I stepped out of the car and exclaimed “This is it, this is where I want to live forever” (we were of course in the heart of Stebbing). As we had travelled through the village, images of rosy cheeked school children and my daughter emerging from the church on her wedding day had already leapt into my mind.

We tried to absorb everything around us in an instant, it was as though I had fast forwarded the next 20 years and created a patchwork of happy memories. From that moment on, I knew that even if the property we were about to view didn’t tick all the boxes; the quest for finding our family home in Stebbing had begun. Thankfully my husband felt exactly the same. We both had the strangest sensation that somehow we had returned home. Our fate was sealed.

As a family, we had watched endless episodes of programmes all based around starting a new life in the country but as we scoured countless properties on ‘Right Move’ all that inspired us were projects well beyond our means.

At times we tried to talk ourselves out of our pipedream, but each time the view of the church from the winding lanes, or the quaint little village pub kept calling us like whispers across the fields. Repeatedly, we resumed our search but for many months our labours were fruitless, until one day the phone rang.

A gentleman had responded to an advert we had placed in the village shop (as seen on TV by Phil and Kirsty!). As soon as we stood in the stunning garden of his property, my husband and I looked at each other and smiled. We had hit the jackpot just as we were about to give up hope. After a three year rollercoaster of house hunting and many hours of soul searching, we realised our dream and moved into our new house on a very wintery night just before Christmas 2010.

Nearly a year on, the magic of Stebbing still captivates me. As each season dances past, I marvel at the wonders of nature with its colours and textures. I look out of the window every morning and think to myself, “Aren’t I privileged to live in such a beautiful place” As a family, we have never looked back and know that if our next 20 years in Stebbing are as wonderful as the last few months, we will certainly be living the dream.

In light of the recent riots very close to our old home, our move has most definitely been an ‘Escape to the Country’. We are so grateful to be part of a very friendly community that has gone out of its way to make us feel extremely welcome...... thank you Stebbing.

Essex County Council

Stebbing Primary School

Stebbing Dunmow Essex CM6 3SH

Headteacher Mrs Karen Wallace

Telephone 01371 856260 Fax 01371 856091 Email [email protected] August 2011

Every week in school we come across at least one or two incidents which can either makes us smile, laugh out loud or even shed a tear. As part of the work around the Royal Wedding this term, some of the children wrote their own vows. I hope you find them amusing, touching and funny as we did.

I Poppy, choose you Claudia, I Claudia, choose you Joseph,

to be my best friend, to be my best brother,

to care and to share, to love you and to care for you, from this day forward, for better or worse, from this day forward, for sickness, for happiness, for better, for worse, to be kind till it’s my last day. for illness, for health, I will seal my promise by looking out for you. for sadness, for happiness

till I die, I will seal my promise By Claudia Brown by being friendly.

I Jack, choose you Biscuit, I Sophie, choose you, Bill, to be my evil minion, to be my Grandad, to poo and wee, to love and to care for you, from this day forward, from this day forward for better, for worse, for fatter, for slimmer, for better, for worse, in harmony, for jokes and for laughter to protect you and save you, to love and to care, till you die. every day and night. I will seal my promise by feeding

Our summer Fayre this year was a fantastic success and I hope many of you came along to meet Chris Evans. He was an absolute star! He posed and autographed his way through the afternoon, with a smile and a joke for everyone. The added attractions of our local (all redheads too!) Fire brigade and a couple of Harley Davidson motor bikes meant there was something for everyone to admire, if they were a little too old for the bouncy castles. We raised a lot more than we would normally, for an event such as this, so thank you again if you too came along.

As we prepare for another school year, the builders are just finishing off the expansion of the staff room and the teachers are in getting the classrooms ready. This year we were oversubscribed again and can now only accept applications from within the catchment area, which includes Stebbing and Little Dunmow. We now have 129 pupils arranged in mixed age classes across 5 class bases. Just about perfect for our school and our historical buildings.

I am sorting out the dorm’ allocations for our year 5 and 6’s residential trip to Kingswood, where we will be abseiling, canoeing, rock climbing and fencing, among many other activities. Then straight back in time for Harvest Festival which is 5th October at 10:00 am at the church. I do hope many of you can join us, even if you don’t have any family members at the school - we would love to see you there.

Yours sincerely

Karen Wallace

Pat Fullard 1946 - 2011

Pat Fullard, a loving wife, mum, Nanna and friend to all that crossed her path in life. Mum was born in Tottenham just after the war in 1946. The only child of Violet and Charlie. Adoring parents with very little but love. The family moved to Harlow new town, when Mum was seven and quickly settled there, making lots of friends. She married her first husband and they moved to Stebbing in 1970 to a bigger house where she found her spiritual home. There were problems, but she was always there for her children and would do anything for us, even if it meant going without herself.

We learnt where Hatton garden was at an early age, the food on the table more precious than the jewellery she wore round her neck. Over the next two dec- ades Mum lived and worked for countless people in the village. I once com- mented that she could have started her own job centre with the amount of work she did.

But all sad stories deserve a happy end- ing, and Mum’s life changed drastically when she turned 40. She met and fell deeply in love with Ken. He was her soul mate as well as her new husband.

We all have our own special memories of Mum. Mine is of pushing a second-hand sofa down the street, my Mum falling into it in fits of laughter, as we both watched the world go by, tears streaming down our faces. That was my Mum, seeing the funny side of life no matter what it threw at you.

Pat was a fighter all her life, even during the last hours when she clung desperately to life. She wouldn’t let anything get the better of her and I wish I had her courage. Diane’s early memories of Mum were of taking her to dancing competitions around the country. Mum would scrimp and scrap the money together so Diane could keep her hobby going and she would sit in the front row, shouting louder than any other Mum to show how proud she was.

Mum adored her grandchildren and their memory was when she would say “if I catch you, I’m going to turn you upside down and smack your bottom.” Of course she never did because she was so proud of us all.

I’m sure everyone has a favourite memory of Mum and she will be badly missed. We know she will continue to look over us and that she will be looked after in her knew world. She will be forever in our thoughts, Take care Mum, we all love you.

LOVED LIFE.

Don’t shed a tear for me, please do don’t cry, Because I’m around you still, for I did not die. I’m here in your memories, deep in your heart, In your soul, always close to you, never far apart. Remember me and all the moments we’ve shared, Every second treasured, nurtured, forever cared, Fill my parting with remembered joy and love, While I watch content with the angels high above, To laugh, to sing, to love, to breathe the air, these things I miss, To live life to the full, as well as a tender kiss. Walking through god’s garden of yellow roses shining bright, I watch and give you comfort through the night, So cherish my life and let me live forever on, As we walk life’s sweet gentle song, Till we meet again remember me, and celebrate my life, Pat June Fullard, friend, mother, nan, daughter and finally wife.

By Paul Wood - 1st August 2011.

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One Man’s Stebbing

In conversations with some long standing Stebbing residents, the name George Emery has frequently come up – usually followed by an amusing and affectionate anecdote. George died in 1980, aged 76 years, but not before his life had been documented in a short booklet entitled, “One Man’s Stebbing.” This was compiled by a fellow villager, Robert Holles, who recorded George talking about his life before writing it up as a “memoir” which describes, “a growing up to middle age through a world of rural poverty and squalor … when the villagers had to make their own amusements, and very few managed to find the resources to escape from their immediate environment.” The Stebbing Society, which produced an initial 250 copies, published it, and there was a further print run after it sold out. If you are not one of those fortunate enough to have an original copy, the booklet is in the archive of Stebbing History Society, and is a delight to read. Robert Holles explained that his reason for wanting to document George’s life was that he had never, “met another man so resilient to the whims of fortune, so cheerful in the face of difficulty.”

George had three children, the oldest being David, who is known to many friends in the village as “Dickie”, and is the only one of the three to have remained active in village life up to today. It was when speaking to David that I learned that his father was not the first George Emery to have played an important role in Stebbing life, as his great grandfather George had been Parish Clerk for 26 years in the time of Queen Victoria. His death is recorded in the Stebbing Parish Quarterly Paper of March 1904 and there is a later description of how the bells rang a “date touch” containing 1904 changes of Plain Bob, half muffled as a token of respect. Half muffling is often used ‘in memoriam’ and is achieved by having a thick leather pad called a muffle strapped to one side of each bell's clapper. In the following June it was announced that the vicar, Ernest Clapton, had appointed Harry Emery, David’s Grandfather, to succeed George because he was, “so marked out for the office by his fitness and his character.”

David’s father, George, was born just after the death of his namesake. His memoir opens with the words, “I was born in 1904, on April Fool’s Day, in Rose Cottage next to the church, where H. De Vere Stacpoole wrote his ‘Blue Lagoon’. One Man’s Stebbing describes a very different upbringing to that experienced by children today. George tells how he was required to go to church three times on a Sunday. “There wasn’t no use sayin’ you warn’t goin’, you had to go. We went at eleven, and three o’clock was Sunday school- and the half past six service.” His father, Harry, was a strict man, who “always had a little stick round by the water tank” that he used when George misbehaved. It doesn’t seem to have worked very well however as George’s own account suggests that, while he accepted the consequences of his behaviour, he gave little thought to them when there was mischief afoot. He happily recounted occasions such as truanting from school and stealing eggs from a henhouse, which led to “a tannin’ the next mornin’ at school, and another one when I got home that night. They always gave you a double dose of everything, that time o’ day, whether it was brimstone or senna pods or what it was, they’d see you done your job all right.”

Unfortunately for David, his father’s upbringing set the template for how he was disciplined. David was always expected to do jobs like getting in logs or cutting grass before he was allowed to go out with his mates in the evening. George would always find him something to do. He also knew everyone in the village so well that he heard about any mischief his son was up to, and David recalls how, “If I’d gone somewhere I shouldn’t, he always knew before I’d got home and gave me a clip round the ear.”

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->One Man’s Stebbing: Continued from previous page

In spite of the many amusing tales George tells of his early life in One Man’s Stebbing, hardship was never far away. In 1917 he lost both his brother and his sister, Edward and Elsie, in the same year. “My brother was reported missin’ in the battle of Gaza. My sister died of tuberculosis when she was sixteen. Course they didn’t know the cure for it then.” He talked about how he knew most of the villagers who were killed in the war and how, “You never forget, even after all that while.” Edward Emery is listed on the war memorial among the many young people from the village who lost their lives at the time. Working life too was very different, and when George left school he started in Ruffel’s Yard, where he 1 got seven shillings and sixpence a week for 62 /2 hours work – including Saturdays until one o’clock. His father had worked as a wheelwright for H & C Ruffel before him, and when George started there he started at the bottom – quite literally, as he seems to have spent quite a lot of time down in the sawpit. On one occasion a misalignment caused the back of the saw to cut his chin open “An o’ course blood flew everywhere.” The scar was there for the rest of his life and he got little sympathy for having made a mistake. Being the new boy in the yard with 25 or more other men he was subject to a lot of teasing “they’d make a fool of yer if they could, which was nearly impossible for me, ‘cause I was already one.” Having been told to walk to Lewis’s in Dunmow to pick up “’alf a dozen post holes… they said they hadn’t got ‘em dug yet, but as soon as they ‘ad they’d send ‘em over to Ruffel’s.”

The Stebbingoes Review 1933 with George 2nd from left

In spite of the long hours of work, however, there seems to have been plenty of play - and a lot of effort went into that as well. “We used to give concerts … When I was about twenty, twenty one, we’d be all the winter makin’ the scenery, and we enjoyed it, there was nuthen else to do. Then o’ course we had our sport and that, behind the scenes, as you might be sure.” He described the girls of Stebbing as having been “very friendly” and he explained, “I’ve always reckoned The Brooms was the most fertile land in Stebbing. I used to go courtin’ over there myself, many times, takin’ different girls, and the wife that I married.” (The area known as “The Brooms” was towards the gravel pit, between Church End and the old A120). One Man’s Stebbing: Continued on next page->

->One Man’s Stebbing: Continued from previous page

Stebbing was a poor parish in the 1920s and George describes how many were “scrapin' to live then.” There were also a lot of big families and “One old girl, she said she warn’t goin’ to give her old man any more taters week-ends ‘cause... he got a bit starchy.” George was 27 when he married his first wife, Kate, after the turn of the decade, and they lived together until her death 22 years later. They had a daughter who died in infancy. When talking about Kate many years later he said that she was very good with money and wouldn’t sleep if just a ha’penny out on accounts; unlike his second wife Mary; “if she was a thousand pound out she’d lie on the pillow and snore directly, that wouldn’t worry her”. Over the years the other workers at Ruffel’s Yard moved away and the place deteriorated. George was able to buy the house and yard to run the building, decorating and undertaking business that he is so well remembered for. Soon afterward he sold the house and made enough of a profit to cover his original outlay – and some more besides. When the second world war came in 1939, George added the role of Air Raid Warden to his list of duties in the village. At 55 years of age George married Mary, a farmer’s daughter from Lower Hall Farm in Bigod’s Lane, who was herself a widow. David was born in1959 at Yew Tree farm (near Andrews Field). The family subsequently moved to Marks Farm on the Broadway, where the vet is now situated. In the late 1960’s George sold Ruffel’s yard and set up his business at Brook Cottage. The family moved into the cottage, which provided very basic accommodation. David remembers it as very dingy with a toilet at the end of the garden, bath-time being a tin bath in front of the fire. As the cottage stood next to the stream, the whole cottage was damp and David has an abiding memory of damp carpets. This continued until George gained planning permission to replace the cottage with Brook House. David also remembers that, apart from a trip to the Isle of Wight, when he was around 6 years of age, they never had a family holiday. George didn’t believe in holidays, just a one day outing each year to somewhere like Clacton or Walton. His life it seems was too bound up with his work and village life to want to be anywhere else. As he grew older, David started to help his father with the undertaking business and remembers how things might occasionally not go to plan. At a burial in Braintree on one occasion, the grave had simply not been made large enough and the coffin descended only six inches before becoming firmly wedged. George was livid when the coffin had to be retrieved and rested on supports for the remainder of the service. On the next occasion he was asked to conduct a funeral in Braintree, he gave them much larger measurements than necessary in order to teach them a lesson.

After a funeral, George liked to stop in a hostelry on the way home and David recalled that, following one interment in Chelmsford, they called into the Pig and Whistle at Chignal Smealy only to find the clientele trouping out as a mark of respect for the Landlord, who they thought was being collected! When George died, David was only 21 years old, and he helped his mother to continue the undertaking business at Brook House for a further 20 years or so. They also started up a garden centre, which was successful for a while, but David acknowledges that, as his father had observed some years earlier, his mother perhaps lacked the concern for detail essential to being a good business woman. David bought some fallow deer and developed a small herd at Brook house. His first doe was named Blossom by the children of Stebbing School, a particularly appropriate name because of her habit of eating his plants. Following Mary’s death however the business was eventually sold in 2002, and David started his own business in Hornsea Farm at Bran End. He remains active in various aspects of Stebbing life - as his family have done for many generations.

Allowing George to have the last word, he observed that, “In the old days there was more content- ment and people were more friendly…we didn’t have nuthen in those days and didn’t expect nuthen. Now we’ve got everything and we keep askin’ what else can we have? You wonder where it’s all goin’ ter finish.”

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THE ALPHA COURSE

“If you want a no-holds-barred, open and honest discussion, you can bring all the questions and things that annoy you about anything to do with Christianity or religion to Alpha. You can ask it, listen to what has got to be said and then make a decision. “IF YOU NEVER ASK THE QUESTIONS – YOU’LL NEVER GET THE ANSWERS .... and if you never give it a go you’ll never know whether it was right or wrong, good or bad”.

Ever wondered what it’s all about ?

Over 2 million people in the UK and 14 million worldwide have attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations across the world.

Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions with a day away. People attend for a wide variety of reasons – some want to investigate whether God exists, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

The course is based around small groups of around 8 people and will begin with supper – a chance to get to know others in the group. Each week the talk looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith, followed by a discussion in small groups. There is no charge for attending the Alpha course.

The Alpha course starts on Thursday 22nd September at St Mary’s Church, Stebbing, from 7.15pm until 9.30pm. If you are interested in attending please contact one of the three names below so that we can have an idea on numbers for catering purposes.

If you are still not sure what it’s all about and want to have a general chat or would like to receive more literature relating to it then please either contact Rev Tim Goodbody 856080, Sue Crick 822166 or Cathy Beaven 856378 or visit www.alpha.org .

Alpha Course Reviews:

“What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions – life and death and their meaning”. The Guardian

“What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings – that, and its astonishing success”. The Times

“Many claim Alpha has changed their lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience”. Time Magazine

“Alpha is an unqualified triumph”. The Daily Telegraph

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Dining by Knight our regular recipe from Dan & Sarah Knight

Dan's Piccalilli recipe

By salting the vegetables first, you ensure that they remain crunchy when cooked. Makes around three 340g jars.

1 small cauliflower, broken into small florets, large stalks discarded (about 500g) ½ cucumber, peeled, quartered, deseeded and chopped (about 250g) 2 onions, peeled, halved and thinly chopped (about 200g) 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks (about 130g) About 50g fine sea salt 500ml cider vinegar 250g sugar 2tsp mustard powder ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp crushed cumin ½ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp grated nutmeg 1 good pinch chilli flakes 1 good pinch cayenne pepper Freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp cornflower

Put the prepared vegetables into a large bowl, sprinkle over the salt, stir, cover and leave to stand in a cool place, ideally for 24 hours or at least overnight. The next day, rinse with iced water and pat dry. Over a low heat and stirring all the while, warm the vinegar, sugar and spices in a large, stainless-steel pan or preserving pan until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat, bring to a boil, then season generously with pepper. Add the vegetables, bring up to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk the cornflour with some of the hot cooking liquid until it makes a smooth paste, then stir it back into the piccalilli mixture. Bring up to a boil and simmer for five minutes. Transfer to warm, sterilised jars and seal with vinegar-proof lids. Wait for about a month before using. It will keep for around nine months. ·

Dan & Sarah Knight Contact: 0781306 1033

Stebbing end - to - end Walk

How well do you know your village?

Would you like to join a walk, viewing Stebbing from top to bottom, meeting on Sunday 2nd October at 10-00am outside The White Hart?

The route will be 7 ½ miles via Lindsell and back to The White Hart for a swift half (at about 12.30 / 1-00pm) followed by 5 miles via Stebbing Ford Bridge, Andrewsfield and back to The White Hart for another swift half, if Nick is still open.

Come for the first part, or the second part, or all of it; your company will be welcome.

Just bring your sense of humour and, because it might rain, wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Brian Martin Church Cottage Church End, Stebbing

Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst M.P. Surgery Dates 2011

Friday 9th September WRITTLE Writtle Village Hall 18 The Green 5.15 - 6.00 pm DUNMOW Foakes House, Town Council Office, 47 Stortford Road 6.30 - 7.15 pm

Friday 7th October THAXTED The Guildhall, Town Street 5.45 - 6.30 pm SAFFRON WALDEN The Old Armoury, 3 Museum Street 7.00 – 7.45 pm

Friday 11th November BOREHAM Village Hall, Main Road 5.15–6.00pm DUNMOW Foakes House, Town Council Office, 47 Stortford Road 6.30 - 7.15 pm

Friday 2nd December STANSTED Parish Council Office, Crafton Green 5.45-6.30 pm SAFFRON WALDEN The Old Armoury, 3 Museum Street 7.00 - 7.45 pm

No appointment necessary but if you require any assistance please ring 01799 506349

The Essex Poetry and Prose Society The programme for the remainder of 2011 is:

July & August NO MEETING September 25 Poetry competition Adjudicator t.b.a.

October 30 Annual General Meeting Followed by members bringing a poem from childhood

November 27 Brian Burden The Stories of H G Wells

December NO MEETING

To book Stebbing Village Hall or the Dorothy Pelham Room, contact the Booking Clerk: Mrs Donna Kiberd, Tel: (01371) 856 607 or by email: [email protected]

Farming Diary

The drought finally ended, with the late rains in June and July helping to rescue some of the crops from complete disaster. One of the side effects though was a lot of secondary growth in the crops with green ears and tillers. A lot of crops were sprayed off to get rid of this problem, which if not dealt with leads to the heaps of grain in the shed heating up and being rejected by the end users.

We started cutting oilseed rape on the 25th July, with yields that were better than expected. Rape is one crop that seemed to cope with the long dry spell better than most. We then moved onto wheat on the 2nd August, finally finishing on the 22nd. Yields have been all over the place from good to awful. There are still some beans to combine, which will hopefully be done in early September. Our attention is now on cultivations for next year’s crops, and planting the oilseed rape, but the current catchy weather is making this a very stop/start affair. Ten days of good weather would see the harvest in this area all but finished and hopefully allow us to plant next year’s crops in good conditions. I would like to thank the team for all the hard work and long hours they have put in over harvest and cultivations.

Mark Lanyon

Murray Garrard Beecroft 12 May 1925 – 19 July 2011

Murray was born and brought up in Hampstead, London. The eldest of two sons of an English father and American mother. He felt he enjoyed an idyllic childhood with many adventures, as every three years or so, the family would travel to Minnesota to visit his maternal grandparents and cousins. Travel would involve weeks on one of the great liners of the day; the last visit was aboard the new Queen Mary, followed by long train journeys. Heaven for small boys.

Back in England, Murray and his brother would accompany their father to Brooklands Racing circuit, admiring the cars and soaking up the atmosphere. He was educated at Westminster School but was quickly evacuated due to the outbreak of war. He excelled at languages at school, specialising in French & German.

On his 17th birthday, Murray was accepted for pilot training with the RAF in the ‘Dambusters’ Bomber Command. On completion of the course, he was not immediately required for service, so in common with colleagues, he was sent to Oxford for his first year course at Christchurch College. Murray returned to Oxford and completed his degree in his sixties.

Murray got his wings in 1945. He captained a Lincoln bomber and did spells as a flying instructor in both UK and S. Rhodesia. After leaving the RAF, Murray joined Philips Electrical but, frustrated by big business, he left and formed a small company, Britannia cars, with a friend, building specialised GT cars. They perfected five models but lacked capital for the company to grow.

Another entrepreneurial venture was the then innovation of office drinks vending machines. Again, due to lack of sufficient funds to keep up with potential growth, Murray and his colleague sold the business.

His most successful venture was an Antique Shop on Chalk Farm Road, Hampstead. Murray loved the stock and would often place a ‘sold’ sign on pieces of furniture because he simply could not bear to part with them.

In the 1960s, Murray discovered Stebbing, buying a row of three small cottages, at Warehouse Road, from Miss Chopping. With the assistance of an architect friend, he made a very beautiful house by combining the three into one. One great advantage was the barn in the garden, where Murray housed his beloved Classic cars, at times a Crossley and a Napier Railton. He lived here for over 45yrs, adamant that he would not leave when his health deteriorated. Thanks to the support of his friend Greta John, neighbours, the village Meals on Wheels service and others, Murray almost realised his wish, going into hospital only after a stroke made staying at home impossible. He died in hospital on 19th July.

Stebbing School Summer Fayre

Clare Moreton (Association of Friends of Stebbing school) has sent us these photographs of Chris

Evans and the fireman at this year’s Summer Fayre. She reports that it was a huge success, raising £1800 pounds. There were all the usual fete activities, bouncy castle, raffle, craft stalls, lucky dips etc. It was lovely to see so many people from Stebbing support the school and, although the people came, the rain stayed away! The barbeque and bar were very popular. Clare reports that her husband cooked burgers and sausages for a solid 2 hours, with the queue never letting up. The bar staff couldn’t make the Pimms quick enough.

Chris Evans signed lots of autographs, and had his photo taken with anyone who asked, including the firemen. All con- cerned described his contribution to the occasion as, “Fantastic!”

The photographs were taken by Rona Cox.

Sloes (Prunus spinosa )

Sloe Gin

 450g/1lb sloes  225g/8oz caster sugar (more or less, depending on taste)  1 litre /1¾ pint gin  Sloes are best if picked after a frost. It enriches the flavour and splits the hard skin. Alternatively, pick when Sloes are ripe and wash and place in freezer overnight Or, pierce the skin of fruit with a small fork. Place in sterilized bottle add sugar and half gin. Shake well to dissolve sugar. Add remaining gin and close securely. Shake bottle regularly until Christmas. Drain Sloe Gin into a clean sterilized bottle and keep in a cool, dark place. You can eat the remaining sloes. They are good with ice cream or as an accompaniment to cheese – Warning: they have a high alco- hol content!

Elderberry Cordial ((Sambucus nigra)  Bucket of Elderberries  Granulated sugar  Cloves Use a fork to remove the Elderberries from the stalks into a bowl. Place them in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the Elderberry mixture through a muslin or straining bag, squeezing to make sure you get all the juice out. For each pint of juice you get, add 1lb of granulated sugar and 12 cloves. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, and then bottle in sterilised glass bottles, making sure that the caps have a plastic seal. If you prefer a spicier cordial, add an equal amount of the cloves to each bottle you make up. The Elderberry cordial syrup will last up to two years.

Elderberry Jelly  2lb elderberries (approx)  ¼ pt water  2lb preserving sugar  Juice 1 lemon Wash and strip the berries from stalks, place in a preserving pan or large saucepan with the water and crush the fruit wit to release juice. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for about 20mins. Strain through a jelly bag and measure the juice. Make up to 2pts with water if necessary. Add the sugar and lemon juice and heat gently, stirring occasionally until all the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a rapid boil for two minutes. Test for setting by pouring a teaspoonful onto a saucer and see if it gels. Leave to cool, pot and cover in the normal way. This recipe can be used for most fruit jellies – quince, plum, rose hips, etc

THE MAD MEDIC

Hello everyone, I hope you are well in spite of the wishy-washy weather. I am typing this quickly as I am on duty tonight and have to contact my friends in Mumbai prior to my trip, before I go to work.

I have been giggling to myself because someone phoned this morning to tell me she was worried after having an autopsy [biopsy] yesterday. She had already phoned last week to tell me the GP had given her some ointment for her pylons [piles]! Not everyone enjoys their work but I feel privileged to have so many different aspects to my work, ranging from palliative care [ end of life ], trauma, Holistic therapies, First aid training, Heartstart training, and exam assessing, plus my voluntary work with people coping with Parkin- son's. Long hours and no sleep, but definitely very rewarding.

On top of that I am trying to write my book about Mumbai and the response has been phenomenal, with orders pouring in even though I haven't had time to finish it yet. People are amazing and really inspire me.

I have now booked my October trip to Mumbai, thanks to my very understanding family. Everything regarding Mumbai, cost-wise, has shot up dramatically, so I am just working non-stop but it will be worth it.

A couple of people have said that they want to buy a box of cartoon plasters, available in Dalton Travel, and donate two pounds to my children. I don't know your names, so if you leave your names and address on the donation envelopes, I would love to write and thank you. I really appreciate your kindness.

Everything helps and I have so much to buy, it is quite overwhelming. After the recent bombings I am doing even more craft workshops as therapy for the children, and also as a means for them to earn money from things they have made.

I am truly grateful that my path has led me to these wonderful children and for being surrounded by people who show me so much love constantly.

Take care, keep safe and well, love Valerie xxxxx

Super Fast Broadband

If you have registered your interest with Uttlesford Council, you will have received a communication to say that it is estimated that it will take 8-10 weeks to work through the several hundred people who have done so. The service is provided by FibreWiFi and carried on the Buzcom Radio Network. No telephone line is required to receive the service and it is due to go live on Wednesday 31st August 2011. Full details of the service can be found at www.fibrewifi.com

It is not too late to register but the demand has been considerable and the firm will be contacting people to arrange installation in the order in which they registered their interest with Uttlesford District Council, via their website or FibreWiFi.com.

The next email you receive will be during the next 8-10 weeks (depending on when you initially registered) asking you to click the, "Buy Now," button on the FibreWiFi.com website so that you can purchase the service and receive an installation date. Please do not click on the, "Buy Now," button until you have received an email inviting you to do so.

In the meantime updates will be posted on the FibreWiFi.com website and the coverage maps will be updated.

Any questions to: [email protected] or if that is not convenient you can call during office hours on 0845 363 2053.

Policing in Essex

The following extracts are taken from a longer letter, which the Chief Constable has written regarding proposals for policing in Essex.

We have listened to the views of the people of Essex and we will ensure that our core stations will remain open to the public during the times when they are most used. Our consultation which begins with staff today (23rd August) will focus upon altering the opening hours of some police stations and the closure of front counter service desks in others.

The plans propose that nine core stations will remain open to the public between 8am and midnight, 7 days a week. These are: Basildon, Grays, Harlow, Southend, Rayleigh, Colchester, Chelmsford, Braintree and Clacton. If these proposals are confirmed, out of hours contact direct to the Force Information Room will be provided through a dedicated telephone outside the police station. It is proposed that a further 16 stations will offer a front counter service from 12noon to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. These stations are Halstead, Saffron Walden, Maldon, Pitsea, South Ockendon, Brentwood, Loughton, Witham, Great Dunmow, Southminster, South Woodham Ferrers, Canvey, Tilbury, Billericay, Epping and Harwich.

It is crucial for residents to understand that even when a front counter service desk is closed, officers in many cases will still use the building as a base. Officers will continue to be available on patrol 24 hours a day, regardless of whether the front counter service desk is open. With 94 percent of people in Essex telling us that they would wish to report a crime via the telephone, we are making it easier for residents to contact us. Essex Police is delighted to be part of the launch of a new national non-emergency number: 101. Anyone in Essex who wishes to contact the force can dial 101 from anywhere in Essex and will be put through to our switchboard. Our previous non-emergency number, 0300 333 4444, can still be used for the next 18 months. Of course, 999 should still be used in an emergency.

In addition, we are proposing to introduce a Crime and Incident Management Bureau (CIMB) that will provide an enhanced service for anyone reporting a crime or anti-social behaviour incident. The CIMB will provide a 24 hour crime bureau with the ability to record and manage crime investigation. It will ensure the robustness and consistency of all investigations, ensure that the best and most successful practices are constantly shared throughout the force, and provide a focal point for contact with victims of crime and ASB.

Our neighbourhood policing teams will continue to be highly visible and to engage directly with the members of the communities they serve. Each of our 143 neighbourhood policing teams run regular Neighbourhood Action Panels and, where appropriate, beat surgeries, to offer local people the opportunity to engage directly with officers about the issues that matter to them. Our seven Mobile Police Stations are typically deployed in locations where we know members of the public congregate – for instance, in supermarket car parks in town centres - or as part of a specific event such as the V Festival or in response to incidents such as a crime series in a particular area.

As the proposals concerning the closure of front counter service desks at a number of stations are subject to consultation with staff through Unison I will not be able to confirm the outcome of this process and the final decisions around the changes in police station front counter provision until consultation has finished. If the plans are approved, Essex Police anticipates that savings will be in the region of £2.5 million, which will be a valuable contribution towards our savings target of approximately £41 million by 2014. In conclusion, I would reassure everyone that Essex Police is a 24 hour service and officers will continue to be accessible round the clock, every day of the year, to members of the public.

Yours sincerely, Jim Barker-McCardle Chief Constable Essex Police

Mobashar (Bill) Hamidullah 1940 – 2011 by Derek (his brother in law)

His name was Mobashar Hamidullah, but he acquired the name ‘Bill’ as a child because of his love for cats, the Urdu for cats being billi.

Bill was born in Rawalpindi then in British India, prior to Partition, on 9th March 1940, in the old family house. His father was an army officer and for the duration of the Second World War they lived in many parts of India. At Partition they were in Delhi and got safely to Karachi and the family lands near Rawalpindi. Bill's father was an administrator and helped to set up the infrastructure for the new nation. He was well-connected, the family being well acquainted with the Jinnah family.

In 1954 Bill was sent to Bishop's Stortford College in Hertfordshire and became friendly with Rod Wall, whose parents took Bill under their wing and their home in Carbis Bay in Cornwall became his second home. Mrs Wall was always "Mum 2" to Bill until her death. In 1959, while Bill was visiting Rod in the summer holidays he met Enid. She was doing a student vacation job at the hotel in Carbis Bay.

Once he and Enid were married and living in London, Bill branched out and worked in the automotive field, managing a garage near Baker Street. It was about this time I first met Bill as I had started going out with Jean, Enid's sister and I was invited to lunch in a restaurant near the garage, where ever so discreetly Bill gave me the once over, to make sure that I was OK.

Bill’s first individual business was in 1972, a partnership in the village garage in Stebbing. By then he & Enid had Matthew and Bill was only yards away from home, so was able to see plenty of their new small son. He was ambitious for his family and expanded into partnership in 2 other garages, one in Dunmow and one in Southend, and he became busier and busier.

Village life in Stebbing was to Enid and Bill's liking and Bill took time out to play cricket for the village. He had loved sport at school and had represented it at both rugby and cricket. Now here he was enjoying the comradeship of village cricket in East Anglia, and Harry Wiseman and Bill became good friends, getting up to all sorts of larks

In 1976 Bill and Enid decided to Pakistan so Matthew and Enid could experience Bill's native land and see his family Life in Islamabad, where they were based, was so different then and they had a most rewarding time there which lasted for five years. Bill's business and administrative skills, al- lied to his engineering background, meant he was ideally suited to a job that came up at the Ameri- can International School of Islamabad, and the fact that he spoke Urdu and was western- educated made him the right candidate to be the General Services Officer, rather like a Bursar cum Business administrator. The job was stressful, but he loved it.

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In 1979 Bill became a hero for the American school when the US Embassy was attacked and burnt out and then the rioters started on other US buildings, including the school. Bill received (and typically was very self-effacing about it) a US Senate Commendation for his help in warding off the rioters and organising the evacuation of the non-essential personnel from the Embassy, and subsequently in getting the school running again.

When Enid and Bill returned to the UK in 1981, they settled in Broxted not far from their old home. Bill went back into the garage business, winning various awards for customer service and outstanding trading. Following Enid's illness he gave it all up so as to move to Devon, to be able to enjoy a less hectic life at Furze Clift.

But it wasn't long before Bill was back in harness as the Bursar and Business Manager at Stratford School in London, one of the new Technology Colleges. These were very fulfilling years, but meant lots of hard work and stress. Bill finally retired in 1999.

Retirement meant a return to Devon so that Enid and Bill could enjoy their grandsons while they were little. Bill spent some time using his skills for charities - the Grocer's Benevolent Fund, the MS Society - and he was a School Governor in Tiverton. These activities helped to extend even further their wide circle of friends.

Unfortunately, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a few years ago and suffered a stroke. I don't care to remember Bill as he was latterly. I prefer to think of him as an outgoing, friendly, generous person, a demon Monopoly player, an accomplished slow bowler, an enthusiast and an optimist.

Extract: “The Guide to Real Village Cricket’ by Robert Holles ( Harrop Books) 1983

“ ….genuine tonkers – those batsmen who instinctively get to the pitch of the ball, time their strokes perfectly, and send the ball soaring high and wide to the chapel roof, who can change the complexion of a game in a couple of overs – still exist, although they have become a rare species, ………

Stebbing have possessed four genuine tonkers over the last twenty five years – Big Tony, Bill – a Pakistani – Malc and Norman. The first two were built like armoured fighting vehicles, the second of steel cored wire. Bill once scored a hundred going in at No. 8, and I can recall him at Shalford clearing the players from the neighbouring tennis courts”

Book Extract With thanks to John Holles

Stebbing Village Hall

Autumn Programme:

Zumba class starting Wed 21st Sept 6-7p.m

Table Tennis is on Tuesdays 7.30-10pm contact Andy Kiberd on 07903 473593 for further details or just turn up.

A reminder that the Village Hall is for hire for functions book via Donna 856607.

Stebbing Bowls Club

Another bowling year is almost over following a very successful season which started in April. We have had a full fixture list with friendly matches most week-ends with a variety of Clubs both local and further a-field. Our own Club competitions are also nearing completion.

The Club is always looking for more players and welcomes new members of all ages. No experience is needed and free tuition is readily available.

The Club will be holding an Open Afternoon on the day of the Village Fete—Sunday 25 September and many members will be on hand to welcome you and provide guidance.

So, if you are interested, why not pop in for a cup of tea and a chat and try your hand at bowling in readiness for a start next season. We look forward to seeing you then.

Two Simple Gardeners

1. Now is the time to buy 'prepared' bulbs. Plant them in your chosen pot, preferably using bulb fibre. Place in a cool, dark place for about 10 weeks. Bring into the light when shoots are 5-10cm tall. Hyacinths, planted now, should be in bloom by Christmas. 2. Remove old summer bedding plants if they have finished flowering. 3. Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. Replant new, young outer growth in well-prepared soil. 4. Buy sweet pea seeds for autumn sowing. 5. Cut back tomato plants from the top to leave three or four fruit trusses at the bottom to continue ripen. Also cut away some of the bottom leaves, to allow air to circulate. 6. Look around garden centres for plants showing their autumn colour. Plant these now, for instant colour in the garden. They will return next year bigger and better. Try Japanese anemones in sun or partial shade, Michaelmas daisies in shades of white, pink or blue, or even a Sedum, its flowers loved by bees and butterflies. 7. Continue to harvest fruit and vegetables. Store in cool conditions. Freeze, jam, bottle and 'share' any that will not store. 8. Gather together all the garden catalogues that come through the door. Save them for the short days and long nights. Sit in the warm, with something liquid to drink, (your choice!) and plan for your garden in 2012.

Do you want to save half your fuel costs to London each day????

I am looking for daily transport to London, Tower Bridge area.

I am starting my flying career a London Metropolitan University, beginning September (Office hours)

I can travel to your home each morning. I live at Duck End, Stebbing.

If you can help, please contact Sam Barker

Tel: (01371) 856 510 or mobile: 07875570955

Looking forward to hearing from you

Stebbing Directory AFSS/Stebbing School Office 856260 Badminton Richard Pellatt 856218 or Diane Lunn 856462 Beavers Maxine Walker 856232 Bell Ringing John Gilbert 856516 Bowls Club Ken Copping 856338 Brownies Lorraine Irani 07788 412813 Carpet Bowls Reg Frost 856712 Church – St Mary’s Tim & Ruth Goodbody 856080 Church Flowers Hazel Kerr 856993 Cricket Club Adrian Farr 856691 Cubs Wendy Kibblewhite 856470 New Dorcas Society Pat Childs 856341 or Dorothy Pelham 856733 First Aid Training Val Mulcare-Tivey 856076 Flitch Youth FC Phil/Marina Bull 856560 Footpath Rep Brian Martin 856664 Friday Morning market Sue Tekell 873225 Friends Meeting House Angela Newbrook 856464 Garden Club Joan Matthews 856041 History Society / Archive Derek Towler 856680 Guides Sue Brown 07915 648952 Judo Club David Walsh 856770 Ladies Group Maxine Walker 856232 Library Direct Pauline McAllister 856478 Meals on Wheels Eve Stephenson 856293 Medi-Call EMS Val Mulcare-Tivey 856076 Minibus Adrian Greenway 856892 Toddlers Helen Mason 821511 Over 60s Peter McGuinness 856254 Parish Clerk Linda White 856756 Police All non-emergency 101 Rainbows Liz Hooper 856814 Scouts Andrew Lipski 07595690009 Stebbing Society Jenny Nichol 856401 Taxi Bev Harrod 856440 Tennis Club Keith Chapman 856632 Village Hall Donna Kiberd 856607

White Heart Nick Eldred 856383

We can only stay up to date if you tell us about changes – Richard Foot 856122 50

STEBBING GARDEN CLUB SUMMER SHOW.

Despite the dry and hot Spring and the problems associated with growing and preparing for the show, members and non-members bought along entries that once again filled the village hall with colour and scent, and with vegetables to the envy of many.

Tables were full of home made jams, chutneys, and cakes. Photographs, handicrafts and flower arrangements. As in previous shows the children from the village school showed their considerable talents. There were plastic cups decorated with faces growing ‘Mustard hair’. So many watercolours of ‘My Garden’ that we had to put up pin-boards to display them all, and photographs of ‘At the Waters Edge’ that gave the judges a difficult time choosing the prize-winners. Thank you again to the teachers for putting time and effort and encouragement into the exhibits.

Although most of the entries were from members of the Garden Club, we were delighted to have some from non-members this year, especially the three gentlemen vegetable growers. Their entries added that extra competitive spice to the ‘Vegetable Section!’ With all the hard work put in by the Show Committee, the support of members and non-members alike, plus everyone that visited us in the afternoon, we once again, had a successful Show. Cup winners were as follows:

The F.W. Woodroffe Cup for the most points in Cut flowers, Pot plants, Soft fruit & Vegetable Section. Mr. Dick Hughes.

The Fothergill Cup for the most points in the Preserves and Cookery Section. Mrs. Mavis Butson

The May Trophy for most points in Handicrafts Mrs. Joan Matthews

The Presidents Cup for most points gained in Show Joint winners: Mrs Jane Foster, Mr. Dick Hughes and Mrs Joan Matthews.

Stebbing Garden Club meets in the Village Hall, Mill Lane, 8.00pm the fourth Monday in every month. We would welcome new members. Why not come as a visitor to one of our meetings and see what we do? Contact any Committee Member or ring Joan Matthews 01371856041, for details

Stebbing Ladies Group

Great company, delicious food and foot tapping music. Fun was had by all – both the ladies and their guests for the annual Summer Party which was held at Stebbing Cricket Club Pavilion.

It was a perfect evening and we were entertained for the second year running by Woodwind of Dunmow who played great foot-tapping tunes for us.

We would love to have even more ladies join us for our monthly meetings. If you have never been before and think you might like to give us a go, then our next meeting is for you. All are welcome.

Wednesday, 28 September at 8pm in Stebbing Village Hall.

Stebbing Ladies Summer Social 2011

‘STEBBING LADIES’ NEW MEMBERS EVENING WEDNESDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2011 Village Hall @ 8pm.

‘Stebbing Ladies’ meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month for friendship, talks and social activities. Cass Edwards from Cascade Colour and Style is coming to talk to us in September, about which colours best suit an individual and how to wear them. If you would like to come to our ‘New Members Evening’ please visit our stall at Stebbing Fete on Sunday September 25th and pick up an invitation. Moira Steadman

Secretary SL Tel: 856238

STAYING IN IS THE NEW GOING OUT

Say hello to longer days and warmer evenings and bring some fun back into your home. Get your friends and family together for a Jamie at Home party and share with them Jamie Oliver’s gor- geous, designer-led Jme homeware collection – great ideas for alfresco entertaining; all your BBQ essentials; beautiful kitchenware and great ideas to keep the kids amused. As the Host, you’ll also receive Loyalty Points to redeem on the Jme products of your choice.

To book your party call Liz Major on 01371 856187.

ADVICE ON SECURING SHEDS & OTHER OUTBUILDINGS

The recent spate of incidents, have seen high quality power tools, hand tools, road bicycles and mountain bikes, being stolen from sheds, garages, farm outbuildings and lock-ups across Essex. Owners are being urged to assess the security of their property. The Police are urging everyone to ensure their premises are secure and are offering some practical steps that can be taken reduce the risk of burglary.  Ensuring that all sheds, garages, workshops, lock-ups and other outbuildings, are in a good state of repair and that any damaged or rotten sections of their structure, which could make it easier for a thief to gain access, are repaired or replaced.  Use quality close shackle padlocks, which cannot be easily levered or cut.  If you have a window in the premises, consider whether you actually need it, and if not consider boarding it over securely. Otherwise, make the window opaque or cover windows to ensure the property inside is not on display.  Consider fitting key operated locks to any opening windows or screwing them shut.  Where the building is a wooden structure, consider lining the property with plywood sheeting to make it more difficult for a thief to get through without proper tools and lots of time.  Consider fitting an alarm, these are readily available from DIY stores or local locksmiths.  Chain any tools through their handles to large heavy items such as lawn mowers or cultivators. If you have neither of these fill a bucket with concrete and, using a masonry fixing, chain your tools to this.  Mark all valuables within your premises with your postcode and house number; record serial numbers of all equipment and keep the records safe.  For good security lighting using existing lights, consider installing a time switch, or add sensor lights. Ensure that all sheds, garages, lock-ups or other relevant outbuildings, are securely locked - and never left unlocked whilst unoccupied. For further crime reduction advice, please contact your local Crime Reduction Officer: Peter Caulfield, Tel: 101 Ext: 395387 [email protected]

J O K E…..

Two men are leaning on a gate, looking over a harvested field.

Bill: Have you heard that the EU is considering banning those round bales? Fred: No, why's that then? Bill: They say that the cattle aren't getting a square meal.

Doooh! You think you can do better? Then let’s hear from you!

Parking restrictions High Street Stebbing

Stebbing Parish Council have for some time been looking at the problem of parking in Stebbing High Street. The issue was highlighted when an ambulance was unable to drive into Motts Yard because of cars parked on the opposite side of the road reducing the turning space.

There will be two proposed areas of parking restriction. 1. Outside Tudor Cottage/Motts Yard. This restricts parking on both sides of the road eliminating the problem of larger vehicles turning into Motts Yard. It also provides a refuge for cars that have come out to pass the often long row of parked cars and a vehicle appears coming in the opposite direction.

2. Outside the entrance to The Old Friends Meeting House This parking restriction is just on one side of the road and extends the current “Keep Clear” box to provide a greater space for vehicles to turn into the OFMH car park and safely pull out into the High Street.

Currently this plan is presented for informal consultation so if you have any comments please contact: Linda White, Clerk to Stebbing Parish Council. 01371 856756 or [email protected]

Next Parish Council Meeting: Thursday 8 September 2011 at Old Friends Meeting house

We would like to thank all the lovely residents of Stebbing who gave so generously to support our appeal for Baby Powder Milk which was sent to the Children’s Treatment Centre in Ukraine.

Two vans with trailers delivered aid, together with 47 cans of milk, in time for the celebration of their 15th anniversary on 27th June, 2011.

The need for Aid is on-going and whilst we appreciate times and pockets are very stretched at the moment, if you would be happy to donate soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes or loo rolls, it would be most gratefully received.

Once again our sincerest thanks.

Barbara and Alan Daines 7 Brookfields Stebbing Telephone 01371 856511

FEAST QUALITY CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS Buffets, Children’s Parties, Business Lunches, Special Occasions, Dinner Parties, Funerals.

Alison 01371 856285 or Tina 01371 856672 Mob: 07527 725180 Mob: 07527 545998 www.feastcateringessex.co.uk Email: [email protected]

STEBBING PARISH COUNCILLORS/CLERK 2011-2012

CHAIRMAN Cllr. Christina Cant 856334 VICE CHAIRMAN Cllr Jane Goodwin 856843

COUNCILLORS Mr Ernest Howard 856325 Mr Peter Finlay 856570 Mr Philip Hawkes 07976 925 203. Mrs Sandi Merifield 856527 Mr Brian Martin 856664 Mrs Margaret Rufus 856122 Mrs Jackie Kingdom 856572 CLERK Linda White, Chalks, Rosemary Lane, Stebbing, CM6 3RR 856756 COMMITTEES HIGHWAYS AND LIGHTING COMMITTEE Cllr Jane Goodwin 856843 Cllr Ernie Howard 856122 Cllr Brian Martin 856664 PLANNING COMMITTEE Cllr Jane Goodwin 856843 Cllr Margaret Rufus 856122 Cllr Sandi Merifield 856527 GREENS COMMITTEE Cllr Sandi Merifield 856527 Cllr Margaret Rufus 856122 Cllr Dr Peter Finlay 856570 Cllr Ernie Howard 856325 Cllr Jackie Kingdom 856572 PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE Cllr Ernie Howard 856325 Cllr Margaret Rufus 856122 Cllr Jackie Kingdom 856572

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Cllr. Mrs Christina Cant, West Side, The Downs, Stebbing 856334 COUNTY COUNCILLOR Simon Walsh e.mail [email protected] 01371 810451

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Rt Hon Sir Alan Haselhurst, Conservative Association, The Old Armoury, Saffron Walden, Essex 07799 850391 House Of Commons SW1A OAA

Your advert could be right here….

Sub-Editor & Advertising: Jackie Kingdom [email protected]

Did you know that this issue and back copies are available to download from the Stebbing Parish Council Website

www.StebbingParishCouncil.ukpc.net

Caption Competition

Can you write a caption for this photo?

Super Autumn Prize for the best one we receive. (in the Editor’s opinion!)

Please send entries to: The Editor: Richard Foot [email protected]

Closing date is 1st October 2011. Results will be published in the next issue.

Winner of the Summer 2011 (#118) Competition

“Some members of the Stebbing Drinking Society found it difficult to line up for the team photograph”

Sent in by Brian Houghton

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 range from fifteen to sixty pounds.

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) – [email protected] Jackie Kingdom (advertisements & obituaries) [email protected] John Pitkethly (queries about delivery) [email protected] Copy date for next issue is 20th November 2011 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. As you will know, Stebbing Scene is free and its existence depends on our advertisers. However, the Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions.