East Hanningfield News Is Published by East Hanningfield Parish Council and Delivered by Volunteers to All Homes and Many of the Businesses in the Parish

EAST Autumn 2017 HANNINGFIELD NEWS No. 161

Some of the attendees at the All Saints’ Pets’ Service in June

EDITORIAL NOTE

East Hanningfield News is published by East Hanningfield Parish Council and delivered by volunteers to all homes and many of the businesses in the parish. Inclusion of articles or advertisements does not signify endorsement by the Parish Council.

Copy date for the next edition is Friday, 17th. November, for publication on 1st. December.

Earlier submission is welcome: later submission might be excluded!

Please send electronic copy to [email protected] or hard copy to 2 Clinton Close.

This and copies back to 2004, plus the first 12 editions and the advertising rates can be found at www.essexinfo.net/easthanningfieldparishcouncil/east-hanningfield-news/

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2 PARISH COUNCIL

Thank you to everyone who responded to the request in the last News for comments on possible traffic calming along the Tye, and also to those who posted their comments on the display board at the Fete, who filled in an electronic questionnaire online, or com- pleted one of the paper versions available in the shop and Village Hall lobby. A lot more questionnaires were removed from the shop than returned to me, so please get them in as soon as possible so your answers can be included in the analysis, which will be presented to PC at the September Meeting.

An initial glance at the responses shows that residents’ concerns about traffic speed and volume are not confined to the Tye.

Safety, or rather lack of it, at the Common is currently under investi- gation by the Local Highways Panel. A traffic/speed census has already taken place and a pedestrian survey will be carried out this month.

The three sessions provided during August were very well attended, with 70 children present at the first morning. Chelmsford City Council provides the staff and equipment and PC pays a fee for each session and pays rent for use of the Village Hall. HFC charges PC half rent for the sessions, so these events are a good example of partnership working for the benefit of the community.

At the time of writing, notices have gone up at the site to announce the sale of the paddocks behind the pumping station and numbered houses in Old Church Road. It is believed the purchaser intends to apply for planning permission to develop the site. It is highly unlikely that permission would be forthcoming, due to the robust nature of the Local Plan. Apart from the affordable housing site and the Mo- relands Industrial site on the other side of the A130, there is no further housing allocation for East Hanningfield in the Plan.

If you would like to receive updates on the more contentious planning issues in the parish, East Hanningfield Action is still sending

3 out emails. You can ask to be included in those mailings at [email protected] .

On another planning issue, it seems the housing association that was going to be building the affordable housing for local people on the site between Old Church Road and Back Lane has pulled out, allegedly because of the possibility of a gypsy site behind the pumping station. PC is waiting to hear more information.

PC is also waiting to hear what has become of the plans to rede- velop the Morelands Industrial Estate for housing. The site is in need of the clean-up, in more ways than one, that the development would bring.

Also on a planning note, a policy officer from Chelmsford City Council came to talk to PC, at the August Meeting, about Neigh- bourhood Planning. Neighbourhood Plans can be financially re- warding for a community if there is to be development, because a neighbourhood with a NP gets 25% of the community infrastruc- ture levy paid by the developer rather than the usual 15% to the parish. Of course, the community will have paid out thousands of pounds to produce the plan, so that should not be the only incen- tive to embark on such a project. The officer’s advice was that PC should look very carefully at what the community’s aspirations are and to see whether they can be accomplished without a Plan. A very important point to consider is whether PC could encourage enough community participation to make it work, as this is an essential element of the process.

There are a couple of works due to take place on the Tye this month: fifteen of the old white posts are to be replaced and the py- racantha is to receive its annual cut back.

Following the installation of the new water main through the Tye, a temporary reinstatement was done with top soil and seeding which is to be reviewed this month. The seed was not expected to be successful when put down as we had been having a dry spell, but the weather turned rather wet and became perfect for grass growth. Unfortunately, the delicate, soft nature of the seed bed was not respected by some drivers who had to drive through or

4 park on it, leaving deep ruts. Workmen installing gas at the church were also less than respectful, but were made to return and put matters right.

I know that users of the local footpath network (public rights of way) are wondering what on earth is happening about the foot- bridge joining Hanna’s Field with the Buttercup Field, which has now completely disappeared. I reported it to County Council High- ways back in October, 2016 and received a phone call early in the New Year saying that it was going to be dealt with within 6 weeks. Using the report number, it is possible to access a progress report which gives the following vague information, “This issue has been investigated, risk assessed and recorded in line with our Mainte- nance Strategy and we are in the process of scheduling works”. Our area has now been allocated a footpaths officer by Ringway Jacobs, and he is now looking into this matter which he says is supposed to be actioned by the City Council.

Forthcoming PC Meetings are to be held on the following Thurs- days at 8pm: 21st September, 26th. October and 23rd. November. They take place in the first floor meeting room at the Village Hall. Please enter by the door in the north end of the Hall, not the main front door. Shortly after the opening of each Meeting there is a Public Question Time for residents to raise matters of local concern. Please note that if you want PC to consider a matter at a Meeting, it will need to be on the Agenda, so please send me the details in writing a week beforehand.

Minutes and Agenda can be found on PC’s website along with ac- counts and other archived information. Matters of immediate concern are usually posted on PC’s Facebook page.

Karen Plumridge, Clerk to the Council 400628 [email protected] www.essexinfo.net/easthanningfieldparishcouncil

5 YOUR PARISH COUNCILLORS ARE: Peter Applegate—22 Bicknacre Road Paul Austin -1 Rough Hill Farm Cottages John Bedding —2 Chennells, Old Church Road Les Draper— Highfields Farm Cottage Martyn Gard —5 Rough Hill Farm Cottages Paul Garner —Havenhurst, Back Lane Jim Howe —Ditchleys, The Common YOUR CITY COUNCILLORS ARE: Matt Flack  [email protected] Richard Poulter  [email protected] YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR IS: Ian Grundy ian.grundy@essex.gov.uk

6 CITY COUNCILLOR

It is unlikely that any visitor to Chelmsford can have failed to notice the rough sleepers in the High Street or near the train station. An annual count of rough sleepers is made annually in November. The annual figure averaged over the last six years is ten. The numbers are creeping upwards and last year the number was fourteen. I sus- pect the number has increased again. The number could be higher as it does not include ‘sofa surfers’.

Rough sleeping is a specific and perhaps the most extreme example of homelessness. The three main causes of homelessness are: The termination of privately rented accommodation by landlords Relationship breakdown with partners involving violence Parental eviction.

Chelmsford City Council has recently published its review of homelessness and its strategy for the period 2017 to 2022. It lists those categories of priority need that it has a statutory duty to rehouse. The main reason is households with dependent children. The council will meet all priority need applications although some may be housed in temporary accommodation.

None of the rough sleepers on our streets are ignored. All have been approached by local and national charities. For the past two years the Council has worked with St Mungo’s to provide a ‘no second night out service’. Each rough sleeper known to the service has an action plan tailored at bringing the person out of rough sleeping with the appropriate level of support. Even with this level of support there are those entrenched rough sleepers who are not ready to en- gage with services and remain sleeping out. Even so, the outreach service and offer will still be made to them.

The issue of rough sleeping is difficult. There is a natural tendency to feel sorry for these individuals and concern for the circumstances in which they find themselves. That concern is shared by the Coun- cil, its elected members and officers. They do however create an un- favourable impression of Chelmsford which is not warranted. Moving them on or fining them for aggressive begging could be an option but would probably exacerbate an already delicate position.

I would welcome residents’ views.

Richard Poulter  [email protected] 7 8

It is so good to report on a very successful Village Fete, which was held on 1st July with excellent weather, not too hot and dry! This year it was jointly held with All Saints Church, sadly there being no involvement with the Village School as in the previous 2 years. However, I am very pleased to report this was our best Fete result ever, raising an amazing £5,000 which will be shared equally between us, a huge boost to both organisations for ongoing improvements.

Personally, for the first time ever I was able to be part of the whole event watching everything taking place, having just come out of hospital 2 days before, and usually being in the kitchen serving refreshments, I was able to enjoy it all! Everything went very well with a very good attendance and excellent feedback by word of mouth and via a Facebook survey. We had deliberately tried to keep the Fete to a traditional format this year by making it a family event and this seems to have been achieved and appreciated by those attending.

We owe a to everyone who contributed to helping us achieve this with prior planning and the hard work on the day setting everything up, running stalls or providing the entertainment. Also to those people who stayed on helping to clear 9 everything away, which is a huge feat, ensuring the site is left as good as it started.

We are very lucky in the village to have the support of so many sponsors/donors from all the local businesses/organisations who very generously helped us, just too many to mention individually but they were all shown and thanked in the Village Fete Pro- gramme which was delivered to every house.

However it has to be said that the future of an Annual Fete after this year is becoming debatable. Both Hanna’s Field Charity and All Saints Church continue to struggle with commitment from any new members on their management committees. Most of the Charity’s committee have been giving their time voluntarily now for 25+ years and yes we were young when we started, working full time, raising families and leading busy lives too, but most of us now have reached retirement and unfortunately as we get older health issues start to make a big difference in what we can physically achieve at these big events. We are always seeking new members to help us keep the Charity going but there is still a very big misconception that our Village Community facilities are run and funded by Local Government and the Parish Council, which is not the case. We run these facilities from the hire of the Halls and Sports facilities and from money raised at the Fete and the Annual Art Exhibition together with applying for Grants for essential repairs and improvements to the facilities. Being a member of the Charity Committee does not have to be onerous; we hold just 6 meetings a year, every two months. Being on the separate Fete committee is very similar but mainly for planning purposes between January – June and then in August to review the event.

We continue to improve and repair the facilities with redecoration being carried out over the summer holidays when bookings are lower, in a number of inside and external areas, but there is always more to do but we have to prioritise this work to the funding we have available. One big issue, which is not going to go away, is Car Parking, which at certain times of the day becomes very con- gested which in turn can make it a risk for pedestrians and especially the children at drop off and collection times. David Bell, one of our Charity Volunteers is currently getting quotations for us to

10 extend the car park to the side of the Hall, this is a very expensive project though and will be dependent on successfully gaining grant approval, which is not guaranteed, but a start on work might be possible by the end of the year. Another Charity Volunteer, Paul Austin is currently working on building a new website for the Chari- ty, a work in progress but looking very professional. Use it to find out more about the Charity and its volunteers.

The next fund raising event is the Annual Art Exhibition and Sale being held Friday 27th October (evening) and Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th during the day. There will also be the regular Book Sale running upstairs in the Meeting Room/storage area. We look forward to seeing everyone who comes to appreciate the great quality of art on show from local artists, along with homemade cakes and refreshments included in the entry price.

The wheelie bins at the Hall are strictly for the Hall and Shop use only – we have to pay for these and the refuse collection which is separate from the household collection. There is CCTV in opera- tion which could prove unauthorised use! Also if dog walkers could actually use the proper dog bins to dispose of their doggy waste bags rather than placing them in the general waste bins which is a huge health hazard, especially in hot weather.

If anyone would like to discuss joining our Com- mittee you are welcome to contact me, Mike Plumridge, Treasurer (400628) or Wendy Thomas, Secretary (400797).

Jenny Mouser, Vice Chairman 400411

11 12 EAST HANNINGFIELD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Crime update - NhW are aware of the following incidents since the June News: -17/06/17: Three windows stolen from a resident's caravan. -23/06/17: 13 Saddles stolen from local farm. -25/07/17: Child’s scooter taken from Hanna's Field playarea -05/08/17: Moreland Industrial Estate- Man stabbed and man arrested (victim remains in hospital). Source EssexLive. -09/08/17: Tortoise stolen from back garden in Ashley Green. Owner very concerned for its welfare.

There were three more fly-tipping incidents in Back Lane in July, all towards the Chelmsford Road end of the lane. They look like small scale builder’s refuse dumped by a van or small truck so if you see a vehicle of this type in Back Lane record the vehicle registration and tell NhW. If we can give the police something to go on they say they will prosecute because of the scale of fly-tipping going on across the county.

There’s been positive feedback on an Old Church Road burglary involving valuables in May. A man was arrested by police and sen- tenced to 3 years in prison. It’s reassuring to see the bad guys get caught and punished sometimes.

Earlier in the year I attended a public meeting to hear the new Po- lice and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hurst, answering questions on Essex Police. There were public complaints about the lack of Police attendance after burglaries and response times for 101 telephone calls (the number used to report non-urgent incidents). He said that Essex Police having lost 750 officers (20%) since the start of government austerity measures, were having to live with the new reality. These reductions have hit “local policing” disproportionately. Combined with this, the nature of crime and what society sees as unacceptable has also been changing, requir- ing the police to maintain specialists within the overall policing number for things like hate crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime etc. Essex Police are therefore having to prioritise their response to 999 calls (and 101 non-urgent calls) on the basis of “Threat, Harm and Risk” and officers deployed accordingly. So, burglary attendance is

13 now a low priority unless the incident falls into one of these categories! This may not make for pleasant reading but in this new environ- ment, the message is clear for residents – we must take more respon- sibility for the security of our property and ourselves.

On 101 calls, Roger Hirst said that, unless you need to speak to an officer, it’s easier & better to use the Police website rather than waiting for someone to answer the phone (www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online/) .

NhW have a marking kit to aid recovery of stolen items should you be burgled. To back this up the Police recommend you use the public register website (www.immobilise.com ) where you can register details of your valuables (bikes, mobile phones, laptop, cameras etc). Immobilise is a FREE register for ownership details and allows the Police to return recovered personal property to owners. Immobilise is supported by all UK Police forces, the Greater London Authority, and the Mobile Phone Industry.

NhW were reminded recently by a resident that distraction burglaries, bogus traders and the like tend to target the elderly. A “No Cold Call- ers” label at the front door can help to deter these. NhW have a sup- ply of printed self-adhesive labels if you need one or if you have a vul- nerable neighbour who needs one. The police advice is IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT!!!

Since the last issue of the News the NhW representative who covered Coulde Dennis estate, Malcolm Hyett, has moved so it would be good to hear if there is a volunteer to take his place. Also, we still don’t have any one for Abbey Fields &/or The Common. Joining the NhW team just involves being the local point of contact for information which is mostly done by email, and a quarterly area NhW meeting with other coordinators.

Thank you to the people who stopped at the NhW Gazebo at the Fete in July and chatted to David Rackham or asked to receive NhW email alerts (hopefully you are getting them now). There are about 110 residents who receive these, but it would be great if we could increase this number (the emails are "blind” copied so recipients do not see other recipients’ email names/addresses). Contact me if you would like to be included.

Also thank you to the 5 people who volunteered for Community

14 Speed Watch. Four people are now trained and operating with 2 more awaiting training so it will be possible now to operate speed checks in the village more often but if there are any more volunteers please contact me. It involves an hour at roadside with the speed-gun and clip board. Offenders’ car registration numbers are forwarded to the police.

The Parish Council has agreed to a suggestion from NhW to provide 30mph speed signs (on brown wheelie bins) to those residents who previously volunteered to fit the Slow Down signs provided for black wheelie bins. We hope this will help reinforce the message. NhW have asked the Community Speed Watch organi- sation for a survey of vehicle speeds in Ashley Green with a view to making a case to re-designate as a 20mph road due to density of parking & volume of traffic – watch this space!

The next NhW team quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday 6th September, 8pm in the Bethel Church meeting room. These are very informal - contact me (Clinton Close), David Rackham (Old Church Rd) or David Shrouder (Highfield Mead) if you are interested or would like more information.

Mike Plumridge, NhW Co-ordinator.  [email protected].

15 16 VILLAGE DIARY www.essexinfo.net/easthanningfieldparishcouncil/village-diary-2012/ SEPTEMBER Sun 3 9am COMMUNION (BCP) assisted by Rev. Terry Brown at All Saints' Church. 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 6 Black Bin, Green Box, Card Sack & Food Waste. 8pm NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING at Bethel Meeting Room Fri 8 9.30-10.30am MOBILE LIBRARY at Preschool & Hanna's Tots, Village Hall car park Sat 9 11am-1pm CAFE BAR at Bethel Church Sun 10 10 am MORNING WORSHIP at All Saints' Church 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 13 Brown Bin, Paper Sack, Plastics & Cartons Sack & Food Waste 2.35-55pm MOBILE LIBRARY at Ashley Green 3.15-4pm MOBILE LIBRARY at the Village Hall car park Sun 17 10 am HOLY COMMUNION assisted by Rev. Sandra Southee. 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 20 Black Bin, Green Box, Card Sack & Food Waste. 2pm WI MEETING at the WI Hall. Speaker: Mrs. Kary Ball, "Skin Care". Thu 21 8pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the first floor meeting room in the Village Hall. Please use side entrance. Fri 22 9.30-10.30am MOBILE LIBRARY at Preschool & Hanna's Tots, Village Hall car park Sun 24 10 am MORNING WORSHIP WITH BAPTISM at All Saints' Ch 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 27 Brown Bin, Paper Sack, Plastics & Cartons Sack & Food Waste 2.35-55pm MOBILE LIBRARY at Ashley Green 3.15-4pm MOBILE LIBRARY at the Village Hall car park Sat 30 9.30am-12pm. CHURCH YARD TIDY-UP Bring tools if you can for strimming, weeding & pruning. 17 OCTOBER Sun 1 9am COMMUNION (BCP) assisted by Rev. Mike Aston at All Saints' Church. 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 4 Black Bin, Green Box, Card Sack & Food Waste. Thu 5 9.30 SCHOOL HARVEST FESTIVAL at All Saints' Church - parents welcome. Fri 6 9.30-10.30am MOBILE LIBRARY at Preschool & Hanna's Tots, Village Hall car park Sun 8 10am HARVEST FESTIVAL at All Saints' Church 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church (Food items to Roberts Family). Wed 11 Brown Bin, Paper Sack, Plastics & Cartons Sack & Food Waste 2.35-55pm MOBILE LIBRARY at Ashley Green 3.15-4pm MOBILE LIBRARY at the Village Hall car park Sat 14 11am-1pm CAFE BAR at Bethel Church Sun 15 10am HOLY COMMUNION assisted by Rev. Canon Edward Carter at All Saints' Church 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 18 Black Bin, Green Box, Card Sack & Food Waste. 2pm WI MEETING at the WI Hall. Speaker: Mrs. K. Cole, "Witches of Essex ". Fri 20 9.30-10.30am MOBILE LIBRARY at Preschool & Hanna's Tots, Village Hall car park Sun 22 10am MORNING WORSHIP & BAPTISM at All Saints' Church 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 25 Brown Bin, Paper Sack, Plastics & Cartons Sack & Food Waste 12.30 for 1pm WI HARVEST LUNCH in the WI Hall. 2.35-55pm MOBILE LIBRARY at Ashley Green 3.15-4pm MOBILE LIBRARY at the Village Hall car park Thu 26 8pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the first floor meeting room in the Village Hall. Please use side entrance.

18 Sat 28 ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION & SALE at the Village Hall. Sun 29 10am MATINS celebrating PATRONAL FESTIVAL- ALL SAINTS' DAY at All Saints' Church 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION & SALE at the Village Hall. A variety of media is available to purchase and usually includes stained glass, pottery, wood turning, handmade cards in addition to the drawings and paintings both framed and unframed.

NOVEMBER Fri 3 9.30-10.30am MOBILE LIBRARY at Preschool & Hanna's Tots, Village Hall car park Sun 5 9am COMMUNION (BCP) assisted by Rev. Terry Brown at All Saints' Church - An opportunity to pray for those departed & light a candle for them. 10.45am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 8 2.35-55pm MOBILE LIBRARY at Ashley Green 3.15-4pm MOBILE LIBRARY at the Village Hall car park Sat 11 11am-1pm CAFE BAR at Bethel Church Sun 12 10.45am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church 10.50am REMEMBRANCE SERVICE at All Saints' Church Wed 15 2pm WI MEETING at the WI Hall. Speaker: Mrs. V. Patterson, "My Trip to Normandy". Fri 17 9.30-10.30am MOBILE LIBRARY at Preschool & Hanna's Tots, Village Hall car park 19 NOVEMBER CONTINUED Sun 19 10am HOLY COMMUNION at All Saints' Church 10.45am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church Wed 22 2.35-55pm MOBILE LIBRARY at Ashley Green 3.15-4pm MOBILE LIBRARY at the Village Hall car park Thu 23 8pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the first floor meeting room in the Village Hall. Please use side entrance.

Sat 25 10am-12.30pm BOOK SALE & COFFEE MORNING in the first floor meeting room and loft at the Village Hall. 12.30-3pm SENIORS' LUNCH for the over 65s at Bethel Church. Book by 18 Nov. 400665. Sun 26 10am MORNING WORSHIP WITH HEALING at All Saints' Church 10.45 am FAMILY SERVICE at Bethel Church

SERVICE 11A

This Sunday and Public Holiday Service between Chelmsford and Southend has been withdrawn as from the last week in Au- gust.

The service was subsidised by the County Council in a contract coming to an end in August 2017. A review was carried out and it was found that the service required more than the County Council’s maximum subsidy of £5 per passenger. The contract was therefore not renewed.

20 21 CANON CHRISTINE

Dear Friends, Hope you have had a good summer whatever you have been do- ing. There is nothing like a sunny morning for cheering you up and the warmth of the sun on your back. We have had some nice days and some at the weekend, so hopefully those who have fairly rigid hours Monday to Friday will have had some joy.

Writing this in August the nights are still light, but we can see them drawing in. As we approach the winter those who are lonely tend to feel even more isolated with shorter days and longer nights. No doubt there are people in the village who do suffer loneliness and they may be a variety of ages, from the one parent family to those who live on their own of all ages, to the elderly. I am sure we all do our best to visit folk when we can but do let me hear about anyone who might benefit from a visit or organising an event that can get several lonely people together and setting up a network. Some- thing like this can sometimes help.

We have had a lot of baptisms in church this spring and summer and that has been great and an extra wedding we did not expect. This was quite a simple affair which showed that you can have quite a pretty and enjoyable wedding on a low budget. We have been getting our church yard around so that it does justice to all these things. The graveyard part did get a little out of hand at the beginning of the year, the growth is so fast in April/May. The Parish Council do a great job but the area around the graves has to be strimmed, as there is not much space and it is pretty labour inten- sive. The community service people have been a great help and now at the beginning of August it is looking really good. It is important to keep it looking nice for all those buried there and their relatives, and it is a lovely peaceful place surrounded by trees. We are having a church yard tidy up on 30th September, rather like we have litter clearing mornings. It will be 9.30am until 12pm on the Saturday morning. There will be some tools available but please also bring your own if you can spare a bit of time to strim, clear some weeds, prune, and generally make things look nice, so please put that date and time in your diary.

22 The church has looked really good this summer and we are happy to welcome families and children anytime. We always try to have activities for the children at the back in their area, and try to include them in the service, showing things or playing instruments. Do think about baptism or thanks giving for your child if you have not before.

We also hope to start a bell ringing club after school one night for older juniors and the secondary children too. Do let us know if you are interested in learning bell ringing or music in anyway. We are open to young people playing instruments in church to help us out and having a small group or something like that, we play a mixture of modern and traditional hymns. We are approachable too, so do ask and contact myself or Gil Gordon who also has a letter here in the magazine, and we are ready to listen.

Meanwhile take care and know that there is a loving God trying to help in some way, through someone, to support us through our difficulties.

Love and good wishes,

Canon Christine 07787 536512/01245 466534 [email protected]  www.easthanningfieldchurch.btck.co.uk

23 FROM THE CHURCHWARDEN….

Well it has ﬁnally happened, no longer a dream, All Saints has a new heating system! I wouldn’t go so far to as to say I am looking forward to some colder weather to check it all out, but it will be interesting to try it when the need arises.

The old oil boiler was 32 years old and seriously corroded. The oil tank was as ancient and at risk from leaking due to rust, so it was a cause for celebration when that was ﬁnally taken away. The original pipework inside the church was prone to leaks, which proved very expensive to repair, so again when they were drained down, it was a huge sigh of relief. We have kept the decorative Victorian metalwork covering the pipes either side of the aisle, but were pleased to get rid of the large unattractive radiators around the chancel.

A number of options were considered for the new heating system. We consulted with other churches and studied many ideas, but due to their better efﬁciency and reduced fuel bills, plus the fact that the mains pipe ran so close to the church entrance, it was decided to change from oil to gas and three powered-ﬂue gas heaters have been installed. They look rather like large storage heaters and have the ability to blow cool air too, should we have another gloriously hot

Part of the Gym Display at the 2017 All Saints’ Pet Service 2017Village Fete

24 summer. Now I just need to get my head around all the options available for settings! I am sure that will be nothing compared to the worries of the past eg heating not working, pipes leaking, oil tank too old to be ﬁlled, oil leaking or being stolen, squirrels or birds nesting in the chimney etc, etc, etc! Do come and check it out and hopefully enjoy a nice warm church this winter.

Since my last article, we had our second Pet Service in June with 13 dogs, assorted shapes and sizes, and one rabbit. They all behaved immaculately during the service, perhaps sensing the special occa- sion? Canon Christine blessed each one individually and a number of photos were taken. This event usually takes place in midsummer, so keep a look out for the date next year if you would like to bring your pet along for a blessing and enjoy the fun of the day.

Please make a note of All Saints’ website below.

Gil Gordon 400298 [email protected] easthanningﬁeldchurch.btck.co.uk

26 BETHEL CHURCH - THE OLDER YOU GET, THE BETTER YOU GET. UNLESS YOU’RE A BANANA

I am privileged to have older folk in my life that I can confide in, whom I look up to and respect deeply. Their ‘life’ experience often outweighs ac- ademia and political correctness. That’s why I love this quote so much:

“Listen to your elder’s advice. Not because they are always right, but because they have more experiences of being wrong”.

We can all learn so much from other’s mistakes. But we can also learn from the wisdom accrued from a lifetimes experience. Another well- known saying suggests, “there’s no substitute for experience”. We would be foolish not draw upon such a rich source of advice.

One thing is for certain. God is not ageist.

If you had to choose any two people to confirm the arrival of the Son of God to earth, you and I would probably choose two young, yet mature people, with 20:20 vision. But no, God chose Simeon, an elderly blind man; and Anna, an elderly widow who attended the temple every day to worship.

The appearance of these two godly saints in the temple, where they both recognise and proclaim Jesus as Israel’s Messiah, is the event which Luke chose to highlight, along with the Shepherds and Magi, as the most significant incident in Christ’s infancy.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been re- vealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Mes- siah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[c] your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all na- tions: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. Luke 2:25-33

Simeon's testimony (and Anna's in Luke 2:36-38) evidences that age is no barrier to be used by God. At Bethel, we like to put our older folk in their place. A place of honour. A place where they can express their love and joy of God alongside others younger than themselves.

27 Last November we hosted a Seniors' Christmas Meal, and due to its popularity, we would like to do it again this November.

So, if you live in East Hanningfield or the surrounding area, and are over 65, we would love you to join us for a time of good food and early Festive Celebrations.

If you have any questions or want to book your place, call Emma Cockrell on 01245 400665, or email: [email protected] by November 18th 2017.

Hope to see you there.

From all your friends at Bethel Church.

Roydon Hearne

28 29 EAST HANNINGFIELD W.I.

June was the month of our actual birthday. I must add that I think we look rather good for 100 years old. Ladies came in lovely hats or dressed up in various outfits throughout those years. Three of our ladies came as ‘flower power girls’ with their ‘ban the bomb’ and ‘peace for the world’ log- os on. Well dressed ladies mixed with kitchen maids. We dealt with a little business before launching into a well known game of old ‘Take Your Pick’ Hughie Green was compare if my memory severs me right.

Wendy Taylor our secretary was our Hughie and kept the humour flowing as contestants came to answer a question then take their pick, open the box or have their £1 to play the game returned. It could have been a tea bag or a very nice gift. Our hostesses for the day put on a really sumptu- ous afternoon tea and we had a special celebration cake wonderfully decorated and made for us by Hazel Bailey’s daughter Jan. Each member including those who cannot come so often were given a momentum of very nicely decorated wooden spoon with our Name and dates on and tied with a yellow and green ribbon the colours of the W.I. It was a super afternoon enjoyed by everyone.

The celebration did not stop there we continue again in July with our famous Strawberry Tea where ladies from our other six sister group attended also. It seems to be the highlight of our calendar and is well supported for an afternoon of feasting and fun. It was really good. I have to thank our ladies who support these events which are so important to our surviv- al. Without their help putting these afternoons together we would not continue. My special thanks go to the committee and friends who turn out hail, snow and blow and work very hard. Thank you ladies.

Concluding our hectic month we attended the Village Fete. What a good one it was too our thanks to the organisers – this is not an easy task when so few are involved. It was great seeing the young ones really enjoying their entertainment and I believe the beer tent was also well supported. What a great opportunity to meet neighbours and villagers when everyone has such busy lives.

We round off this year with our famous Harvest Lunch on the 25th October at 12.30 for 1.00 all are welcome including our village gentlemen please let us know in advance everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome.

We enjoyed a day trip to Windsor to see the Castle and the town and are having our Garden Party in August. On October the 18th we have Mrs Cole talking about the Witches of Essex on Nov 15 Mrs Patterson is going to tell us all about her trip to Normandy and on December 13th we have Mrs Beighton’s Christmas Party.

Our small hall is also available for hire if the larger one is not available at £15 per hour this includes all the crockery and glasses and table cloths. For further enquiries please contact Chris Harvey on 400561 or Flora Virgoe on 400073 for further details.

This has been a very special year for us and we have had a lot of laughs and fun. The sun hat has taken a battering this year. The skin has had so much sun protection cream I could slip through a letter box. (What a fantastic imagination.)

Flora Virgoe, President.  400073

Line Dancing Lessons for women, men & teenagers. THURSDAY EVENINGS FROM 7TH. SEPTEMBER 7.30 - 8.30 PM Price : £6.00 per person W I HALL, OLD CHURCH ROAD, EAST HANNINGFIELD

(The little "Green Hut") It’s fun, you don’t need a partner, and you’ll meet new friends. It’s very good for you both physically & mentally, helping keep joints supple & building strength in your leg muscles. It’s good for the heart & lungs. Memorising the step patterns exercises your brain & it’s FUN.

All you need are comfortable shoes, which stay firmly on your feet & have a slightly slippery sole, a tee shirt or other loose top - because you will get hot , a bottle of water as you’ll become dehydrated during the physical exercise and, lastly, a good reason why you shouldn’t join in.

Come along & give it a try. It’s really good fun. Look forward to seeing you! Telephone : Chris on 01245 400561 to have a chat or just turn up any Thursday from 7th. September.

31 EAST HANNINGFIELD SCHOOL

The end of the academic year was as always busy and it was a time to say goodbye to the Year six leavers. They left on a high with a super leavers assembly and a trip to ‘Jump Street’ in Chelmsford and finally after lunch they returned to school for the traditional signing of shirts. We wish them all good luck in their new schools. We also had to say farewell to Mrs Wallace who had taught at the school for four years. She is taking on new challenges in a bigger school, in Chelmsford, and will be very much missed. The end of term saw us congratulating Mrs Whitaker who passed her PGCE with outstanding and will be joining us in September as one of our Key stage 2 teach- ers.

The summer term saw our Year five and six children visit the Isle of Wight for their residential. They had a great time visiting the sights of the Island as well as taking a boat trip, bowling and fossil hunting.

The weather was kind to us and the school was able to hold its sports day this term and this was well attended by parents. Key stage two children held a mini-market to raise funds for their chosen charity ‘Cancer Research’. They planned and set up all the stalls ranging from lucky dips, face painting, guess the name of the teddy, stocks, cake decorating and many more. The key stage one children loved taking part in all the activities and classes three and four’s hard work raised approximately £180.00.

Various activities took place this term where the children represented the school. Our Dance and gym group took part in the village fete. Many of the class 3 children and a few class 4 children took part and did brilliantly in the district sports competition that took place at Melbourne sports centre. The whole school took part in our music afternoon and showed off their musical talents to the parents. Part of the Gym Display at the This term we have had visits from the 2017 Village Fete 32 new children that will be joining reception in September 2017. They have met their new classmates and have explored their classroom. We look forward to welcoming them to school.

While the children are on holiday we are having our school hall floor replaced as our previous flooring was dated and in need of repair. We are also updating the school house so that it can be used for office and small group teaching areas. We look forward to utilising these areas when we return to school on Tuesday 5th September.

If you have a child due to start school in September 2018 please do give the school office a call on 01245 400772 to arrange a visit and come and see our good school for yourself.

Kerry Collins, Head Teacher, 400772 http://www.easthanningfield.essex.sch.uk/

33 EAST HANNINGFIELD PRESCHOOL

During the summer term the pre-school children have been talking about places in our village or near our village. Some of the older children were given a tour of our lovely church and were shown what happens at a Christening and how the organ works and they tried playing a tune themselves!

We also have been talking about different insects, frogs, slugs, snails, lady- birds and butterflies. We watched four of our own cat- erpillars turn into chrysalides and then emerge as lovely butterflies. We released them into the sunshine before half term and some of the children experienced them landing on their hands before they flew away.

We held a very successful Sports Day back in June proving all the practising paid off and every child was presented with a medal and certificate. All the visitors watching had an enjoyable time, with parent races at the end. The children always love watching as mum or dad run with the egg and spoon.

The summer term is always a busy one and we took full advantage of the lovely weather making lots of use of our outside area. Some of the children came along to the Village Fete and joined staff members, Serene and Rachel, in singing a few nursery rhymes. At the end of term we said a sad goodbye to 16 children who are now moving on to various primary schools in the area and we wish them all well.

Thank you to everyone that sponsored Serene, our Supervisor, on the John Baron Walk. She and some of the children and their fami-

34 lies managed to raise a magnificent sum of money and this will be added to with the bonus pot in September. We’ll let you know the final amount in the next edition.

We still have a few vacancies for September 2017. If you would like to find out more about the Pre-school take a look at our website , or if you would like to come for a visit please contact us on 07732951613 during term time, or email us at [email protected] .

Sue Belham, Deputy Supervisor.  07732951613 [email protected]  www.easthanningfieldpreschool.org.uk

Preschool at the 2017 Village Fete

35 East Hanningfield Annual Art Exhibition & Sale 28th & 29th October—East Hanningfield Village Hall Forms to Exhibit available from Wendy on 01245 400797 Or at www.essexinfo.net/easthanningfieldparishcouncil/

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