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Tools stolen from van 3.47pm - 29th November 2011

POLICE are appealing for information after various tools were stolen from a van in Loughton. The silver Renault van was parked in Warren Hill between 1.15pm and 1.35pm on Wednesday November 16, when the rear door was forced. A Makita 110v diamond drill, a Makita 18v pillar drill, Makita 18v skill saw, Makita 18v reciprocating saw, Makita 18v jigsaw, Ryobi 110v compressor, Dewalt SDS drill, KAN analyser, Toshiba laptop, Makita 110v skill saw, Makita 110v angle drill, Polyline freezer kit, First Fix plaslo gun, MAC 24v SDS drill, Makita 18v SDS drill, Makita radio, Makita 18v impact driver and various tool parts and accessories were stolen. Investigating officer PC Daniel Stevens said: "The vast majority of items stolen were heat stamped with the company details of 'SJD Mechanical Services' so should be easily recognisable." Anyone with any information should contact PC Stevens at Loughton Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bazaar supports two charities 2.32pm - 29th November 2011

THE St Martin's Church Christmas bazaar held in the Budworth Hall, Ongar, on Saturday

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raised just over £1,000. Half the money will go to the church and the other half split between two local charities. The event was a great success and once again showed the overwhelming generosity of the people of Ongar despite the current difficult economic times. Gill Richardson, the church's Fund-raising Co-ordinator, said: "I would like to extend a big thank you to the fund-raising team, the shops and businesses who displayed posters advertising the event, all the stallholders but especially everyone who came and supported the event." The money raised will be shared between West Essex Mind and Ongar & District Bereavement Service. Gill added: "The warmth in the Budworth Hall could be felt when entering - the true spirit of Christmas really seemed to surround us and it was lovely to see so many happy smiling faces." Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service is a small group of trained volunteers working in Ongar and the surrounding area who help bereaved people deal with their loss. The charity does not charge for its services so rely on donations. For more information visit http://www.odbss.co.uk/ West Essex Mind is affiliated to National Mind and works to support people affected by mental health, and the people around them, on the journey towards recovery. Believing that with the appropriate support everyone has the potential to take steps that will improve their quality of life, the charity aims to achieve this by providing a range of different activities and opportunities. For more information visit http://www.westessexmind.org.uk/

MP's fuel tax campaign victory 2.13pm - 29th November 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has spoken of his delight that Chancellor George Osborne has scrapped the Government's planned 3p fuel tax increased scheduled for January. Mr Halfon said: "I welcome the fact that this Government has listened, and scrapped the 4p fuel duty bombshell that had been planned for January 2012. "High petrol prices are literally adding to our dole queues, and causing a poverty trap, as Harlow people cannot afford to drive to work. "According to figures from the RAC, scrapping the 4p fuel duty rise will save every Harlow motorist £30 next year. And it will save the 37,000 motorists in Harlow a total of £1m pounds. That is £1m more being spent in Harlow shops and bills: £1 m more in the pockets of Harlow residents." More than 100 MPs supported Mr Halfon's campaign which saw an e-petition attract more than 106,000 names - triggering a parliamentary debate on the issue earlier this month. Mr Halfon, with the FairFuelUK campaign, fought a long campaign over the fuel tax issue asking questions in Parliament, speaking at Prime Minister's Question Time and taking part in a protest to Whitehall which ended with a letter being delivered to 10 Downing Street. Mr Osborne, who made the announcement in his Autumn Statement to the House today (Tuesday), added that a fuel tax increased planned for next August will be limited to 3p. He told the House: "Millions (of people) use their cars to go to work, and pick up the children from school. It is not a luxury for most people - it is a necessity. "In the Budget I cut fuel duty by one penny. The plan was for fuel duty to be 3p higher in January and 5p higher by August next year. That would be tough for working families at a time like this. "So despite all the constraints that are upon us, we are able to cancel the duty increase planned for January and for fuel duty from August to be only 3p higher than it is now. "Taxes on petrol will be a full 10p lower than it would have been without our action in the Budget and this autumn. "Families will save £144 on filling up the average family car by the end of next year. In these tough times, we are helping where we can." Quentin Willson, spokesman for FairFuelUK, said: "'This is a victory for FairFuelUK but only a stay of execution. "We've saved the UK 9p since March in proposed fuel duty rises and we are now the gatekeepers of fuel sanity for this country. "We're going to carry on pressurising this government to keep duty down and reduce it significantly. If we don't they'll hike it up again the first chance they get." Peter Carroll, who runs FairFuelUK, said: "Adding another 3p a litre at this critical time for the economy would have been economic madness. "Petrol and diesel remain far too expensive. "We will be fighting on to try and make the Government understand that the economy needs an actual cut in fuel duty - a cut would create jobs, give people a little more disposable income and stimulate the economy. "This will mean that the Government and the Chancellor will gain, not lose, by cutting duty."

Vandals push over garden walls 1.53pm - 29th November 2011

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after damage was caused to garden walls in the Loughton area. Overnight last night five walls in the Chester Road, Willingale Road and Jessel Drive area were forced over. Sgt Simon Dear said: "Intelligence reports received so far are telling us this damage may have been committed by local youths. "If anyone has any information as to who carried out this damage, please contact us." Anyone with any information should contact officers at Loughton Police Station on 0300 333 4444 extension 313333 between noon and 6pm or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

District prepares for strikes 11.46am - 29th November 2011

BOTH Roding Valley High School and West Hatch High School will be closed to all pupils tomorrow as various public service unions take strike action. St John's School in Epping will be open to Year 11 students only. Debden Park High School in Loughton will be closed to Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 pupils. Students in Year 10 and Year 11 must attend as normal. In a letter to parents, Denice Halpin, head teacher of King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy in Waltham Abbey, said there would be "full provision for some Year 11 students" on Wednesday with the school closed to all other students. Normal school resumes at all schools on Thursday (December 1). Epping Forest District Council is warning there is the possibility that some services may be affected for industrial action. A spokesman said: "As far as the council is aware at the moment major frontline services such as waste and recycling collections are largely unaffected. "The situation will be monitored very closely throughout the day and updates will be provided on our website should anything change." Sports and leisure centres should all be operating as normal.

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There will be no animal welfare services, including the collection and handling of stray dogs. Whilst a proportion of council employees are participating in the day, the council does not expect that to have significant material impact on most services nor on public access to any of council buildings. People wishing to pay bills or see a member of Benefits staff should allow extra time. The cash desk in Waltham Abbey Town Hall will close at lunchtime. The area planning sub-committee south meeting due to be held at Roding Valley High School will be rearranged. Careline will be operating as normal and arrangements are being made to ensure housing repairs emergencies are covered. However the council is asking that only emergencies are reported tomorrow.

Choirs rehearse for festive concert 9.50am - 29th November 2011

TWO choirs from Bancroft's School are performing in a special seasonal concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The concert, at St Mary's Church, High Road, South Woodford, is on Tuesday, December 6 (7.30pm). The school's Junior Choir, made up of Year 8 pupils, together with the Bancroft's Singers will be taking part in a festive programme including Christmas readings, soloists, favourite carols and chances for the audience to sing along. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but there will be a collection in aid of Macmillan.

Girls run for Children in Need 9.03am - 29th November 2011

TWO friends at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, took it upon themselves to raise money for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal - by running five miles. Supported by family and friends, the Year 7 students undertook their challenge at Ashton playing fields, Woodford Bridge. Molly Gabriel 7AR said that when she saw the BBC programme earlier this month she decided that she wanted to do something herself and thought of running. She asked Katie Mitchell (7SA) if she wanted to get involved too and as a keen runner Katie was more than happy to take part. By the end of school on Friday (November 25) they had raised £105 and once family and friends have paid their sponsorship pledges the girls should have raised over £200. At the end of the run (Sunday, November 27), Katie said: "I felt good running for charity, but it was really hard work!" Molly said: "It was an amazing experience. I'm so pleased Katie did it with me." Both girls have said they are keen to support the charity again next year.

Labour selects general election candidate 8.36am - 29th November 2011

LABOUR Party members in Harlow have selected Suzy Stride to be the party candidate for the next general election. Suzy said: "I'm honoured that local Labour Party members have selected me as their candidate for Harlow because I am passionate about standing up and doing what's best for this community. "People in Harlow have told me how worried they are about not being able to make ends meet. "From cutting spending on the NHS to scrapping the Building Schools for the Future programme and cutting the Sure Start budget this Tory-led Government is going too far, too fast. And it's not just effecting the public services people rely on in Harlow, it's harming the economic recovery that local people desperately need. "Pensioners are seeing services cut, working people are losing their jobs and parents fear for their children's future as youth unemployment rises." She added: "There is a better way. Labour's five-point plan for jobs will get Britain back to work and help get the deficit down. It will help struggling families, get people into work and support small businesses, helping them to grow and create jobs. Here in Harlow, we know that would make a real difference." Bill Rammell, the former Labour MP for Harlow, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that Suzy has been selected as our Labour candidate for Harlow. "She has tremendous energy and commitment and core Labour values which Harlow needs. "She has my total support and I'm certain she will be Harlow's next MP."

Students cook up tasty dishes 8.12pm - 28th November 2011

STUDENTS cooked up tasty meals when 'Ready Steady Cook' joined 'Masterchef' for a Rotary cookery challenge at Roding Valley High School, Loughton. Young cooks in Years 7 to 10 had one-and-a-half hours to create their chosen dish from scratch - using ingredients which cost them no more than £4.50. The cooks were judged on a range of criteria including their healthy menu choice, planning and costing, the range of skills used in preparing their dish, the neatness of their work area, their use of the time allowed and their presentation of the dish. The judges - teachers Simone Canavan and Louise Walker and technician Louise Smith - had difficult decisions to make after sampling each of the dishes. In the end they chose Jack Maginn, who prepared lamb kofta curry with Bombay potatoes, as the winner. Ella Brooks, who produced two soufflés, was second and Toby Parsons, who prepared a bacon and broccoli pasta dish, third. Paula Goosen, the school's head of technology, said: "The standard of the cooking was brilliant. I'm extremely proud of the achievements of all of the students who took part in the competition. "They achieved excellent flavours in their dishes which were all superbly presented." Jack will now go through to the area final of this year's competition..

Winner Jack Maginn with his lamb kofta curry PICTURE 1 and moments earlier cooking his winning dish PICTURE 2

Ella Brooks with her soufflés which earned her second place PICTURE 3

Toby Parsons cooking his bacon and broccoli pasta PICTURE 4 which earned him third place PICTURE 5

Antoni Novak preparing one of his pizzas PICTURE 6 and with his finished dishes PICTURE 7

Luke Jones prepared Chicken Tagine PICTURE 8

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Andrew Merry with his finished pizzas PICTURE 9

Rachel Carr with her entry PICTURE 10

Vicki Hayes with her Spaghetti Bolognese PICTURE 11

Miles Ahmed with his finished dish PICTURE 12

Hospice appoints new chief executive 12.49pm - 28th November 2011

ST Clare Hospice has appointed Tanya Curry as its new chief executive. Tanya said it was "an honour" to have been appointed, adding: "My heart is in hospice care, a passion which started when working in this sector 12 years ago. "I've been working as acting CEO since the beginning of the year and therefore seen the challenges which currently face St Clare and that we must meet in the year ahead. "I'm very much looking forward to leading and working with the team, they are all experienced and committed professionals. "St Clare has always been a service built by the community for the community - truly local care, in every sense of the phrase." She added: "For me it is about remembering our purpose whilst bringing stability to the hospice, in these uncertain times of financial pressure and the changing health economy. "We have a vision of providing the quality of care delivered inside the hospice, into patients' homes across our area. The biggest transformation in our history, a vision I am committed to achieving with the team, and one which I'm sure local people will want to see happen and support." Michael Chapman, chairman of St Clare said: "St Clare Hospice has had a lot of change in recent years, now is the time for staff, volunteers, supporters to pull together more than ever before to support the growing demand from our community; for excellent services." Tanya has worked at St Clare Hospice since 2008 as Director of Patient Care. One of her first projects was developing the day therapy service which re-launched early in 2008 and has grown in the number of patients being supported and the range of care being delivered. With the support of a fantastic team Tanya managed the successful Department of Health grant in 2009 to refurbish and modernise the inpatient unit rooms, to enhance the healing environment. The project was a great success and completed in March 2010 on time and on budget.

Digital TV switchover roadshow dates 12.12pm - 28th November 2011

THE Digital TV UK roadshow is coming to the district in January and February. By visiting the roadshow you will be able to find out when switchover is happening and the options for going digital, learn how eligible people can get a TV converted by the Switchover Help Scheme, see technical demonstrations (how to retune a box) and put questions to Digital UK's specially trained advisers. Visitors can also meet Digit Al - Digital UK's iconic robot, star of BBC and commercial television. The whole of the region, covering more than 12 million viewers, will have switched to digital in April next year. You can also visit the Digital UK website - http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/home - for help with general questions about getting digital TV and preparing for the switchover. There is also an advice line on 08456 505050. There is extra help for older and disabled viewers from the Switchover Help Scheme. Ring free on 0800 408 7654 or visit the Switchover Help Scheme website http://www.helpscheme.co.uk/ The roadshow will visiting Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill (behind Waitrose) between 9am and 5pm on January 31; Brook Parade, High Road, Chigwell, between 9am and 5pm on February 2; Market Square, Waltham Abbey, between 8.30am and 3pm on February 7; the Pleasance car park, High Street, Ongar, between 9am and 5pm on February 8; Sainsbury's, Old Station Road, Loughton, between 9am and 5pm on February 9; and Epping High Street on February 10 (time to be confirmed).

Winning hospice lottery numbers 9.10am - 28th November 2011

THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow, The winning number is 794278. The winner of the £100 prize lives in Waltham Abbey. The lucky number is 504116. For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).

Crowds flock to Copped Hall 1.48pm - 27th November 2011

LONG queues built up as crowds descended on Copped Hall for its Christmas at the Mansion event. Visitors had to wait for up to 15 minutes to get into the historic mansion where there was a variety of stalls selling Christmas gifts, homemade cakes and preserves, plants and cards. Refreshments, including hot chestnuts, were served as visitors could also see the latest stages of renovation work at the mansion.

Homemade cakes were among the items on sale at the Christmas at the Mansion event PICTURE 1

Long queues built up outside the mansion as visitors waited to get inside PICTURE 2

Christmas fayre raises money for church 1.47pm - 27th November 2011

A CHRISTMAS fayre at Stapleford Abbotts Village Hall raised money for St Mary's Church. Homemade cakes were on sale along with various gifts. There was also a book sale and various other stalls.

Kay Pearce (left) and Christine Hall on the cake stall PICTURE 1

Jemma Jenes, of Elfin Edibles, with some of her homemade cake characters PICTURE 2

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Ongar prepares for lights switch -on 1.45pm - 27th November 2011

MEMBERS of the Ongar Town Forum were out in Ongar High Street on Saturday promoting the town's Christmas lights switch-on this Friday. Gemma Collins, from the ITV2 series 'The Only Way is Essex' will be turning on the High Street's lights at 6.30pm however the festive fun begins at 5pm with a fun fair in the Pleasance car park, a Santa's Grotto in the Budworth Hall and story-telling in the library. At about 5.15pm choirs from local primary schools will be performing in Manor Square and after the switch-on there will be community carol singing with the choir from St Martin's Church. Programmes - which include a wall planner highlighting local events in 2012 - are on sale priced £1.

Members of the Ongar Town Forum were in Ongar High Street on Saturday selling programmes for Friday's event PICTURE 1

Churches hold Christmas bazaar 1.44pm - 27th November 2011

STALLS selling everything from home-made cakes and chutneys to hand-made cards and jewellery helped raise money for two charities. The churches of St Martin's, Ongar, and St Peter's, Shelley, held their Christmas bazaar at the Budworth Hall on Saturday with the money raised going to West Essex Mind and Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service. There was also a raffle and bottle stall.

Bertram East donned a sandwich board to help promote the event in the town PICTURE 1

(left to right) Sarah Cunningham, Sally Gowing and Susan King on the cake stall PICTURE 2

Diana Sewell with her homemade jams and chutneys PICTURE 3

Bus driver jailed over death crash 1.43pm - 27th November 2011

A BUS driver has been given a six month jail sentence for killing a pedestrian in a collision in Loughton. The collision happened when an Arriva double-decker bus struck Walter Morris, 76, on a zebra crossing on Church Hill at 8am on Monday, August 23 last year. He was airlifted to Queens Hospital, Romford, but Mr Morris, who was known as Wally, from Loughton, died three days later. The bus driver, Nseka Lufua, 43, of New Brent Street, London NW4, was arrested at the scene and charged in June this year with one count of causing death by careless driving. He pleaded guilty at a later hearing. On Friday (November 25) Nseka Lufua was sentenced to six months imprisonment by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court and was disqualified from driving for three years after which he will have to take an extended driving test. Senior Investigating Officer, Inspector Scott Egerton, said: "This was a tragic and needless death. It highlights how important it is that all road users to drive with full care and attention. "Wally Morris leaves behind two children and their loss can never be reflected in any sentence. It is hoped the guilty plea and today's sentencing has gone some way to ease their suffering."

Lottery grant for Church Rooms 9.10am - 27th November 2011

ST Martin's Church in Ongar has been celebrating after learning that it has received a £10,000 Big Lottery Fund - Awards for All grant to refurbish the Church Rooms. The money will be used to replace the existing low-level windows and external doors with double-glazed units, install a unisex disabled toilet in place of the current ladies' toilet and resurface the courtyard outside. Church Rooms manager Susan King said: "We hope these changes will reduce our heating bills, improve our current hirers' enjoyment of the Church Rooms and, hopefully, give others previously unable to use the facility a chance to do so."

Praise for pavilion's "remarkable" design 9.34am - 26th November 2011

ARCHITECTS responsible for the Grange Farm Centre pavilion and Essex Wildlife Trust's interpretation centre have explained their design rationale for the new building. The facilities were officially opened by The Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edward, on Wednesday. The building was designed by Buckhurst Hill-based The Tooley and Foster Partnership (TFP) who were appointed by the Grange Farm Centre Trust following a limited architectural competition. TFP received unanimous planning permission for their contemporary, eco-friendly scheme in June 2008. Their design presents a modern appearance for the multi-use facility whilst being appropriate to the green belt, with the building taking its lead from the change in levels and contour across the site. As a result it is partly buried in the landscape. A spokesman for The Tooley and Foster Partnership said: "The choice of materials and detailing was made with sustainability in mind, using railway sleepers for part of the elevations, timber boarding at other points and robust panels elsewhere. "The flat roof is 'green' providing habitats for wildlife, minimising the discharge of water from the roof and softening its impact upon the landscape." The building also has a well-insulated fabric with solar panels and ground source heat pumps. Architecturally the form of the building follows the contours of the site, presenting a series of stepped planes which define the shape of the building and the rooms within. The materials used both vertically and horizontally build up a range of textures and finishes resembling the strata of the site into which the building has been cut. Alex Pelican, chairman of the Grange Farm Centre Trust said: "It is a remarkable design that I believe will echo down through this decade and beyond as a landmark for the future. "The design has made the most of the slope and the building sits exactly where it does most for us all. The views are breathtaking." For more on the building visit The Tooley and Foster Partnership's website www.tooleyfoster.com

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The new Grange Farm Centre Trust pavilion and Essex Wildlife Trust interpretation centre PICTURE 1 and PICTURE 2

Police defend front counter closures 8.29am - 26th November 2011

THE decision to close the police station front counters at Ongar and Waltham Abbey police stations from Monday has been defended by Essex Police. A spokesman said: "At the moment some of our front counters are open at times of very little demand. "We are also one of only two forces in our region that maintain a 24-hour opening hours in some of our main stations, which is an inefficient use of our resources in the face of substantial budget cuts. "The changes will allow staff to be relocated to support other areas of Essex Police where there is significant operational demand, in particular the Force Information Room and the Crime Bureau. "It also means police officers are not removed from their operational role to perform front counter duties." Essex Police says it is confident that these changes will save an estimated£2.5m from its annual budget. The spokesman stressed that 96.6 per cent of the Essex population will be within 10km of a police station front counter. Phones providing direct contact through to the police switchboard will be provided at all stations that previously operated on a 24-hour basis when they move to the new opening hours. Essex Police shall continue to find innovative ways of meeting the public. Its mobile police stations will be positioned in places of high demand (such as supermarkets) and Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to hold local surgeries in their communities. Essex Police will also work with partners to find other ways of meeting the public face-to- face, such as holding beat surgeries at partner bases. The spokesman added that the changes to the front counter opening times do not affect the continued use of the police stations by Essex Police. Deputy Chief Constable Derek Benson said: "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. "We have written to partner organisations, including county, district, town and parish councils, to make them aware of the changes." From Monday the front counters at Epping and Loughton police stations will be open from noon to 6pm Monday to Saturday and will be closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Festive music at village tea party 4.33pm - 25th November 2011

THE choir of Theydon Bois Primary School sang a selection of Christmas songs and carols when they joined with local senior citizens for a Christmas tea party at the village hall. The pupils took to the stage for a varied programme of festive music, accompanied by Trish Cole, who runs the school's choir. The tea party, organised by Theydon Bois Parish Council, also featured musical performances from the Singing 4 Fun choir from Epping Forest U3A and Davenant Foundation School student Melissa Wood. Senior students from Davenant Foundation School helped serve the tea. Trish Cole said: "There's a sense of community for the children coming along to sing. The singing is just so important for young children. It gives you a lovely sense of wellbeing." She added: "The children are very enthusiastic. They give up their lunch times to sing and practise for Christmas. They love doing it."

Theydon Bois Primary School's choir PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2 PICTURE 3

Davenant Foundation School students Hannah Darling (left) and Melissa Wood with Mary Fennell and Kath Funnell PICTURE 4

The Singing 4 Fun choir PICTURE 5

Theydon Bois parish councillors and Davenant Foundation School students served tea to local senior citizens PICTURE 6

Melissa Wood sings Silent Night PICTURE 7

Students dress up for Children in Need 12.39pm - 25th November 2011

LITTLE Bo Peep, Superman and the Artful Dodger were at Roding Valley High School today as students and staff raised money for the BBC's Children in Need appeal. The Loughton school's fundraising efforts were delayed a week because of exam commitments last Friday but today pupils each paid £2 to be able to wear fancy dress - or their pyjamas - during school! Also spotted this morning were the Blues Brothers, Father Christmas, Power Rangers, and three girls dressed as pipe-smoking old English gentlemen.

Who can you recognise? PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2 PICTURE 3 PICTURE 4 PICTURE 5 PICTURE 6 PICTURE 7

Metal thefts spark police warning 9.23am - 25th November 2011

POLICE are urging the public to be on guard against thieves who are causing chaos and misery around the county by stealing metal from buildings, railways and telecommunication systems. DCI Mark Wheeler issued the warning following an increase in thefts of lead, copper and other valuable sheet metals and cables. He said: "Metal theft is a serious and growing national problem and Essex has been badly affected as incidents have increased over the past few years. "To date we have received 1,252 reports of metal theft across the county since the start of 2011. "Stolen items range from road signs to street manhole covers, lead from the roofs of churches, businesses and private homes and from BT cable to power and signal cables from beside railway lines through Essex. "In a recent incident at Wimbish, near Saffron Walden, thieves used a vehicle to haul 1,000 metres of heavy duty phone cable out from underground, dragged it into a field where it was chopped up into lengths to fit on a lorry. The loss to BT was £80,000 but the scrap value was considerably less.

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"The theft caused widespread disruption to home telephones and broadband systems. "A number of thefts of trackside cables have caused severe disruption on the main London to Colchester railway line and other lines have also been affected "Cables have also been stolen from electricity sub stations and even from overhead pylons, some carrying 400,000 volts. "We are urging the public to keep watch for suspicious activity around buildings, railways and in remote areas where underground communication cables might run. "If you see people removing road signs, taking lead flashing from churches or other buildings or any thefts around railways, phone 999 immediately and try to note the numbers of vehicles involved." Essex Police has been working closely with British Transport Police, BT investigators and other agencies such as local councils and Trading Standards to mount numerous operations to tackle the metal thieves. In a recent operation at Harlow a van which was stopped for appearing overweight was found to contain two and a half tons of BT cable worth £10,000. A number of people have been arrested this year in connection with various metal thefts around the county. On Friday, October 28, Essex police officers worked with other agencies during a nationwide operation against metal crimes. During the operation 46 scrapyards were visited, 120 vehicles carrying scrap metal were stopped and checked, six vehicles were seized for various offences, 89 other offences were detected and one person was arrested for having an offensive weapon. One scrapyard operator is being investigated after being found to have poor book- keeping and investigations are continuing with other matters discovered on the day. Then there was a major theft and considerable damage at South Woodham Ferrers earlier this month. Police have appealed for information after thieves caused £150,000 damage in one of the worst cases of telephone cable theft in Essex. More than 1,000 metres of cable were damaged and 300 metres stolen in the incident which happened near South Woodham Ferrers at 1.30am on November 8. Hundreds of homes and businesses had their telephones and broadband services cut off for several days until repairs were carried out. Three other incidents of theft or damage to cable have been reported in the South Woodham Ferrers area since August. Similar offences have been reported in Bicknacre, Great Baddow and Sandon, also since August. Many other thefts have been reported in other parts of Essex as thieves steal BT cable for its copper content. The crimes tend to happen in the early hours of the morning and are thought to involve several men using machinery to pull the bulky cable out of underground ducts before cutting it in short sections using hydraulic cutters. For more about metal thefts visit the BT website

Pre -school praised by inspector 8.43am - 25th November 2011

SCRIBBLES Pre-School in North Weald has received a 'good' rating in a recent Ofsted inspection. Ofsted inspector Susan Ennis said staff at the pre-school, based at Thorowgood House, in Vicarage Road (West), create a "very welcoming and safe environment in which all children thrive". Her report adds: "Planning is flexible, taking into account children's likes and dislikes, enabling them to enjoy their time at the setting and make good progress in their learning and development." The report adds that staff build trusting relationships with parents and carers and keep them well informed about their children's development and the day-to-day running of the group. The report states that to further improve the early years provision the pre-school needs to develop further the use of starting points to more efficiently assess where children are in their development and demonstrate how their next steps of learning are incorporated into planning, and also develop further the use of reflective practice to ensure the views of parents and users of the setting are regularly sought. The report highlights that there are "robust" procedures for checking that staff are suitable to do the job and there is a rolling programme of training to further increase their childcare knowledge. Staff fully understand the procedures to follow relating to safeguarding children and are also made aware of the pre-school's strict procedures regarding social networking websites. The report adds that staff work closely with the parents to ensure they understand each child's background, needs and beliefs. Parents are kept well informed about their children's time at the pre-school and their development through open interaction with staff, use of home/school diaries, development files and monthly newsletters. The report states: "Staff show a genuine desire to promote the best care and opportunities for children and are committed to sustainability. "The owner and staff are pro-active in listening to advise and respond positively to the feedback given at inspection. They continuously monitor the pre-school by reflecting on their own practise and use the self-evaluation form as a working document to record their progress and plans for the future." Pre-school manager Lesley Saville said: "We are very happy with the outcome of our first inspection which reflects the hard work and commitment the staff have put into the development of the pre-school. "There is still work to do and we will continue to strive to achieve and maintain high standards in the care of this very unique age group. "Thank you to all the people, both parents and from the local community, who have helped us over the last six months." The pre-school has recently received its Baby and Toddler Good Practise Guide Certificate from the Pre-school Learning Alliance. To read the full Ofsted report, click here

School Council members tour Westminster 8.41am - 25th November 2011

MEMBERS of the School Council at St John's Primary School, Buckhurst Hill, met Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing when they visited the Palace of Westminster. Mrs Laing met the eight members, headmaster Peter Tidmarsh and PSHE leader Susan Bickford who had earlier visited the Cenotaph and been taken on an escorted tour of the Palace of Westminster, which included listening to a debate in the House of Lords. Head Boy Daniel Tennant said: "The House of Lords, including the Queen's Throne, was very impressive with lots of gold and red." The children also took part in a workshop which included producing and costing a manifesto as well as a mock election. Head Girl Suli Scatchard said: "I really enjoyed learning how democracy works in our country." Mrs Laing spoke to the children about her parliamentary and constituency work and then answered questions from the children..

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Fifty vehicles stopped in operation 3.38pm - 24th November 2011

FIFTY vehicles were stopped for a wide range of motoring offences during a road safety operation at Hastingwood. Cars, vans and heavy goods vehicles were intercepted on the M11, A414 and local roads and taken to the M11-A414 roundabout for further investigation. Essex road policing officers and specialist officers from the commercial vehicle unit were joined on yesterday's operation by Essex County Council road safety officers and officers from Epping Forest District Council's environmental services department who were checking vehicles carrying scrap metal and waste materials. Engineers from VOSA, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, examined vehicles suspected of being faulty. Two uninsured vehicles were seized and 48 drivers were stopped for motoring offences including speeding, driving while using a mobile phone, or not wearing seatbelts. Two women were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting when a car stopped in Hastingwood Road was found to contain meat stolen from supermarkets in Hertfordshire. The arrested women were transferred to the custody of Hertfordshire Constabulary. Six waste carrying vehicles were checked and two are being investigated by the council for environmental offences. A total of £1,950 was collected in fixed penalty fines.

Loughton Festival seeks sponsors 8.31am - 24th November 2011

THE Loughton Festival is seeking sponsors after its bid for an Essex Community Foundation Grant was turned down. In an attempt to raise the money the Loughton Festival Committee is now inviting sponsorship from local businesses. The festival is non-political and cannot accept donations from political parties. For some years Loughton-based chartered accountants Haslers has been the festival's only business sponsor, providing them with thousands of programmes each year. The rest of the funding has come from grants and ticket sales. The festival team not only organises a two-month annual festival but also raises money for a different charity each year too. Over the years they have donated thousands of pounds to charities such as Guide Dogs, Dream Factory and Save the Children. Next year the charity will be Haven House Children's Hospice in Woodford Green. Loughton Festival director Sue Taylor said: "Every year I struggle to find the money to pay the bills. "People sometimes say they assumed we had lots of money because we have been going for so long, but they forget how much we give to charity and that we have to pay for all of our venues, speakers, and performers." This year's total grant was £750 from Loughton Town Council, and the team had to dig deeply into their reserves. Without a grant for next year there will not be any money left to pay for a festival in 2013. Sue, who puts the programme together each year has now shelved some of her plans for 2012, remains determined to retain many of its popular walks, talks, author events, concerts and more. The draft programme is already on the website - www.loughtonfestival.org - along with some of the many partnership events run by other organisations who also help raise money for the festival's charity. Sue said: "Because of our lack of funding, we will be totally reliant on people coming along and buying tickets, otherwise I think I will end up footing the bill myself. "I do hope we will be able to attract a few sponsors to pay the costs of our events, and to keep the festival tradition alive in Loughton." Sponsors can either donate directly, sponsor an event or donate help in kind, such as offering to delivery programmes or donating a venue. If you would like to support the hard-working volunteers, ring 020 8508 2512 or email [email protected]

MP praises trust over new facilities 8.46pm - 23rd November 2011

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised the Grange Farm Centre Trust after its efforts to create new sporting and leisure facilities culminated in today's Royal visit. The Earl of Wessex toured the Chigwell site, unveiled a plaque and met those involved with the project before he presented Certificates of Achievements to five young people. Mrs Laing said: "It was wonderful to see The Earl of Wessex recognising the work of the trustees of the Grange Farm Centre Trust. "They have all worked so hard for such a long time. All their efforts have been worthwhile because this is now a fantastic local facility for our young people. "His Royal Highness was clearly enthusiastic when he presented certificates to five young people who really deserve praise."

Royal visit marks completion of £2.25m project 5.40pm - 23rd November 2011

THE visit today (Wednesday) of The Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edward, to the Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell, has been hailed as a "great day" for the local community. The occasion marked the culmination of an ambitious project undertaken by the Grange Farm Centre Trust over six years to restore land adjacent to the former Grange Farm Camp Site and which was opened by Princess Elizabeth in 1951. Grange Farm Centre Trust chairman Alex Pelican said: "This has been a great day for everyone involved with the many years of hard work which has gone into transforming the land into a country park that can be enjoyed by people of all ages for many years to come. "Amongst the future plans that will require planning consent are a dipping pond for youngsters and a creative children's play area. "The Trustees will consult widely on all future uses of Grange Farm and are setting up a website that will encourage comments and suggestions for that future development." The Earl of Wessex was shown the visitors' book signed by his mother 60 years ago and was invited to sign the new visitors' book during his 80 -minute visit. He also unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the pavilion which was designed by Buckhurst Hill-based architects The Tooley and Foster Partnership whose representatives were among the guests at today's opening. The site has undergone a complete transformation since the days when it was used for camping. Today, in addition to the pavilion, the land features a range of community facilities - one senior pitch or two junior pitches on the top field and two junior pitches on lower field. There is also a picnic area and ample space for parking. On his arrival, The Earl of Wessex was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, and presented to Epping Forest District Council acting chief executive Derek

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Macnab and his wife Donna; Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and Grange Farm Centre Trust chairman Alex Pelican. The Grange Farm Centre Trust has a strong link with Essex Wildlife Trust which manages the nearby Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve. An interpretation centre for Essex Wildlife Trust is provided in the new pavilion where The Earl of Wessex was introduced to Essex Wildlife Trust chief executive John Hall; Essex Wildlife Trust trustee Cliff Moore and Patrick Bailly, manager of the Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve. Mr Hall said: "Essex Wildlife Trust is very pleased to be working together with the Grange Farm Trust on the new pavilion and interpretation centre. This is a superb facility for local people involved in sports, outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the countryside." He added: "Roding Valley Meadows is an important Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of national quality - an absolute jewel in the crown for Essex and for the people of Essex. "Here there are over 120 acres of unique flood meadows on the banks of the River Roding with fantastic wild flowers, birds and other wildlife in an ancient landscape with hedgerows and ponds and a fascinating history from ancient drovers roads through wartime barrage balloons to present day nature reserve. "We are very pleased to be working with Grange Farm Trust and Epping Forest District Council and many local people and organisations on the reserve and the centre which will provide improved access for local people, improved interpretation for visitors and great opportunities for educating groups of all ages as well as a crucial base for volunteers and their equipment. "Essex Wildlife Trust greatly appreciates the hard work put in by so many people to enable this to come to fruition." The Earl of Wessex was also introduced to chartered landscape architect Dr Liz Lake who, with Mr Pelican, accompanied His Royal Highness during a walk through Chigwell Meadows. Dr Lake, owner and director of landscape architects and urban designers Liz Lake Associates, oversaw the design and planning process for the refurbishment of Chigwell Meadows, as well as monitoring the implementation of these plans by Byrne Estates. In the nature conservation area in Chigwell Meadows it was proposed to create wildflower meadows on disturbed ground. The Trust also owns 26 acres of the Roding Valley Meadows (west of the M11 motorway) which is part of an Essex Wildlife Trust Local Nature Reserve and part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was from there that hay was cut and taken over to seed some of the fields. Timing was critical. In July last year the Essex Wildlife Trust warden had to decide precisely when was the right time for volunteers to cut the hay by hand and within the hour transport it over the motorway in sheaves for spreading. A sheaf was laid on the tailgate of a Land Rover and driven across the land. The bumpiness caused the stalks and seeds to drop off the back randomly and scatter the seeds. The rate of germination was very successful with the occasional bare areas seeded with a similar mix from a supplier. The Earl of Wessex was also introduced to Epping Forest District Council's senior landscape officer and arboriculturalist Chris Neilan, Essex Wildlife Trust reserves manager (North Essex) Leanne Sargeant and Essex Wildlife Trust volunteers David Prior, Peter Vaughan and Keith Miller. The whole project has cost about £2.25m of which the Grange Farm Centre Trust will have provided just over £1.1m. Funding for the project has included a financial contribution from a developer as part of a planning application condition and a generous grant of more than £400,000 from the Football Foundation for new football pitches and changing rooms. Football Foundation chief executive Paul Thorogood said: "We are delighted that the local community will have access to these fantastic new facilities and commend the Grange Farm Centre Trust and the Essex County FA for their hard work in making this happen. "This is the latest example of thousands of projects across the country that the Football Foundation is supporting with money provided by our funding partners the Premier League, The FA and Government." Colebrook Royals Football Club will be using the facilities, but not exclusively, while the English Schools FA Tesco Cup used the football pitch for their girls seven-a-side School's Cup competition. Colebrook Royals Football Club chairman Neil Rolt said: "After some four years in planning and construction it's nice to be able to finally say that Colebrook Royals has a place they can call home. "The club was formed in June 1997 with just the two teams, playing on the local authority playing fields in Willingale Road, Loughton, and as the club grew, moving to The Police Club at Chigwell. "Today we are proud to have 23 teams ranging from under-7 boys to men's football, as well as three girls teams at under -10 and under-11. "Over the years we have toured through Europe, including Holland, Belgium and Italy, the facilities these countries have are second to none. "Now that we have the use of this great facility, and in conjunction with Chigwell School, we can now say we are on a par if not better, and can invite teams we played against to come and join us." He added: "The new facility will enable us to develop further as a club. We are now able to work alongside the Football Foundation and County FA and offer football coaching and referee courses as well as using the facility for county events as we have done recently by holding the Essex under-11 girls finals. "At present we are Charter Standard but now we will be able to develop as a club and aspire to be awarded Development or Community status in the near future. "Without this facility this would not happen. "As a club we would like to thank the Grange Farm Centre Trust and Ardmore Construction for developing the site and all the hard work that has gone in to making it a facility that is envied by all who have visited." Robert Draper, site manager at the Grange Farm Centre, said: "We now have a marvellous range of facilities - football pitches with natural surfaces, as well as the nature reserve and a function room / community hall - which are all now available to the local community." A major part of the project is the restoration of open land. New paths for wheelchair access have been laid and a new pond created along with a bluebell and daffodil walk which is easily accessible for members of the public and the neighbouring Vitalise and Chigwell Riding Trust charities to enjoy. There are two public toilets available at the pavilion during daylight hours. On behalf of the Grange Farm Centre Trust The Earl of Wessex presented certificates of achievements to five young people. Receiving certificates were: * Lauren Smith, 18 - for outstanding courage, commitment, service and being 'The Best that She Can Be' - the former West Hatch High School student was born with a disability (partial arm) yet has competed as a swimmer at international level. She started swimming competitively at the age of nine and went to her first Junior National Championships at the age of ten when she won three gold, one silver and one bronze medals. Since then Lauren, who is now studying Sport Studies at the University of Hertfordshire, has taken part in the 2010 World Cup and has represented Great Britain for three successive years at the Danish Open winning medals each year. For three years running Lauren has also been to the UK School Games representing

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England East. * Sriya Pindoria - for outstanding bravery and determination to live life to the full - Sriya, eight, spent the first three years of her life at Great Ormond Street Hospital having been born with serious heart and lung abnormalities. Sriya suffered three heart attacks and more than two dozen operations. The Chigwell School pupil is described as "a real fighter who is a credit to her school". * Melody Ihuoma, 15 - for outstanding performance and leadership - Melody achieved nine A* grades and one A in her GCSEs and last year obtained four A grades in her AS levels. In athletics, her main event is the 100m and she has represented Redbridge in both cross country and athletics. Melody completed a novel last year and is seeking to publish it. A prolific reader, she was reading Montesquieu and books on Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights over the summer, and submitted an essay to the St John's, Cambridge, essay competition. She has represented Woodford County High School in debating and public speaking competitions. She recently sat her Grade 4 piano exam. She also plays the recorder and has played in the orchestra. * Cody Smart, 14 - for outstanding courage and selfless desire to help others - The Roding Valley High School pupil has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity by playing jazz piano music after discovering his mother had cancer. He started playing at fetes but has also played at The Royal Festival Hall and The Barbican. Last May he played in front of The Earl of Wessex aboard HMS Warrior. Cody has played for many causes including Battersea Dogs Home, Macmillan Cancer Support, RSPCA, Teenage Cancer Trust, Action for Animals, Katie's Ski Tracks, Mutts in Distress, St. Clare Hospice, Wipe Away Those Tears, Help for Heroes and Essex Air Ambulance. At one ball business people pledged £20,000 for him to keep playing. * Grace Boxall, 14 - for outstanding bravery and being an inspiration to others - Grace was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of ten and went on to have a number of operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She was in remission when she started at Chigwell School although she continues to be monitored closely and encounters medical problems as a result of her illness and the effects of her treatment and medication. This year Grace set up her own charity, 'Smiles With Grace', and has already raised £10,000 to help sick young people so they can benefit from the same quality of care that helped her. At the end of the visit The Earl of Wessex was presented with a gift from the Grange Farm Centre trustees - a first edition of Charles Dickens's novel Barnaby Rudge, which was written in Chigwell. Anyone wanting information about the new facilities should contact site manager Robert Draper, Grange Farm Centre, Grange Farm Lane, High Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6DP, or ring 020 8127 4323. * Earlier in the day The Earl of Wessex visited Zinc Arts Centre at Great Stony, High Street, Ongar.

PICTURES:

The Earl of Wessex is introduced to Grange Farm Centre Trust chairman Alex Pelican PICTURE 1

The Earl of Wessex is introduced to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 2

The Earl of Wessex is introduced to Epping Forest District Council acting chief executive Derek Macnab PICTURE 3

The Earl of Wessex talks with Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 4

The Earl of Wessex, Grange Farm Centre Trust chairman Alex Pelican and Dr Liz Lake return to the Grange Farm Centre Pavilion having toured the Chigwell Meadows PICTURE 5 and PICTURE 6

The Earl of Wessex speaks to Sports Ambassador and former West Hatch High School student Nathaniel Rogers PICTURE 7

The Earl of Wessex meets Sports Ambassadors PICTURE 8

The Earl of Wessex speaks with Lauren Smith, who received a Certificate of Achievement, and Epping Forest youth councillor and Debden Park High School student Daisy Morecroft PICTURE 9

The Earl of Wessex meets Sports Ambassador James Hollis, a student at Davenant Foundation School PICTURE 10

The Earl of Wessex with Grange Farm Centre Trust chairman Alex Pelican PICTURE 11

The Earl of Wessex presents Certificates of Achievement to Lauren Smith PICTURE 12 Sriya Pindoria PICTURE 13 Melody Ihuoma PICTURE 14 Cody Smart PICTURE 15 and Grace Boxall PICTURE 16

The Earl of Wessex meets Cody Smart PICTURE 17 and PICTURE 18

The Earl of Wessex meets Sriya Pindoria and her mother Ambika PICTURE 19

The Earl of Wessex meets Lauren Smith and her mother Wendy PICTURE 20

The Earl of Wessex was invited to unveil a plaque PICTURE 21 and sign the visitors book PICTURE 22

The Earl of Wessex with the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre and Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 23

School supports Sri Lankan charity 11.16am - 23rd November 2011

A SPECIAL assembly was held at Normanhurst School, North Chingford, to present a cheque for £250 from a sponsored walk in nearby Epping Forest to the Help Lanka charity. Sam Goonetillake, from the charity, received the cheque. The charity supports victims of the tsunami which claimed many lives on December 26, 2004. The association between Normanhurst and Sri Lanka first helped rebuild communities and give immediate first aid. Now six years on the charity has developed its range of support to helping individual children in a sponsor scheme. The children of Normanhurst were shown slides of the children they help and some of the new educational toys and games they helped provide. A special award in recognition of the aid that Normanhurst has given over the years was

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presented to headmistress Claire Osborn. She said: "It is so important for our children to realise how fortunate they are and how raising money on a sponsored walk can make a big difference to a child's life 5,000 miles away."

Revised police station opening times 10.28am - 23rd November 2011

REVISED opening times for the front counters at local police stations come into effect on Monday (November 28). The front counter at Ongar and Waltham Abbey police stations will be closed to the public. The Epping Police Station and Loughton Police Station front counters will be open between noon and 6pm Monday to Saturday and will be closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Royal day for district 9.03am - 23rd November 2011

THE Earl of Wessex. HRH Prince Edward, is visiting Ongar and Chigwell today. He will be officially opening the new Zinc Arts Centre and accommodation at Great Stony, High Street, Ongar, and will also be at the Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell, where he will officially open the Grange Farm Centre Pavilion, Essex Wildlife Trust's interpretation centre and the Chigwell Meadows. Everything Epping Forest will be providing full coverage of the visit.

Charity ball supports two hospices 3.19pm - 22nd November 2011

A RAT Pack themed ball has raised £44,000 for two local charities - St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood, and Isabel Hospice (East Herts). The event was Daniel Robinson & Sons' eighth annual charity ball. Since 1994, Daniel Robinson has raised over £500,000 for charity. The ball started with a champagne reception which was followed by a three course meal, live Rat Pack crooners and a band, table entertainment and lively activities. Gary Neill, managing director of Daniel Robinson & Sons, said: "Once again the evening was a fantastic success. "I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who supported the ball and to all those who attended the evening for their generosity in helping us achieve this staggering total for the two hospices. This really will make a difference to our community." Marie Davies, director of fundraising for St Clare, said: "All at St Clare are so grateful to Gary Neill and his team for their amazing effort in putting together a great night of entertainment and fundraising. "We rely more than ever before on the generosity of local people, to continue to provide care and support. "It certainly was a night to be remembered, with entertainers, impersonators and an unbelievable auction helping to raise a staggering amount, which will be used to improve the lives of our patients and their families."

Council appoints new town clerk 3.07pm - 22nd November 2011

A CURRENT deputy town council clerk from Hertfordshire has been appointed as the new Epping town clerk. Ash Tadjrishi has been appointed clerk designate and will replace Bob Whittome as clerk before May 2012. Mr Tadjrishi currently serves as deputy clerk with Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council where he started as events' manager. He has also worked on events' management with the University of Hertfordshire. Mr Tadjrishi has family connections in this part of Essex and intends to move into the Epping area with his wife and young daughter as soon as that can be arranged. He said: "It's a real privilege to be asked to take on the responsibility of town clerk next year. "Epping has a long and interesting history and I want residents to continue to have confidence in the services we provide in the future as being of the highest calibre."

Children plant daffodil bulbs 3.05pm - 22nd November 2011

SOME 1,600 daffodil bulbs have been planted in North Weald, with the help of local children. A number of suggested planting locations were agreed by the parish council's environmental committee and the council was keen to involve the community, especially children and asked for volunteers to help with the planting. Danielle Fry, housing officer from Home Group - who works closely with some of the new families at Blenheim Way - said she would welcome the opportunity to involve some of the local youngsters in a community project which would benefit their surroundings, and she had at least 15 children already expressing they would like to take part. The Blenheim Way planting took place with the help of two of the council's most enthusiastic allotment gardeners, Tony Woods and Mac Montgomery from the parish council's Thornwood allotments. North Weald Bassett Parish Council clerk Sue DeLuca said: "We were also delighted to hear from both the North Weald Beavers and Cubs groups, both of which felt this offered a great opportunity for their groups to get involved and help their community. "The Beavers worked on the grass area by the corner of Dukes Close just after dark on Thursday, November 17, with the Cubs meeting later in the evening to plant at the Village Green, North Weald. "Once again, they were joined by some very green fingered councillors, including councillors Godwin-Brown, McCormack, Grigg, Stallan, Mulliner and Bedford. "Both events were a great success, one which hopefully we will all the benefit of in the spring next year."

Possible BBC date for 'Lady Macbeth' 6.04pm - 21st November 2011

A STUDENT at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, is waiting to hear whether she will be chosen to appear in a new BBC programme. Ella Sabine was one of three pupils from the High Road school – along with Oscar Potter and Matthew Wallace - who attended one of the nine regional heats of the BBC’s ‘Off By Heart Shakespeare’ programme. Of the 18 monologues chosen by the BBC, Oscar opted for Shylock, from Merchant of Venice - “…to bait fish withall…” while Matthew chose Brutus, from Julius Caesar - “

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Romans, countrymen, lovers…..” Ella favoured Lady Macbeth from Macbeth - “ The raven himself is hoarse…” Ella’s performance captivated the panel who commented on her quality of stillness and menace. Sue Pavelkova, the school’s Head of Performing Arts, said: “She was so thrilled and genuinely surprised that she was chosen. We are all delighted for Ella and wish her all the best. “We now wait with baited breath and fingers crossed that she will be selected to appear on the television programme in January.” Sue added: “If Ella is successful she will have the opportunity to work with members of the Royal Shakespeare Company whilst being filmed.” The students joined in a series of workshops exploring Shakespeare's language before performing their audition speeches in front of the judging panel. More than 100 students from other schools were also taking part. Only nine students nationwide will be chosen for the televised stage of the competition from the 1,500 who auditioned. Sue added: “We are all so proud of the hard work and commitment put into their performances by Ella, Oscar and Matthew. They are truly a credit to West Hatch.”

New role for NHS West Essex chairman 5.04pm - 21st November 2011

NHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias OBE has been appointed the new chairman of Southend University Hospital. He will take up his new position on Thursday, December 1, following the retirement of John Bruce. Mr Tobias said: "I am only too well aware of the challenges facing the country as a whole, and the NHS in particular, so it won’t be easy. But I am greatly looking forward to taking the organisation forward. "I would like to think that, with my previous experience in different roles, I will be able to add value to the work of the hospital.”

New -look board for PCT 5.02pm - 21st November 2011

A NEW team of non-executive directors has been appointed to the single Board for the north Essex PCT cluster. The new Board, a reduction from three boards to one, will be chaired by Chris Paveley from December 1 until March 31, when new organisations are likely to replace PCTs, if NHS reforms are approved by Parliament. The non-executive director appointments are Alan Hubbard, previously vice-chairman of Mid Essex PCT; Pam Donnelly, Tim Young and Jerry Wedge, non-executive directors from the North East Essex PCT Board; and Qadir Bakhsh, Renata Drinkwater and Stephen King, non-executive directors from the West Essex PCT Board. Mr Wedge will be chairman of the Audit Committee. The single Board will govern three statutory PCTs as one organisation, reduced in size from the previous three. By joining forces, the three PCTs (Mid Essex PCT, North East Essex PCT and West Essex PCT) are able to make the most of their combined resources and will reduce running costs by more than £10m over the next two years. While managing the transition to new NHS organisations in 2013, the PCT cluster Board will be responsible for the service and financial performance of the local NHS and oversee health plans to transform services for patients. NHS North Essex chairman Chris Paveley said: “I am extremely grateful to all of the non- executive directors who have served as public representatives on the three PCT Boards. "They have kept a firm grip on the business and represented the best interests of patients and public. "We will be sorry to say farewell to those who will be leaving at the end of this month. “I would particularly like to thank my two chairman colleagues, David Barron who has chaired NHS Mid Essex and Alan Tobias who chaired NHS West Essex. "We have worked extremely well together since the start of the PCT cluster a year ago. I wish them well as they move on to new challenges. “With the range of skills and experience among the new board members, we continue to have a strong team, and I look forward to some great achievements from our partnership with staff and local people. ”

Pupils receive prestigious scholarships 4.59pm - 21st November 2011

THREE Bancroft's School pupils have been awarded prestigious Arkwright Scholarships. Charles Blake and Nicholas Slack received their awards for their outstanding work in design, engineering and technology at a ceremony held at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place, London. Oliver Hague was unable to attend the ceremony. The scholarships support young people who show the potential to be industry’s future leaders in engineering and design, during their sixth form studies. Charles’ scholarship is sponsored by BT, Oliver’s by the Technology Partnership Group. Charles and Nicholas were presented with their scholarships by Carol Burke, managing director of Unipart Manufacturing Group. Scholars are selected following a rigorous selection process comprising a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude paper and an interview. During interview, Charles, Oliver and Nicholas presented their GCSE project work to a panel of interviewers and discussed their commitment to design, engineering and technology. Dr Martin Thomas, the national director of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “This year Arkwright awarded 298 scholarships, our largest ever amount. "The increasing support that Arkwright receives from sponsors is a testament to the importance of the scholarships in these times of economic difficulty. "Arkwright identifies the future stars who will help pull this country out of difficulty in the coming years, as leaders in engineering or related areas of design. "All of our new scholars have absolutely phenomenal potential for the future and it’s great to see that this area of the country is producing students of the quality I saw at the Awards Day.” Charles, Oliver and Nicholas will also carry the status of ‘Arkwright Scholar’ into university. The school’s design and technology department receives £200 per year for the next two years. Scholarships are sponsored by individual engineers, industrial companies, professional institutions, charitable trusts, trade associations and the services.

Two trapped in road crash 8.05am - 20th November 2011

TWO people have been cut free following a two-vehicle crash at High Beech.

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Firefighters spent about 45 minutes working to release a man and a woman after the collision in Mott Street which happened at about 7.20am yesterday. The injured were left in the care of the ambulance service.

Winning hospice lottery numbers 5.16pm - 19th November 2011

THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Epping. The winning number is 182423. The winner of the £100 second prize lives in Nazeing. The winning number is 257602. For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).

Council agrees precept increase 7.42am - 18th November 2011

A BUDGET increase which includes sufficient money for a range of projects to be carried out has been agreed by Ongar Town Council. A six per cent precept increase (Band D properties) to the council's revenue budget - £4 for the 2012-13 financial year (8p a week) - had been proposed however the council said a total increase of £8.84 (17p per week) was needed if a 'wish list' of projects was to be achieved. Last night's meeting agreed to the higher increase. The planned projects include the upgrading of the CCTV system, replacing surfaces and equipment at the town council's three play areas (Love Lane, Cerizay Garden and Greensted Road) and creating an Olympic outdoor fitness park (outdoor gym) to be a legacy to the London 2012 Games. The council will also make a contribution towards the cost of the town's Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

Further tests planned for lorry park 7.40am - 18th November 2011

FURTHER tests will be carried out on the Ongar lorry park site on Monday before the town council decides whether or not to purchase the site from the county council. Following a 'walkover survey' of the Greensted Road site, eight soil samples from varying depths will be taken to establish levels of any contamination. A children's play area is one possible use for part of the site should it come under town council ownership..

Probus club given cardiac care talk 7.38am - 18th November 2011

THIRTY-three members attended the September luncheon meeting of Epping Probus Club when the guest speaker was Dr Sandy Gupta, consultant cardiologist at Whipps Cross and St Bartholomew's University Hospitals. He spoke about cardiac heath and care and the prevention of heart disease - the number one killer in the UK with a death from this disease occurring every five minutes with nine deaths daily in London. Dr Gupta said problems arise when the coronary arteries to the heart become furred up and blocked. This problem increases with age and other factors are diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and genetic influences. The disease has few minor or early symptoms and is known as the silent killer. Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor and it has been estimated that one cigarette reduces life expectancy by 11 minutes. The risk of heart disease developing is reduced by half after one year of non-smoking and after nine years, a non-smoker carries the same risk as a lifetime non-smoker. For information about the club, ring secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.

Invitation to talented youngsters 7.36am - 18th November 2011

TALENTED sportsmen and women, artists and musician, aged 13-25 and who live in the district, can apply to the Epping Forest District Council Arts and Sports Award Programme. The awards, from £500 to £1,500 for the overall winners, are for young people in the district who are able to demonstrate an outstanding talent in their sport or arts activity. For local young artists, this talent could include reaching Grade 8 in classical music or jazz, pursuing drama, art, contemporary music and other art forms at a higher educational level or receiving public or professional recognition of their work. For sports people this could include competing for Essex, the east region or at national level in their chosen nationally-recognised sport. The aim of the awards programme is to recognise local talent and to assist young people to develop further their ability in their chosen field by providing funding support towards specialist equipment, competition and event fees, travel and accommodation costs and extra tuition or higher level coaching fees. The deadline for applications is December 1. To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 13 and 25 and live in the district (or if at college or university, then returning home to Epping Forest district during the holidays). Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview in January. To receive an application form and further details, [email protected] including your name and postal address. Details will also be available on the council website - www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk If you would like to talk to a member of staff before submitting an application, ring arts officer Felicity Hall on 01992 564553 or assistant sports officer James Carstairs on 01992 564567.

County role for town councillor 6.36pm - 17th November 2011

ONGAR town councillor Sheila Jackman has been elected chairman of the Essex Association of Local Councils. Mrs Jackman, who is serving a second term on Ongar Town Council and is also chairman of the Epping Forest branch of the Local Councils Liaison Committee, was elected by the executive committee at a meeting in Dunmow this afternoon. She takes over the chain of office from Billericay councillor John Buchanan who was elected a vice-chairman along with West Bergholt councillor John Gili-Ross. Mrs Jackman said: "I am committed to promoting the parish and town council sectors since we are the voice of the people and we deserve to be heard and have our views taken into account."

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Fancy dinner with TOWIE stars? 3.04pm - 17th November 2011

IT is an auction prize that fans of the ITV2 series 'The Only Way is Essex' could only dream about - until now! Guests who attend a star-studded fundraising event being held to raise money for student and community sports facilities at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, will be able to bid for a dinner date with TOWIE stars - the former West Hatch High School pupil Joey Essex as well as Lydia Bright and her mother. The trio have offered dinner to the highest bidder - with the meal cooked by Lydia's mother in her Chigwell home. A host of celebrities are supporting the night with X-Factor singer John Wilding - a former pupil of West Hatch High School - set to perform on the night, and auction his trademark bowler hat. Other auction prizes include a week at a Florida villa near Disney World, two nights all expenses paid at a Grange Hotel of the successful bidder's choice and tea the House of Commons with Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. A signed Tottenham Hotspur football, signed Leyton Orient shirt and family membership of Top Golf will be among the raffle prizes. Money raised from the black tie event being held at the St Paul's Grange Hotel, in the City of London, on Saturday, January 21 (7pm-1am) will go towards the cost of new student and community sports facilities at West Hatch. Head teacher Frances Howarth said: "Our current provision for sport and physical fitness has not been upgraded since the school was opened in 1957. "We are in desperate need of a sports centre and dance studio. Both PE and Dance are very strong at the school and would make great use of such a facility." Mrs Howarth added: "West Hatch currently has over 1,000 community users of the school site and its facilities on a weekly basis. "This project would allow us to extend this still further by encouraging local sports teams and dance groups as well as the public to use it, enhancing local provision." Special guest at the evening will be former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley. The evening will be compered by radio DJ David Jensen and feature classical saxophonist Tyler Rix. Also supporting the event is Olympic gold medallist and former West Hatch High School pupil Sally Gunnell. Various ticket packages are available: Gold - a table for ten guests plus a celebrity (£1,500). Silver -a table for ten guests (£1,000). Bronze - individual tickets £90 (£160 for a couple). All packages include a cocktail reception, three course meal with wine, entertainment, cabaret, dancing and disco. There will also be a raffle, silent auction and live auction. For tickets and more information, contact Caroline Haines, Marketing and Development Director, Finance Office, West Hatch High School, High Road, Chigwell; email [email protected] Guests must be over 18, or accompanied by someone over 18 if they are over 16.

Students attend entrepreneur masterclass 2.30pm - 17th November 2011

STUDENTS at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, picked up tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur when they attended a special Masterclass. Year 12 students on the Business, Applied Business course and Business A-level groups attended the full-day workshop run by Education Enterprise, on entrepreneurship and business plans. The morning started with various team building exercises before the students listened to a talk from Rob Ellice, of Collier Hillyer, about what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Mr Ellice enjoyed his hour with the students commenting on how he had found the time spent on a one-to-one basis answering their pertinent questions quite stimulating. The school's careers co-ordinator, Sara Gabriel, said: "All students engaged with the day and presented their business plans to each other in a professional manner. "The presenters from Education Enterprise praised all the students on their commitment to the day and how smart they all were." Various awards were presented at the end of the day: Best contributors to the day - Harry Hewitt-Chick, Jessie Creatini and Sicelo Simela. Best presenters - Adam Birch and Ruari Ballentine. Best Presentation/Business plan - 'PalmerDon' Enterprise (Billy Allnut, Georgina Galley, Harrison Praill and Brandon Ritchie. The school's Head of Business, Neil Cunningham, said: "The day was a huge success and was of real value to the students, to both their current studies and their future."

Santa run to raise money for hospice 2.08pm - 17th November 2011

ST Clare Hospice is holding its festive Santa Fun Run in Harlow Town Park on Sunday, December 11 (11am). Last year some 200 Santas took part in the event raising £7,300. Runners dressed in their Santa outfits follow a 4km route around the park. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Should £10,000 be raised this year it would be sufficient money to fund the hospice's entire in-patient unit for 57 hours over the festive period. Children receive a free Santa hat when they sign up and adults get a full Santa suit. There will be pre-start stalls, refreshments and entertainment including a festive warm-up. All Santas need to register before the event adults £15 (£5 for children aged under 15). To register visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/santa.html , ring 01279 773750 or email [email protected]

Event to mark Domestic Abuse Week 2.05pm - 17th November 2011

AN event is being held in Loughton to help mark Domestic Abuse Week. Shop premises - formerly '2nd Trend' - at 68 The Broadway, Debden, will be open between 9.30am and 4pm on Wednesday, November 23. The aim is to raise awareness within the community about domestic abuse and its impact on families, children and young people. The family and child friendly event has been arranged in partnership with members of the domestic abuse forum. All agencies involved are working in the field with victims, children and perpetrators. True Stars, the children's centre in Chigwell, is offering activities and face painting for children while their mums, other relatives or friends can chat through any domestic or relationship concerns. Other agencies represented will be Women's Aid, Safer Places, Epping Forest District

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Council, Essex Police Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers, Victim Support and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors and Essex Change - perpetrator programme. Sheila Middleditch, Specialist Nurse Domestic Abuse of the Safeguarding Children and Families Team, said: "We're taking a stance on healthy relationships, taking a positive angle on the day. "We hope our drop-in will provide people with a chance to think about their own relationships within their family, to take stock and find out where they can turn to for information and support. "We hope to draw in people from the local area and the wider community from mothers and pre-school age children to passing shoppers so they can find out more. "For professionals it is an opportunity to network with agencies within the community which support these victims and give them a chance to gather information about referral and signposting to relevant agencies so they are better informed to support. "We hope to have representatives from a wide number of multi-agency groups, recognising and identifying the very important work agencies do with children who, in domestic abuse situations, become victims in their own right."

Council work goes on despite resignations 1.27pm - 17th November 2011

RESIDENTS in Buckhurst Hill are being told they should not be "unduly concerned" after a mass resignation left their parish council with only four councillors. Seven Liberal Democrat councillors have resigned leaving just four Conservative councillors to deal with council matters. Conservative councillor Sylvia Watson said steps have already been taken to ensure that council business can continue with as little disruption as possible. She said: "In the last few weeks seven councillors representing the Liberal Democrat Party, who were in control of Buckhurst Hill Parish Council, have resigned. "No reasons were given for their respective decisions but it is well known that residents have questioned the way in which the council has been run. "Until the council elects a new chairman neither I nor my three Conservative colleagues may speak for the council. Therefore my comments are given in my personal capacity. "My Conservative colleagues at Buckhurst Hill Parish Council and I are disappointed that councillors should have taken the irresponsible step of resigning so close to the 2012 local elections thus causing the considerable expense of a by-election." She added: "My colleagues and I have already implemented steps to ensure the council can conduct its business with as little disruption as possible. "Our priority is to safeguard the council in the interests of all the residents. "We hope to have a full picture of all outstanding matters in the next couple of weeks and are committed to establishing financial stability and competence. "There is no need for residents to be unduly concerned." Commenting on the resignations, Steven Neville, of Epping Forest Green Party, said: "It is a disgrace that these councillors have created a mess on the parish and just walked away. "They should have had the courage to face electors next May but alas they have chosen not to."

High Road pub seeks longer hours 8.04pm - 17th November 2011

A LOUGHTON pub is seeking the go-ahead to extend its opening hours. The Last Post pub in the High Road wants to extend drinking time to midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 1am on Friday and Saturday - a proposal which has met with opposition from local people. The pub also wants to create an outdoor dining area in front of the pub. Loughton deputy town mayor Stephen Pewsey, who was among the residents who attended a meeting at the pub last night, told Everything Epping Forest: "Loughton is a pro-business town and we always welcome proposals to improve its amenities. But we also need to safeguard the right of residents not to be disturbed by late night noise and nuisance. "I hope we can strike a balance which benefits both traders and their neighbours." Consultations will continue in advance of a planning application being submitted.

Last ditch plan to save tip 5.43pm - 16th November 2011

A LAST-ditch attempt will be made tomorrow to save the High Ongar tip - with county council chiefs to be asked to make a "genuine effort" to set up a partnership between parish councils and a contractor. The plea and intended solution will be made by Ongar county councillor Gerard McEwen who has been at the forefront of the fight to save the Mill Lane site ever since the closure proposal was revealed. The issue will be discussed by the county council's scrutiny committee when a petition, signed by several thousand people, will be presented. Stanford Rivers Parish Council chairman John Glover will be presenting the petition and speaking on behalf of all the local parish councils. Mr McEwen said: "This issue has aroused such anger locally that I have never experienced such a deluge of e-mails, phone calls, letters and lobbying and, of course, the petition calling for a review and further discussions." He added: "Throughout these six months I have had many meetings and discussions trying to get this decision changed." Mr McEwen will ask the committee to consider two alternative options which would ensure the future of the civic amenity site. He will suggest the introduction of a five-day-a-week service, which is already happening in other sites, and call on Essex County Council to make a "genuine effort" to set up a partnership operation between the local parishes and a contractor. Mr McEwen said the likely saving from closing the High Ongar site is between £91,000 and £100,000 a year. He told Everything Epping Forest: "We believe far more could be saved by putting all sites on a five-day-a-week opening (to include weekends). They are proposing this for just nine of the sites out of the 23 in Essex. "Closing High Ongar may be a saving for Essex County Council but it is simply putting the extra costs on fuel bills for longer journeys to alternative sites. "It is also likely to incur costs for Epping Forest District Council who would have to clear up fly-tipping. "The route to Coxtie Green (A128) is congested and dangerous, especially at weekends - and Coxtie Green tip has a reputation for queues! "The opposition have 'called -in' the decision, and together we hope to reverse this so that other methods of running Mill Lane might be considered. "The existing contract is due for renewal next year anyway, so why cause all this upheaval and loss of amenity to the community at this stage?"

What do you think? Email your views to [email protected]

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Children raise money for charity 1.17pm - 16th November 2011

CHILDREN at Normanhurst School, North Chingford, have raised £1,119 for the Starlight Children's Charity which grants wishes for seriously ill children. The money was raised when the pupils took part in a sponsored walk, held a cake sale and held a non-uniform day. Jo Castleton, a representative from the Starlight Foundation, attended a special assembly which was led by head girl Isobel Barry. The assembly heard how children benefit from visits by magicians and face painters, a touring pantomime, extra toys and games and special wishes granted by the charity such as going to meet Manchester United footballers or going on a shopping trip with Gok Wan. All these were made possible by donations and fundraising from many people, and schools in particular. Normanhurst School is a keen supporter of charities and arranges a number of events each year. The school's charities co-ordinator, Judith Reeve, said: " It is really good for our pupils to hear first-hand how their efforts at fundraising go towards making life a little better for other children who are not as fortunate."

Accreditation for mental health unit 1.14pm - 16th November 2011

THE Mental Health Unit at St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, has been accredited as a Practice Development Unit (PDU) by Bournemouth University. This means the hospital met or exceeded all the requirements for a Practice Development Unit. The unit, which is run by North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, specialises in treating older adults who are affected with dementia and other mental health conditions and student doctors and nurses regularly undertake placements there. The accreditation means that after an evaluation of services, the result show that feedback and suggestions from service users, carers and staff contribute to the development and improvement of services. Specialist Dementia Nurse Lean Lee said: "The examiners from Bournemouth University were very impressed with our work and the high quality of care we provide for our patients and carers. "They were particularly impressed that all staff members were very much involved in the projects." North Essex Partnership chjef executive Andrew Geldard said: "This is excellent news for patients and their families . "A Practice Development Unit means we are going to the next level, developing expertise in new skills, but also delivered with compassion and it's good to have someone tell us so. "The accreditation recognises the dedication and hard work of our staff."

Town planning "great party" next summer 9.25pm - 15th November 2011

A RANGE of events are being proposed to help Loughton celebrate the London 2012 Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee next summer. As well as bunting along Loughton High Road and The Broadway, Loughton Town Council is planning red, white and blue floral displays and a competition for the best Jubilee-themed shop window display. To help celebrate the Jubilee, a beacon is set to be lit. Various local organisations were represented at a meeting held at the Loughton Town Council offices this evening. Among those present were Churches Together in Loughton, East 15 Acting School, Loughton Athletics Club, Loughton and District Amateur Radio Society, Loughton Arts Centre and Ignite. Deputy mayor Stephen Pewsey, who is also chairman of the town council's environment and heritage committee, said: "The Olympic Games is literally 15-20 minutes away - it's right on our doorstep. "We are, in effect, the Gateway to the Games - that's the slogan we are going to use. "We all like a party and a chance to put up some red, white and blue bunting and that's what happened this year for the Royal Wedding." While visitors to the Olympics will be spending time seeing the sights in London it is hoped they will also look slightly further afield, into the Epping Forest district, during their stay. Mr Pewsey said: "People can come to the forest, come to love it and come along more often." He added: "The Loughton part of the council tax has not gone up for some years - we have kept the precept increase to zero because we are aware that lots of people in Loughton are struggling. "It (what is being proposed) is not a party to end all parties but we think we can put on a great party for the town and anyone who wants to visit us." The Love Loughton event, which attracted several thousand people this year, will be held again, and it is hoped Debden Day or similar event will be held for The Broadway, Debden. A further meeting to discuss plans for events in the town will be held early in the new year.

Crews tackle container blaze 9.22pm - 15th November 2011

THREE fire crews have spent more than two hours tackling a blaze in a metal container fill of cardboard in Epping. Firefighters from Epping and Loughton were called to Bury Lane at 5pm. A water relay was used to get water to the scene and police were called to monitor traffic in the area. LPG cylinders were involved in the fire and these were cooled by crews.

Register for school's media service 6.03pm - 15th November 2011

THEYDON Bois Primary School now has an email media service to keep people informed about its news and events. Anyone can register to receive its media releases to keep them up-to-date with the school's achievements in the classroom and in the community. Head teacher Elspeth Bonds said: "So much good news is being created at Theydon Bois Primary School thanks to the hard work of the staff and our pupils. "Because of this we are keen to highlight what we are doing. "We hope that many of our parents, their friends and families as well as villagers and

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businesses in and around Theydon Bois will register to receive our updates." The service - provided by Everything Epping Forest - is available free of charge to subscribers who can ask to have their email address removed at any time. No email addresses are passed to a third party. To register to receive the school's media releases simply send an email with 'subscribe' in the subject line to [email protected]

Injured goalkeeper has "limited mobility" 5.02pm - 15th November 2011

THE non-league footballer seriously injured during a fight outside a nightspot has been interviewed by police as investigations into the incident continue. Billericay Town goalkeeper Nicky Morgan, who lives in Loughton, has been left with limited mobility following the fight outside the back of the Sugar Hut in William Hunter Way, Brentwood, at about 2.30am on October 28. He remains in Queens Hospital, Romford, awaiting a referral to a specialist rehabilitation unit. Police have identified a number of people who were involved in the incident but one man is still outstanding and officers need to interview him to get his statement and explanation for the fight. The man was wearing a white T-shirt and became involved in the incident where punches were thrown before the two men fell to the ground and the victim sustained a head injury. Police urge him to contact them at Harlow Serious Crime team on 101, or 0300 333 4444.

Students support South Africa projects 12.58pm - 15th November 2011

STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School are supporting the Little Lambs charity. Year 7 form group 7W and their form tutor Paula Goosen are collecting money for the charity which is committed to reducing child poverty and chronic hunger and developing hope in the hearts of the children in Cape Town, South Africa. The charity distributes essential products to outreach projects to vulnerable babies and children. The projects in Cape Town are supporting a safehouse and disabled centre in the city, delivering baby packs to hospitals and clinics, providing blankets and essential products for destitute families with small children and helping create jobs. Pupils have held various events, including a sponsored run, cake sale, penny collection, jewellery sale and a sponsored silence. Now the students are planning an assembly to raise awareness of the charity and all the events they are currently involved with. Head teacher Paul Banks said: "Part of the work we do at Roding Valley is devoted to working with our students to give them an understanding of the challenges that some people face across the world. "We encourage them to be actively involved in raising money or devoting their time to help others less fortunate than themselves. "I am delighted that 7W, along with their form tutor, have taken such an active role in supporting Little Lambs."

MP praises village festive market idea 12.58pm - 15th November 2011

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing says a first Theydon Bois Christmas Market organised by the parish council promises to be "a marvellous community occasion". Theydon Bois Parish Council is holding the event between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday, December 1. There will be various attractions, including a Santa's Grotto. Mrs Laing said: "Theydon Bois Parish Council is to be congratulated on organising such a great event." She added: "I am sure that villagers and shopkeepers alike will all come together for the event which promises to be a marvellous community occasion. "I really hope that the evening will be such a success that the Christmas Market becomes a regular fixture in the village's festive calendar.".

Register early for hospice run 12.58pm - 15th November 2011

REGISTRATION is now open for the St Clare Hospice 10k run next April. The 10k road race, on Sunday, April 1 next year, starts and finishes at the hospice in Hastingwood. The race is affiliated with UK Athletics. There are medals for all finishers and a barbecue, refreshments and entertainment for spectators. There will also be a prize giving ceremony for the fastest runners. Entrants must be aged 15 years or over. Entry costs £12 (£10 for affiliated runners). You can register on the day for an additional £3. Register online at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/10krun.html or ring 01279 773750 for an entry form.

MP seeks council tax discount for servicemen 8.35am - 15th November 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is urging the Government to make it easier for local authorities to give council tax discounts to servicemen returning from duty. Mr Halfon raised the issue in a parliamentary debate yesterday (Tuesday) when he asked a question of Andrew Robathan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence. Mr Halfon asked whether the Government would consider introducing legislation to allow councils to give council tax discounts to servicemen returning from duty. He added: "At the moment, although that is possible, it is very difficult for them to do so." The Government's response was encouraging. Mr Robathan said: "It is within the powers of any local authority to give a discount on council tax, should it wish to do so. "I would welcome that if it improves the lot of our service personnel returning from operations." Last December Mr Halfon called on the Government to introduce legislation that would allow councils to discount council tax to Special Constables. Mr Halfon said such a move would be a boost to the Special Constabulary. He said: "This would act as an incentive and would give something back to those Specials who do so much to give their efforts to communities."

Two jailed over road crash death 5.17pm - 14th November 2011

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THE wife of a man killed in a road crash at Stapleford Tawney which led to a landmark conviction for Essex Police has said she will find it difficult to forgive the couple who caused his death. The collision happened on the A113 Ongar Road when a Ford Puma struck a pedal cyclist on shortly after 7pm on Sunday, June 13 last year. The cyclist, Steven Rodway, 38, a vehicle assessor, from Hutton, was certified dead at the scene. Two people were arrested at the scene. In September this year the driver of the Ford Puma, engineer Alex Dexter, 23, of Torrington Gardens, Loughton, pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by careless driving, one count of causing death while uninsured and one count of causing death without having a driving licence. Last month bar steward Lauren Mellish, 22, from Orchard Lane, Pilgrims Hatch, who was the passenger in the Ford Puma and owned the vehicle, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Dexter who caused the death of Steven Rodway while driving without insurance. Police believe this is the first time a person has been convicted of aiding and abetting a driver who caused the death of another while driving without insurance. The two had previously been partners. At Chelmsford Crown Court today (November 14) Dexter was jailed for 15 months while Lauren Mellish was jailed for six months. Outside court, Steven's wife, Marrissa Rodway, 35, said: "Alex Dexter and Lauren Mellish have turned our lives upside down and I know I will find it hard to forgive them for the heartache they have caused our family." Senior Investigating Officer Inspector Keith Whiting, said: "Alex Dexter drove the car without a licence or insurance and with the full knowledge of the owner, his then girlfriend, Lauren Mellish. "They showed a disregard for people's safety with their actions resulting in the death of Steven who was simply out riding his bike on a Sunday afternoon. "They have taken the life of a young man who was a loving father and husband. They got out of the car and made up a story to cover themselves, without offering Steven any assistance." He added: "I have never known such callous actions at the scene of a fatal collision. I would like to thank Marrissa and the rest of Steven's family for the support they have given the investigation team. "My officers have completed a meticulous investigation resulting in the first prosecution of this kind nationally. I hope this prosecution sends a strong message to anyone who lends their car to someone unlawfully." In a statement, Marrissa Rodway, added: "If I summed up Steven in three words it would be: loving, proud and hardworking; while his friends would say: reliable, the organiser and the joker. "As a father, Steven doted on his girls. It came natural for him to take care, love and tease them from day one of their lives. Being parents and running our home was done by Steven and me very much as a team. "Steven and I shared a love of life which has rubbed off in our children. Skiing and improving our home were Stevens's main passions other than his family. "When I met him, I wasn't into skiing. It was too cold for me I thought, but very soon he talked me round to loving it too; he could talk anyone round to his way of thinking. "Another example of this is when we brought our family home, the agents told us the elderly lady living in it would not let anyone view it, Steven knew I loved the house since childhood and knocked on the lady's door and soon we were offered in for a cup of tea. "Now each day I worry for my girls feelings; how this has affected them and what effects they are going through which I don't know of. Erica, who is now aged two, does not know what a daddy is and calls men of whom she doesn't know their name 'daddy' because she sees her friends doing so, but to the right person. "Harriett, who is now six, frequently reminisces of the many things Steven used to do with her, making pancakes and boiled eggs on a Sunday morning, secret sign language for 'I love you' and flipping her over with ease. "She has had many hurdles to overcome in the first year without her daddy: Her birthday, Father's Day, school and family holidays to name a few. "He would do anything for anyone; close family, friends, work colleagues or just a passing person who needed help or advice. "Virtually everywhere we went he would see someone he knew to say 'hello' to or sometimes more as he did like to have a chat. "His close friends have told me many funny stories of him in his earlier days and I know there are many more to hear. Steven always had a witty comment to say and he knew the answers. "He would have celebrated his 40th birthday this year which he would have celebrated with all those he knew, but sadly he never got there as he was taken from us by two people who choose to break the law by travelling in a car unlawfully. "For me, I live for my children now. Of course I am lonely and it doesn't matter how many people I have around me I'm still lonely without Steven. As corny as it sounds, Steven was my soul partner. "We always shared time together, when we were not at work, visiting family and friends or just in the house with the girls relaxing or while one was improving the home the other was always around; I miss that partnership. "What he lacked in I complimented and vice versa for me. I miss that look and smile and everything else that came with Steven Rodway. "Harriett, Erica and I are very lucky to have close family and many friends that have been rocks around us to help. In this case it's very true; without them it would have been very difficult." Both Dexter and Mellish were disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to take extended driving tests before reapplying for their licences.

Pupils make their own poppy wreaths 3.52pm - 14th November 2011

PUPILS at Theydon Bois Primary School made their own poppy wreaths and took part in a special Remembrance Day service. All 308 pupils at the Orchard Drive school were involved in Friday's service which included the hymn 'I Vow To Thee My Country', the two-minute silence, The Last Post, Revielle, a prayer and the National Anthem. During the service pupil representatives laid their specially-made wreaths at the flagpole outside the school's reception. Head teacher Elspeth Bonds said: "Every year we do our own Armistice Service. We have already gone through with the children the symbolism of the poppy and the ceremony which helps them understand the meaning behind the service and the period of Remembrance, why we have the two-minute silence and what the Armistice is all about." Each of the school's 11 classes made a poppy wreath which was laid outside the school. Poppy seeds from Flanders were scattered during the short ceremony. Four children have a parent currently serving overseas. Year 6 pupil Lauren Tebbutt, ten, whose father is currently in Afghanistan, said: "I learnt the meaning of Armistice Day and why we have it, and why it is on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 o'clock." She added: "These people fought for our country when the war was on and they tried to save lives, and that is what they are doing now. "They sacrificed their lives for us."

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Pupil representatives with Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, the school's site manager Steve Bristow and School Council co -ordinator louise Eldridge click here

Police target drivers in Nazeing 3.52pm - 14th November 2011

SEVENTY-eight drivers were given fixed penalty notices for a range of motoring offences during a road safety operation in Nazeing. Road policing officers and road safety officers from Essex County Council took part in the day-long operation on Thursday, November 10. Most of the offences were speeding, driving while using a mobile telephone and failing to wear seatbelts. One driver was banned from the road for having three defective tyres and a moped was seized from a rider who had no insurance. Another moped rider was given a fixed penalty notice in the morning after being stopped for having an illegal number plate and stopped again in the afternoon for the same offence. On the second occasion he had the moped seized and will be prosecuted. PC Duncan Stableford, who organised the operation, said: "We were contacted by residents of Nazeing and members of the local Neighbourhood Action panel who were concerned about the poor standard of driving by local motorists or people travelling through the village. "The safety checks were carried out in Nazeing Road near the shops and we found that the majority of offenders were speeding or driving while using mobiles. "All the drivers who were stopped were offered the chance of talking with road safety officers for advice on improving their driving and the vast majority of people did attend the training sessions. "Numerous residents thanked us for our efforts and we will be carrying out further operations in the area soon."

Four held over violent disorder 10.09am - 14th November 2011

FOUR people - including two schoolboys - have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after an incident in Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill. The incident happened on August 8 during the time of violent disorder in London and elsewhere. A large group of youths was reported, some of whom were throwing missiles at passing vehicles. At just before 7.30pm a police car was damaged by youths throwing stones or similar. Those arrested are a 19 year old man from Leyton, east London; an 18-year-old man from Loughton; a 14-year-old boy from Loughton, and a 13-year-old boy from Buckhurst Hill. Inspector Tom Simons, from the Loughton neighbourhood police team, said: "Police officers treated this incident very seriously, particularly in the wider context of events at the time. "We are still going through every piece of evidence, and following up leads to try to bring to justice anyone who was committing these crimes at the time." Anyone with any information about who may have been involved in incidents in the area that night should ring Sgt Paul Christian or his colleagues at Loughton Police Station on 101, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Church planning extension 10.09am - 14th November 2011

PUBLIC comments are being sought over proposals to build an extension onto St John's Church, Epping. Church leaders are proposing the work to give the church extra space for administration and events and want local people to have their say over the development, and express their views on what facilities they would like to see. The extension work may fit in with the district council's redevelopment of the St John's Road area of Epping. Anyone wanting give their views is asked to complete a survey form by Friday, December 16. Completed forms should be sent to St John's House, St John's Road, Epping, CM16 5DN (next to the church). Forms which are submitted with the names and addresses will be put in a raffle with the first two drawn after the closing date receiving a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.

School's links with Lord Mayor's Show 9.58am - 14th November 2011

THE Lord Mayor's Show is steeped in history and is one of the biggest events to be held in London - but few people are aware of the link that the City and the Lord Mayor's Show has with West Hatch High School, Chigwell. Saturday (November 12) saw the 684th Lord Mayor of London celebrate his election with a colourful display around the streets of the City of London. Among the pageantry and parade was carriage 132 which carried Alderman Gordon Haines who was supported on the plinth outside Guildhall and Mansion House by his wife, Caroline, the Marketing and Development Director at the High Road school. The couple have long-standing links with Chigwell having lived in the area until they moved to Upminster. Ald. Haines is Deputy Chairman of Epping Forest, which overviews the forest for the City of London Corporation. Born in Bethnal Green, in the East End of London, he started work as a tea boy in the City at 15, rising through the ranks to head a global financier and broker. He said: "It remains the hub of the country's wealth and the leading global financial centre despite some recent negative comment about the City of London Corporation and the Banking Sector. "The financial, business, commercial and civic City have significant links with and give considerable support to educational and charitable causes, benefiting many well beyond its borders." With a significant charity portfolio and active involvement in the Livery movement (Ald. Haines is set to become Master Painter Stainer in October 2012) both he and Caroline give education, opening up opportunity, health and fitness as their main priorities, endorsing the new Lord Mayor's theme: Fit for the Future. Mrs Haines has had links with West Hatch High School for many years since joining the staff as Head of Humanities, Religious Education & PSEC in the 1980s. After a spell running a Sixth Form Centre and working with Oxford University to establish its National Centre for RE, she has returned to West Hatch in the role of Marketing and Development Director. Mrs Haines said: "Frances Howarth (West Hatch High School's head teacher) and I go back a long way and I was really excited at the prospect of returning to the school with a brief of building City links - especially with Alumni - and marketing the amazing talent here

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amongst students and staff." Utilising their City links Gordon and Caroline have already seen students from West Hatch perform and model in a Guildhall Fashion Show that raised £50,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund (Bobby & Tina lived near the couple when they were in Chigwell), sing for the Queenhithe Ward Club at St James Garlickhythe (the home of the Cranmer Prayer Book), learn more about the Livery through the World Skills Exhibition at the Excel Centre, celebrate the global role of women on International Women's Day meeting Sarah Brown, Theresa May and Annie Lennox on the Millennium Bridge, and benefit from mentoring by high-profile men and women from the worlds of business, commerce and politics. Gordon's presence on the City of London's City Olympic Committee and Caroline's links with the owner of the Grange Hotel chain through her work with East Sutton Park Prison and ex-offenders has enabled West Hatch to use the confirmed base for the GB Paralympic Team at next summer's Games - St Paul's Grange Hotel (Godliman Street.EC4) - for the spectacular Sports Ball on Saturday, January 21 next year which will be raising money for new sports facilities at West Hatch. For further details about the Sports Ball email Caroline Haines at [email protected]

Attempted robbery at village shop 6.32pm - 13th November 2011

DETECTIVES are appealing for help to find three men and two women involved in an attempted robbery at a North Weald shop. The incident happened at Tylers Green store, Vicarage Lane, shortly before 4pm on Saturday (November 12). The men and the women, who were both wearing burkas, entered the shop, assaulted a member of staff and tried to open the till but the staff member managed to stop them taking cash and they left empty handed. They drove off along the A414 towards Harlow in a black car, believed to be a Vauxhall Astra with heavily tinted windows. The three men all spoke with an Eastern European accent. One man was said to be about 5ft 8ins tall with dark hair and wearing a black leather jacket. A second man was about 5ft 10ins tall, had dark short hair and was wearing a grey jumper. There was no clear description of the third man. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects should contact the Target Team at Loughton Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

TOWIE stars to switch on Christmas lights 6.32pm - 13th November 2011

TWO stars from the latest series of the ITV2 reality series The Only Way is Essex will be switching on the Ongar Christmas lights. Identical twins Dino and Georgio will be in the town on Friday, December 2. The Ongar Town Forum event starts at 5pm with various attractions in the High Street ahead of the switch-on of the festive lights at 6.30pm.

The district remembers 4.34pm - 13th November 2011

REMEMBRANCE services have been held across the district to remember the dead of two world wars and other conflicts. Civic dignitaries joined with cadets, war veterans and members of the various youth organisations at churches and war memorials to pay their respects. In North Weald, villagers were joined by representatives from the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Ongar service was held at the new Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre in Fyfield Road, which is nearing completion on the site of the war memorial hospital. It is the first time for two years that the Remembrance Day service has been held there. Among those laying wreaths at the medical centre were the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, NHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias OBE and Ongar Town Council chairman Diana Roberts. Parades followed the wreath laying services in Loughton and Epping where Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold- Stephens both took the salute.

For details on how to order prints of the pictures, ring 07710 447868 or email [email protected]

WALTHAM ABBEY -

Members of the 3rd Waltham Abbey Simba Cub Pack at the service at the Farm Hill Road war memorial PICTURE 1

(left to right) Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Waltham Abbey county and district councillor Liz Webster, Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts and council leader Stuart Pryde PICTURE 2

The Royal British Legion standard is lowered PICTURE 3

Wreaths are laid by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 4 county and district councillor Liz Webster PICTURE 5 and Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts PICTURE 6

Two members of the 3rd Waltham Abbey Simba Cub Pack lay their wreath PICTURE 7

CHIGWELL -

Musicians from Chigwell School at the wreath laying service at St Mary's Church, Chigwell PICTURE 8 and PICTURE 10

The choir of St Mary's Church, Chigwell PICTURE 9

Wreaths are laid by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 11 Chigwell Village district councillor John Knapman PICTURE 12 and Chigwell Parish Council chairman Christine Buttling PICTURE 13

NORTH WEALD -

North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman Cyril Hawklns in the North Weald Airfield Museum with (left to right) Royal Norwegian Air Force Captain Erlend Hagen, Major Vegard Boethun and Royal Norwegian Navy Commander Hanne Johmslov PICTURE 14

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North Weald Royal British Legion branch president Derek Tringham PICTURE 15

The service at the North Weald Airfield Memorial was led by Chaplain Bryony Morrison PICTURE 16

Major Vegard Boethun lays a wreath on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Air Force PICTURE 17

Wreaths are laid by North Weald county councillor Anthony Jackson PICTURE 18 and North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman Cyril Hawklns PICTURE 19

Royal Norwegian Navy Commander Hanne Johmslov PICTURE 20

EPPING -

The Epping Forest Pipe Band leads the parade to the war memorial wreath laying service PICTURE 21

The clergy head the procession to the war memorial PICTURE 22 and PICTURE 23

Wreaths are laid by Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens PICTURE 24 Epping mayor Ken Avey PICTURE 25 Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing PICTURE 26 and two students from St John's School, Epping PICTURE 27

A member of the Air Training Corps at the war memorial wreath laying service PICTURE 28

Some of the members of the youth organisations represented at the service PICTURE 29

Epping and District Royal British Legion branch president Kevin Toole, Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold- Stephens and his wife Jill and Epping mayor Ken Avey prepare to take the salute in Epping High Street PICTURE 30

The Epping Forest Band lead the parade along Epping High Street PICTURE 31

The parade salutes en route to the Service of Remembrance at St John's Church PICTURE 32 PICTURE 33 PICTURE 34 PICTURE 35 PICTURE 36

Celebrities support school's Sports Ball 12.51pm - 12th November 2011

A HOST of celebrities are giving their support to a fundraising ball which will be raising money for new student and community sports facilities at West Hatch High School, Chigwell. Among those set to attend the 2012 Sports Ball are former West Hatch High School pupil John Wilding, who reached the Judges' House stage of ITV's X-Factor for a second successive year, and stars from the reality ITV2 programme The Only Way is Essex. Money raised from the black tie event being held at the St Paul's Grange Hotel, in the City of London, on Saturday, January 21 (7pm-1am) will go towards improved student and community sports facilities at the High Road school. Special guest will be former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley. The evening will be compered by radio DJ David Jensen and feature classical saxophonist Tyler Rix. John Wilding will also be performing, and auctioning his trademark bowler hat which he wore on this year's X-Factor. Also supporting the event is Olympic gold medallist and former West Hatch High School pupil Sally Gunnell. Sally said: "West Hatch encouraged me on my journey towards gold at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. The school shares my personal motto 'the best that I can be' and improved fitness facilities means healthier lifestyles." Various ticket packages are available: Gold - a table for ten guests plus a celebrity (£1,500) Silver -a table for ten guests (£1,000) Bronze - individual tickets £90 (£160 for a couple). All packages include a cocktail reception, three course meal with wine, entertainment, cabaret, dancing and disco. There will also be a raffle, silent auction and live auction. For tickets and more information, contact Caroline Haines, Marketing and Development Director, Finance Office, West Hatch High School, High Road, Chigwell; email [email protected] Guests must be over 18, or accompanied by someone over 18 if they are over 16. You can keep up-to-date with news about the 2012 Sports Ball on Facebook and Twitter To see the video 'advert' for the event on You Tube click here

Churches prepare for bazaar 12.37pm - 12th November 2011

THE churches of St Martin's, Ongar, and St Peter's Church, Shelley, are holding their Christmas Bazaar in the Budworth Hall, Ongar, on Saturday, November 26, from 10am to 1.30pm. Admission is free and there will be lots to tempt visitors. Many gift ideas will be on sale along with home-made produce, plants, hand-knitted garments, jewellery, glassware, wooden toys and cards. There will also be old favourites like the bottle stall. There will also be a raffle and refreshments will be served. This year the churches are sharing any profits made with two local registered charities, West Essex Mind and Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service. Both charities will be present with the Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service running a mini-stall with a competition. The death of someone close is one of life's most difficult experiences and it can have devastating and dramatic effects on feeling and behaviour. Ongar & District Bereavement Support Service is a small group of trained volunteers working in Ongar and the surrounding area helping bereaved people deal with their loss. The charity does not charge for its services so relies on donations. West Essex Mind is affiliated to National Mind and works to support people affected by mental health, and the people around them, on the journey towards recovery. Believing that with the appropriate support everyone has the potential to take steps that will improve their quality of life, the charity aims to achieve this by providing a range of different activities and opportunities. Gill Richardson, chairman of the St Martin's and St Peter's Fundraising Committee, said: "Let's make this a bazaar to remember - to help those who cannot always help themselves."

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Students mark Remembrance Day 10.02am - 12th November 2011

EVERY member of Roma Lafferty's English class at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, took on the challenge to create a visual interpretation of First World War poetry to help commemorate Remembrance Day. The objective was to show independent learning to other students in assemblies. The pupils were encouraged to make decisions about which poems they wanted to perform, how they were going to present them, what visual aids they were going to use and who was going to speak. The outcome was an assembly that portrayed The Great War in an original way. The assembly also helped explain the significance of Remembrance Sunday and the wearing of poppies to younger students. Head teacher Paul Banks said: "The class were exceptional during the assemblies and especially touching was the response from students who felt they better understood the effects of war as a result. "We also marked the Remembrance with a two-minute silence at 11am (on Friday, November 11) in which all 1,200 students observed the silence before returning to lessons." Year 7 student Isabella Agombar said: "I didn't really realise how many people died until today." Year 8 pupil Matthew Wolsely said: "I can't believe that so many soldiers who died were only four or five years older than me!" June Cordwell, assistant head teacher and Head of Pupil Progress KS3, said: "It is the best student-led assembly that I have been in for a long time. I was overwhelmed by how professional and informative it was." Roma Lafferty said: "This class took complete responsibility for their learning and were fully prepared to take risks by trying a new way of working. "The outcome was outstanding performances from a class of young students who continue to make me proud to be a teacher at Roding Valley High School." The Year 9 students involved were Thomas Barnetson, Laura Barritt, Jake Butler, Georgia Cahill, Max Crosby, Eve Dennehy, Andrew Duncanson, Alanna Girvan, Elias Hammond- Chorley, Caris Jaffe, Emily Jenkins, Elicia Jones, Karishma Lamba ,Tia Lineker, Paris Miller, Grace Blair, Jamie Rones, Dylan Smith, Joe Turner, Danny Wheeler, George Wigley, Leo Wingar and Samuel Wintle.

Debden Park wins debating competition 9.17am - 12th November 2011

THE team from Debden Park High School, Loughton, has won this year's Epping Forest schools parliamentary debating competition. The competition, organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, was held at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, last night (Friday). Haris Duherich and Clare O'Keefe received the trophy from Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens and his wife Jill. The Roding Valley High School team of Kristian Burnett and Ross Dowsett were runners- up. Seven schools took part in this year's competition debating either for or against the Motion 'That this House believes that the UK's investment in the 2012 Olympics is money well spent.' Also taking part were Chigwell School, Davenant Foundation School, St John's School, West Hatch High School and Braeside School. Judges for the evening were local county councillor Valerie Metcalfe, Theydon Bois Primary School head teacher Elspeth Bonds and David Jackman, of Everything Epping Forest. Mrs Laing said: "I was massively impressed by the high standard of the debate. It was a lively occasion with strong feelings on both sides. "In the end the audience voted to support the Motion." She added: "The judges had a difficult decision but they appreciated the humour, the confidence and the articulate presentation of the winning team."

The Debden Park High School team of Haris Duherich and Clare O'Keefe receive the trophy from Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens and his wife Jill PICTURE 1

Debden Park High School celebrate their success PICTURE 2 and PICTURE 3

The Roding Valley High School team whose speakers Kristian Burnett and Ross Dowsett were judged runners-up PICTURE 4

Tomas Nechleba and Ben Silverstone represented Chigwell School PICTURE 5

The Davenant Foundation School team of Meghan Giligan and Hannah Liebeschuetz PICTURE 6

Manisha Koolman and Emily James represented St John's School, Epping PICTURE 7

The Braeside School team PICTURE 8

Aaron Cope and Michael Leszman represented West Hatch High School PICTURE 9

Nightspot set to be demolished 3.39pm - 11th November 2011

MAJOR redevelopment plans have been revealed for an Epping High Street nightspot. Kiko Ventures has submitted plans to Epping Forest District Council to demolish Billie Jeans bar - which came in for strong criticism when it was repainted bright pink - and redevelop the site with a mixed use development featuring retail/food and drink and housing. Twelve homes are proposed for the first and second floors of the former Half Moon pub with 16 car parking spaces included in the plans. The application will be discussed by Epping Town Council before a decision is taken by the district council.

Plans to extend village cemetery 3.36pm - 11th November 2011

PLANNING permission is being sought to extend Theydon Bois Cemetery. Theydon Bois Parish Council has submitted an application seeking the go-ahead to include a parcel of land which is currently in agricultural use into the cemetery in Abridge Road.

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Winning hospice lottery numbers 1.16pm - 11th November 2011

THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow. The winning number is 275476. The £100 second prize goes to ticket number 892371. The winner also lives in Harlow. For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday -Friday 9.30am -1.30pm).

Chance to comment on budget increase 1.05pm - 11th November 2011

ONGAR residents are invited to attend next week's town council meeting and give their views on a proposal to increase the precept. A public meeting on Tuesday discussed the council's aspirations for 2012-13 including upgrading the town's CCTV system, partly funding the Queen's Jubilee celebration, improving the town's play areas and providing funding to support an application for a larger grant to provide an Olympic outdoor fitness park for teenagers and adults as a legacy for the 2012 Olympics. Town clerk Aimi Middlehurst said: "The town council has looked very carefully at the budget for 2012-13 and to maintain services at their present level will need to levy a precept that will result in Band D council tax payers contributing an extra 8p per week." She added: "Residents present at the public meeting indicated that they would be in agreement with the town council levying an additional 9p a week to fund a programme of improvements as long as the additional money was ring fenced and not absorbed into general administration costs." Council chairman Diana Roberts gave this assurance and added that the council wants to hear from any residents with views about the proposal before the full council meeting on Thursday, November 17, which will agree the precept for 2012-13. All residents are welcome at the meeting. Anyone who wants to comment on the council's budget plans, or on any other item on the agenda (available on the council noticeboards and website) during the public participation session at 8pm, should contact town clerk Aimi Middlehurst on 01277 365348 or email [email protected] before the meeting.

Services remember war dead 12.36pm - 11th November 2011

POPPY wreaths have been laid at the Commonwealth War Graves in Epping to remember the 19 servicemen - including several Polish airmen - who lost their lives and were buried in the town's cemetery. The service was led by Rev Geoffrey Connor with wreaths laid by Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens, Epping mayor Ken Avey and Epping and District Royal British Legion branch president Kevin Toole. Earlier almost 100 people attended a short service and two-minute silence at the Loughton war memorial at Kings Green. Among those attending were Mr Angold-Stephens, and his wife Jill, Loughton mayor Caroline Pond, county councillor Chris Pond and representations from the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, war veterans and representatives from Loughton Town Council.

Standard bearers Patrick Mulhall (Loughton Royal British Legion branch) and John Fitzpatrick (Loughton branch, Royal Naval Association) lower the standards at thw Kings Green war memorial PICTURE 1

War veterans were among those attending the Loughton service PICTURE 2

Standard bearers Patrick Mulhall (Loughton Royal British Legion branch) PICTURE 3 and John Fitzpatrick, Loughton Royal Naval Association PICTURE 4

Rev Geoffrey Connor leads the service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Epping Cemetery PICTURE5

Epping Forest District Council chairman Ken Angold-Stephens PICTURE 6 and Epping mayor Ken Avey PICTURE 7 lay their wreaths at the Commonwealth War Graves

Talk on the work of a magistrate 11.46am - 10th November 2011

A TALK on life as a magistrate was given to the October luncheon meeting of Epping Probus Club. Guest speaker was Grahame Williams, who is vice-chairman of Loughton Probus and a member of Chigwell Rotary Club. He spent most of his working life in university administration and was head of administration at Queen Mary College for 12 years. He had also served as a magistrate at Waltham Forest Magistrates Court for 19 years. Mr Williams spoke about the type of cases that are heard at magistrates' courts.

West Hatch set for Olympic debate 9.26pm - 9th November 2011

A TEAM from West Hatch High School, Chigwell, will be among the seven teams competing in the annual Epping Forest schools parliamentary debating competition organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. This year's competition - being held at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, on Friday (November 11) - also features teams from Chigwell School, Debden Park High School, Roding Valley High School, Braeside School, Davenant Foundation School and St John's School, Epping. The competition sees the teams speaking either for or against a motion, with the debate following the same format as if it were taking place in the House of Commons, with Mrs Laing acting as the Speaker. This year the teams are speaking on the motion: "That this House believes that the UK's investment in the 2012 Olympics is money well spent". West Hatch High School will be represented by Year 11 students Aaron Cope and Michael Leszman who will be arguing against the motion. Assistant head teacher Liz Barham said: "They have to work as a team, and present strong arguments, and also be able to think on their feet and respond to interventions from the other teams - just like in the House of Commons! "We wish them good luck in this challenging but fun competition." Mrs Laing said: "I am looking forward to another great evening of parliamentary-style debating. "Judging by the excellent standard of debating and public speaking that we have heard in

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previous years I am sure the students will have some strong views to air, whether their school has been chosen to speak for or against the motion."

Students cook up success in competition 5.49pm - 9th November 2011

STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, cooked up a variety of dishes as they took part in their own 'Masterchef-style' competition. Pupils from Years 8, 9 and 10 dished up a variety of dishes for the school's Future Chef Cooking Competition. Head teacher Paul Banks said: "The cooking was great and the results were even greater. "The children worked extremely hard and we had some fantastic dishes - salmon, pastas, belly of pork, curry and quiche. The food was endless and all the dishes were delicious!" After much deliberation the judges - MissTanya Ogunbiyi (Head of Drama), Miss Rachel Peter (Teacher of English) and Mrs Sue Sabin (Headteacher's PA) - chose Year 8 student Harry Beament as the winner with Cody Smart (Year 9) runner-up. The school's head of technology, Paula Goosen, said: "I was very impressed with the quality of cooking on offer and I would like to say well done to all the students who took part with special praise going to Harry and Cody. "I would also like say a very big thank you to our judges."

Police investigating abduction report 5.04pm - 9th November 2011

DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a report that a man was forced into a car and driven away at Waltham Abbey. The incident is said to have happened in the Farm Hill Road area at about 9pm on Monday, October 24 . Details have only been released today. A local resident dialled 999 and said he had seen a man being forced into the back of an old estate car, possibly a Citroen. The car was seen to drive away towards Upshire. There have been no reports to local police of an assault taking place or any person reported missing. Police have carried out checks at hospitals but have found no further evidence of the incident. However police are taking the matter seriously and anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact detectives at Harlow on 01279 621802 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police warning over jewellery scam 4.05pm - 9th November 2011

POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after a man obtained an item of jewellery from a Loughton shop with a forged bankers draft. Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said a man went into the shop last Wednesday and asked about an item of jewellery on display. He telephoned the next day to say he wanted to purchase the item and would pay for by bankers draft. On Friday he returned with a draft from Barclays Bank in Loughton to the value of £1,400 and collected the item. The draft subsequently turned out to be a forgery. The man was white, aged about 26 with short blonde hair. He was stocky with a tattoo on his right arm. He had a flat nose as though he was a boxer and was dressed in a T-shirt and very distinctive black trainers with white laces. Mr Ellis said: "I must admit this is a relatively new scam to me but shows the value of checking with the bank before accepting a draft even if, as in this case, it appears to be perfectly genuine."

Air ambulance talk to ladies group 3.52pm - 9th November 2011

A TALK on the Essex Air Ambulance was given to the November meeting of Ongar and Shelley Ladies Thursday Group. Paul Cook, an air ambulance volunteer, told the audience that since the charity started in 1998 the air ambulance, which is not government funded, has flown 11,500 missions. There is also a Herts Air Ambulance based at North Weald airfield and both are operated under the same umbrella, occasionally helping each other on calls. He said that the furthest point in Essex can be reached in 18 minutes and at present the helicopter is legally unable to fly at night. Each helicopter has a trauma specialist, a paramedic and pilot who is usually ex-military and the doctor is trained to work on helicopters. The operational cost of running the air ambulance is £250,000 per month with each mission costing about £3,000 of which £1,000 goes on fuel. There are two charity shops in the county which have raised £280,000. There is also a lottery which has 40,000 members and gives one a chance of winning up to £25,000 per week. The December meeting will be a social evening for members only. The group's membership is full but anyone who would like to be added to the waiting list can ring Jan Turnbull on 01277 362800.

The district's remembrance services 10.24am - 9th November 2011

SERVICES of Remembrance are being held across the district on Sunday. Everything Epping Forest will be covering the services in Waltham Abbey, Chigwell, North Weald and Epping. If you are attending any other services and are able to provide photographs and a short report - and dates and times of any other services to include on this page - then please email [email protected]

Buckhurst Hill - 9.30am - St John's Church service and wreath laying. Loughton - noon - Kings Green wreath laying followed by parade. Epping - 2pm - Epping War Memorial short service and wreath laying followed by parade through High Street to 3pm service at St John's Church. North Weald - 10.45am - St Andrew's Church service and wreath laying; 12.15pm North Weald Airfield Memorial service and wreath laying; 1pm North Weald Bassett Parish Council's Community Remembrance Day Lunch, North Weald Village Hall. Waltham Abbey - 9am - St Thomas's Church, Upshire; 10am Waltham Abbey War Memorial, Farm Hill Road; 10.45am Waltham Abbey Church service. High Ongar - 10am - St Mary's Church, High Ongar, service followed by 11.15am wreath laying. Ongar - 2.30pm - Act of Remembrance service and wreath laying, Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre, Fyfield Road.

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Chigwell - 10.40am - St Mary's Church service and wreath laying. Theydon Bois - 10.30am - St Mary's Church service and wreath laying. Nazeing - 10.45am All Saints Church. Roydon - 10.30am St Peter's Church. Chigwell Row - 10.15am - All Saints Church. Abridge - 10am - Lambourne Church. Thornwood - Upper Clapton Rugby Club, Upland Road, Thornwood (12.30pm).

Short services are also being held on Friday (November 11). These are at the Kings Green war memorial, Loughton (11am) for a two-minute silence and Abridge Village Hall / Stapleford Airfield (11am). In Epping on Friday there is a service at the Garden of Remembrance at the town green war memorial (10.45am) and a Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves in Epping Cemetery, Bury Lane (11.30am).

House of Cards author at dinner 9.55am - 9th November 2011

LORD Michael Dobbs - well-known for his work House of Cards which charted life in Westminster and was a BBC series - was the guest at a dinner in Chigwell last week. The celebrated author has also penned several books about Winston Churchill, who was MP for Epping. Lord Dobbs, who was elevated to the House of Lords last year, spoke about the former Prime Minister. Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: "Lord Dobbs was warmly greeted by his audience who well remembered his celebrated book and the television series 'House of Cards'. "Lord Dobbs spoke eloquently about Churchill and his talk was greatly appreciated, particularly by those guests who actually knew Winston when he was MP in the area."

MP meets Afghan MP 9.53am - 9th November 2011

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has met an Afghan MP who has visited the UK to highlight her case for improved rights for women and children in her homeland. Fawzia Koofi, 35, who is also a prospective candidate for the country's 2014 presidential election, was in the UK to highlight the concerns of Afghan women at a critical time in the country's peace process. Afghan women are concerned they are being excluded from the current peace and reconciliation processes. Ms Koofi's views are consistent with the findings of ActionAid's recent report 'A just peace?' which found that women's rights and women's voices are both under threat in the face of peace negotiations with conservative factions including the Taliban, and with the impending withdrawal of UK troops. Fawzia said: "My hope for Afghanistan in ten years' time is that no woman in Afghanistan dies in childbirth, no pregnant woman has to walk for three days to reach a hospital, no girl has to walk for four hours to reach a school. "That is my ambition and hope for this country." Mrs Laing said: "I was delighted to be able to meet Fawzia. She is a very brave Afghan lady and I have enormous sympathy with her and her fellow Afghan women. "Fawzia's husband was murdered by the Taleban - but she bravely fights on to improve the lives of women and girls. "The actions that our brave armed forces have taken in Afghanistan against the Taleban have improved matters considerably but there is still a long way to go and these brave women are terrified that they will lose their freedom again when we withdraw from Afghanistan, if the Taleban re-emerge." ActionAid is working with Baroness D'Souza to set up a parliamentary network linking women MPs in the UK and Europe with women MPs in Afghanistan.

Display remembers war dead 8.07am - 9th November 2011

A NEW display tells the story of some of the Loughton residents whose names appear on the town's war memorials. An open morning giving people the chance to view the Debt of Honour display is being held at the Murray Hall, Borders Lane, Loughton, between 10am and noon on Friday, November 18. Mayor Caroline Pond and other councillors will be on hand, together with representatives from the Loughton Royal British Legion, to talk about the display. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to attend.

Sessions for chlamydia testing 8.05am - 9th November 2011

YOUNG people are invited to take a chlamydia test as part of a drive to help combat one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted infections among people aged 16-24. The local NHS chlamydia screening service run by South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) is writing to young people in the Harlow, Epping, Ongar, Nazeing, Roydon and Hatfield Heath areas to invite them to take a test. In addition there are two drop-in sessions at the Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, on Tuesday, November 15 (4pm to 8pm) and between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday, November 19. No appointment is necessary. Cards for free condoms will also be available at the sessions. Louise Palmer, SEPT's Chlamydia screening co-ordinator west Essex, said: "If you can't attend one of the drop-in sessions just text the word KIT to 60155 with your name, age, address and sex for your free chlamydia testing kit." Chlamydia often has no signs or symptoms, so screening is all-important to detect it. Untreated, it can lead to further infections and infertility in males and females. All sexually active 16 to 24-year-olds are advised to test annually or each time they have a new partner. Louise said: "Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean you don't have it. Test now and be sure you are not the one in ten."

Council proposing precept increase 8.54pm - 8th November 2011

ONGAR Town Council is proposing a council tax increase for the next financial year to help pay for a range of improvements for the town. An increase in the council's share of council tax bills of £4 a year per Band D property (8p a week) is being proposed however if the council decides to press ahead with various project ideas then the increase would rise by another £8.84 a year (Band D bills). The money would help fund the upgrading of the town's CCTV system and see the council make a donation to Ongar's Queen's Jubilee celebrations. Play area surfaces would be relaid and equipment improved, and an 'Olympic outdoor fitness park' (outdoor gym) on the Love Lane recreation field would be provided.

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It is hoped that grant funding would be available to help meet the cost of at least some of the projects. Town council chairman Diana Roberts, speaking at tonight's community liaison group meeting: "We are asking that people will agree this 17p per week increase. "These improvements will be of benefit to all of Ongar's residents." Anyone who would like to comment on the proposed precept increase should contact the town council.

MP: Torch visit will be "fantastic occasion" 4.13pm - 8th November 2011

THE visit of the Olympic Torch to Waltham Abbey will be a "fantastic occasion" for the area, according to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. The announcement was made yesterday that the Torch will be coming to Waltham Abbey on Saturday, July 7 next year as part of the 70-day, 8,000-mile Torch Relay. Mrs Laing said: "With one of the Olympic venues, the Lee Valley White Water Centre, being so close to Waltham Abbey it was always likely that the Torch would come to the town but now that the visit has been confirmed the town can really start getting ready for what will be a fantastic occasion." She added: "The town's history, with the Abbey Church and its links with King Harold, are already known far and wide but the visit of the Torch will really put Waltham Abbey on the map. "It will bring people to the town and the surrounding area and with large crowds expected on the day it also promises to be a massive boost for shopkeepers in Waltham Abbey."

Health centre's memorial wall revealed 2.59pm - 8th November 2011

PASSERS-BY have been given a first glimpse of the memorial wall which features on the frontage of the new Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre. Until now the inscribed wall has been hidden behind wooden hoardings which stretch across the front of the Fyfield Road site as work continues to make the area accessible for Sunday afternoon's Remembrance service (2.30pm). The wall features two lines from the words of Remembrance. There will also be retractable hooks on which remembrance wreaths can be hung. It was also proposed to have poppies engraved into the wall. As building work is continuing on the site the wreaths which are laid at Sunday's service will later be moved to the Pleasance car park in the High Street.

The memorial wall at the new Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre click here

Part of the inscribed section of the memorial wall click here

Public toilets refurbished 1.41pm - 8th November 2011

WORK to refurbish the public toilets in Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, has been completed, at a cost of £30,000. Waltham Abbey Town Council funded a major overhaul of the premises making good the existing building and internal fixtures and fittings. This included supplying and fitting new toilets, basins, new cubicle partitions and doors, the laying of anti-slip floor tiles and new wall tiles. New lighting was also installed and the building was redecorated. The new-look toilets will be officially opened by Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts at 10am on Friday, November 18.

Choir to sing at repaired church 1.39pm - 8th November 2011

A CONCERT by the Three Valleys Male Voice Choir will be the first held at Mary's Church, Sheering, following repairs after a fire broke out in January last year. The choir will be performing at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 12. In recent months the choir has increased its repertoire to include a greater selection of modern 'Songs from the Shows' and a finale of traditional male voice numbers. Tony Moore, the choir's concert manager, said: "We are really looking forward to singing at this lovingly restored church and supporting the dedicated Friends of St Mary's who have worked tirelessly to reach this point." For more details and tickets, priced £7 including an Interval drink, ring 01279 734334 or 01279 734442.

New restaurant set for High Street 1.51pm - 7th November 2011

THE former Café Unico premises in Epping High Street are to reopen as a Wildwood pizza restaurant. In a press statement, Wildwood - the pizza chain owned by Tasty Plc - said it has taken a 20-year lease on the 4,000 sq.ft unit, at a rent of £92,000 per annum (with a £210,000 premium payable to the outgoing tenant). Nick Weir a director at Shelley Sandzer, who advised Tasty on the deal said: "Wildwood has ambitious growth plans to expand its footprint in London and the Home Counties." It will be the tenth Wildwood to open in the UK with others already trading in Canary Wharf, East London, Essex and Buckinghamshire. Planning permission is being sought for various internal work on the premises.

Baby joy for BBC News presenter Kate 1.35pm - 7th November 2011

BBC News presenter Kate Silverton, a former pupil of West Hatch High School, Chigwell, has given birth to a baby girl. Clemency Florence Rose weighed in at Queen Charlotte Hospital on Saturday afternoon at 8lbs 9ozs. Kate's mother, Pat - who works as Epping Forest District Council's Waltham Abbey information assistant at Waltham Abbey Town Hall - told Everything Epping Forest: "Kate and Mike and all the family are absolutely over the moon."

Torch visit will "showcase" town 1.27pm - 7th November 2011

THE visit of the Olympic Torch to Waltham Abbey during the 70-day, 8,000-mile Torch Relay to the Olympic Stadium will be a massive boost for the town and its businesses. Waltham Abbey Town Partnership chairman Norma Green said: "I think it's probably one

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of the best things that has happened to this town for a very long time. "It will give people who may not have had the opportunity to come here the opportunity to see the history that Waltham Abbey has to offer. "It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town." She added: "The fact that the torch is coming here will be a bonus for the shopkeepers." Waltham Abbey mayor Antony Watts said: "Even though we have seen the White Water Centre taking shape right on the edge of our town, I think many people have looked on London 2012 as a far off event. "The Torch Relay really brings home to everyone the fact the Olympic Games are coming and it's happening right in our community." Councillor Liz Webster, Epping Forest District Council's Olympic Champion, said: "The arrival of the Flame feels like the start of the countdown to the Olympic Games." Epping Forest District Council's leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Ricki Gadsby said: "The Flame is a chance for all of us to participate in the Greatest Show on Earth. It's up to us to make the most of the fantastic opportunity presented by the London 2012 Games. "I can't wait for the arrival of the Flame." The Lee Valley White Water Centre will be a host location for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The centre, where the Olympic Canoe Slalom competition will take place, will provide a dramatic backdrop to the Flame and will mark the countdown to the start of the Games. It is intended that a torchbearer will carry the Flame down a section of the course when it visits Waltham Abbey on Saturday, July 7. The Lee Valley White Water Centre is the only brand new Olympic facility that can be used by the public ahead of the Games. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority chief executive Shaun Dawson said: "It's fantastic that the Flame will be visiting Lee Valley White Water Centre and that we are helping it along its journey to the Olympic Stadium. "This is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the centre as an Olympic venue and the water sports that are available to the public to come and try including rafting, canoeing and kayaking."

Civic dignitaries and representatives from the Lea Valley White Water Centre and Waltham Abbey Town Partnership are among those who gathered at the Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey, this morning to celebrate the news that the Olympic torch will be visiting the town click here

Olympic torch to visit Waltham Abbey 9.29am - 7th November 2011

THE Olympic Torch will visit Waltham Abbey on Saturday, July 7 next year as part of its 70-day, 8,000-mile journey from Lands End to the Olympic Stadium at Stratford. The town is one of 17 communities in Essex chosen to host the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The torch will also visit Harlow on July 7 having been in Brentwood the previous day. Essex County Council 2012 Games cabinet member Stephen Castle said: "I am thrilled to confirm the communities across Essex through which the Olympic Torch will be making its journey to the Olympic Village. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the passage of the Olympic Torch so close to home as we engage people across the county, building excitement as we count down to the start of the Games. "This is our opportunity to demonstrate how the Olympic Spirit is alive and well in the Essex." More than 1,000 villages, towns and cities across the country have been announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour's journey time of 95 per cent of the population. In fact over 95 per cent of the population will be within just ten miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year. The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from next February onwards. To view the interactive map to find where and when the Olympic Flame will be carried, visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap

Students pick up careers information 9.00am - 7th November 2011

YEAR 10 students at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, were invited to the World Skills event at the Excel Centre, London, where they could get a variety of information on potential career choices. The school's careers co-ordinator, Sara Gabriel, said: "This is an amazing event that enable students to wander around industries and learning providers questioning them on what they do and offer while getting ideas for career paths that they may not have thought about." The students split into groups to tour the numerous stands and displays. Student Adil Sait said: "Instantaneously our group was drawn to the robotic technology section which showed how engineering was changing the face of industrial production as we know it. "We moved through a large variety of independent skills providers which included horticulture, beautification, web design, space technology, electrical, art, building and architecture. "The three-hour tour went in a flash. "For me conversations with two companies' representative lined a possible path for my future. Honda Motor Company and Logicalis - a mediator for bright new ideas into the world of business by converting their ideas into a reality." Aneesha Grewal won an X-Box after entering a Crown Paint competition which saw her having to use a stencil without making mistakes and blobs. She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the day, learnt a lot and would recommend other Year 10 students to go next year."

Restaurant holding preview nights 7.36am - 6th November 2011

THE new Miller and Carter steakhouse at the Wake Arms roundabout, Epping, is inviting people to a VIP launch party ahead of its official opening. The restaurant officially opens on Friday, November 18, but the manager is giving a select few the chance to be the first to experience the steakhouse. Manager Craig Sunter said: “We can’t wait to open the doors of our new Miller & Carter, so we’ve decided to let people have a sneak preview by hosting a party on Thursday, November 17.

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“We’re very proud of our offer and we want to showcase our new restaurant as soon as possible and let people from the local area experience what Miller & Carter is all about before anyone else." At the event there will be champagne and canapés - a selection of tasters from the menu. Anyone who would like to attend the opening party should register by visiting www.millerandcarter.co.uk/eppingevents . The steakhouse is also holding preview session with 50 per cent off guests’ food bills on Tuesday, November 15, and Wednesday, November 16, to help prepare the new team. People can register their interest via the launch party weblink.

St Clare Hospice receives £30,000 boost 9.46pm - 5th November 2011

ST Clare Hospice has received £30,000 as a result of the closure of the Loughton Lions. The charitable group was founded in 1999 and over the last decade has contributed much to the local community. Lions charity trustee John Wickens said: "Having been involved since the start of St Clare, with attending the first public meeting, I have a strong connection and belief in what they do. "The funds from the Lions charity were left by a legacy from Ronny Henson, which has been invested and used to support other local charities since. "Now sadly the Lions Charity has been dissolved in Loughton and its funds disbursed to local good causes, St Clare Hospice being one." The hospice's trust fundraiser, Tony Smith, said: "We were very sorry to hear that the Loughton Lions Charity was being dissolved after so many years working in the community but delighted to learn that the trustees had decided to include St Clare Hospice in the final disbursement of their funds. "This magnificent gift really will make a difference helping to meet the cost of providing our care to the community."

Deadline approaches for council grant bids 7.08pm - 5th November 2011

CHARITIES, groups and societies in Loughton are being reminded that the deadline to apply for Loughton Town Council grants in 2012-13 is December 31. In recent years, the town council has provided up to £33,000 in grant funding and a similar will be available in 2012-13. In the current financial year, the council has awarded grants to Alzheimer's Society Epping Forest £6,000; Citizen's Advice Bureau £5,150; Cystic Fibrosis Trust £250; Debden Horticultural & Allotments Society £200; Forest Musical Productions £500; Home- Start Epping Forest £500; ignite £750; Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society £300; Loughton Festival £750; Loughton Film Society £500; Loughton Potato Ground £500; Loughton Youth Project £2,000; New Vistas £500; Noah's Ark Toddler Club £270; Norway House Stakeholder Partnership£100; Restore Community Church £300; Roding Road Allotment & Leisure Gardens Association £300; Samaritans of Redbridge £625; Shiners (Youth) Football Club £200; South Loughton Cricket Club £600; The Lopping Endowment£1,500; Together: Working for Wellbeing £550; Victim Support £100; Vitalise£400; West Essex Alcohol & Drugs £3,000. The council has also provided £8,000 towards Christmas light displays in The Broadway and High Road. An application form can be downloaded from www.loughton -tc.gov.uk/7fias.pdf or by contacting Shirley Haynes at the town council offices.

Busy time for Epping Forest Pipe Band 8.23am - 5th November 2011

THE Epping Forest Pipe Band will be leading two Remembrance Sunday parades on November 13. They are leading the parade in Chingford in the morning for their Patron Branch of the Royal British Legion with a memorial service at the Cenotaph at the top of Kings Head Hill, and a service at the St Peter and St Paul's Church, Chingford Green. In the afternoon, the band leads the Epping parade to the wreath laying at the town green war memorial and then along the High Street to the Remembrance service at St John's Church. Tomorrow (Sunday) the band are leading and providing music for the Waltham Forest Safer Transport Team's fundraising event for Veterans Aid, a registered charity which cares for veterans in crisis. The Pipe Band will be providing musical inspiration along the entire route for a team of police officers, PCSOs and military personnel who will be pulling a fully laden Routemaster bus for one mile through Westminster, starting at 11am near the Cenotaph and finishing next to Veterans Aid headquarters in Victoria. To donate go to www.justgiving.com/bigbuspull . All spectators welcome.

Town's Christmas window competition 8.20am - 5th November 2011

LOUGHTON Town Council has launched its Christmas Window Competition which is open to all shops and businesses in Loughton. Any window festively designed in a Christmas theme is automatically eligible for the competition - there is no need to apply. Now in its thirteenth year, the competition has three categories - local/independent, multiple/chain store and charity. The winners of each category will receive an engraved cup to keep for 11 months, a certificate and £100 for their nominated charity. The runner-up and highly commended entries in each class will be awarded a framed certificate. The window displays will be judged on a range of criteria including overall impression / visual impact, creativity / ideas, artistic merit, inventive use of materials and effort. All decorations must be in place by Thursday, December 1. Judging will take place soon after and be completed by December 7.

Winning hospice lottery numbers 8.18am - 5th November 2011

THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow. The winning number is 308871. The £100 second prize goes to ticket number 709591. The winner also lives in Harlow. For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday -Friday 9.30am -1.30pm).

Schools benefit from Tesco scheme 4.23pm - 4th November 2011

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EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing was invited to the Waltham Abbey Tesco store to present toys and equipment to four local schools as part of the Tesco for Schools and Clubs scheme. Pupil representatives from Waltham Holy Cross Infants School, Upshire Primary School, Leverton Junior School and Waltham Holy Cross Junior School received their boxes of goodies at the Sewardstone Road store this afternoon. The nationwide scheme, now in its 20th year, enables schools and clubs to redeem vouchers from Tesco purchases for a range of products. This year shoppers in the local area received vouchers over ten weeks which they donated to a school or club of their choice. Waltham Abbey Tesco deputy store manager Robert Kendrick said: "Tesco for Schools and Clubs is a scheme which our team are proud to be part of. "Thousands of customers have been collecting vouchers to help their local schools and clubs get new equipment showing what can happen when a whole community gets involved." Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet pupils and teachers from local primary schools and to see the happy smiles on the children's faces as they unpacked the goodies from the boxes. "The Tesco scheme is brilliant because everyone in the local community can contribute to their local schools."

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing helps the pupils unpack one of the boxes of Tesco goodies PICTURE 1 and PICTURE 2

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing tries her hand at juggling with some of the balls which were among the schools' items PICTURE 3

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, store deputy manager Robert Kendrick and the store's community champion Michele Moore with the pupils from four local schools PICTURE 4

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing with pupils from Waltham Holy Cross Infants School PICTURE 5 Upshire Primary School PICTURE 6 Leverton Junior School PICTURE 7 and Waltham Holy Cross Junior School PICTURE 8

Students to debate Olympic investment 7.15am - 4th November 2011

SEVEN of the district's schools will be competing in the annual Epping Forest schools parliamentary debating competition organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. This year's competition - featuring teams from Chigwell School, Debden Park High School, Roding Valley High School, Braeside School, Davenant Foundation School, St John's School, Epping, and West Hatch High School - is being held at Roding Valley High School, Alderton Hill, Loughton, on Friday, November 11, after the school won last year's debate. The competition sees the teams speaking either for or against a motion, with the debate following the same format as if it were taking place in the House of Commons, with Mrs Laing acting as the Speaker. This year the teams will be speaking on the motion: "That this House believes that the UK's investment in the 2012 Olympics is money well spent". Mrs Laing said: "I am looking forward to another great evening of parliamentary-style debating. "Judging by the excellent standard of debating and public speaking that we have heard in previous years I am sure the students will have some strong views to air, whether their school has been chosen to speak for or against the motion."

Have your say on Epping Forest 7.09am - 4th November 2011

THE Conservators of Epping Forest are keen to engage local people, visitors and stakeholders in the planning and development of projects, plans and policies which can affect the forest. The Draft Statement of Community Involvement outlines with whom, when and how the Conservators intend to consult in the future. This will allow the City of London Corporation to carry out improved consultations and to be consistent in its approach to seeking the views of its stakeholders and visitors. Consultation for the Draft Statement of Community Involvement for Epping Forest runs until December 9. The document is available on the City of London's website . Hard copies are available at the three forest centres - The Epping Forest Visitor Centre, High Beach, IG10 4AE (open daily 10am-3pm); Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford, E4 7QH (open Friday-Sunday 10am-3pm) and The Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT (open Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm) Comments or suggestions can be made by emailing [email protected] Comments can also be given in person by appointment (ring 020 8532 5334 to book) on Saturday, November 5, noon-3pm at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, High Beach; Wednesday, November 9 (10am-noon) at The Warren, Loughton; Friday, November 11 (2pm- 4pm) at The Warren, Loughton; Wednesday, November 23 (10am-noon) at The Temple, Wanstead; Friday, November 25 (1pm-3pm) at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, High Beach; and Tuesday, November 29 (5pm-7pm) at The Warren, Loughton. Superintendent of Epping Forest Paul Thomson said: "We would like to hear from as many people as possible, so please do get involved now to actively contribute to the future management of Epping Forest, and ensure your voice is heard."

Students prepare for debating competition 10.33am - 3rd November 2011

STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, are preparing for a public speaking debate which will focus on the investment being made in the London 2012 Olympics. The Alderton Hill school is hosting the competition, which is held annually by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, as it is the current holder of the Epping Forest Parliamentary Schools Debating Competition trophy following their success 12 months ago. The debate will be held at the school on Friday, November 11. Six members of Roding Valley High School's Year 10 group - Jamie Sims, Bria Chaplin, Lauren Marbe, Joe Kemp, Ross Dowsett and Kristian Burnett - have been working together to build up their team's arguments. The motion for this year's debate is "That this House believes that the investment in the 2012 Olympics is money well spent". Ross Dowsett and Kristian Burnett will be the school's speakers on the night speaking in favour of the motion. Teacher of English Luisa Rapone said: "The parliamentary debate is such an exciting, challenging competition and one we take very seriously at Roding Valley. "The motion is particularly relevant to all our students with the Olympic Games being just

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months away and almost on our doorstep, making what I believe will be the closest contest yet. The students are so enthused by the motion and opportunity to take part - hopefully we will be able to retain our title but either way the students have excelled themselves with the effort, passion and commitment they have shown."

MP praises voluntary sector 10.24am - 3rd November 2011

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praises voluntary groups for not only being cost effective but very often providing a better service because those running the group do so purely because they want to. Mrs Laing, who was speaking during Cabinet Office Questions in the House of Commons, cited the work of Epping Forest Home-Start a good example. Mrs Laing was supported by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civic Society, when she said that voluntary organisations provide a lot more than just value for money. Mrs Laing asked: "Does the Minister agree that voluntary groups set up by people who do what they do because they want to, and because they have a lifetime of experience in the field - one example is Home-Start in my constituency - often fulfil their roles not only in a more cost-effective way, but better than others?" Mr Hurd agreed saying: "Absolutely. Value is reflected in two ways, in terms of cost and in terms of the effectiveness of the support that is given. "In my experience, volunteer-led organisations enjoy a different level of trust among the people whom they are trying to help."

Trust chairman to leave PCT 10.22am - 3rd November 2011

NHS West Essex chairman Alan Tobias is to leave the PCT in the latest phase of NHS re- organisation. The strategic health authority for the region, NHS Midlands and East, has appointed former NHS North Essex chairman Chris Paveley as the new chairman for NHS North Essex - which covers NHS West Essex, NHS North East Essex and NHS Mid Essex - from December 1. NHS North Essex chief executive Sheila Bremner said: "We wish Chris the very best in his new role. As chairman of NHS North East Essex, Chris headed up a high-performing and successful organisation. "His experience in the NHS, and previously in other sectors, will be an enormous benefit to our task for the next 18 months to transform our local NHS and drive up quality and efficiency in our local services." She added: "We are sorry that our other two PCT chairmen will be stepping down at the end of November. "David Barron for NHS Mid Essex and Alan Tobias in NHS West Essex have achieved a great deal in their service to local people. Both Alan and David have been excellent chairmen, popular with staff and appreciated by local partners. "They gave their time and commitment, frequently beyond expectation, to get the best care for local people." The new appointment is in line with Department of Health recommendations that there should be a single chair for clusters of PCTs that have been set up to manage the transition to new arrangements for the NHS by 2013. The appointment runs until March 31, 2013, when, subject to parliamentary approval, Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities will take over health care commissioning and PCTs and strategic health authorities will be abolished.

Festive shoppers to get free parking 10.20am - 3rd November 2011

SHOPPERS using the Epping Forest District Council car parks will be able to park for free on Saturdays over the festive period. Safer, Greener and Highways portfolio holder Penny Smith was responding to a question from Conservative councillor Chris Whitbread, who hoped the council would be encouraging people to 'shop local', when she said the arrangements which have been in place for some years would be "unchanged". Mrs Smith told Tuesday's council meeting: "Of course we are supporting our local businesses. "I hope that everyone will come to our towns and use the free car parking in our town centres."

Police appeal over wanted man 2.33pm - 2nd November 2011

POLICE are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a violent man who has links with the Buckhurst Hill area. Christopher Renda, 30, is wanted on suspicion of an arson attack at a business in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, on October 27. A police spokesman said accelerant was poured through the letterbox of a business premises between 7.30pm and 8.50pm and set alight. Damage was caused to the inside of the building. Renda is described as white, of medium build, with blue eyes, short dark hair and clean shaven. He is also known to have links to the Isle of Dogs. Essex Police advise members of the public not to approach Renda but to contact police on 999.

PICTURE - Christopher Renda click here

Pupils become DJs for a day 8.58am - 2nd November 2011

TWO West Hatch High School pupils became radio DJs for the day - when they broadcast live to the High Chelmer shopping centre in Chelmsford. Jack Noakes and Joe Duffield broadcast to thousands of people through the centre's public address system, delivering their own brand of radio genius -'The Jack and Joe Show'. The broadcast was part of the 'Changing Chelmsford Festival of Voices' project which looks at how the people of the town can have a say regarding the future of some landmark buildings - including the Marconi works, the home of radio. The Year 10 students began learning how to use radio during Year 9 when they worked with Hal MacLean, from Creative Learning Systems, during a 'Creative partnerships' project. The boys have developed a unique style and played some of the most up-todate music, interspersed with interviews, chat, and even a live session from a local band. During the morning they were joined by BBC Essex weekend breakfast presenter Ian Wyatt who talked about being a real DJ, and gave the boys hints and tips about how they

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could further their own careers. Later in the day the pair interviewed the chairman of 'Changing Chelmsford' and a hot air balloon pilot. Two members of local band 'James and the Giant Petes' turned up for a session and interview, playing four tracks and talking about their intended career successes. Hal said: "This was all managed superbly by Jack and Joe who had to organise the studio space and make some last minute changes to the equipment in order to get the show running live." Throughout the day the pair were accompanied by Hal MacLean, Director of Creative Learning Systems. He said: "These two have shown an amazing skill level and picked up the art of radio in a very short time. "I am secretly hoping they will one day become stars in their own right, and run their own show on a national station. They certainly have the talent to do so." The show ran from 9am until 5pm but thanks to the equipment provided by West Hatch High School it was able to be scheduled and managed very easily. Last year the school invested in a 'Schools Radio' station provided by PSquared from Hull, and ran a project with Year 9 boys aimed at bringing a new approach to learning and engaging youngsters. Part of the project included visiting the BBC studios in London and delivering a live show to parents and staff at school, as well as some lunchtime slots in the school canteen.

Dozens of council posts vacant 8.01am - 2nd November 2011

EPPING Forest District Council currently has 55 vacant posts - 27 of which have been vacant for more than six months. The figures were revealed by council leader Lesley Wagland in response to a question from Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Whitehouse.

Council to look into toilet needs 7.59am - 2nd November 2011

BUSINESSES in the district could be paid to make their toilets available to the public. The idea has been put forward by Liberal Democrat district councillor Janet Whitehouse who told last night's council meeting that the introduction of a Community Toilet Scheme could be cost effective. She said the council's public toilets currently cost the authority £141,000 a year to provide - money which could be allocated to 141 local businesses to make their toilets available. Loughton Independent councillor Stephen Murray said: "I think this is worthy of support. We are only asked (through the motion) to investigate it. I do think that there is some merit. "It could be a very cost effective way of letting more people in this area spend a penny." Loughton Residents Association councillor Caroline Pond said Loughton Town Council was already working on such a scheme for Loughton High Road. Loughton Residents Association councillor Jennie Hart said: "A lot of people don't like using the 'superloos'. I really do like the idea of going to a shop and using the toilets there." Epping Conservative councillor Chris Whitbread said the main towns already have plenty of toilet facilities - in supermarkets and cafes. He said: "I really do think that we need to flush the original motion (proposed by Mrs Whitehouse) away. Where the merit in this may lie is in our rural areas and not in our towns. "Before we run headlong into something lets look at this very carefully." Councillors approved an amendment moved by Conservative finance portfolio holder Gagan Mohindra giving the go-ahead for an investigation into whether the district's current public toilet provision meets local needs and demands and if not whether a Community Toilet Scheme is a possible solution.

What do you think about the idea of a Community Toilet Scheme? Email your comments to [email protected]

Award recognises local history work 7.58am - 2nd November 2011

THE efforts of Epping Forest District Council and a local historian in producing a book have been recognised with the presentation of an award. The council is the joint winner of the Alan Ball Local History award for The Life and Art of Octavius Dixie Deacon, a 52-page colour book by Chris Pond and Richard Morris. The Epping Forest District Museum purchased a number of sketches by Deacon, an artist and publisher who lived in Loughton. The museum made the sketches available to Loughton and District Historical Society who undertook the research into Deacon's life and work and wrote a comprehensive introduction, and published the book at its own expense and at cost price. Michael Saich, from the awarding committee - the award is made by the Library Services Trust, part of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals - who presented the award to leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Ricki Gadsby, museum officer Tony O'Connor and Chris Pond from Loughton and District Historical Society.

For a picture of the presentation, click here

Cow butchered in field 8.08pm - 1st November 2011

A COW has been slaughtered and butchered in a field near Abridge, police have revealed. The incident was reported to police this morning after a farmer found the remains in one of his fields. Crime reduction officer Tony Ellis has described the incident as "somewhat disturbing". He added: "It would appear his cow had been expertly butchered in situ leaving just the innards and the skin in the field. "I presume the incident happened overnight. I know that last year, just before Christmas, we had report of a similar incident involving a pig on a small holding." Mr Ellis added: "Please be aware for your livestock as we approach Christmas and keep your ears to the ground on this." Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.

Museum break -in investigated 8.06pm - 1st November 2011

AN Iron Age gold coin and a bracelet remain missing following a break-in at the Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey. Two other coins were recovered following the incident which happened at the Sun Street

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premises in the early hours of Sunday morning. A number of displays were damaged and the items were discovered missing by museum staff. The museum was closed on Monday and Tuesday. CCTV footage is being studied and Epping Forest District Council has said it will be reviewing security to see if there are any steps that could be taken as a result of the incident. The police investigation is continuing.

MP secures fuel debate 5.45pm - 1st November 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has secured a parliamentary debate over fuel tax after 105,000 people put their name to his e-petition organised with the organisation FairFuel UK. Mr Halfon has campaigned for months in a bid to get Parliament to look into the high cost of fuel. Now, following a lengthy battle, campaigning and three visits to the backbench committee to argue for a debate the go-ahead has finally been given from the authorities for a three- hour debate in the main chamber of the House of Commons. The debate is expected to be scheduled for a half day (afternoon) on Tuesday, November 15. The e-petition, which was tabled by Mr Halfon, was one of the first to attract over 100,000 signatures. Mr Halfon said: "The rising cost of fuel is a major issue which affects everyone. I am delighted that the petition received such marvellous support and achieved the 100,000 names required to trigger a parliamentary debate in such a short time." Mr Halfon's campaign has seen him address parliament, ask a question at Prime Minister's Question Time and take part in a protest along Whitehall to Downing Street. He said: "We are facing a silent crisis as the cost of living is rocketing. Steadily, month by month, energy and petrol bills are crippling our economy." Figures from the Royal Automobile Club show that the average motorist in Harlow is getting fleeced for £1,700 a year just to fill up the family car. This is one tenth of the average local salary. He added that the Government defines "fuel poverty" as spending a tenth of your income heating your home, but asked: "What about spending a tenth of your income just driving to work?" Mr Halfon said: "The case for cheaper petrol is not just popular; it is good economics, too. Experts at the LSE have published research showing that our soaring petrol prices are contributing to UK unemployment. "Added to that, the high price is creating a poverty trap, as people can't afford the costs of getting to work. In fact, petrol is now so hugely expensive, that it is costing the Government money. This is because fewer people can afford to drive, leading to lower tax revenues. "Figures from the AA show that the Treasury received £1 billion less in revenue from petrol taxes in the last six months, compared to 2008. If this is true, it is disastrous. "We urgently need a study of petrol taxes, by the Treasury, to see whether high fuel taxes are actually making it harder to close the deficit. "Rip-off petrol prices are one of people's top concerns, according to Populus. "To his credit, George Osborne has taken major steps to help, including a 1p cut in fuel duty and abolishing Labour's 'tax escalator'. "But we urgently need to do more. We need no new fuel taxes in this Parliament. "The 4p duty rises that are planned for January and August 2012 must be scrapped, and the Government needs to pressure the oil companies to keep prices down."

Dying Matters talk at seminar 3.16pm - 1st November 2011

A TALK on Dying Matters was given to the West Essex Mind and Spirit Group's lunchtime seminar held at Waltham Abbey Health Centre. Guest speakers were Tracy Reed, education facilitator for end-of-life care for NHS West Essex, and Giles Wright, communications manager at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood. About 60 people found the presentations most thought provoking. The speakers also answered various questions from the audience. The group's next lunchtime meeting is at the health centre, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, on March 8 next year.

Guest speakers Giles Wright (left) and Tracy Reed (fourth from left) pictured with members of the West Essex Mind and Spirit Group committee click here

Remember to Light Up A Life 8.58am - 1st November 2011

ST Clare Hospice has launched its annual 'Light up a Life' series of celebration events and Christmas light dedications The hospice's communications manager, Giles Wright, said: "Light up a Life is about us giving something back to the community, a chance for people to come together at what can be a difficult time of year, to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones, together." People can dedicate lights in memory of someone, which will be turned on at special events, including at St John's Church, Epping; Loughton Methodist Church; St Martin's Church, Ongar; and the Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey. The events themselves are not a religious service but an opportunity to reflect and celebrate, with festive songs and poignant readings. Once the lights are illuminated they will remain shinning until the 12th night. Giles added: "Light up a Life is not solely for people who have experienced hospice care, or indeed lost someone in the hospice. It is open to anyone who has lost family, friends or people close to them. "It can be comforting to know that a symbol of their life is glowing publically and amongst the hassle and bustle of the festivities, they are not forgotten. "For us, Light up a Life is part of our support to the community which created us, and sustains us. "Through our work we recognise the importance of remembrance and reflection and want to be able to provide a focal point for our community to do that." For details on all the events go to the what's on page. People are asked to contact St Clare to register their interest and for dedication forms. Loughton 'Light up a Life' will be led by mayor Caroline Pond and includes a candle lit procession to Kings Green. If you would like to dedicate a light, and join one of the events, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/lual or ring 01279 773750 where a member of the team will be pleased to give you all the information you need.

Man trapped in Crooked Mile crash 8.51am - 1st November 2011

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THREE fire crews are working to free a man trapped in his vehicle following a crash on the Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey. Firefighters from Waltham Abbey, Loughton and Cheshunt were called out shortly after 8am after a car left the road. No other vehicle is involved.

MP slams Child Support Agency 7.56am - 1st November 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has called for an urgent parliamentary debate about the Child Support Agency after slamming the organisation as "incompetent and inefficient". Mr Halfon said he is repeatedly hearing horror stories about the organisation when he holds his regular surgeries. He made his demand for an urgent debate when he raised the cases of three constituents who he claimed have been poorly treated by the CSA. Mr Halfon said that in one case the CSA is "refusing to pay money that is rightfully owed" after the man was found not to be the father of a child. Mr Halfon said the situation was causing the man "immense hardship". Sir George Young, the Leader of the House of Commons, promised to take up the case. He said: "I will certainly contact ministers at the Department for Work and Pensions and ask them to pursue the individual case raised." Sir George added: "We all know from our own casework that the CSA generates a fantastic amount of work. "The Government are in the process of reforming the child maintenance system by putting the child first, encouraging parents to come to an agreement about financial support and then providing statutory back-up where that is impossible. "We believe that that will be a better system than the one we have at the moment. Speaking later, Mr Halfon said: "Time and time again in my surgeries in Harlow, there are examples of the CSA behaving incompetently. Today I raised this with the Government, as many Harlow residents are suffering because of it. "The CSA is causing them real hardship. The Leader of the House agreed to help, and I hope we can get these cases resolved."

Footballer injured in assault 7.56am - 1st November 2011

A NON-league footballer from Loughton was due to undergo surgery yesterday following an assault which left him unable to move his legs. Billericay Town goalkeeper Nicky Morgan was taken to Queens Hospital in Romford following the incident which happened outside the Sugar Hut nightclub in William Hunter Way, Brentwood, shortly after 2.30am on Friday (October 28). The player is being treated for a neck injury. A statement posted on the Ryman Premier League club's website yesterday states: "Nick has improved slightly. He has movement in his arms and toes but cannot move his legs. "He is having an operation to reduce swelling. It is too early to assess the full extent of his injuries. "His parents would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support." Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jamie Gingell said: "We believe the victim had helped staff break up an altercation at The Sugar Hut and became involved again when an altercation broke out at the rear of the building. "The man is thought to have been injured when he was pushed to the ground and assaulted by one man, although we believe about nine other men were involved in the altercations. "We are studying CCTV images of the incidents and would urge the ten people involved to come forward before we go looking for them and start knocking on their doors." Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Serious Crime Team at Harlow Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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01/01/2012