Topsoil, Mulches, Soil Conditioners, Lawn Dressings, Fertilizers, Composts, Manure, Sand, Grit etc. Full range of Traditional & Organic garden products. In fact everything for healthy growing gardens. Phone for a catalogue or visit our premises on the Fyfield to Moreton Road (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12noon) where you are able to buy at trade prices. ALLELUYA Binder Loams Ltd Moreton, Ongar, , CM5 0HY Bovinger and Moreton Tel: 01277 890246 Fax: 01277 890105 Parish Magazine Website:www.binderloams.co.uk Email: [email protected] December 2017/January 2018

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PRIEST IN CHARGE : JACKSON ENGINEERING Rev Christine Hawkins 01277 286113 email: [email protected] ASSOCIATE MINISTER : Station Garage Rev. Albert Watson 01279 453224 High Street, Ongar email: [email protected] PARISH SECRETARY : 01279 Telephone: 01277 363707 Mrs Susan Allaway email: [email protected] SERVICING & REPAIRS

ST GERMAIN’S – BOBBINGWORTH EXHAUSTS MOT TESTING OF PETROL & DIESEL Churchwarden: Mrs Sue Farnall 01277 890479 VEHICLES Mrs Stacey Pether 01277 890372 Bells: Mrs Janet Leverich 01277 890326 WE NOW TEST MOTORBIKES JAPANESE 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES SERVICED ST. MARY’S - MORETON AND REPAIRED

Churchwarden: Mr Gareth Kaye 01277 364540 FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY Bells: Mr Roger Berry 01277 363950 AIR CON SERVICING AND RE-GAS Organ: Mrs Yvonne Holmes 01277 890137

PARISH MAGAZINE REPRESENTATIVES

Moreton Mrs Christine Davis (Editor) 01277 890283 Email: [email protected] Bobbingworth Mr George Hart 01277 890248 Bobbingworth representative Gillard & Sons Ltd YOUR LOCAL PARISH COUNCILLORS: * Extensions * Loft Conversions * Alterations MORETON: Mr John Collins 01277 890865 * Refurbishments Mr Graeme Cooper 01277 890470 * Decorating * New Kitchens & Bathrooms BOBBINGWORTH: Dee Hannis [email protected] 284 High Road, North Weald, Essex, CM16 6EG Mr Andy Mangan 01277 890134 Mr Robert Schwier 01277 890433 T: 01992 523282 F: 01992 524292 E: [email protected] CLERK: Mrs Adriana Jones – [email protected] or 077 377 36365 W: www.gillardltd.co.uk DISTRICT COUNCILLOR: Mr Tony Boyce 01277 890298

POLICE: Ongar & Epping dial 101 then ask for the station you want

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GLYNNS SWEEPS National Association of Chimney Sweeps Windy Ridge, Moreton Road, Bovinger CM5 0LU NACS Essex Regional Office HETAS [email protected] Member Chimney Sweep Service - Clean – 01277 890248 Efficient Vacuum – Brush Plus traditional Greetings from Windy Ridge, chimney sweeps for weddings The autumn colours are here, winter will not be far behind. Most of the hedging shrubs and fruit trees I planted earlier in Tel: 01279 424983 the year have survived the summer, I look forward to seeing www.glynnschimneysweeps.com the new buds in spring. Helen Martin, the Producer, has written the script for our next panto Cinderella, which will be performed by the Lavers Enter- tainers in Village Hall. Don't miss it! Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. George Hart JOHN JAMES CLEARANCE ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ May we take this opportunity to thank all the distributors of this Your local clearance company parish magazine, throughout Moreton and Bobbingworth, who Full/part house clearance - Garage clearance - Lofts - Shed / faithfully go round their ‘patch’ bi-monthly in all weathers deliv- Outbuilding. Rubbish clearance and tradesman waste - Green ering, and when due, collecting the subs. What would we do garden waste. 2 Men loading team - no need for skip hire - All without you? . type of unwanted items bought for cash - Furniture - Bric a Well done to you all! brac - garden furniture / ornaments / planters. Almost anything

considered. We are fully insured, waste carriers licensed. Transit note on all clearances. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Telephone 01279 294 294 Cliff 07703 786220 Chris 07703 786200 Please note that if you wish to receive the Email [email protected]. Www.johnjamesclearance.co.uk Alleluya by post it now costs £7.00 per year: stamps £3.36 + £3. sub + envelopes.

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SERVICES IN THE UNITED BENEFICE OF BOBBING- WORTH, MORETON, WILLINGALE AND FYFIELD

ST GERMAIN’S BOBBINGWORTH 3rd Dec 11.00am Family Service 17th Dec 4.00pm CAROL SERVICE 24th Dec 4.30pm Pilgrimage to Bethlehem 7th Jan 11.00am Family Service 21st Jan 11.00am Family Communion

ST MARY’S MORETON 3rd Dec 9.30am Holy Communion 17th Dec 6.00pm CAROL SERVICE 24th Dec 9.30am Family Communion with Carols 7th Jan 9.30am Holy Communion 21st Jan 9.30am Family Service

ST NICHOLAS’ FYFIELD 3rd Dec 11.00am Morning Prayer 10th Dec 6.00pm CAROL SERVICE 24th Dec 11.00pm MIDNIGHT COMMUNION 7th Jan 11.00am Morning Prayer 14th Jan 11.00am Holy Communion 28th Jan 11.00am Family Service

ST CHRISTOPHER’S WILLINGALE 10th Dec 4.00pm CAROL SERVICE 25th Dec 10.00am FAMILY COMMUNION 14th Jan 9.30am Family Service 21st Jan 6.00pm Evening Prayer 28th Jan 9.30am Holy Communion The UNITED JOINT BENEFICE SERVICE ON THE 31st DECEMBER WITH BE AT ST MARY’S MATCHING - all welcome

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My dear friends,

Fidgety Fingers My husband’s favourite Christmas hat has ‘Bah Humbug’ em- Is offering small and individual classes; blazoned across it. He wears it every year at his office party because he loves to pretend that he doesn’t like Christmas! I in phonics, reading, writing and numeracy. dislike the hat and have often tried to “lose” it because its senti- Individual learning programmes ments are so negative, but somehow it always reappears. We From £10 per week for 3 to 7 year olds. got it out of the loft the other day and as I looked at it, I was re- minded of this ‘Christmas Parable’ written by Louis Cassels Learning is FUN at Fidgety Fingers. many years ago: Could your child be gifted and talented and need ooOoo Once upon a time there was a man who looked upon Christ- that extra challenge? Is English their additional mas as a lot of humbug. He wasn’t a Scrooge. He was a kind language? and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his Does your child need extra support in developing dealings with everyone. But he didn’t believe all that stuff about Incarnation which churches proclaim at Christmas. And he was their confidence and concentration or with their too honest to pretend that he did. He told his wife, who was a communication and language or numeracy skills, Christian, “I simply cannot understand this claim that God be- comes man. It doesn’t make any sense to me.” We use he Early Years Foundation Stage On Christmas Eve his wife and children went to church for the Framework, and Key stage 1 midnight service. He declined to accompany them. “I’d feel like Montessori methods and traditional principles. a hypocrite,” he explained. “I’d rather stay at home. But I’ll wait up for you.” Classes are in Willow Place, , Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to CM17 9JH fall. He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier. “If we must have Christmas,” he thought, Please Contact Jackie Neagle BA ECS: 07907 “it’s nice to have a white one.” He went back to his chair by the -462881 or email: [email protected] fireside and began to read his newspaper. A few minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by Enhanced DBS and Paediatric First Aid Trained another, then another. He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at his living room window. When he went to the front door to investi- gate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the storm. They had been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through his window. “I can’t let these poor creatures lie there and freeze,” he thought. “But how can I

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help them?” Then he saw his barn across the yard - where You could ring the bells to commemorate one hundred the children’s pony was stabled. It would provide a warm years since the ending of WW1 shelter. He put on his coat and wellies and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the door wide It is planned that across the nation the bells in as many towers and turned on a light. But the birds didn’t come in. “Food will as possible will be rung to commemorate one hundred years lure them in,” he thought. He hurried back to the house for since the ending of World War 1. But people like you are need- bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail ed to ring those bells. The Willingale, Bobbingworth, Fyfield into the barn. To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread and Moreton ringers will strive to ensure that the bells in all four th crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. towers, and more, are rung on the morning of 11 November He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and 2018. By planning for that event now, there is time for people waving his arms. They scattered in every direction - except who have not rung before to learn. into the warm lighted barn. “They find me a strange and ter- If you wish to have a try and learn to ring to be a part of this na- rifying creature,” he said to himself, “and I can’t seem to think tional commemoration and enjoy a new recreation, then please of any way to let them know they can trust me. If only I could contact Ian, details below. We welcome new ringers and offer be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them teaching, the step by step method and pace of learning is to to safety.” Just at that moment the church bells began to ring. suit the individual, meaning that ringing should be within the ca- He stood silent for a while, listening to the bells pealing the pability of almost everybody - "if you can learn to ride a bike you glad tidings of Christmas. Then he sank to his knees in the can learn to ring a bell". Our tutors are DBS checked and snow. “Now I understand,” he whispered. “Now I see why You trained to teach. Bell ringing is a team activity that stimulates had to do it.” the brain and helps keep you fit ... it also makes a glorious ooOoo sound. Additionally, we are a very friendly and In the churches of the benefice this Christmas, we will be cel- sociable group of people. ebrating the story of the Incarnation – the Word become flesh; God become human in the form of a tiny, vulnerable baby in Ian Kerwin : 07837 170816 / 01245 248382 order that we may no longer be afraid but that we may be lead to safety and brought back to Love. To help us prepare, we observe the season of Advent in the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. It is a season of waiting with hopeful anticipation. Sadly, these days, Advent is barely acknowledged in wider society, save for the commer- cial nod to the season through Advent Calendars or candles. However, if you would like to experience a few hours of peace between now and Christmas, please see the advert for the Advent Quiet Mornings elsewhere in the magazine. This Christmas, I pray that the peace of that baby – Emmanuel (God with us)– will pervade your celebrations, whether you are

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spending it alone or with loved ones and friends. May you find amidst the tinsel, the turkey, the presents and the stresses and MORETON VILLAGE HALL strains that often arise at this time of year, some time to reflect on the true meaning of the season.

Interested in booking The Moreton Village On behalf of the communities of St Germain’s, Bobbingworth Hall? and St Mary’s, Moreton, I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas. - Now – where’s that hat… Please contact Alison Cooper on 01277 Every blessing Chris 890214 or at ********************************************** [email protected] A PLACE OF SOLACE AND COMFORT Recently, and very sadly, one of my nieces died. She had grown up for future bookings and information in Moreton, very near to so many others in our family, and although I hadn’t seen her for a long time, the affection and fond memories re- main of those three lovely little girls who I saw almost on a daily basis in the early days, two of whom were my bridesmaids at the age of 3, when they almost stole the show. For various reasons I was unable to be at the funeral, and so at the appointed time I took myself up to St Mary’s Church, to spend some BfS quiet time remembering my niece. I am not, and never have been, a religious person, but isn’t it strange Home Heating Oil that at times such as this, my instinct always takes me to the place where so many important family events have taken place over the past couple of hundred years: Baptisms, Weddings and the inevitable Heating the County! Funerals? As I sat in the Church I thought not only of this most recent Fast delivery. Friendly service. sadness in the family, but of all those who have gone before, as well Helpful advice. Local company. as the many very happy occasions when the Matthews’ clan has gath- ered at the Church. Although tears were inevitably shed, I felt a Phone now! strange comfort sitting in that familiar place. My beloved Dad would, I 01268 710310 think, be pleased and not a little satisfied, to find his youngest taking comfort in being in the Church. Fuel Services Finally, when I raised my head to wipe my eyes, my attention was or visit www.bfs.uk.com drawn to a lovely arrangement of big, bright sun-flowers on the win- dowsill – a sign, if any were needed, that no matter how dark the days, the sun will always shine again. November 2017 Gill Finch

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MORETON VILLAGE NEWS P.Z. Building Services Congratulations to Chloe and James on the birth of Anarah born 6lbs 10oz on 4th October 2017 a sister Established over 13 years for Freya. Kitchen Fitting or Refurbishing, Tiling, Bathrooms, Plumbing, We send our best wishes to Jan Boyce, and Hazel Electrics, Plastering, Extensions, Loft Conversions Hudson and hope you will both be feeling much better soon. Also to Naomi Morris and Pat Hewitt all who have been poorly Decorating, Maintenance and Repairs recently. And to Peter Ledwell wishing you speedy recovery No job too small after having a hip replacement and to Sylvia Farnall-Tott with a new knee. Most of my work comes through personal recommendation. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Happy to show you previous completed work. At the Carol Service in St Mary’s Church on Sunday the Free estimates, no call out charge. Telephone Pawel on: 17th December at 6pm, the collection will go to ‘Send a Cow’ which will help mothers in the poorest parts of Africa give their 07746074651 or 01708505166 children the best start in life. Our donation will be doubled by the Government. For more information, leaflets will be availa- ble in the church from the 1st December. Seasonal refreshments will be served following the service. J R RECYCLING ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Licensed household and commercial rubbish Clearance at competitive prices anytime Christmas Ongar & District Healthcare League of Friends any place, anywhere A Celebration of Christmas Ron Dance 07973 384442 A service of Nine Lessons and Carols with the Ongar Singers John Prince 07399 636278 St Martin’s Church, Email: [email protected] Sunday 3rd December 2017 followed by seasonal refreshments in the Church Rooms. A service for the providers and recipients of healthcare in Ongar CLASSIC TRAVEL and surrounding villages. The collection will be for Breast Cancer Now Call Yvonne & her very experienced team on 020 8508 5588. Or visit us at our new premises at 152 High Road, . Award winning travel agent. ABTA & ATOL protected; 100% security www.classictravel.co.uk email: [email protected]

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One of the newest breeders, John Scarman has cultivated a darling ST. GERMAIN’S REGISTERS shrub rose called ‘Mozart’s Lady’ with tiny, abundant 50p size pale pink roses that had multiple blooms on one stem. It is not a climber BAPTISM and its smaller shaped buds make it a good choice for smaller gar- 5.11.17 Matilda Emmaline Bennett dens. May the Lord look kindly upon her, all the days of her life.

Rosa 'Compassion' is a large and climbing rose with coppery- pink flowers. This one was referred to as the ‘beginner’s rose’ as it ****************************************************** can grow just about anywhere, can take the shade and doesn’t need BOBBINGWORTH CAROL SERVICE 17th DECEMBER at fertilizer to produce buds. 4pm. Refreshments of mince pies & mulled wine will be served We learned about the prominent breeders of roses and a few following the service. EVERYONE WELCOME new names were added to the list of those we knew, David Austin of Collection in aid of The 1st Moreton & Fyfield Scout Troop course being a permanent favourite to many of us. All roses, includ- ing: Shrub, Climbing Old School or Hybrid all like the sun and do PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM 24th DECEMBER at 4.30pm best when their roots are deep and moist. Fertilize if you can with Please come and join us for our very special journey, at the farmyard manure (cattle), not horse as it has longer lasting nutrients. start of this Christmas Tide BRING A TORCH Keeping in mind these tips you should have continual, healthy blooms for your arrangements all through the spring, summer and ****************************************************** autumn. Kimberley Stevens St Germain's Harvest Lunch Something else mentioned was 'slime mold'. The attached photo We would like to thank all who came to the lunch for their won- shows the one that visited my grass several times a few years ago. The link gives a bit more information about them. Slime molds are derful support. A total of £1,040.00 was raised for the church. essential for the decomposition of vegetable matter. Note they can We especially send our thanks to: Mr & Mrs Capel Cure for the move towards a source of food! use of their beautiful barn; to Dave Smith who cooked us a deli- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slime_mold George Hart cious lunch; all his staff who waited on tables and cleared up; the bar staff and all who gave raffle prizes & auction lots. On the 6th November Tom Cole from Writtle College, gave an inter- esting talk on ‘Evergreens for all occasions’ which was much en- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ joyed by all. He screened pictures of many shrubs which we could grow in our own gardens. . DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Our next meeting on the December 4 is our Festive Even- ing with entertainment - do come and join in the fun. BARN DANCE Guests £5. but please let Christine know if you would like 19th MAY 2018 7pm to come for catering purposes 01277 890283. Tickets will include Fish & Chip Supper Wood Farm, Moreton Road Raffle prizes always welcomed together with a small plate of in aid of St Germain's Church, Bobbingworth the usual sweet or savoury goodies for us all to share. Wine . and nibbles provided and of course crackers. Ticket price TBA

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ANNUAL PARISH MEETING THE LAVERS AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY www.lavershorticuturalsociety.co.uk This year’s Open Parish Meeting will be held on [email protected] MONDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 7.30pm at Moreton NB The meetings are held in Moreton Village Hall 7pm for 7.30pm. If you wish to become a member or just enjoy gardening why not Village Hall. give it a go. Yearly membership is £10 for a single or £18 for a The meeting will be double. Guests/taster visits £3. preceded by the lighting of the Christ- The Lavers & District Horticultural Society welcomed Maike mas tree at Moreton Village Green at 7.15pm Windhorst to their October meeting for a discussion on Garden Roses with Floristry Potential. She explained in spring and autumn which this year will include Carols the majority of roses in bloom are yellow and pink. Autumnal flow- ers and shrubs are the perfect compliment to roses in home ar- Presentations include: rangements at this time of year. Rose hips, rudbeckia, anemone, dahlias and lady’s mantle are still very much in abundance as well this time of year and work well for arrangements when combined. Neighbourhood Watch Maike showed us Grandpa Dickson Rose from her own gar- What can it do for our community, and how you can get den that were in perfect condition and are readily available in bare involved root form at reasonable prices due to the fact the breeder’s rights Stansted Airport have expired (it was introduced in 1966). This rose blooms through- What the future holds out three seasons; a prolific grower! New homes and a green belt The Peace Rose, correctly called Rosa 'Madame A. Meilland’ has an interesting story behind its name. In 1945 the breeder Fran- What’s new / What’s changed cis Meilland predicted the German invasion in France and sent the root stock to friends in other parts of Europe and also to the States The Chairman and Councillors would be delighted if you could for safekeeping. Since this cultivar was sent to various locations attend, and invite you to join them in the festive celebration of and communication was difficult at that time, the plant has many mulled wine and mince pies after the meeting names. It has pale yellow colour with pink tinges on its edges. The Queen Elizabeth Rose is a lovely shade of rich pink and is found in all the Royal Parks in London. It’s very upright which is great for back of the border flowers. Munstead Wood Rose has deep burgundy petals and smells of blackberries and damsons. Its dark colour can look rather gloomy as a solitaire colour in an arrangement so its best displayed with lighter colours in your vase. Maike recommended thinking about the colour of your interiors for your roses and not just the garden when selecting roses.

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1988. During twenty two years he has interviewed 20,000 people. He rec- St Mary’s Christmas Bazaar reated Pirate Radio for the 40th Anniversary in 2004 and again in 2007 and Saturday 9th December 11-2.30pm 2009 with Johnny Walker. He also marked the 50th Anniversary. In 2004 Moreton Village Hall he was presented to the Queen and Prince Phillip for promoting Essex Ra- dio. Steve was a very entertaining speaker, his time passed all too quickly. If you would like to help in any way or have items to donate to After lunch we returned to our seats. On stage were four young men in red any of the stalls please let me know. Christine 01277 890283 jackets - The Jersey Boys - and did they entertain us! All the songs, so pop- Please save any unwanted gifts, raffle prizes, bottles for the ular when they were 'new' and just as popular now. So many of the audi- ence up dancing and singing, having a great time. tombola (either plastic or glass) books, good clean bricabrac Various draws and the raffle announced, the meeting closed with the Na- and I will collect. Thank you. tional Anthem. The speaker was Bob Theobald, a return visit to continue his talk Glynde- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ bourne part 2. The Glyndebourne Opera House and Festival was founded NATURE RESERVE by John Christie in 1934. His fondness for music led him to hold regular The Parish Council has received a number of complaints re- opera evenings. He met and married Audrey Mildmay, a professional opera garding people not picking up after their dogs at the Bobbing- singer, together they planned their own opera house. This took several worth Nature Reserve. This reserve is used not only by dog years and on completion they engaged Fritz Busch as music director and walkers, but also by children and families, runners, or those Carl Elbert as artistic director. After extensive rehearsals the first six week wanting a leisurely walk. Apart from the nuisance factor of season opened for an invited audience, the season was an immediate suc- cess. The festivals continued until the outbreak of World War 11 when stepping in said dogs’ mess, there are significant health risks, Glyndebourne became an evacuation centre for children from London. especially to children, from dog fouling, both from the obvious In 1940 Audrey Mildmay appeared in a British touring opera production of bacteria carried, and from some unpleasant parasites. In addi- The Beggar's Opera. It was during a visit to Edinburgh, as part of this tour, tion the Environment and Neighbourhoods Team at Epping that Mildmay remarked "What a place for a festival!" The comment was to Forest District council are able to issue on-the-spot Fixed Pen- prove a catalyst for the founding of the Edinburgh International Festival. alty Notices if you fail to clean up after your dog, or follow up After World War 11 the Glyndebourne Festival slowly began again but the witnessed fouling with legal costs became harder for Christie to bear. Eventually, in 1951, he succeeded action. in getting commercial sponsorship. His legacy is an institution that still flourishes and receives international acclaim. John Christie and Audrey Mildmay's only son George took over as Chairman in 1958 when he was just 23, where he went on to make additional changes PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE - and improvements to the theatre. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG Our best wishes were sent to all members who are unwell at present. Our next coffee morning will be at Garden Centre on 30th Novem- ber. The next meeting will be the Christmas Lunch for members only on 14th December 12.30 for 1.00 at Magdalen Laver Village Hall Catherine Honeywell & Marianne Binder

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Window Cleaning : Gutter Vacuum Cleaning MORETON & DISTRICT WI Fully Insured At our meeting on October 12th Lynn Croot spoke to us about Office: 01279 436196 - Mobile: 07403443959 her "Dream". She explained that as a child she was inspired by DDPROPERTYCARE.CO.UK the TV programs made by Jacques Cousteau and Hans & Lotte Hass. She longed to see for herself the world under the sea. It wasn't until [email protected] celebrating her silver wedding anniversary with a cruise to the Carib- bean that she had the chance to try scuba diving. Her lesson was not without incident. But finding a wet suit that fitted - she was thrilled to MOBILE HAIRDRESSER find that it was sized as 'medium' - and a 'very nice instructor', made LOCAL IN YOUR AREA ‘IAN’ up for it as her mask kept leaking, making her fear drowning. But find- 20+ years’ experience City and Guilds Qualified ing a visit to Tobago the next year gave her more opportunities to try Master Craftsman the sport and made her long for more. Her husband gave her a Coloured and Permanent Specialist course of diving lessons as a birthday present. Eventually, after two Call: 01279 871963 or 07973 111321 years of determined effort, she achieved the title of 'Master Scuba Diver'. Lynn and her husband now frequently visit Tobago and marvel at the undersea world and the creatures that live there. She showed us a huge conch shell and explained that so many small shells are tak- ARBOCARE TREE SERVICES en to supply the tourist trade, the creature inside destroyed as it's too Martin Parish RFS Cert ARB small to be eaten, that soon large ones and their edible contents will Felling, Surgery, Pruning, Hedge cutting, stumps removed. no longer exist. Samples of coral, again destined for the tourist trade, are diminishing reefs and endangering their existence. Lynn asked us Fully insured to think before we buy any 'souvenir' possibly taken from the wild Tel: 01279 814899 and not take home something that may one day be the last of its kind. In 2020 Lynn's plan is to visit the Galápagos Islands for more diving experiences, this may be her 'swan song' - or maybe not! On 13th October four members attended the Centenary County Meeting at MARTIN STEDMAN Grays. There must have been a minimum of a thousand members of all ag- OVEN CLEANING es. As is usual ,we started with Jerusalem, this was followed by Kay Lodge's In just one visit your oven will be cleaned using the safe non-caustic welcome then about an hour of 'business', details of which are available to method which removes grease, fat and burnt on carbon deposits. Fully insured. members. The speaker was Steve Scruton from BBC Radio Essex. He told us OVENS. HOBS. AGAs GRILLS, MICROWAVES. BBQs. of his life long interest in music and radio. He worked on Pirate radios, Caro- EXTRACTORS. RANGES. BULBS/FILTERS line and London in the 1960s. Being a Radio DJ was his dream job. He Call Martin Stedman on 07794 259003 moved to hospital radio in 1976 then joined BBC Essex in in www.martinstedmanovencleaning.co.uk

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Before carol singing in public became popular, they were known as Waits as Christmas Eve was sometimes known as watchnight or waitnight relating to the shepherds watching their sheep when the FOR SALE - DOLOMITE Jazz trolley, angels appeared to them. Waits were bands of people led by im- cost £100. will accept portant local leaders (such as councillors) who alone had power in £50. please towns and villages to take money from the public (if others did this, they were sometimes charged as beggars!) At this time, too, orches- telephone tras and choirs were being set up in the cities and people wanted Sylvia Farnall-Tott on Christmas songs to sing, so carols once again became popular. 01277896 330 Many new carols, such as Good King Wenceslas, were written in the Victorian period and the custom of singing carols in the streets be- came popular and still is today! New carol services were created such as Carols by Candlelight when the church is only lit by candlelight and it feels very Christmas- sy. Probably the most famous Carol Service is the Festival of Nine FOR SALE Lessons and Carols, where carols and Bible readings tell the Christ- mas Story. BT Freestyle 750 cordless telephone Three handsets and base stations Answerphone, big easy to use keys

Full working or- der + user guide Please see page 25 for the full list of the Carol Services in the United Benefice. New rechargea- ble batteries in handsets £25 ono PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR USED STAMPS BY Proceeds to St PLACING THEM IN THE BOX PROVIDED IN ST Mary's church MARY’S CHURCH WHICH ARE GIVEN TO ST George Hart CLARE HOSPICE TO RECYCLE. THANK YOU . 890248

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The History of Christmas Carols Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago but these were not Christmas carols. They were pagan songs, sung at the Win- ter Solstice celebrations as people danced round stone circles. The word carol actually means dance or a song of praise and joy. Early Christians took over the pagan solstice celebrations for Christmas and gave people Christian songs to sing instead of pagan ones. In 129 AD, a Roman Bishop said that a song called Angel’s Hymns should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome. Another famous early Christ- mas Hymn was written in 760 AD, by Comas of Jerusalem. Soon many composers all over Europe started to write Christmas carols. However, they were not liked as they were all written and sung in Lat- in. By the Middle Ages (the 1200s), most people had lost interest in celebrating Christmas altogether. This was changed by St Francis of Assisi when, in 1223, he started Nativity plays in Italy. The players sang songs or canticles that told the story during the play. Sometimes, the choruses of these new carols were in Latin but normally they were in a language that the people watching could understand and join in with! The new carols spread to Official OFSTED rating ‘GOOD’ Open Monday to Friday 7am – 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays) France, Spain, Germany and other European countries. The earliest 52 weeks a year caring for ages from 0 to 5 years. Flexibility of carol like this, about Mary and Jesus meeting people in Bethlehem, childcare with full days, morning and afternoon sessions availa- ble or ‘school days’, with the understanding that your days need was written in 1410 but sadly only a very small fragment still exists. to be flexible too. Educational toys, interactive technology com- Most medieval and Elizabethan carols are untrue stores, very loosely plete with 55” LED screen specifically for Early Years English & Maths and facilities based on the Christmas story, and were seen as entertaining rather to promote better learning experiences. A secure environment to ensure quality of care and safety for your child. than religious songs. They were usually sung in homes rather than in Extensive outdoor facilities including a large garden, an outdoor ‘classroom’ and churches! Itinerant singers or minstrels started singing these carols access to a substantial all weather outside area. A sensory room and library/story telling area for stimulating educational progress. and the words were changed for the local people wherever they were Home cooked food prepared on site with our in-house chef. We cater for individual travelling. When Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power in children’s dietary needs i.e. vegetarian, allergies, gluten-free etc. Poppets own vegetable patch in the garden, mud kitchen & sand pit. in 1647, the celebration of Christmas and singing carols was After school and holiday club every weekday throughout the year, in our purpose stopped. However, the carols survived as people still sang them in built log cabin. Breakfast Club now available for Chipping Ongar School & School secret. Carols remained mainly unsung until Victorian times, when two pupils. Contact Katie Holloway for availability on 01277 365488 or by email men called William Sandys and Davis Gilbert collected lots of old [email protected] Unit 10, Fyfield Business & Research Park, Fyfield Road, Ongar, Essex. CM3 1PY Christmas music from villages in England.

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The Rodings and Surrounding Area U3A The RU3A AGM on the 7th November was attended by over ninety members, none of whom not already on the committee wanted to join it. Fortunately three retiring committee mem- bers agreed to stand again, and the chairman and vice chair- man swapped jobs. Perhaps the size of the audience was due to the subject of the talk which followed the meeting, body SUMMER SPECIAL OFFERS snatchers, and particularly one by the name of Millard who Book LVL Lashes & receive a half price Sienna X spray tan was a forebear of one of the speakers. Free eyelash tint with any facial £20 Shellac Manicure (95 colours to choose from!) Next year we have a very promising list of talks booked, most- 50% off IPL courses booked in for June – October ly personally recommended by our own members or return To book any of these summer offers call us now: visits by excellent speakers who have spoken to us before. *01279 731503* *07740 433417* *07521 We are in process of organising transport between Ongar and 502754* the Room in the Rodings so that non-driver members are able to attend our monthly meetings. We shall be contacting mem- bers via the monthly Newsletter, which keeps all members up to date with what is happening. The last coach trip of 2017 took place at the end of October, when a very enjoyable day was spent at RHS Wisley. The an- 1ST MORETON AND FYFIELD SCOUT GROUP nual Taste of Autumn festival was on that week so there was All sections are co-educational and meet at Fyfield Scout plenty to see as well as the amazing gardens. There are sev- eral good trips already planned for 2018, for which bookings Headquarters - contact Mary Bacon for are being taken. Bookings are particularly needed for Living further information on 01277 899052 Crafts, a huge craft fair held every year in the grounds of Hat- Beavers Tuesday 6.00pm to 5¾ to 8 field House in early May. Scouts 7.15pm years There is no monthly meeting held in January, but in every oth- er month they are held in the afternoon of the first Tuesday, Cub Thursday 7.00pm to 7¾ to 10 at the Room in the Rodings. Non-members, retired or semi- Scouts 8.30pm yrs retired, are welcome to attend once without charge. The an- Scouts Friday 7.30pm to 10 to nual subscription is £10.00. For more details about all our ac- tivities, particularly interest groups, google The Rodings U3A , 9.30pm 14years email [email protected] or ring Louise Searl on 01277 Explorer Tuesday 7.30pm to 14 to 18 362043. Scouts 9.30pm years

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The Lavers Entertainers proudly present… and plays music that suits the action. Some years the sound effects have been nothing more than a bang on the drum, other times we have experienced a full range of computer generated sounds that Cinderella rival those produced during the Goon Show. I have been involved with the panto for many years, first helping paint the scenery, now I am responsible for the stage lights. We are most fortunate to have each year a group of young dancers from the and Woodford School of Dancing to perform for us. Their skilled dancing, integrated into the production is always a highlight of the show. The director is responsible for what happens on stage. Well that's Tickets on sale 8th December 2017 the theory but being panto what happens can sometimes be a little unpredictable! For several years our Director has been Steve Please Contact Mark and Nikki Baines for Church. He was also at one time a member of the cast appearing in a number of different roles. tickets The Producer is responsible for managing the production, every- thing including obtaining scripts and paying the copyright fee, book- Book early to avoid a disappointment, ing the hall, being moaned at by everybody and even ensuring there is sufficient paper in the ladies’ loo. Our current producer is this event will sell out! Helen Martin. Helen has acted in a wide variety of roles on stage Mark Baines: 07789 902 185 and still manages to perform in addition to her role as the producer. I hope I have not left too many jobs out, if so, I offer my apologies. I Nicky Baines: : 07870 462 330 will end with the usual plea, if you want to help in any way please

contact me on 01277 890248 or Helen 07896 486811. Friday 26th January 8pm George Hart th Saturday 27 January 3pm and 8pm GOLDING PALMER CHARITY Friday 2nd February 8pm Applicants are invited to apply to the above named charity, for financial support in furthering their education up to the age of 25 and are resident rd Saturday 3 February 3pm and 8pm in the area of benefit, that being the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, Little Laver and the adjoining Ecclesiastical Parish- Children under 12 £5.00/Adults £8.00 es. Applicants must support their request with the appropriate paper- MAGDALEN LAVER VILLAGE HALL work in the field of their chosen subject. All enquiries to :- The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ian Gowlett, Toad Hall, Ardley CM5 0EQ End, Hatfield Heath CM22 7AJ Tel: 01279 739444

16 each production. For several years Virginia Waples expertly created the scenes for us. No easy task considering their size and the job Burns Supper @ Moreton Village Hall was undertaken throughout the winter in an unheated barn. Some Saturday 20th January from 7.00pm to 10.30pm years it was so cold the water-based paints froze. The scenes are versatile enabling small changes to be made for each production. Music, entertainment and dancing with: For example, the village street scene has been a coastal harbour and even the Wizard of Oz’s Yellow Brick Road. Following Virginia’s retirement, Eleanor Spanton join the team. Between each panto props and back-cloths must be stored, for many years Robert Radbourn has provided dry storage in his barns. He also transports these items to and from the hall for us. He then gives Traditional music band with dance caller invaluable help with setting up and dismantling the stage. He is not usually seen during the performances but one year he did appear on Wear comfortable shoes and a splash of tartan! stage wearing a Tu-Tu but I think we had better gloss over that! Address to the Haggis Make-up has been undertaken by a variety of people. Stage make- A snippit of Robert Burns’ works up is more complex than everyday cosmetics. Actors have to be Raffle transformed into witches, wizards, good fairies, animals and the Traditional ceremonial menu: Dame. The make-up has to be a bit 'over-the-top' so it is visible to the audience and not lost by the bright stage lights. The haggis wi' bashit neeps an' champit tatties Typsy Laird (a Scottish sherry trifle) Panto is known for exaggerated characters in flamboyant costumes. A few are hired but many are made for each production. Jo Evans's seamstress skills have been responsible for an extraordinary collec- tion, not only the Dame's over-the-top dresses and bloomers but some quite bizarre items such as a wearable pea pod, a carrot and a scaled down horse costume suitable for two small children. She sometimes brings her sewing machine to the hall to make last minute alterations ensuring a perfect fit. The ‘Box Office’ is currently run by Mark and Nikki Baines. With over seven hundred tickets to sell for the six performances, it is no easy Please bring along your own drinks and glasses task keeping track of everybody’s requirements including requests for last minute changes to ticket orders. Allen Riddall undertakes an- For ticket sales contact 07970 007252 or other unseen but vital role as the treasurer. Not only banking the tick- [email protected] et money but reimbursing such diverse expenses as script copyright Adults - £20 Under 16’s - £10.00 fees, hall hire, materials for scenery, prop production and costumes. Under 5’s - free of charge Music is essential for a panto. Over the years we have had solo pi- All proceeds to St Mary’s Church ano, piano and drums, a four piece group and recorded music. Re- cent years has seen the welcome return of Janet Cass as our pia- nist. She not only accompanies the singers but watches the stage

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WEST ESSEX FLOWER CLUB Behind the Scenes at the Lavers Panto Actors in the annual Lavers Entertainers pantomime quite rightly Thornwood Village Hall, Weald Hall Lane, receive praise for their performances. However there are many peo- Thornwood, nr Epping CM16 1.45pm ple involved in each production who rarely get a mention. I would like to introduce you to the 'back-stage crew', not all can be found December 4th - Christmas Festivities backstage and some are only occasionally seen in the hall. No meeting in January One vital role, quite literally undertaken on the stage but never seen by the audience, is the prompt. Pam Thompson, the longest serving member of the Lavers Entertainers is our prompt. Pam has to follow every line in the script and assists the actors if they forget their THE ONGAR WILDLIFE SOCIETY, words or miss a cue. This is easier said than done. Some experi- enced actors tend to ad-lib, at other times a whole page may be known locally as OWLS, promotes interest in wildlife and the natu- skipped or an actor may go back and repeat what has already been ral environment. Monthly talks, occasional visits and social events said. Keeping track of these wanderings is no easy task. Being the are organised in an annual programme. The society is an affiliate prompt is not a job for daydreamers. member of Essex Wildlife Trust. Meetings held at Zinc Arts, Great Stony, High Street, Ongar CM5 OAG commencing 7.45pm for Out of sight, on the opposite side of the stage is the 'curtain puller'. 8.00pm. This role has been undertaken by many people over the years, but they are always unsung heroes, sometimes not even getting a men- The following two meetings will be held at the Church Rooms in tion in the programme. Again a close watch on the script is required. Castle Street, Ongar: Closing the curtains too early upsets the actors and opening them 11th December ‘Importance of Trees’ Tricia Moxey. too soon can reveal the stage hands still in the process of changing 14th January 2018 New Year Party the set. If this occurs once in a panto it can cause laughter but gets tedious if it happens too often. The stage must be dressed with scenery, and props both large and small. This is under the supervision of the Stage Manager. Colin Thompson and Rolf Bassnett, two expert craftsmen, have undertak- en this role and seem able to produce almost anything the Director requires. Trees, some that move or even talk, a grandfather clock big enough for a character to disappear into, a washing machine, a rowing boat, Cinderella's coach and even a double deck bus are just some examples of what they have made. Swords, pickaxes and spades all made of wood, a pillar-box, a royal throne and a giant teapot are further examples. An added complication is that the large All requests for funds will be treated in strict confidence by the props must be light enough to be rapidly manoeuvred on and off the Giving Committee. More information about The Cripsey Commu- very limited space back-stage during scene changes. and props nity can be found on our Facebook page: both large and small. This is under the supervision of the The Stage https://www.facebook.com/cripseycommunity Manager and the hard working team of stage hands is essential for a slick, seam free performance.

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Hi everyone,

The mobile library comes to Moreton once a fortnight, on a Tuesday morning, stopping at the village school. The library van is very well used by villagers, the school and is a focal point socially. This service is now under threat of severe cuts in the near fu- ture. The mobile library is the only 'civic amenity' that Essex County Council provides for our village. E.C.C does not serve the vil- lage with street lighting, pavements, a shop or post office, a community meeting place, or an adequate bus service. The library van houses a good collection of books plus large print books, children's books and c.d books. Tom the librarian can order any book you want and has an extensive knowledge of new publications. So please, can you support and visit the mobile library and help stop the village loosing this last civic amenity.

June Handford

Do come and have a browse in The Mobile Library that stops at Moreton School Car Park arriving Tuesdays fortnight- ly at 9.40am leaving 10.40am on the 12th December, 9th & 23rd January 2018 and throughout the year. The new Mobile Library van is complete with a lift if anyone is a bit wobbly on their legs! Tom the Librarian will always order books if they are not on the van. He has a comprehensive selection of large print books.

HAPPY READING AND A HAPPY CHRISTMAS & NEWYEAR.

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For all who did not make it to the service of All Souls, this proved to be a very moving service, with lots of time to sit in God’s presence and enjoy his love for us. A time to remember those we have lost, and to know they have a place within God’s Kingdom. A time to reflect on how we perceive death, a time to remember all the love we had shared, a time to acknowledge our grief, to put it aside, and live for today and take with us our treasured memories. On the back of the service sheet were printed these words:

I had thought your death was a waste and destruction, a pain of grief hardly to be endured.

I am only beginning to learn that your life was a gift, a growing and loving left with me.

The desperation of death destroyed the existence of love, but the fact of death cannot destroy what has been given.

I am learning to look at your life again, instead of your death and departing. (Majorie Pizer)

These words did not make sense to me at first, but after reading United Benefice of Moreton, Bovinger, Fyfield, them several times, I can now understand, I thought all was lost, but now I have hope. Sue Farnall & Willingale MEN’S BREAKFAST on Saturday 2nd December in The White Hart, Moreton. A full English breakfast will be served at 9.00am Speaker: Sophie Cox - ‘A week in the life of a vet’.

Please reserve a place by either telephoning Rodney Need help with your personal care, medication, house- Moulds on Tel. 01277 890333 work or meals? I am a private care worker, with a vacan- or email by 30th October [email protected] There will cy to take on another client. Please call Margaret on be no charge but donations towards the cost are required. 07921 530972 to discuss your needs. We would like to increase our numbers so please bring along a friend

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ONGAR ART SOCIETY - CHRISTMAS SOCIAL Come and join us for our next meeting: Thurs. December 14th The Society would like to extend an invitation to members and friends to come and enjoy a Christmas social evening – including time to chat, a Quiz to set you thinking and delicious snacks and cakes to delight and a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage. We’d love to see you there for this evening of fun! For information contact Lynne Harris: 01277 372123 or Beverly Hughes: 01708 688554.

Come and join us at our New Year meeting, we would be delighted to Christmas Bazaar welcome you on January 11th 2018 when Jim Patterson, the owner/manager of Two Rivers Papermaking Company, will give us a fascinating insight in Saturday to the world of Papermaking. He is a fourth generation paper maker who has spent his entire working life in the paper industry. His talk will describe the work of his hand mill -Two Rivers- an ancient watermill deep in the Somer- 9th December set countryside. It was formed in 1976 and has been run and located at Pitt Mill, Somerset, UK since 1990. It is one of a handful of commercial hand Moreton Village Hall mills still operating in Europe and it produces hand-made rag papers for art- ists and designers. We hope you will join us on this occasion and for all our 11.00am - 2.30pm other varied meetings, workshops and events.

Both meetings at High Ongar Village Hall, High Ongar. CM5 9RN Hot soup and rolls served Time: 8pm-10pm from 11.30am. The Ongar Art Society Membership: We are a group of people who enjoy all aspects of Art. We welcome new members whether they are practising Stalls, plants, gifts, raffle, artists or simply have a love of the subject. Our annual subscription is £30: cakes, books, bricabrac,  Free admission to monthly meetings – enjoy an exciting and varied pro- gramme of demonstrations and talks scarves, hats, tombolas.  Join full day workshops, sketching days and competitions.  Be part of our annual exhibition in June and November Winter Sale Come and find some bargains Exhibit and sell your own Art works For information contact: Beverly Hughes: 01708 688554 . Visit our Web- Proceeds to St Mary’s site: Read all about our 2017/8 programme. To see pictures of members’ artwork and information on all events go to: www.ongarartsociety.moonfruit.com Church, Moreton Marian Williamson. Publicity Officer for Ongar Art Society

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THE NAGS HEAD MORETON CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN THE UNITED BENEFICE OF BOBBINGWORTH, MORETON, Barrel & Stone FYFIELD AND WILLINGALE hand crafted pizzas

SUNDAY 10th December: Eat in/Take Away 4.00pm Carol Service by candlelight Willingale or delivered 6.00pm Carol Service by candlelight Fyfield SUNDAY 17th December: 4.00pm Carol Service by candlelight Bobbingworth 6.00pm Carol Service by candlelight Moreton Tel: 01277 890531 SUNDAY 24th December: 9.30am Family Communion with Carols Moreton 4.30pm Pilgrimage to Bethlehem Bobbingworth 11.00pm Midnight Communion Fyfield MONDAY 25th December: 10.00am Family Communion Willingale SUNDAY 31st December: 10.00am JOINT UNITED BENEFICE FAMILY Come and join the new premium wine club COMMUNION Matching movement in the UK! Discover new wine every month – all hand picked by our Light refreshments will be served following these services sommeliers Delivered to your home, packaged with pairing notes and vintage information Increase your knowledge of wine with our programme or simply pour and enjoy! Premium wines not available in retail outlets Refer 3 friends and your wine is FREE Direct Cellars are organising free wine tasting events all over the UK, coming to your local area soon. Watch this space! directcellars.com/Shala_Montgomery Contact: 07970 007252 / [email protected]

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