Stebbing Scene Your Village — Your Magazine
Edition No: 138 Summer 2016
Unwelcome Visitors on Stebbing Green
For the second year running, Stebbing Green has been invaded, despite the Parish Council’s best efforts to protect this local amenity - and valuable area of lowland meadow. Thanks are due to Peter Finlay for responding, at short notice, with his piece on page 17. There are further references to the issue on pages 29, 37 and 51. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to offer some financial assistance to the parent and toddler group, Little Harts (see overleaf). We wish them well. We cover a lot of groups for older villagers and were particularly keen to support provision for young parents and their children. June is here again and I reflect that this issue of the Scene is my 20th, as I complete 5 years in the Editor’s chair. I think we are about due for a revamp so, if you have any good ideas and especially if you are willing to come and share the task of producing our quarterly magazine (or even take it over), then please get in touch. In the meantime - have a very happy summer and don’t forget to tell us about the interesting bits! Richard Foot, Editor
1 “Little Harts” - A new parent and toddler group
Moving from Cornwall to our new home in Stebbing was a bold move, filled with anticipation and excitement. Keeping it all together, so that the children saw a seamless transition from one happy place to another, was exhausting. Although my old support network was a click away on Facebook, physically they were hundreds of miles away - so I was eager to find similar ground in the village we chose to call home. One (wonderful) year on, one new baby, several boxes still yet to be unpacked and two of the three kiddies settled in pre-school, I found myself yearning for a place where I could meet like minded people in a similar position, a regular place to socialise, empathise and get a decent coffee to boot, a place I could be inspired by or gain respite, (Continued on page 3)
2 (Continued from page 2) depending how many times I've been up with baby on previous nights. As great as the local tea shop is (I’m practically attached to it - literally attached as I live right behind it!) I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate the baby sorting out the card display while the toddler informs incoming shoppers about his ‘potty news’ with a double thumbs up. Caitlin Moran wrote of a library, “A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind, hospitals of the soul, theme parks of the imagination.” When first reading this I thought, “This is what Little Harts could be to our village community,” and for those who live outside our village too. Having a designated time, however small, to chat and catch up with other mums, dads, grandparents and carers, is more than an opportunity to discuss the next parenting trends…whether it be conscious parenting or toddler taming…it's about much more than that! It's about connecting with fellow villagers; it’s about empowering each other and passing on that positivity to each other and the little folk who rule our world - and, let's face it, they certainly do! With Nikki Munsun, an early years teacher and Linda White, a veteran treasurer if I ever saw one, the team at Little Harts is excited to see what the future brings and have plans to get a host of events planned to do just that. There's been a terrific helping hand from parents already, not to mention Stebbing Scene itself, both parties proving invaluable in getting the ball rolling with this project. So to those who are practically cross-eyed with sleep deprivation and who feel they could help or inspire in any way - come and join us on Mondays, between 9:30am and 11:30am, at Stebbing Village Hall, from June 13th! We’ve got fun activities, craft sessions and healthy snacks for little ones. We are also setting up events and various taster sessions for the grown-ups too. So get your week off to a great start. This is your village group; come and get involved. For more information, email us at [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
Looking forward to seeing you and your little ones there!
Kulli Saran-Chandler
3
Offering great quality timber, garden furniture & fencing at competitive prices Open to the general public & trade Find us just off the roundabout between A120 Great Dunmow & Tesco 01371 876841/01371 734400 www.dunmowfencingsupplies
4 Stebbing Vintage & Classic Tractor Road Run - 8th May 2016
On the warmest day of 2016 so far, 45 tractors and their proud owners assembled at David Hunt’s farm in Oxen End. The convoy set off sharp at 10am and, after snaking through the backwoods of Duck End, processed the entire length of our High Street, Watch House and Warehouse Road. We were greeted by throngs of villagers who had come out to wave us through. Thank you all. The route subsequently took us to Bardfield Saling, Shalford Green, Passing through Finchingfield Rotten End (a misnomer as this little hamlet is very pretty), Blackmore End, Wethersfield, Finchingfield, Little Bardfield and back to the start - 25 miles in all. Needless to say, the journey was not without incident. In an extremely narrow and deeply rutted byway, a Fordson Major got stuck. Fortunately, the fifth emergency service clicked in to action, a heavy chain appeared and the embarrassed driver was yanked out and the procession resumed its progress. After a comfort stop at Finchingfield Recreation Ground for refreshments, the last leg of the journey continued. However, soon after, in the outback, the lone Field Marshall thumper emitted a loud bang, throwing shattered lumps of metal in all directions and stopped dead. Again said heavy chain appeared, as if by magic, and she was towed all the way back to the start. The event was organized to raise money by sponsorship for Farleigh Hospice. As I write the final amount is still awaiting confirmation but it is looking as though we will exceed £5,500 - which is beyond our wildest expectations. Thanks to all who contributed. So next year, why not find yourself a little grey Fergie and come and join us. They are not very expensive, don’t need A little grey Fergie polishing and easily fit in a domestic garage!
Photos - Tim Hughes Dick Hughes
5 Dear Friends,
I would like to introduce myself as the new curate in Stebbing, Lindsell and the Salings. My name is Sue Hurley. On Saturday 25th June, I will be ordained deacon at Chelmsford Cathedral and we will be preparing for our move to Little Easton Rectory. This move will mark the end of a very long journey and the start of a new adventure in our lives. I first felt the call to ordination as a student, but knew that it was a future call; little did I know then that ‘future’ would be 31 years later! In the intervening years I married Andy and had our lovely daughter Ella. Andy works in London as an IT Consultant and Ella is shortly to begin studying archaeology and anthropology at Cambridge. As well as being fully involved in local churches I have spent the last 27 years in a busy teaching career, mostly in primary schools, but with times spent teaching secondary RE and setting up and running a pre-school. As a family we all love the countryside and, prior to my ordination training, spent 18 years in Widdington, another gorgeous Essex village. In our spare time we enjoy simple pleasures, gentle country walks, cooking for friends and family, gardening and, as often as time allows, family trips to the theatre or some of Cornwall’s deserted coves. We are really looking forward to getting to know you and your lovely villages better and hope soon to be sharing cups of tea with as many of you as possible. Every blessing,
Sue, Andy and Ella Hurley From St Mary’s Church Registers
On Easter Sunday, 27th March, Frederick Thomas Challis was baptised at St Mary’s. His parents Anthony and Rebecca, of Garden Fields, were married in the church last year. A welcome contingent of village friends and family joined an already large Easter congregation for a very happy occasion.
On Sunday 1st May, Amy Evans and James Gallagher were married at St Mary’s. The bride arrived in plenty of time and was given away by her father. Her mother decorated the church with beautiful flowers and ribbons. A large congregation of family and friends sang rousing versions of Amazing Grace and “Give me Joy”.
6 A Message From Our Vicar
Dear Friends, As I write, the BBC news website is leading with a story about the Queen’s opinion of Chinese officials. Meanwhile, further down the page, we read that a car bomb has killed and maimed dozens of people in Baghdad. So, which of these news stories is the most important? When the churches, farmhouses and barns of our village were built, the people who lived here had probably never heard of Baghdad, but they would have known England had a monarch (all four churches of the benefice and many of the farms predate the Act of Union). Now, in the 21st century, we have news streamed to us from across the globe, 24 hours a day, and information is at our fingertips about what the Prime Minister said to the Queen about Nigeria and about what he’s going to say in a speech tonight. We know mere minutes after the event that a terrorist has been killed or captured on the other side of the world and we see, in full colour, the downfall of a politician or police officer who misbehaved. We share the trauma of every plane crash or shooting and we share the celebration of every sporting triumph. Some might say this is a good thing, that it is helpful for us to be made aware of what is happening around the world every day. Perhaps it is, especially if we have friends, family or business and charity interests in other countries. I don’t know about you, but I often find I’m suffering from information overload. Celebrity deaths are sad, celebrity divorces are no doubt unfortunate, but actually I think my day might not have been that different if I hadn’t heard the latest rumour about Prince or the Osbornes or the Kardashians. I have a hard enough time retaining the news and information I need to know, without having to be subject to stuff that doesn’t really interest or affect me. If my brain were a computer hard drive, it would be struggling to store all this data and some would end up corrupted. So what do we need to know? In this summer season, with weddings and fetes on most weekends (or so it can seem) it is good to remember two fundamental pieces of good news; you are safe, and you are loved. Our village is a peaceful place. No one is going to set off a car bomb in our midst and, even if we don’t feel it all the time, we live in a caring, supportive community where loneliness and isolation are the exceptions not the rule. Supremely, we need to hold on to the good news that God loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us, a relationship He made possible through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Be blessed, and enjoy your summer. Tim
Revd Tim Goodbody Tel: 01371 856080 Mob: 07708 660162
7 Essex County Council Stebbing Primary School Stebbing Dunmow Essex CM6 3SH
Executive Headteacher Mrs Karen Wallace Head of School Miss Lucy Mawson Telephone 01371 856260 Fax 01371 856091 Email [email protected] [email protected]
Events at school: Our annual Community Month was a great success. This year the focus was on art and creativity. With the help of parents and villagers we created fantastic artwork linked to our four house groups. We are in the process of displaying this in our school hall. Thank you to everyone who supported this event. Individual classes also invited local artists in to create special artwork. We have also had two working parties of parents and local villagers to help us redevelop our outside spaces. These were such a success and the outdoor areas look fantastic! We are hoping to showcase these areas on Sunday 12th June at the Scarecrow Open Gardens. We are also very busy planning, designing and creating our Scarecrows for this event! ECOKIDS! Thank you to everyone who contributed by donating unwanted items. We raised £230. This will be put to a very good cause! We will keep you updated with how we spend it. We have plenty of events in our school calendar for the summer term. Our annual summer fete is fast approaching. This year it is on Saturday 9th July and looks set to be fantastic. We have a number of different stalls, including a BBQ, tearoom, bar and plenty of stalls to keep the children entertained. We look forward to seeing you there. Look out for further information nearer the time. We also look forward to our summer sports day and musical afternoon, as well as a sleep-over for one of our classes. The year 6 children are going to France at the end of June. This trip always enables the children to practise their French and have a lovely trip together to end their time at Stebbing Primary. Kind regards to you all, Miss Lucy Mawson, Head of School
8 The Following Pieces were written by children in Owls class. Netball Tournament - Spring 2016
Stebbing Primary School attended a Family High Five netball tournament, which was held at Takeley Primary School. There were around eight or nine other primary schools that attended as well. After winning our games we played against our sporting rivals, Felsted Primary. We won the final 5-1; we were so amazed because we are such a small school - that makes us feel big! We were so happy because we WON, which meant we got a trophy and a medal each. By Oliver and Thalia
Forest School - Friday 13th May 2016
Here, at Stebbing Primary School, we have a thing called Forest School. Every Thursday, Key Stage 2 take part in Forest School. Every half term each class has a small group that goes out to do Forest School. If you don’t know what Forest School is we are going to tell you… We learn about wildlife. At the end of term we do cooking. We cook tomato soup, pizza and toast marshmallows. It is so fun! Here is a quote from Lara Creighton: “I think Forest School is amazing!” Also we have another quote from Summer Paveley: “Forest School is really relaxing and is a great opportunity to learn about wildlife.” Safety: When we have a fire we have RULES! You can’t go into the circle! You can’t go near the pond when it is out of bounds! We hope we have convinced you to get outside more because there is more to wildlife. Go take your dog out or go for a walk. By Summer Paveley and Lara Creighton.
STEBBING SCHOOL SUMMER FETE
Saturday, 9th July 1pm to 4pm
Games ◊ Stalls ◊ Crafts ◊ Bar ◊ Barbeque ◊ Mercedes Benz Cars ◊ Cakes Football & Netball Games ◊ Tractors ◊ Bake Off Competition ◊ Gunge the Teacher - and lots more!! Raffle – Win a signed England Shirt, a Mercedes car for the day PLUS!!!
9 10 Stebbing Village Stores
We’ve had a good few months at the Stores. Firstly we can all be proud that we survived our first spot check from environmental health with only a few minor details requiring attention, all of which were corrected within the week - leaving our 5 star rating intact. A very big thank you to all who have helped maintain the high standards of hygiene we have set ourselves in the Stores and to those of you who helped the inspector to find all the information and make all the checks that were needed. On 21st April, Stebbing Stores Tea Room marked the Queen’s 90th Birthday by welcoming villagers to a celebration tea. Already appreciated for the quality of its freshly-prepared fare, the Tea Room team surpassed themselves in the quality of produce and attention to detail. Delicately prepared finger sandwiches with luxurious fillings of smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise, refreshing cucumber and smoked ham with piquant chutney, were accompanied by the meatiest of mini sausage rolls. Melt-in-the-mouth scones were served with lashings of cream, jam and fresh strawberries. Then came generous slices of chocolate, coffee and carrot cake, along with profiteroles for the more modest - or for those about to burst. One customer commented, “You wouldn’t get better in the Waldorf”. And you wouldn’t. (Yes I learned at school that you shouldn’t start a sentence with And - but sometimes it just seems right - Ed). All that was missing, while teapots and cake stands were generously replenished, was a string quartet playing in the background but sadly the licensing rules thought otherwise. Quite simply, Her Majesty could not have been presented with a finer birthday tea. Summer and winter seem to be tussling for supremacy at the moment but the former is slowly asserting itself and, in addition to our usual products from Prior’s Hall, we have increased our range of BBQ meats. Asparagus and Strawberries are going well, new potatoes have appeared, as have cherries.
(Continued on page 13)
11 12 (Continued from page 11)
We have introduced a lovely range of cards and gift tags from Moray, Scotland and, following a recent visit to the Progressive Greetings Live exhibition at London’s Business Design Centre in May, we are hoping to introduce some more new lines soon. Sadly we are having to say farewell (for the time being at least) to Sue Shay, who has been a regular volunteer since the Stores opened. She is hoping that she will be able to return to the village in the future and we sincerely hope that she can do so. In the meantime a big thank you Sue for all you have done to help make the Stores a success and we all wish you well, whatever the future holds. This leads me to the more difficult things that have to be said. W e have shown over the last three years that, in business terms, the model we have is viable - but only when we have a sufficient pool of volunteers to man the shop and to do all the behind the scenes work that needs to be done. It has always been a bit of a struggle to fill shifts at weekends but, by and large, we have had just enough committed people to keep the shop manned. We have had new people come along to replace those who have left - though more will always be welcome of course. The tea room has been more of a problem and we have had to close up on a few occasions when people have been on holiday. Cover has usually involved a few individuals doing much more than is reasonable. Inevitably in such circumstances people will say that they have had enough and we will lose people we have come to be overly dependent upon if we do not get a few more regulars to help out. Things are even more serious with regard to the management of the shop. I took on the post of Chair of the Management Committee reluctantly as I have other commitments to the village - this magazine being one. I did so because our previous Chair was standing down, no-one had come forward and I agreed to give it a year to see if we could strengthen the Management Committee and ensure the Stores can continue as the success it has been so far. Three quarters of the way into my year, a lot has happened and I’m pleased to say that the last financial year has proved as successful as the first two. In the most important job, however, I have failed completely and, once more, the September AGM is approaching without any new volunteers having come forward to join the management team and do a stint for a year or two to ensure that we can continue as we are. The issue of succession planning now has to be at the very top of our agenda and if any reader has a little time to spare - and is willing to consider helping out with running the shop we desperately need your help. You can assist us in a variety of ways, depending on your strengths, and the more people there are who are willing to share tasks, the less there will be for any one individual to do and the more robust we will be in facing the future. This is a true village enterprise and, if you value the Stores, please help us to widen village participation and secure its future for the benefit of all.
Richard Foot, [email protected] - with help from Judith Such, who is much better at describing food (the Queen’s birthday tea) than I am.
13 PATRICIA PILGRIM NURSERY SCHOOL Stebbing Green (off B1256) - under 10 minutes from Braintree, Bardfield and Dunmow
Places available Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm Open All Year
Pre-school educational programme sessions 1, Saling Road, Stebbing Green, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3TD Tel: 01371 856594/856702 www.patriciapilgrimnursery.co.uk facebook.com/patriciapilgrimnursery
14 Garden Club News Summer 2016 It's been a busy few months since the last edition of Stebbing Scene. Preparations are well under way for the Garden Club show on Saturday, June 18th. There are cookery, handicrafts, painting, photography and children’s classes - in addition to classes for exhibiting the flowers and vegetables you’ve grown yourself. Do have a go and pick up a schedule from the shop or ring me (856466) for one. Before that we have a stall at the Friday Morning Market on June 3rd in the Friends’ Meeting House. There will be both vegetable and flowering plants for your garden; you're bound to find something you want. Besides all this activity, our regular programme of talks has continued. In March, Marie Clarke from Raine (whose small nursery some of you may know) came to talk on 'Garden Design' and in April, Dr Lorna Shaw, from Essex Wildlife Trust, spoke on 'Butterflies in your garden'. Her photographs were stunning and her advice on encouraging butterflies included leaving a patch of nettles or grass (so a perfect excuse for leaving the wild patch one's never got round to) and not to pick up all fallen apples in the autumn, as some butterflies will feed on the rotting fruit. Wildlife conservation and an opportunity to laze, a perfect combination! Last month Mike Sullivan spoke on 'Alpines' with plenty of advice on how to care for these often fussy subjects and in June, Mike Jervis will give a talk on 'Growing daffodils'. An unseasonal subject you may think, but in fact, perfectly timed to allow preparation for bulb orders and planting in the autumn.
Date Topic Speaker 27th June Growing Daffodils Mike Jervis 26th September Edinburgh Botanic Garden Andrew Babicz 24th October The A-Z of Roses Simon White 28th November Gardeners' Question Time Panel
Please come and support our events; as usual meetings are open to non- members. Jane Foster, Tel: 856466
15
á la Mode Interiors specialise in bespoke soft furnishing, including handmade curtains, blinds, valances, swags etc. We offer a personal design service to help you achieve your own unique style. Alterations and repairs are also undertaken, and a fitting service is available on request.
Contact Janine on 01371 870838, mobile 07768 807801
Or email [email protected] www.alamodeinteriors.co.uk facebook: á la Mode Interiors
16 Travellers on Stebbing Green Despite what were considered to be effective measures to prevent Travellers encroaching on The Green as they did last summer, we once again, have a number of caravans setting up an encampment and being less than respectful of the area. For those of us who live in view of, or adjacent to the Green, the stress and distress that this generates cannot be overstated. The support and combined effort offered by those directly and indirectly affected has been inspiring and is very much appreciated. It restores eroded Pagants has new neighbours faith in human behaviour. While it’s true that, to my knowledge, the Travellers were not overtly aggressive or hostile, the presence of a community that disregards the notion of private property, consider themselves to be above the law and have shameful animal husbandry skills, can ignite fury and unpleasant thoughts in even the most mildly disposed observer. Bewilderment at this feral behaviour of fellow humans is matched only by the astonishing intransigence of our police. Although the formal process of issuing an eviction order, and jumping through the bureaucratic hoops to get the Essex Council Travellers Unit (ECTU) to issue a court order, was initiated promptly by Stebbing Parish Council (SPC), we look to our police to enforce laws in a timely and appropriate way. Bludgeoning access to private land by removing boundary posts, flagrantly ignoring by-laws, including compromising and destroying protected species of wildlife and vegetation, together with dumping human waste in waterways, are absolute criminal offences. The police, despite repeated requests, have offered lame and ill-informed excuses to avoid getting involved - from its being too dark, to suggesting that these criminal acts are a ‘civil matter’. This hands-off approach is now being taken to task by a group of residents to pressure the authorities into being more active and fair in their application of the law. Any other section of society would be moved on and/or prosecuted for similar behaviour. My feeling is that beat officers would probably like to take appropriate action but are dissuaded for ‘political’ reasons from intervening. From a village perspective, there is a sense that these Travellers only really affect the people in close proximity and that costly preventative measures are somewhat unjustified. With respect, that is a naïve view. Occasional encampments can become frequent and there is a direct correlation between these camps and increases in local crime. So what can we do? The measures that SPC have taken and propose will hopefully dissuade further settlements but in the longer term we must all pester the authorities to make them tackle this problem - and it is a real problem. The implications of having communities which do not need to adhere to laws is a dangerous concession to make. Not just for those directly confronted but to society as a whole. Peter Finlay
17 18 Farewell to the 314
No longer will it travel twice a week from Great Dunmow to Braintree, bringing cheer to those without alternative transport or too infirm to drive. The service has gone and, with it, the jollity of a cab bedecked with tinsel at Christmas time and the thoughtfulness of a driver who would leap out to assist an elderly shopper to her front door. Such a local service, connecting villages along the route, enabling passengers to meet and chat or gaze out the window at the beautiful Essex countryside, was much more than a means of getting from A to B, or, in this case, GD to B via our very own S. It enabled people to visit the Post Office or bank, stock up at Boots, browse through markets and charity shops, get their hair cut and treat themselves to coffee and cake. So it is with great sadness that we met at 9.30 outside the White Hart in late April and found this lifeline had been untimely ripped from the bus timetable without even a whisper to those who will miss it.
Annabel and Jonquil (freelance reporters)
Hopefully we’ll hear more from Annabel and Jonquil in future issues! (Ed.)
19
Intimate, hot wax hair removal by an expert trained therapist. Private, hassle-free experience, easy parking. Fully trained and insured therapist Professional Nails, Eyelash and Eyebrows Neals Yard Organics and Peron Rigot Wax Luxury Products
For more information and booking call Liz Williams on Stebbing 856965 or Mobile 07866 312070 www.uglybettysbeauty.com
20 The Essex Yeomanry
The picture shows some Stebbing members of the Dunmow Troop, Essex Yeomanry. They were part of the Lewis family. In the back row, extreme left, William Lewis - middle row, extreme left, Sarah Lewis and at the centre, in the front row, Fred Lewis. The photo must have been taken between 1902 and 1914, and might well depict one of their training camps, held annually in May. The Essex Imperial Yeomanry was raised by Lt. Col. Colvin, in November 1902, with headquarters at Colchester and Squadrons at Colchester (A), Halstead (B), Epping (C) and Southend (D). The Regiment was trained as mounted rifles, swords being carried by officers and staff sergeants only, until mobilisation in 1914. On 1st April 1908, the Essex Yeomanry became part of the newly formed Territorial Force (TA from 1920), along with the various volunteer units. From this date the Yeomanry could no longer be called out as a military body in aid of the civil power. The Regiment was mobilised in August 1914 and, after further training in Suffolk, joined the Royal Horse Guards and 10th Royal Hussars in the 8th Cavalry Brigade, part of the 3rd Cavalry Division, in France in November 1914. On 13th May 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, the Essex Yeomanry made a dismounted bayonet charge at Frezenburg Ridge which recaptured the front line trenches. But the cost was high, sixty nine killed and ninety one injured, including Lt. (later Captain) Percy Holt of Porters Hall. As far as we know, no other Stebbing men from this Regiment were injured or killed during the rest of the war. The names of the Stebbing men believed to have been in the Yeomanry are: Captain P. Holt (wounded), Troopers B Barker, B Hynds, D G Perry, E W Salmon, and W Wallis. The two members of the Lewis family were not listed.
Derek Towler Thanks to Stebbing History Society for permission to use this article from their archives - Ed.
21 22 Eating Out The Flitch of Bacon, Little Dunmow The menu page on flitchofbacon.co.uk displays a quote which reads:
“The riches to be found within the local area provide ingredients of such quality that every day brings excitement to the kitchen door.” Although seeming a vague description, it conjures up images of mouth- watering delights, locally sourced and served within a relaxed homely setting - and this proved to be just so. On a A cheeky photo with the owner - see below fairly unpleasant March evening, I arrived at the Flitch of Bacon in good company and looked forward to delicious food, quality wine and something which was set apart from the mundane selection of home cooked pies. I was not disappointed. After stooping through the Elizabethan doorway we were met by smiling staff, who led us to a comfortable and spacious table - though our journey did take us past some slightly less fortunate guests who appeared a little snug in their seats. An extensive wine list was handed to us and we selected a fine red which was smooth and rich. The menu was both comprehensive and refreshingly different. I opted for pork crackling and apple sauce nibbles for starters; they were like foaming delicate crisps that melted on your tongue. I instantly compared them to an invention by Willy Wonka! Other members of our party had the parfait of chicken and duck livers, orange and onion marmalade, served with toasted brioche. We started swapping small bites to taste the delights on offer, which transformed the evening into a dining experience rather than simply a satisfying meal. For me this is the distinction between ‘The Flitch of Bacon’ and its rivals locally. The starter set the tone for the rest of the meal. For main course I savoured a braised cheek of beef, buttered mash, crispy bacon, mushrooms and green beans. The plate was a complete sensory experience - from the visual presentation to the rich tenderness and texture of the beef. I am not usually a ‘pudding person’ but, on this occasion, it would have been regrettable not to complete the trio. Therefore, I paired up and had the apple tarte tatin, with vanilla ice-cream to share. The pastry was buttery and light, with perfectly presented apples on top. Of course the evening could not be complete without a cheeky photograph with the owner of the venue. He was none other than Daniel Clifford, the Michelin starred TV chef, who also runs Midsummer House in Cambridge, and had incidentally cooked our whole meal! What a perfect end to a wonderful evening which did not break the bank when considering the quality of everything which had passed our lips! The Flitch of Bacon is a real treasure sitting on our doorstep so book early to avoid disappointment! Michelle Keeling 23 24 A Walk to Bardfield Saling
Distance about 5½ miles - time under 2 hours. This is an easy and straight forward walk, mainly on quiet roads and byways, to visit the 14th century church at Bardfield Saling. Starting at the shop, cross the road and proceed up the footpath to reach the field and way post. Turn 45° right to reach the path junction (1) and from here simply head straight across the field, crossing Clay Lane byway and continuing across the field to reach the way post and the electricity pole (2). Here you turn 45° right and through the next field to Lucas Farm, where you join Lubberhedges Lane. From here proceed along the road to the corner at White House Farm. This road is normally quiet and there is a good verge, but please pay attention because some drivers do come along there quite quickly. At Whitehouse Farm turn right onto the byway and immediately left proceeding to the next junction (3). Ignore the burnt out car if it hasn’t been removed yet and turn left to reach the road at Gentleman’s Farm. Turn left to reach the church (4) with its round tower. In the spring the churchyard is a mass of primroses and the church contains some beautiful examples of straw lacework. Take the footpath around the back of the church to reach the road and turn left, reaching the byway (5) and continue to the junction (6) where, observing the damage wreaked by 4x4 vehicles, turn left. Follow the byway (around more damage) to reach Lubberhedges Lane (7), where you dog-leg right, then left into the next byway. Simply follow this byway past the new barns (8) - just after which you should be able to see Stebbing Church away on your left - to the junction with Clay Lane and Brick Kiln Lane (9), and the choice of which way to return to the start.
Brian Martin
25
WEST ESSEX JUDO CLUB Class Times Tuesdays 6pm – 7.30pm Novices & Juniors 7.30pm – 9.30pm Advanced & Seniors Saturdays 10am – 11.30am Novices & Juniors 11.30am – 1.30pm Advanced & Seniors
Held at Stebbing Village Hall, Mill Lane, Stebbing Contact Faith on 07595331073, [email protected] or via Facebook NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME YOUNG OR OLD!
26 Welcome to Stebbing
Amongst the recent new arrivals to the village are Bobbie and Richard Edwards, who moved into Pump Cottage, in the High Street, this spring, along with their 2½ year old daughter, Florence. The family previously lived in Hornchurch and, as their work is currently London based, it was not their initial intention to move quite this far from the metropolis. They did however want Florence to grow up in the countryside and, when they started to look a little further out and came to view Pump Cottage, they fell in love with it - and with our village. So far it has been “Like being on holiday” even though they are having to commute to work. They really like walking the lanes and footpaths, and they enjoy the quiet setting, using the shop, meeting people in the White Hart and seeing horses go past. Bobby, Florence and Richard Edwards Richard is in the building trade, and specialises in flat roofing; he has his own company, "R. Edwards Roofing." He has also done ‘the knowledge’ and, in bad weather, has been working as a London Cabbie. Bobbie is a pharmacy technician at Great Ormond Street Hospital, specializing in haematology and oncology on a cancer ward. She works three days per week but has decided to train as a classroom assistant and is hoping to embark on a placement in our school next year. The proximity of a school like Stebbing Primary for Florence to attend, when she is of school age, was of course another big draw for the family. It is always good to see young families moving into the village and it is pleasing to hear that they have been made to feel very welcome.
There are others of course who have recently moved into the village and it would be good to hear about anyone else who is happy to be included in a welcome page in future editions. If you’d like to write your own, introducing yourself or perhaps a neighbour, that would be even better! RF
27 28 The Mad Medic
Hello everyone, I hope that all is good and I wish a lovely summer for you. So many things have been happening to try my strength, including this daft Lyme disease, but I refuse to stop pushing myself because that is all part of the tapestry of life. The old adage, “What doesn't kill us makes us stronger,” is often so true and I am not about to let my Mumbai street and railway children down. They have been a massive part of my life for the 18 years I have been going out to work with them. A sense of humour comes in very handy and our family certainly has one. Before I forget, if you receive an email telling you that swine flu can be caught from tins of ham, delete it immediately - it's spam. It is that time of year again where plans for the next trip to Mumbai are seriously underway and supplies urgently being gathered. On May 10th lovely Linda Clayden held a pamper evening at Blake End, raising £35 on the raffle, which will buy a days food for 35 of my children. Edwina Winter donated great soft bandages; Anne Sutton delivered crafting things etc. and Ikea lilac food bags. The bags are so perfect for the goodies I pack for over 100 girls in 3 Snehasadan homes, as well as for my boys at Leonard Cheshire, in Andheri, and the poorly chaps at Ackworth Leprosy hospital in Wadala. We also have a dear little school room for Wadala Bridge slum children. So many children to love, rescue and provide for in the many places where I hold clinics and do craft workshops. My 42nd trip to care for the children will be here in no time, yet it only seems like a minute since the last one. Thank you so much for caring enough to read this, I love you for it. Love and hugs Valerie xxxx Valerie Mulcare-Tivey, Gingerbread Room, 14 Warehouse Villas, Stebbing, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 3SU [email protected] STOP PRESS
At an extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council on Friday 27th May, two days after a group of Travellers vacated Stebbing Green, it was agreed to put ditches and bunds behind the existing posts on Stebbing Green’s drives, behind the posts at the end of the agricultural access, where it meets the restricted byway. Also it was agreed to ditch and bund the left hand side of the agricultural access to Tile House bungalows, to make access to the piece of land in front of Tile cottage more difficult, while still allowing access for the Parish Council contractor to cut the grass. Posts alone, as we have found, are not sufficient deterrent.
This is an edited version of a communication from: Greg King, Clerk to Stebbing Parish Council. Tel:855805
29
30 Free Parking Gift Vouchers Available
Manicures/Pedicures La stone/Bamboo/Thai Massages Facials/Tanning/Waxing/Tinting Jessica Nails/Gel Nails/ Lash Perfect
Please call Jessie on 01371 823192
31 Small Is Beautiful
If you were to ask all keen birders their favourite time of year, most would undoubtedly answer autumn, the time of year when rare birds arrive in the United Yellow Wagtail Kingdom from distant places such as North America and Asia. While I do love the excitement of birding in the autumn, and the chance to see such birds and visit new and out of the way parts of this wonderful island, my personal favourite season is spring. I particularly look forward to the arrival of spring migrants in the village, such as the aerial swallows and house martins and the stunning yellow wagtails I occasionally see, Swallow particularly in the vicinity of Stebbing Green. Sadly, so far this year, I have neither heard or seen cuckoo in the village. The other lovely aspect of spring is when resident Dunnock birds begin their breeding cycle, which involves courtship display and nest building. We have been very lucky this year and have had robin, dunnock, blackbird and wren nesting in our garden. The diminutive wren, which is only 10 cms long, has a remarkably loud voice and, during courtship, both birds sing to each other. The male then builds multiple nests, up to eight, and the discerning female picks one of these, which both birds then complete by lining with moss and feathers. The scientific Latin name for the wren family is Troglodytidae, which is derived from troglodyte, meaning cave dweller, because of the wren's love of foraging for Wren insects in dark places.
The wren is not the Goldcrest smallest bird in the United Kingdom, that distinction falls to the goldcrest, which measures a mere 9 cms and in fact is the smallest bird in Europe. I have never recorded a goldcrest in our Stebbing garden, but I do see and hear them around the (Continued Opposite) 32 village, particularly in mature conifers, their preferred habitat.
The smallest bird in the world is the bee hummingbird of Cuba, which is a tiny 5.5 centimetres long. The male has the most beautiful iridescent red throat plumes and, when displaying to the female, hovers about ten metres off the ground while uttering its high pitched call; it then towers straight up, like a jump jet, until it becomes impossible to see. The birds build a nest the size of a fifty pence piece and the female lays eggs, which are smaller than a garden pea. Jane and I were lucky enough to visit Cuba with four friends in March this year and managed to see all twenty-six of the birds endemic to the island. The highlight was undoubtedly seeing several pairs of Bee Hummingbird. One pair, which held territory in a small garden, had become so used to humans that you could approach to within a yard of them and they will even feed from your hand on flowers soaked in sugar-water.
We had always wanted to visit Cuba and were not disappointed as the island is a wonderful place to visit, with Havana being particularly fascinating. A combination of the architecture, excellent restaurants, many of which have live music, the nineteen fifties American cars and last but not least the Pina-coladas!!
If anyone would like general information on visiting Cuba or information on dedicated bird tours please feel free to contact me.
Howard Jolliffe
Photos supplied by Howard. Thanks to the RSPB for the illustrations on opposite page - Ed.
33 34 STEBBING PARISH COUNCIL Vacancy Stebbing Parish council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor, and are looking to co-opt an individual to that role. Is it for me? If you have an interest in the village in which you live and would like to contribute to maintaining the environment and many services in the village, as well as helping to shape it’s future, this is the role for you. Will it take a lot of my time? Stebbing Parish Council meets each month on the second Thursday evening, with a break in August when there is no meeting. The meeting lasts on average 2 hours. Outside of the meeting your time commitment is variable depending if you become involved as a member of a committee or give time to a particular project. This could then be anything from 1 to 4hrs a week. Am I qualified? As a councillor you need the enthusiasm to contribute to Stebbing village life and be able to give your time voluntarily. You must also be over 18yrs and be an elector in Stebbing. Interested? Contact Greg King, Clerk to Stebbing Parish Council: Email: [email protected] Tel: 01371 855805
The Parish Council are producing a new double sided, coloured, map of the village. We are looking for high quality pictures of interesting views and features in Stebbing to illustrate the map. If you would like the chance of having your photograph included, then please enter this free competition and support your village. Photos should be digital (JPG or TIFF) and high resolution. Any entries selected might be asked to provide evidence that appropriate permission has been given. Entries will be judged by the Parish Council and should be sent to the Parish Clerk, Greg King, by 31st June 2016 at :- [email protected] don’t forget to include your name and contact details
35 36 STEBBING PARISH COUNCIL Chairman’s Annual Report 2015-16 Stebbing Parish Council (SPC) has had a very eventful year; as well as the usual regular responsibilities, it has met and dealt with many challenges to ensure Stebbing remains a pleasant environment in which to live and, while accepting change happens, that parishioners have some say and influence on those changes. The Council continues to struggle to maintain its full membership of 9 councillors; currently there is a vacancy as a result of a member resigning. To date, no candidate has come forward for co-option. The major concern for Stebbing continues to be the Local Development Plan. SPC actively responds to all consultations and encourages the public to do the same. A public meeting was held by SPC where Alan Mills, our District Councillor, explained the options for development put forward in the draft plan, enabling the many who attended to give an informed response to UDC. SPC has, as a result of this meeting, been able to form a contact list and regularly keep those people who supplied their email address up to date with any relevant information. To try and gain some control of housing developments in Stebbing, the council decided in February to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan. This involves a considerable input from the residents of Stebbing so, in April, a meeting was held where the concept of a Neighbourhood Plan was explained by Rachel Hogger, an independent planner that UDC have engaged to help advise parish and town councils. Currently the first meeting of the volunteers and parish councillors, that will form the steering group, is being arranged and it is hoped that, once the work is underway, it will take 15 months to 2 years to complete. Some time ago SPC, working with Rural Community Council of Essex, undertook a survey demonstrating the need for affordable housing in Stebbing and are currently, again with their help, actively pursuing the possibility of providing affordable homes for Stebbing families. Stebbing Green This year saw, for the first time in many years, travellers camping on the Green. They appeared on a Friday night and over the weekend their numbers increased. Greg King, our Parish Clerk, worked tirelessly contacting all the appropriate agencies to get them removed and this was achieved; just over a week later the travellers moved on just before the case was to be heard in the Magistrates Court. Unfortunately it was then apparent a large amount of work was needed to clean up the green, necessitating the removal of very unpleasant rubbish. Both councillors and Stebbing Green residents undertook this work to return the green to its usual state. I would like to thank all those who did this unpleasant task. (Continued on page 39)
37 DPS PLUMBING & HEATING CONTRACTORS LTD
Domestic plumbing, heating and Reg. No. 018705 gas work undertaken, including bathroom installation and wall tiling
Steve Peter Telephone 01371 856029 Telephone 01371 879103 Mobile 07850 942120 Mobile 07850 942121 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Registered Office: Green Ley Mill Lane Stebbing CM6 3SL
38 STEBBING PARISH COUNCIL (Continued from page 37)
SPC subsequently set up a Working Party consisting of Stebbing Green residents and councillors to look at ways to prevent Travellers getting on the green again. The results of this are the ditches and posts you can now see on the Green. These proved to be successful in repelling travellers who tried to camp on the Green again in March but stayed only a matter of hours. As a result of this another ditch has been dug and posts put in to further safeguard the green. In addition to this work, other maintenance has been carried out resulting in the green being opened up and further scrubby growth has been removed. Following what at first seems rather drastic treatment, if maintained properly, the Green will remain in the healthy state it is in today. I would like to thank all the Stebbing Green committee and Christina Cant, it's Chair, for all their hard work this year. Highways and Street Lighting Members of the Highways Committee have continued this year to regularly attend the Highways Panel, which has given them an insight into the way funding of schemes are allocated and an SPC presence has ensured its requests have had some consideration. It has proved difficult to get the VAS sign put up again in Stebbing, which records vehicles going over the 30mph, but eventually in July it was up and recording a large number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Other schemes put forward to aid road safety do not always appear to be given consideration. To try and improve the environment in the High street it is proposed to replace the fence at the telephone exchange with more appropriate railings. This has proved to be a long and frustrating project, still awaiting the consent of BT, despite SPC having secured funding. Currently work is being undertaken to produce a map of Stebbing which will show the roads and PROWs. This is proving a more difficult task than first expected but is now making some progress. Other projects include a team to record and report speeding vehicles, increasing the number of dog waste bins and investigating the provision of yellow lines at Bran End. The number of achievements by the Highways and Street lighting committee does not reflect their hard work and tenacity, particularity that of their Chair, Brian Martin. At last there was a reward in April when it was agreed that £5K would be allocated for speed trials in Stebbing and £50K was allocated for repairs to byway 46-31. The latter monies form part of the work of Footpath Representative, which Brian Martin also undertakes, as well as leading the P3 group, which maintains the footpaths in the village, having this year replaced and repaired many waymarker posts and bridges. The P3 group is now affiliated to SPC. (Continued on page 41)
39 English Tuition Julie Bull B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. E.L.S., C.R.B. checked
I am a highly experienced English tutor living in Stebbing, offering tuition to help to develop confidence in the subject and to prepare for exams, including common entrance, 11+, GCSE and A Levels. Please contact
Email: [email protected]
Telephone 07890 540059 or 01371 856 768
40 STEBBING PARISH COUNCIL (Continued from page 39) Thank you Brian for all your hard work. Playing Fields Alcott Field continues to be used by Flitch Youth Football Club; agreements have been made with them again regarding maintenance and grass cutting, which have proved to work well, with the playing surface now of a high quality. On both Alcott and Pulford playing fields, rubber matting has been replaced under the play equipment and again the Playing Fields Committee were successful in being awarded a grant to cover 50% of the cost. Much of the work of this committee is ensuring the maintenance of the playing fields to a high standard and that they also meet safety regulations. This involves a considerable amount of liaison with relevant bodies and inspecting of the fields. My thanks to the Playing fields committee and particularly the Chair, Jackie Kingdom, who has struggled this year with a diminished committee due to vacancies on the council. Planning As mentioned in my introduction, planning remains at the forefront of the work undertaken by the council. Responding to all planning applications and the LDP consultations requires a considerable amount of work for the committee and it's Chair. This can be very frustrating when it is felt SPC's views are not always taken into consideration. The Local development plan will continue to take up the time of this committee and the decision to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan will also increase the work of some members. Some success has been achieved in protecting common land threatened by one housing development, but the final outcome is yet to be decided. I would like to thank this committee and it's Chair, Sandi Merifield, for their work ensuring that, when necessary, SPC comment in a robust and timely manner to all planning matters. Stebbing Parish Council would not be able to undertake the huge workload that it does without its Clerk, Greg King. I would like to thank him for that work and his efficiency in liaising with contractors and parishoners, enabling all the many projects to be completed. As Chairman of Stebbing Parish Council I would like to thank the many volunteers that help look after the lovely environment in which we live, also my fellow councillors who give freely of their time, working hard to ensure Stebbing continues to remain the lovely Essex village it currently is.
Jane Goodwin, Chairman Stebbing Parish Council
41 42 STEBBING PARISH COUNCIL Increase in Aircraft Noise Over Stebbing
A recent Parish Council meeting discussed the recent vast increase in aeroplane noise over the Parish from Stansted departures. This is due to the change in flight path usage, introduced in February. Stansted moved flights, which previously took off to the west and south of the Parish, directly over Stebbing. This has already more than doubled the planes passing directly over us. Before February 2016, the flights spread over a wide area, these were moved onto 2 narrow corridors, one of which is directly above our Parish. As flights have to take off into the wind (before turning to head onto the air traffic control route to Clacton), different areas of the Parish are affected differentially, according to the wind direction at any time. Stebbing Parish Council strongly objected to this plan, and some residents also contributed individually to the 2014 NATS consultation. When Stansted’s summer timetables start in the next few weeks, there will be even more planes overhead. The airport is expanding fast and is only running at approximately 50% of current capacity. In addition, more runways at Stansted are again being promoted (4 Runway Hub). There could soon be many times the current number of planes flying directly over us, meaning near-constant loud aircraft noise over our quiet rural area. But, there is no substitute for individuals making their own voices heard. It needs a spread of individuals complaining NOW to stand the best chance of alterations being made to this new operation. Individuals’ complaints at flightpath changes around other airports (especially Gatwick) have led to official re-thinking to mitigate noise nuisances being concentrated into single areas. The process of complaining to Stansted is simple It takes just a couple of minutes to complete the form, using the form on the Stop Stansted Expansion group’s website. This allows your complaint to be noted, then passed to the Stansted Airport noise complaint team. Go to: http://stopstanstedexpansion.com/noise_complaint_form.asp This can be used to complain about specific noisy planes (where you need to give the date and time of the disturbance) or about the broader noise problem. You can also complain directly to the airport: http://www.stanstedairport.com/community/local-environmental-impacts/noise/ investigating-a-noise-disturbance/
Greg King, Clerk to Stebbing Parish Council, The Old Stables, High Street, Stebbing CM6 3SG Tel: 01371 855805
43 44 Stebbing Cricket Club News The 2016 cricket season is underway but, with only two games played at the time of writing, I have little to report thus far. Although we lost our opening match to Wivenhoe Town in a disappointingly short game (all over in time for tea!!!), we followed that with a 22 run victory over Great Horkesley & Lexden. (See photo inside back cover - Ed). In the magazine’s next issue, I’ll be able to report how we have fared overall in this, our inaugural season in the League’s top division. Meanwhile, if we can continue to field a close to full strength side, we expect a good proportion of evenly matched and competitive games. Our pitch and outfield remain in great condition and continue to be appreciated by visiting teams and umpires alike for their consistent quality. On a similar note, I am delighted to report that our cricket teas were voted 4th best of all clubs represented in last year’s PDQ League; very well done and thanks to all of our tea providers. This season’s remaining league fixtures are listed below, including the recently scheduled Friday evening 20-20 contest against the stalwarts of Stebbing Church, which has been an enjoyable and well supported event for many years now. With our busy schedule ahead, we would welcome fresh faces to the club if anyone is interested in joining us. Remaining 2016 League Fixtures: Sun. July 17th Mistley (H)
Sun. June 12th Mistley (A) Sun. July 24th Gt Horkesley & Lexden (A)
Fri. June 17th Stebbing Church XI (H) Sun. July 31st Colchester & E. Essex (A)
Sun. June 26th Elmstead (A) Sun. Aug 7th Eight Ash Green (H)
Sun. July 3rd Eight Ash Green (A) Sun. Aug 14th Frinton-on-Sea (A)
Sun. July 10th Elmstead (H) Sun. Sept 11th Wivenhoe Town (A)
Finally, we thank our commercial sponsors (The White Hart, D & A Hills, Dennis Locks, Eddy Parsley Associates and Daniel Brewer Estate Agents), our club president, Kevin Farr, and all of our vice-presidents for their continuing and generous support. Adrian Farr, Club Secretary
Stebbing Cricket Club Welcomes New Players Anyone interested in joining our small & friendly club please contact: Phil Barker: 01371 856597 or Adrian Farr: 01371 856691
45 46 Stebbing Bowls Club
The season is now underway and at last the weather is warming up. The green looks and plays better than ever and some new players are already getting into the swing of things and enjoying their bowling. We have just hosted an evening BBQ for Stebbing Ladies and everyone including our helpers on hand had a jolly good time. All the Ladies tried bowling, found it fun but frustrating that those bowls just do not go where you want them. But then we all are still trying to master that! As always we are open to new players whatever your ability and, as we always say, come any Thursday evening to try the game. Alternatively please give us a ring to arrange a game on most afternoons, as we are not limited to evenings and our members are always keen to give you help and encouragement. You only need flat shoes we have many sets of spare bowls to try.
If there are any queries please do not hesitate to contact:
John 856 155 or Pat 856 211
The White Hart
Saturday 4th June Wine and Cheese Night With Tony James Performing “Sinatra and more!”
47 48 Extracts From SSE’s Latest “Campaign Update”
Stansted Airport has marked its 25th anniversary. Originally a Second World War USAAF base, a £400 million terminal, designed by Lord Foster, was opened in 1991. The first flight departed to Glasgow four days later, and since then more than 350 million passengers have passed through the building on over 3.2 million flights. After two extensions and further improvements after Manchester Airports Group took over the airport in 2013, Stansted serves more than 170 destinations and employs 11,600 people. Whereas Boris Johnson has always been ideologically opposed to Heathrow expansion (and has argued instead for a new estuary airport or four new runways at Stansted), Sadiq Khan supported a third runway at Heathrow until a year ago, when he set his sights on becoming London Mayor. He then switched his allegiance and argued that Gatwick was a better option than Heathrow. Having defeated Zac Goldsmith in the London mayoral election on May 6th, the Telegraph reports that it is now easier for the Government to endorse a third runway at Heathrow. The explanation given is that Zac Goldsmith, the Conservative MP for Richmond Park, is a fierce opponent of Heathrow expansion (and, like Boris, he has argued for expansion at Stansted as an alternative). However, Zac Goldsmith has been weakened by his defeat at the hands of Sadiq Khan. In addition, it would be easier for the Government to ignore the objections of a Labour London Mayor than a Conservative London Mayor. Stansted’s passenger numbers rose by 13.2% in March, compared to the same month last year. With the continuing increase in the average number of passengers per flight of about 2% per annum (mainly due to higher load factors) the number of air traffic movements (ATMs) increased at a slower rate and were up 11.2% on the year. Stansted’s 12 month rolling total has now exceeded 23 million passengers for the first time since July 2008. Cargo tonnage for the month was up 13.7% from March 2015, whilst the cumulative 12 months cargo, at 243,000 tonnes, was up 4.8% on the 12 months to March 2015. The charge for dropping off passengers at Stansted Airport terminal forecourt has been increased to £3.00 for a maximum stay of 10 minutes. A £50 penalty applies if the 10 minute limit is exceeded. The local residents discount scheme is not affected by the changes and remains at 50p for those living within a five-mile radius and £1 within five to ten miles. On Twitter, Alpha Executive Cars complained to airport bosses: "Yet another price rise... a 20% increase. Didn't notice inflation had shot up! And sure your costs haven't #monopolistic." Defending the increase, an airport spokesman said the charge was "just part of the annual price review". He added that the express drop-off area was not for picking up passengers, but for set down only within a ten minute period. He explained there was also a free drop-off or pick-up area at the mid-stay car park with free courtesy bus to the forecourt.
49 AFTERNOON CARPET BOWLS EVENING CARPET BOWLS THURSDAYS 2.00 - 4.30pm THURSDAYS 7.30pm at the Village Hall at the Village Hall Cost £1.50 including tea and biscuits Cost £1.50, including tea and biscuits
Newcomers welcome - Informal Guidance, encouragement and a warm instruction and encouragement given welcome come free Contact: Pat Hopwood 856183 Contact: Roger 856348 or Ann 856476
BADMINTON SAVE YOUR OLD STAMPS New members needed Please save old postage stamps, British or foreign, as I collect them to help The Wednesday evenings 8pm-10pm th Leprosy Mission, who are also glad to (except 4 Wednesday of each month) receive old picture postcards of any kind. If you In the Village Hall, Mill Lane have any, please drop them in to me at : Contact: Graham Phillips 856021 6, Oakfield, Stebbing - or phone me on 856325 and I can collect them. or Mobile: 07971573414 Thank you, Anne Howard
Community Speed Watch
The Stebbing Community Speed Watch team has now been cleared to operate in the village. If anybody is concerned about speeding in the village and is prepared to do what they can to reduce it by joining the team please contact me for details.
Brian Martin 856664
Did you know that this issue, and back copies, are available to download at www.StebbingScene.uk
50 Richard’s Rant!
I’m writing this little piece having just read Brian Martin’s plea (opposite) for people to join the Stebbing Community Speed Watch Team and Peter Finlay’s article on page 17 about his experiences over the past week with our unwelcome visitors on Stebbing Green. “What is the connection?” you might ask and, if you’re willing to be patient with me, you will have your answer.
Living, as I do, on the B1057 at Bran End, I have been known to complain a little about the speeding motorcyclists, the lack of pavement, the parking on the corner and the fact that we have a 40mph speed limit, in spite of there being a number of houses along the road whose occupants have to take their life in their hands if they decide to walk, rather than drive, to go into the village - or even to see their neighbours. We have been told there are not sufficient grounds to do anything about the speed limit or the pavement and that neither the police nor the County Council feel that it is their responsibility to do anything about the obstructive parking which adds to the danger. The police have informed me that parking is a matter for the Council and, surprise, surprise, the Council say it is nothing to do with them unless there are yellow lines. There is no one who will enforce the law so people do as they wish - and become ever more blatant in their behaviour as the time when these things were once policed becomes a distant memory.
One thing we could do perhaps is to support Brian’s Speed Watch efforts and assist with policing the existing 40 limit - even though we think it too high. The response, however, surprised even an old cynic like me. Apparently the police can’t agree to the exercise being carried out on the B184 because the road is too dangerous. The authorities won’t do anything, and won’t allow us to do anything, to make the road safer - because it is too dangerous. This just has to be the apotheosis of “Having a laugh.”
...Or at least I thought so until this week’s repeat of the intrusion onto Stebbing Green. This happened in spite of the considerable sums our Parish Council have expended to reduce the risk of a repeat of last year’s defilement of the Green, an area of lowland meadow that is extremely rare in the South East, as are the grassland butterflies which depend on that habitat - hence the Butterfly Conservation Trust’s interest in monitoring their numbers. Again, the issue that Peter highlights so well in his piece, is the apparent impotence, or perhaps just lack of appetite on the part of the Police, to take any action, despite obvious breaches of the law. In my humble opinion (did I really say that?) we have reduced our resourcing of the Police to the level where there is little point making laws for which there is no enforcement. Increasingly I find the phrase, “Going to hell in a handcart”, springing to my lips!
When I first introduced Richards Rant, I had intended it as a chance for all of us to vent our spleen on the nonsensical things which, although frivolous, just seem designed to give us an itch to scratch - and I was hoping that others might want to join me, to expound their own pet hates. It seems to have gone wrong in two ways: firstly it has failed to bring in like minded people to join me in spitting a little venom at the object of their hostility, and secondly, I have moved somewhat too far from frivolity to matters which invoke the black dog rather than a simple itch.
Come the next issue of Stebbing Scene, we might be planning to leave the EU with the attitudes and events of some 80+ years ago reasserting themselves - but until that happens, for goodness sake lets be frivolous. Do please send me any nonsense that irritates you. When faced with serious issues you have to have a laugh don’t you - and the Police and Essex County Council certainly know all about that! Richard
51 Stebbing Village Community Bus
Hire a 15 seat Mini-Bus For details, please telephone: (01371) 856 892
Power Cut? Contact UK Power Networks 0800 31 63 105 Free to call from a mobile or landline - 24 hours a day
52 The Scene Crossword - 138 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A few more correct entries 8 came in this time and John Pitkethly won the wine in the 9 10 draw.
Despite organising our deliveries, John has no involvement in the content of 11 the mag so I saw no reason why his entry shouldn’t go into 12 the draw with the others.
I’m afraid in future we will have 13 14 15 to revert to doing the crossword for the love of it - and I will print the names of all who submit a correct solution - it 16 17 helps me to see how many of you are cracking my clues.
18 Good luck!
19 20 RF
21 22
Across 14 Carer takes railway to 8 (7) 1 Nut in charge of school (4) 17 Endure offer in accident and 3 Bear visa when travelling for sandpaper (8) emergency (5) 9 Crazy time keeps one in island (7) 18 Degree twice left for dance (4) 10 Ships' storage should confuse, but not you I 20 For example, love oneself (3) hear (5) 11 Berners-Lee invented weird lewd bow - wild! (5,4,3) 13 Hurried in Bran End (3) 15 Hurry north to Queen and drink to those who just fail to win (7-2) 16 Hank bet brake was about to exhaust the resources (5,3,4) 19 A respected fellow who acts for others (5) 20 Interlace the tipple of Tolkein's trees perhaps? (7) 21 Providing while healing with hands? (8) 22 It lets it use even letters for trial. (4)
Down 1 Set by teachers in labour (8) 2 Lead about right for tree (5) 4 It needs cracking - order that runt Bazil (6,3) 5 Native scheme about to show successes (12) 6 Sick head resulting from this perhaps (7) 7 A yes is all that’s required - simple! (4) 8 Caring queen takes garnet around to 14 (12) 12 The most prickly - though endless pie in the skies and done to a 'T' (8) Solution to Crossword no: 137 53 54 The Rodings and Surrounding Area U3A
The Rodings U3A was fortunate to hear an excellent talk at the May meeting, given by the eminent historian William Tyler. His subject was the end of Saxon England, but he gave a great many examples of the presence of Saxon words and influences still in evidence today. A mini-bus of passengers visited Living Crafts at Hatfield House in early May. There are a number of other coach trips arranged for later in the year, including a ride along the Thames on board Princess Pocohontas, a trip to Ely and a repeat visit to RHS Wisley to enjoy their Taste of Autumn. The latest interest group to take off is Poetry Appreciation, meeting, appropriately enough, in Ongar Library. Poetry will be examined chronologically. There are still members waiting for someone fluent in Spanish to lead a group. Five people attended a basket weaving workshop in April, led by Deb Hart, a professional weaver. Plans are afoot for our annual Open Day, which will take place on Tuesday the 5th July. This year, instead of limiting the input to displays and contributions from interest groups, we have suggested to members that anyone who has made or done something worthy of being displayed or sold, can take part, whether or not they are part of a RU3A group. The innovation of a cake stall is bound to be popular. Visitors are very welcome. The Rodings U3A website, which can be accessed by googling The Rodings U3A contains all there is to know about the RU3A. However you are also welcome to email [email protected] or telephone Louise Searl on 01277 362043 with any queries.
Broomfield Hospital shuttle bus service
A new shuttle bus service linking the Chelmer Valley Park and Ride and Broomfield Hospital is now running. A single deck, full size bus runs every half hour between the two sites from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. The cost is £3 per adult passenger, or free to concessionary pass holders after 9am. The first bus leaves Chelmer Valley at 06.37 and they run every 30 minutes at 07 and 37 past each hour until 17.07. The last two buses will then leave at 17.47 and 18.25. For the return journey buses leave Broomfield Hospital starting from 06.50 and run every 30 minutes at 20 and 50 past each hour until 17.20, with the last buses departing at 18.00 and 18.40. The journey time is 10 minutes each way.
55 56 Letters to the Editor Dear Richard, I hope this short letter can be included in the next Stebbing Scene. It would be very difficult to thank everyone individually at the moment and I am still very confined to the house and a little bit of the garden! This is to thank all those kind people in the village who sent cards, messages, flowers etc., during my recent "extended" stay in Papworth Hospital. Hugh also greatly appreciated all the support he was given. The care that I received in hospital was second to none; the consultants, nurses, physiotherapists etc., all of whom were wonderful in their dedication and encouragement, were always positive and cheerful, aiding my recovery. I know I could not have been in a better place and, although this recovery seems to be slow, I am improving daily. Many thanks again for all your prayers and kind thoughts,
Best wishes , Jenny Nichol Raising money for Cancer Research In July our daughter, Connie May Williams, who is 11, has decided to have her hair shaved off to raise £1000 for Cancer Research. We live in Stebbing and Connie has been a resident since she was 2! Connie has set up a JustGiving page on the web (go to ‘JustGiving’ and search for Connie Williams). Any donations would be gratefully received, the message below is in Connie’s own words from the JustGiving web site. If you prefer not to use the internet please give us a call on 856965 and we will arrange to collect any donations, thanks. Hi - thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. My name is Connie – May Williams, I am eleven years old and raising money for Cancer Research; in the making of doing this I am shaving all my hair off. One of my strongest memories is when one of my friends had cancer and amazingly beat it, however, my grandma passed away. To do this spectacular task I would like to raise over £1000. I would appreciate if you would make a donation.
Thank you, Bill, Liz and Connie Williams Hello Richard Ten teams turned out on 6th April for the White Hart biannual pub quiz night in aid of Stebbing Scouts and Guides. An extremely close run contest, in that first and second were only separated by one point, resulted in a win for 'The Footlights' (The significance of the team name has only just registered - Doh!). The magnificent sum of just in excess of £500 was raised and gratefully received by Richard Lincoln on behalf of the Scouts and Guides, who said that the monies would be used for improving the facilities in their meeting room.
Regards, Dick Hughes 57 58 Letters to the Editor (continued)
Dear Richard I imagine that producing a village magazine is a largely thankless task, so I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for the work that you and the production team do. I always enjoy looking through the magazine and, this time around I was particularly interested in the Eating Out and Local Walks sections. I do hope that both of these will continue as regular features. As a former two-times winner, I am delighted to see the return of the Caption Competition, though I am struggling for inspiration this time around. Never mind, there are still two days until the closing date. So as I said, this is intended as a sincere thank you to all of the people who do the work so that we have a Stebbing Scene.
With kind regards, Brian Houghton
Thanks you for your comments Brian. The greatest reward I could receive as Editor is to have more people wanting to write pieces for the magazine. The effort required to cajole people into submitting articles can prove tedious - so if other readers feel like Brian then please help me to make the magazine even better - Ed
OUTING TO KEW GARDENS SATURDAY 9th JULY 2016 COACH PICK UPS THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE
CONTACT LINDA WHITE 01371 856756 TREASURER – STEBBING GARDEN CLUB [email protected] 59 60 Stebbing Village Hall Available for hire, for all sorts of occasions: Family events ♦ Birthdays ♦ Funerals ♦ Christenings ♦ Wedding Receptions Village clubs ♦ Carpet Bowls ♦ Badminton ♦ Table Tennis ♦ Pilates Meetings ♦ Stebbing Ladies ♦ Garden Club ♦ Friday morning Market ♦ Over 60s ♦ History Society ♦ NCT pre-natal classes ♦ First Aid Courses and Quiz Nights Why not start a new group? Chess, Bridge, Music, Dance, Craft, Floral or anything else? We have vacant slots on Monday morning and afternoon, Tuesday & Thursday mornings in the main hall. The Pelham Room is available for smaller gatherings. We have lots of pre-school toys, suitable for a Toddler Group or a Parents & young children Coffee Morning. If interested, contact our Steward, Donna - Tel: 01371 811 433
61 Stebbing Directory
AFSS/Stebbing School Office 856260 Badminton Graham Phillips (eve) 07971 573414 David Arnold (afternoon) 856271 Beavers Julie Yapp 07713 398903 Bell Ringing John Gilbert 856516 Bowls Club Pat Going 856211 Brownies Loraine Irani 07788 412813 Carpet Bowls Pat Hopwood 856183 Church – St Mary’s Tim & Ruth Goodbody 856080 Church Flowers Hazel Kerr 856993 Cricket Club Adrian Farr 856691 Cubs Maxine Walker 856232 New Dorcas Society Rosie Pitkethly 856155 First Aid Training Val Mulcare-Tivey 856935 Footpath Rep Brian Martin 856664 Friday Morning market Sue Tekell 873225 Friends Meeting House Angela Newbrook 856464 Garden Club Jane Foster 856466 History Society / Archive Derek Towler 856680 Guides Sue Brown 07915 648952 Guides – Senior Section Sarah White 856032 Judo Club Andy Kiberd 811433 Ladies Group Gina Going 856211 Meals on Wheels Ann Howard 856325 Medi-Call EMS Val Mulcare-Tivey 856935 Minibus Adrian Greenway 856892 Over 60s Eve Stephenson 856293 Parish Clerk Greg King 855805 Police All non-emergency 101 Rainbows Liz Hooper 856814 Scamps Sophie Osborne 856103 Scouts Andrew Lipski 821671 Stebbing Society Jenny Nichol 856401 Tennis Club Erika Taunton 07841 904362 Village Hall Donna Kiberd 811433 Village Stores Volunteer staff 856380 White Hart Nick Eldred 856383
Please help us to stay up to date - tell us about changes – Richard Foot 856122
62 Stebbing’s 22 run victory in League’s top division over Great Horkesley & Lexden
63 Caption Competition
Can you write a caption for this photo? A bottle of wine for the best we receive (in the Editor’s opinion)! Please send entries to The Editor: Richard Foot
Closing date is 1st July 2016
Winner of the Spring 2016 (#137) Competition
A pleasing number of entries this time, reflecting Stebbing’s concern over traffic in the village. The winner was Peter Wood with:
“The piece of parking that passeth all understanding”
Stebbing Scene is your magazine and we hope that you enjoy receiving it each quarter. Thanks to our advertisers, we are able to produce a professionally printed magazine, which is delivered free to every household in Stebbing. Our first priority is to entertain and inform village residents, but we hope that in doing so we can ensure that advertising with us is worthwhile. For most people in the village, when seeking local tradesmen or services, the natural first source of information is the Scene. If you own a small, or large business, why not place an advert in ‘Stebbing Scene’. Prices for 4 issues range from £30-£95. We can only produce a magazine that meets the needs, and satisfies the interests of Stebbing residents if you continue to send us articles and reports of events and social activities in the village. We welcome photos, reports and announcements covering all aspects of life in Stebbing. Let us have your views on the magazine and on how we can improve and develop. If you have an opinion, a moan, or a suggestion then please contact one of the team. Please send contributions to: Richard Foot (articles, reports, and letters) [email protected] Karen Howe (advertising) [email protected] Jackie Kingdom (obituaries) [email protected] John Pitkethly (queries about delivery) [email protected]
Copy date for next issue is 15th August 2016 All contributions are welcome. E-mail is preferred where possible, but even handwritten contributions are accepted (if we can read them).
DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot assume responsibility for errors. Stebbing Scene is delivered free to all Stebbing residents and its existence depends on our advertisers. However, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for resulting transactions. 64