Stebbing Scene

SStteebbbbiinngg

SScceennee

EDITION No: 109 Spring 2009

Soon the clocks will be going forward and hopefully the weather will improve so that we can get out into the garden again. Stebbing got off relatively lightly during the recent snowstorms and flooding, compared with many of our neighbouring communities.

I would like to thank Rodney Evans for his splendid work for the Magazine over the past four years, and also for his patience with me, as I am far from computer literate! We now welcome Peter Finlay to the Team and thank him very much for volunteering.

Also in response to my request for volunteers, and for articles of interest to you readers, a big thank you.

Many Thanks to Bill Childs for his headline drawing.

Jenny McGinn

You are Invited To Celebrate Easter In Your Local Churches

Maundy Thursday Thursday 9th April St James’, Great Saling 7.30pm Benefice Holy Communion

Good Friday Friday 10th April

Good Friday Walk The Walk is suitable for all the family; walk as much or as little of it as you like. Four services in our Churches along the way will follow through the events of Good Friday. 9am - Service at Lindsell (a simple reading, reflection and prayer) 9.20 am - Walk to Stebbing

11.15 am - Service at Stebbing (All-Age worship) followed by a picnic lunch (please bring your own picnic)

1pm Walk to Great Saling

2.30pm – Short service at Great Saling 2.50pm walk to Little Saling 3.45pm Service at Little Saling (an hour at the cross) Hot cross buns will follow this service

Easter Sunday 12th April

St Mary’s Church, Lindsell 9.30am Family Communion

St James’, Great Saling 11am Family Communion

St Mary’s Church, Stebbing 11am Family Communion

Further details about your local parish church can be found on our websites www.achurchnearyou.com/stebbing-st-mary-the-virgin/ www.achurchnearyou.com/lindsell-st-mary-the-virgin/ www.achurchnearyou.com/great-saling-st-james/ www.achurchnearyou.com/little-saling-st-peter-and-st-paul/

Whether or not you choose to join us, have a very Happy Easter

4 CHURCH MATTERS from Tim and Ruth Goodbody

Dear Friends, It might seem early to be inviting you to join the celebrations of Easter, but I would like to avoid putting you through the inconvenience of last-minute publicity. With that in mind we have provided you in the pages of this magazine with the details of church services and other activities for Holy Week and Easter. There is perhaps much to be said therefore for planning ahead!

Recently of course we have all been forced into last minute changes of plan, following the recent floods and snow and ice, which caused such disruption. It was very heartening to know that our community has been strong in the face of these adverse conditions. I have been told of neighbours offering accommodation to those who were flooded out, and of others making sure the elderly and housebound had enough provisions to get through the short period of being snowed in.

At Easter (I hope it won’t snow on Easter Sunday this year!) we celebrate God’s planning ahead. It might be tempting for us to conclude that sending Jesus Christ into the world to deliver us from evil and sin was a kind of ‘plan B’ for God, to fix the mess the world had got into, but the Bible teaches, and Christian tradition is clear that God’s plan has always been to redeem the world, to save it and renew it.

Jesus suffered and died a sacrificial death, to take away the consequences and effects of human wrongdoing throughout history. He paid the penalty on our behalf, so that those who put their trust in Christ need not fear death. So for me there are two miracles at Easter; first, that God loves the world so much that he was prepared to live and die as a human being, and second, that that death, and resurrection, have a universal scope – that is, they are effective for all time. One death, on one day 2000 odd years ago, and one miraculous return from death 3 days later, altered the destiny of humanity, because they provided us with a way back into relationship with God. And that was God’s intention from the start; to grant us free will, to decide for ourselves, abut to provide us with a means to returning to him when we decide to do so.

That’s why, as I have said before, Easter is the climax of the Christian year. Without the resurrection, the Christian faith is futile, St Paul wrote. Christmas is a wonderful time of celebration, and we are blessed by a large proportion of the populations of these parishes who chose to worship with us then. However, without Easter, Christmas would be empty. If Jesus did not achieve what he came to do, why celebrate his coming? But he did achieve it – when he said, “It is finished!” from the cross, it was in the sense of “I’ve done it”, not “it’s over”, because of course at the heart of Easter is the fact that we can relate to God in Christ today through his Holy Spirit, as we read the Bible, pray and worship -in church or in the fields or our bedrooms and kitchens – but supremely as part of God’s family the church. So it’s not over, it’s just starting!

And if you are thinking of starting to come to church we would be very glad to welcome you. Easter is a good time to start coming because of course our focus is rightly on the good news of the resurrection, but also because with the warmer weather come the beauty of the fields, churchyards and flowers, to inspire and encourage our worship.

From Tim and Ruth

5 6

Recent works to the Lime trees in St Marys Churchyard

“Whatever have you done to the trees in the churchyard, are they being felled - will they die” some villagers have asked. I have assured them that the answer is “no” on both counts, the trees on either side of the paved footpath are simply being maintained as an avenue of pollard Limes.

Pollarding is when all the branches are cut off at about 10-12’ or so above ground level and then allowed to regrow. Lime trees are like Planes, Oak, Hornbeam and Sycamores in that they all pollard well; adventitious shoots readily form beneath the bark and develop into branches. This process is then repeated every 5-10 years or so. The story in the churchyard goes back a while, many of the old Limes developed rotten trunks, Lime wood is soft and decays more readily than many other broadleaved species. By pollarding the weight of the upper branches was removed and this meant that the old trees could stay longer without risk of collapse. The avenue could be safely retained and, co-incidentally, the decayed trunks were a great habitat for all sorts of insects and fungi.

It was clear that at some point in time the old trees would have to go and this time has now come. However, replacements were planted in anticipation of this eventuality and about half have now been pollarded for the first time and within the next year or so it will be necessary to do the rest. Pollarding always appears drastic at first but with two or three seasons of growth the scene will mellow, the integrity of the pollard avenue as a feature of the churchyard will thus be preserved. Patrick Smith

Obituaries

Laurence Nicholas 12th September 1909 – 18th December 2008

Laurie, who sadly died just before Christmas, thus missing his Centenary by nine months, was Stebbing’s oldest inhabitant. Laurie moved to Tan Farm in Stebbing in 1956. At seventeen he was a Classical Scholar, destined for Oxford, when his Mother died suddenly and his Father’s health and business failed. Instead, he embarked on a life–long career with the Bank of England.

Both Laurie & Judy, his wife for 66years, played an active part in various Stebbing Clubs & Societies and contributed much to the Village. Laurie love Tan Farm and always made sure that any repairs, maintenance etc were in keeping with the lovely old farmhouse. He had a great love of Nature, especially birds & butterflies. For his 90th Birthday he had an herbaceous border replaced, especially to attract butterflies.

Laurie was also an accomplished Jazz drummer and very much enjoyed the Colin Symons Jazz sessions held at the White Hart. Following Judy’s death in 2006, he lived alone at Tan Farm and although in ever increasing poor health with deteriorating eye sight, he coped remarkably well, with much appreciated help from Dick & Pat Hughes, his neighbours, who were regular visitors.

He made visitors welcome and loved nothing more than to reminisce about Stebbing over the years. Laurie & Judy’s children, Jane, Bridget, David and their families, were regular week-end visitors. Frances Hynds 1938 – 2008

Frances was born in London and came to Stebbing as an evacuee, the baby in her family, very early in the War.

Her family made their home locally and years later, Frances caught the eye of Len Hynds. She worked for a time in Woolworths, before marrying Len while still in her teens. Susan was their first child, Andrew followed and Frances fostered a number of babies as well.

Although always busy and with Susan living at home, Frances identified Mencap as her charity and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Organisation. At the Mill and the Friends Meeting House, Frances sold the most beautifully prepared second hand clothes. Villagers will remember Frances and Betty Cox (working for her beloved animals) with their attractive goods in the as yet, unrestored Meeting House. It was a popular venue. Until recent years, she sold Mencap cards and Christmas Gifts at the Village Christmas Sale. Frances was a keen member of Felsted British Legion and at one time, Vice- President.

Wherever Frances went, Susan went too; they were inseparable. When Len died and Town Mill was sold, Frances & Susan moved to Braintree and settled immediately. They made friends with their neighbour and were very happy.

Frances suffered a severe stroke at home, on Christmas Day 2008, while entertaining friends and family. She died in Broomfield Hospital on Monday 29th December 2008.

Susan now lives happily in Broomfield, Chelmsford and continues to attend her old Training Centre in Braintree. John Salmon 1931 – 2009

John was born at 11 Warehouse Villas in 1931 and lived there with his brother, sister & parents. His father was a Shepherd and on leaving school, John worked on the land for many years.

In 1956 he married ‘Wenna, who came from Bardfield. Their first home was in one of the then newly built houses in the High Street, 1 Hillcroft Cottages, as John worked for the Co-op Farm. John was a very keen footballer and played mid-field for Stebbing when the pitch was behind Town Farm. Gary Lagden was a team-mate and Stebbing was in the North Essex League and won several Cups. John also played cricket for Stebbing.

Sadly, ‘Wenna died in 1970. John left the Co-op and for many years drove a Concrete Mixing lorry for Hunnables in Braintree. During the 1980’s John remarried and lived with Marion, his new wife, at Bran End Fields. He suffered increasing bad health and lived his final years in Humphrey Lodge in Thaxted. AJL

Joseph Edward Harrod “Joe” 10th December 1930 – 5th February 2009

Joe was born in Great Saling in 1930. He lived there for only three years before moving, with his parents, to Motts Yard in Stebbing High Street.

Upon leaving school, Joe worked for Frank Howland at Church Farm, Stebbing for several years. He often worked with a Steam Engine, threshing the corn. He then joined the “War Ag.” as it was known, driving a Caterpillar Bulldozer and was also part of their Land Drainage Team. Joe was instrumental in building Flood Defences at Canvey Island in the winter of 1953 – a truly dreadful winter. After leaving the War Ag., Joe worked for a while for John Salmon Land Drainage in Dunmow and combined this with being a Special Constable in Stebbing. He married Doreen in 1960 and three years later, Beverley was born.

Joe was Stebbing’s only Taxi service for 45years before handing the business over to Beverley, due to his ill health. Joe is survived by his wife & daughter.

Roger Langford 15th March 1944 – 7th February 2009

Roger was born at Chadwell Heath but he grew up in Sibleys Green near Thaxted and went to school there and later in Saffron Walden. That is, he sometimes went to school. After a visit from the attendance officer, it was discovered that he would sometimes depart in the morning on the school bus and hide in a hedge until it was time to catch the bus home in the afternoon.

On leaving school, Roger was apprenticed as a carpenter with Hardy & Sons in Finchingfield. He came to work in Stebbing at AB Walsh & Sons as a young man and he worked on many homes in the village and the surrounding area at some point. In particular he was the carpenter on the rebuilding of Dane House and he was involved in many projects at Stebbing Park when Richard Armitage lived there as well as the refurbishment of Horham Hall near Thaxted. He was valued as a craftsman who only needed to be shown a picture or have a concept explained to him with dimensions and could then be left to get on with things.

Roger married Mavis Parsons in 1965 and they have two children, Dean and Donna. Roger liked to be at home close to his family and he was always making things in his workshop. He lived at Collops Villas for 43 years and lots of people in the village will have a piece of furniture made by Roger or some carpentry in their house to remember him by. I think of him when I sit at my kitchen table that he made. I know other people who will remember him for kitchen tables, a dog kennel dresser, coffee tables, book cases and a back door.

For the last few years Roger was regularly seen around the village painting houses with Mark Hayden. After a short period in hospital, he died at home with his family around him.

Mike 9

CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN STEBBING

Glorious crispy, star-lit night and 40+ Stebbing villagers of all ages and sizes met outside The White Hart with lanterns, torches, Santa hats, bells and reindeer antlers just a few days before Christmas. We had gathered together to sing carols around the village with the aim of focussing on celebrating the forthcoming birth of Jesus and to bring some Christmas cheer to the village. The outcome was all of this, plus the opportunity to get to know each other better – both the singers but also anyone who came to their door to listen. We raised about £50 which has been sent to CHESS (Chelmsford Homeless Emergency Support Scheme). This charity provides warm food and shelter throughout the year to the homeless operating from a Night and Day shelter in Chelmsford. (they have an excellent web site -www.chelmsfordchess.org).

Nick, who runs The White Hart laid on excellent mulled wine and similar warming victuals after our hour of singing and it was great to mingle together in front of the warmth of a huge log fire getting to know each other a little better.

By the end of the evening I felt warm from the fire and the mulled wine, but also warm from the feeling of being part of a Stebbing community and warm from feeling that we had done a little bit of good for others too.

Dairy date for Christmas 2009 Carol singing meeting outside The White Hart on Monday, 21 December at 7.30pm.

PS If you feel you could help to give out invites to folk in your road to join us in carol singing I’d love to hear from you. So far I have a road volunteers for Marshalls Piece, Garden Fields and Church End.

Gillian Warren 01371 856321 [email protected]

THE MAD MEDIC

Hello dear friends and neighbours, I hope that you are well and haven't suffered too much in the snowy weather, I find it strange driving home after night duties to see people whizzing along on obviously dangerous roads putting lives at further risk, I can't understand their mentality can you?, they should come to work with my colleagues and I to see the consequences.

Everyone who knows me can vouch that I am a happy soul but in November last year part of my World came crashing down as news reached me of the Mumbai [ Bombay ] terror attacks, shortly after I returned home from there. I had been doing some course work on my computer when my phone started ringing, one call after another from Mumbai [ before it even came onto the news ] every one voicing terror and distress .As more information emerged the sheer horror of it all unfurled, I have never felt so useless in my life. Some of you may have read an article in relation to my Mumbai work in the Broadcast but there were a few errors [obviously crossed lines] which were not subsequently corrected. For instance my house name is 'Gingerbread Room' not my charity, etc.

To update you; In Bombay five of my darling boys were killed at Chhatrapati Shivaji [ Victoria Railway Terminus ] where they lived and did odd jobs, they slept under the platforms. Two of my dear friends who worked at Leopold's cafe, scene of the first attack, were killed [ we have lunch there when I hold my city clinics ]. The terrorists had been checking out their planned targets whilst Janet and I were there, it is creepy to think that we may have rubbed shoulders with such evil people. The grenade holes in the pillar and floor where we were seated look as surreal as the bullet holes in our table, the people seated there on that fatal night died instantly, yet the terrorists went back in and shot them again.

I hold clinics in and around the railway for the railway children and my Amchi - Kholi boys, [ Amchi-Kholi means 'My room' in Marathi ], it is at the back of the station along a track which is in between the station and St,Georges Hospital where I knew many of the 58 people who were killed. Amchi-Kholi is a small day shelter for our street and railway urchins in the Colaba area and is only a short journey from' The Gateway of India', The Taj Mahal Hotel, The Oberoi Hotel and Leopold's all close to the harbour where the terrorists entered. One of the station toilet attendants used to run to me for a hug shouting "Miss Walerie" , giggling happily, she was killed too. A taxi was blown up near my base in Vile Parle east [ over an hour away from Colaba ] and a bomb was found on the railway bridge I cross most days to visit The Mother Teresa Home and the slum hutments to hold clinics. Not the sort of place to expect acts of terrorism, although nearby Andheri and Bandra have had shooting incidents etc when I have been there. Even the 'pashmina lady' selling scarves outside Leopold's died.

My contacts 'in the know' as it were, without betraying trust had warned me to be extremely careful this last year as the threat of terrorism has been hanging over like a cloud and the nature of my work places me as a prime target. One of my information sources within the government told me explicitly not to go out there immediately, knowing how desperately I needed to get out there to comfort my children and friends affected by the atrocities. He told me that it would be a real coup for the terrorists to parade my head on a pole through the streets as I fit the criteria for all they hate [ nice to be popular eh ? ] I'm medical, help the Hindus, and rescue children, I'm white and British, also I am well known in Mumbai. As you can imagine this has hit me for six because I was receiving emails and phone calls as the attacks were happening and the distress was evident. One email was from the pianist at the Oberoi who had just seen a young female colleague shot and killed, another was from students at St.Xavier's college who had seen tutors shot.

I am heartbroken at the loss of these people so very dear to me but am aiming to make my spring trip really positive, with craft workshops to follow my clinic sessions. Three friends are going with me to help with the workshops and to help me to comfort everyone in my care, by doing something positive we hope to help them to recover a little. If anyone would like to help in any way, you will have touched the children with love. bye for now, take care, keep safe, love and hugs, Valerie xxxxxxxxxxx

p.s. If any of you see the film' Slumdog Millionaire,' it shows many of the places where I work when I hold clinics or rescue children, including Dharavi the biggest slum in asia and Chhatrapata Shivaji railway . It may give you a tiny insight to my life when there and show you why I am so passionate about protecting these darling children who only have me to rely on. Some of the children in the film are genuine slum children who have truly suffered. Thank you for caring enough to read this and to Tony and Jenny for passing this news to you via Stebbing Scene.

FARMING DIARY

Farmer bashing is, and has been for a long time, a popular pastime. We are quite immune to this and know that a lot of the problem boils down to jealousy. As custodians of the Countryside we have the privilege of working, and living in, what can only be described as a very rewarding and enjoyable lifestyle. By rewarding, I am not talking about financially, which it is often not, but there is much more to life than money.

Our life appears very glamorous at times, and indeed it is, but it is not so much fun when one has to work outside during the frost, snow and rain. Keeping Pigeons off the Oilseed Rape has been made easier during the past weeks, thanks partly to a welcome snow cover, but also due to the presence of three resident Buzzards. To watch them glide and then swoop on to a flock of Pigeons is a sight to behold.

During the early 1970’s there were very few Sparrow Hawks recorded in East Anglia. This has risen dramatically to maybe 2,000 or more. Bearing in mind that each Sparrow Hawk needs three small birds per day to sustain itself, is in no way an exaggerated explanation of the decline of many hedgerow birds.

The R.S.P.B. continues its crusade to alienate the British public against the farmer. It claims that selected bird species have dropped by 52% since 1970. It then blames the intensification of farming. Surely, they are now shooting themselves in the foot, since in 1970, unqualified spray operators were using more toxic pesticides, 90% of all straw was burnt post harvest, thereby destroying habitats & shed seeds, and no Environmental Schemes were in place.

So, obviously, we should either go back to these older ways, or just perhaps the R.S.P.B should start turning its accusations to other causes and stop blackening farmers names. Of all people, farmers love the countryside and its wildlife (apart from the Pigeons!)

Causes of bird decline that spring to mind are the common household cat, the French - shooting everything that moves, including migrating birds, some atrocious weather during nesting time in the Spring, the continuous increase in built up areas, roads, cars and general pollution. I feel the R.S.P.B would gain more respect from farmers if it stopped beating the same old drum.

On a personal level, we have over 80 different species of birds on our land. We have planted thousands of trees, dug lakes & ponds, left grass margins around many fields – to assist the wildlife and fed the woodland regularly during the Winter months. As a result, we are seeing the benefits in an increased number of birds, of all sizes, on our land. Crops which contain pollinating insects are sprayed only in the evening, to protect these insects.

Agree or not, I think we do our bit towards the protection and improvement of the Countryside. If you are now totally convinced, you are welcome to make a donation via the Collection Box in the White Hart!!

Tony Lanyon

Last year Stebbing Primary School was very much involved in Forest School work with our younger children. Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia and involves children learning through fun tasks outside. The philosophy behind Forest Schools is offering regular opportunities for children to achieve and develop self-esteem through learning in their natural environment. All our children and adults benefited from these sessions, which supported the children’s learning through natural art work, science and nature activities, shelter-building and caring for the environment.

We are hoping to restart our sessions in the spring. However, we do have to travel to a site in Thaxted which causes problems transporting children. We were wondering if anyone near the school has a piece of woodland that they could lend to us for these sessions. All we need is some woodland with a clearing. The Essex Wildlife Trust would then come and do a risk assessment for us.

Just to update you on the building work that is going on at the school. We have been given a grant for a lovely new nursery building, which is being built near our swimming pool. Hopefully, this will be finished at Easter. Our outdoor area will then be developed for our younger children, with covered areas and an all-weather surface, to allow access throughout the year. Exciting times at Stebbing Primary School!

NEW DORCAS SOCIETY 2006

The New Dorcas Society exists, as did its predecessor, “to help those in need and to foster community spirit in Stebbing”. It makes no claim to a monopoly of such aims, which are widely practised by others. It is strictly a secular village society. Absolutely all funds are devoted to its official charter. Our books are audited and available for scrutiny by any applicant. Our first fundraising event last October raised £460 for the Society.

Some concern has been raised that Dorcas members enjoy personal social occasions at the expense of the Dorcas funds. Yes, we do enjoy social occasions such as visits to the theatre and a Christmas meal, but these are financed from the personal pockets of the members of the Dorcas Group and under no circumstances are the Dorcas funds used for such purposes. In fact, should a small profit be made at such events, the balance is paid into the Dorcas funds to boost the account.

Similarly, when the Society takes visitors on an official outing; to Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden for example, the expenses of Dorcas members’ fares and catering, is paid for by the Dorcas members themselves. We continue with the traditional gifts & visits to the sick & bereaved and the usual Dorcas social events go on.

The New Dorcas Society is gathering, what we hope is, useful information in these changing social times. It has fostered liaisons with many organisations, such as the two local hospices, Alzheimer’s Society, Social Services, the Alexia Wilson Trust. The latter The New Dorcas Society is gathering, what we hope is, useful information in these changing social times. It has fostered liaisons with many organisations, such as the two local hospices, Alzheimer’s Society, Social Services, the Alexia Wilson Trust. The latter is generous to the village every Christmas.

Often, villagers have to hunt for information and urgent services, such as Care Homes, for relatives. An alphabetical list of government approved homes follows ( none, in any way, recommended by ourselves) but people from Stebbing have used almost all of them. These are neighbouring establishments, which families have to visit, seek any local experience available, and make individual choices.

A word about the two hospices which serve Stebbing. They are Farleigh in new buildings at Broomfield and St Clare’s, Hastingwood. One New Dorcas member has long been associated with Farleigh and works there as a volunteer. Modern hospices are very different from the original conception. They are not simply places for seriously ill cancer patients or refuges for the dying. They care for a variety of complaints. If patients are seriously ill, it is not generally known that they or their relatives can be self-proposing, although such an approach will still need to be supported by a GP referral.

The number of beds for in-patients is very limited but day patients enjoy treatment in very congenial surroundings in new buildings from friendly, kindly people. Cheery places indeed. Details are available on each hospice’s website or approach any New Dorcas Member.

We hope this information may be of help; it is only part of our collection over the past three years. We are always open to approach and if we do not know the answer, we will find out what we can and respond.

The New Dorcas Society has received generous gifts and support. Recently, a villager donated his winter fuel allowance to the Society. We were very grateful and, as with all donations, pledge the money entirely for the benefit of others.

Local Care Homes:

. Barnetson Court 1 Braintree Road, Dunmow (Old Ben) Tel: 01371 875 373

. Bings Hall Chelmsford Rd, Felsted Tel: 01371 820 544

. Broome End Care Centre Pineshill, Stansted Mountfitchet Tel: 01279 816 455

. Croft House Residential & Nursing Home Braintree Rd, Dunmow Tel: 01371 872 135

. Glendale Residential Home 14 Station Rd, Felsted (01371 820 453) . Hatfield Peverel Lodge Nursing Home Crabbs Hill, Hatfield Peverel Tel: 01245 380 750

. Humfrey Lodge Residential Home Rochelle Close, Thaxted (01371 830 878)

. Old Forge Care Home Beazley End, Braintree (01371 850 402)

. Redbond Lodge Chequers Lane, Dunmow (01371 873 232)

. St George’s Residential Home Dunmow Rd, Gt Easton (01371 870 636)

. The Old Deanery Deanery Hill, Bocking (01376 328 600) A new Alzheimer’s Unit has recently opened

. The Moat House Dunmow Rd, Gt Easton (01371 870 192)

(Compiled: February 2009)

In the immortal words of Delia Smith…… LET’S BE ‘AVING YOU!

Stebbing Village Hall is entering an exciting new phase. The cottage at 2 Mill Lane was purchased by the Village Hall and is currently undergoing refurbishment, mainly by volunteers, in preparation for letting.

Shortly, building work will commence on a much-needed extension at the rear of the Hall, providing new toilet and storage facilities as well as enlarging the kitchen. Improvements for all Hall users. So, with this in mind, Stebbing Village Hall Committee is looking for NEW BLOOD.

Some members have been on the Committee since its formation in 1995; three were part of the CASH Team prior to that. The Committee consists of approx. 20 Village Organisation Representatives and 6 elected members. Village Organisations that regularly use the Hall are invited to send a Representative, but some, especially newer Groups, do not take their seat. It is our aim for the Committee to be as democratic as possible.

To ensure the smooth running of the Hall, we hold four regular meetings per year, with maybe an occasional emergency meeting. The Village Hall belongs to the people of Stebbing – the Committee needs new faces & fresh ideas. Are you Willing? Curious??

For information contact Hilary Adams, Chairperson ( tel: 856 521 )

Thank you, Pat Childs

Recipes

Mixed vegetable soup

1. Onion 2. Potatoes 3. 3 carrots 4. 1oz of dripping (did I say that?) 5. 2 teaspoons of salt 6. ¼ spoon of pepper 7. 2 pints of stock 8. 2 Bay leaves 9. 1oz flour 10. Bouquet garni 11. Small swede 12. 2 leeks 13. 2 parsnips

 Prepare vegetables, cut into small pieces  Melt the dripping in the pan and fry the onion  Add all the vegetables and put the lid on the pan  Sauté vegetables, shaking well.  Add seasoning, liquid and herbs; simmer till tender  Sieve soup, reheat and stir I the flour, blended with cold water  Bring to the boil, stirring well.

Scallop Fricassee

 Cook the scallops gently in a little water for about 10 minutes, then drain.

 Make a white sauce, using the liquid in which the scallops were cooked.

 Pour this over the fish, heat through and serve with lemon wedges and parsley.

Delightful!

14. FRIDAY MORNING MARKET

The profits from last years market were distributed as follows:-

Over 60's 150.00

Mini Bus 100.00

Friends Meeting House 100.00

Stebbing Village Hall 150.00

Dorcas 50.00

Air Ambulance 300.00

The market will run again from March 6th through to December Please note all markets are first Friday of the month.

Hope to see you there

Sue Tekell 01371 873225

STEBBING GARDEN CLUB PROGRAMME OF SPEAKERS 2009

March 23rd Barry Kaufmann-Wright Ponds and Rivers March 28th Spring Show – Programmes from Linda White 856756 April 27th Peter Morris A Flower For Every Day Of The Year. May 18th Roger Claydon Spring In Cornwall. N.T. And Private Gardens June 22nd Annual General Meeting Sept. 28th Paul Charlton - Garden Birds Oct.26th John Mead Autumn Baskets And Containers Nov 23rd Ken Akers Display And The Cool Greenhouse.

As a Member you can also benefit from our seed purchasing scheme. Outings are arranged during the summer months to gardens and nurseries and these will be advertised in the June edition of Stebbing Scene if places are still available

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Section A CUT FLOWERS – Rule 5 Applies. Division Details – see over A1 3 single trumpet daffodils of one variety (Division 1 and 2) A2 3 single short-cup narcissi of one variety (Division 3) A3 3 double daffodils of one variety (Division 4) A4 3 multi headed narcissi of one variety (Division 5,7,8) A5 3 single headed tulips of one variety 25

A6 3 flowering stems from miniature spring bulbs of one variety A7 3 daffodils/narcissi of misc variety

Section B PLANTS (GROWING) B1 Pot, bowl or basket of spring flowers B2 1 flowering house plant B3 1 foliage house plant

Section C SPRING FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE C1 3 stems of flowering shrubs – one or more varieties – Rule 5 applies C2 6 blooms of pansies with stems in own container C3 3 stems of foliage – different varieties – Rule 5 applies C4 An arrangement of small flowers and foliage – not more than 9 inches overall – in own container C5 Own vase of not more than 3 varieties of herbaceous flowers – 9 stems in total

Section D PRESERVES – as per Rule 11 D1 Jar of jam D2 Jar of lemon curd D3 Jar of marmalade D4 Jar of chutney D5 Any other preserves

Section E COOKERY (RECIPES OVERLEAF) On own plates E1 Bakewell Tart –8in fluted or plain ring E2 Lemon Drizzle Cake – 7in round tin E3 Ginger Nuts (6) Men/Boys only

Section F FLORAL ARRANGEMENT “Spring, Spring, Spring” Fresh flowers/produce – three accessories only. Space allowed – 18inches (457mm) in depth, width and height. Rule 3 does not apply

Section G CHILDREN’S SECTION (Age on 1st March 2009 applies) G1 Under 4’s 3 rich tea biscuits decorated G2 4-5-6 year olds 3 rich tea biscuits decorated G3 7-8-9 year olds 3 decorated fairy cakes G4 10-11 year olds 3 Chocolate Muffins SECTION H CRAFTS H1 A picture – any medium not more than 24 inches square (Not previously exhibited at Stebbing Garden Club Show) H2 An item of needlecraft – including knitting/crochet etc H3 Woodcraft

SECTION I PHOTOGRAPHY – “Signs of Spring” 1 Photograph (black/white or colour) Maximum photo size 10 x 8 inches mounted on card

THE APPLE TREE ON 'DOWNS COMMON' TRIANGLE

I have been picking and using the apples from this tree since I moved here in 1993. Around two years ago I decided to try and find out something about it, age, variety etc. In September 2008 I contacted the Royal Horticultural Society to see if they could help with identifying the variety, and following their instructions I duly sent off three apples. There was a charge for the service, this was paid for by Stebbing Parish Council, who were following my progress with interest.

During October 2008, I received a letter from the RHS, with the identification as follows. 'The apple, (in their opinion) is 'Hawthornden'. Raised at Hawthornden near Edinburgh, Scotland, before 1790. The season is September to October for this culinary tree. It was widely planted at one time but now superseded.' I have further discovered that it was a favourite variety in Victorian times.

Following this information I contacted a grafting nursery in Pershore, and at this time I have sent grafting material to them so that if anything happens to 'our' tree there will still be an Hawthornden tree somewhere in the village. I have found friends willing to grow the saplings on, providing the grafting goes smoothly. I am, at the moment, waiting for comfirmation that the material sent is what is required.

I am not sure regarding the age of the tree, but have found out that there were no trees on the triangle prior to 1968, therefore it could be any age between 30 and 40 years. If anyone has any information regarding this time-scale please contact me through the Editor.

In the next edition of Stebbing Scene I will give a progress update. If all goes well the new saplings will be ready for planting out in late Autumn. Fingers crossed!

Joan Matthews

Trees in Stebbing: The New and the Old

“You’re a tree man – aren’t you?” I was asked. “Perhaps then you would write something about the trees in Stebbing”. After volunteering to help with the magazine, thinking my duties would be more along the lines of photocopying, stapling or delivering I hadn’t reckoned on writing anything. But on reflection I realised that ‘About Stebbing’ is our village magazine and it should reflect the interests and stories that we all have to tell. I decided to put pen to paper and have a go. I have been known as a tree man for most of my working life. If you’re in the tree business you’re either a silviculturist - you know about groups of trees and you work in forestry or you’re an arboriculturist - you know about individual or specimen trees and you work in landscaping or amenity horticulture. I started with the Forestry Commission and trained as a forester, later when Dutch elm disease swept through the country I found myself working in Parks Departments dealing with amenity trees; luckily enough I have managed to spend time in both disciplines.

There are a number of woodlands in the area and it is clear that they were once a key part of the farming economy – they would be worth writing about. But what about the trees in the gardens and hedgerows, planted for amenity? They would also be worth covering. To do the subject justice it will take more than one article. Two distinctive trees, one at either end of the High Street – just five minutes’ walk apart, often catch my eye. A Larch at the front of the Churchyard directly opposite Church Farm and a Monkey Puzzle at the front of the School House garden are both ‘exotics’ and belong to a primitive group of plants that includes grasses and conifers. The Larch on the church corner is a hybrid and the species came into existence in just 1904. Monkey Puzzles are described living fossils and grew in the Jurassic Period 200 million years ago. So let’s start with them. I cannot help thinking that there may have been a Victorian enthusiast responsible for planting both these two trees – at the time they were equally unique and planted within a few years of one another.

New: the Hybrid Larch in the churchyard Larix x eurolepis For Monty Python purists this is not ‘the Larch’ but a hybrid Larch. The species came into being after the Duke of Atholl planted Japanese and European Larch together on his estate in Scotland. He collected seeds from these trees, planted them, and soon realised that he had something special on his hands. The saplings had hybrid vigour and quickly became the species of choice for plantations on better soils all over the country. Larch is a deciduous conifer; a rarity in this country. It has bundles of bright green needles on small woody shoots that turn yellow then brown in autumn before falling. In winter you might be excused for thinking the tree is dying but it will burst back to life in spring. Look out for the small fire-red female flowers that follow in summer, so spectacular in sunlight. Sometimes the Hybrid Larch is referred to as the Dunkeld Larch. Common names do vary so to be sure we are all talking about the same thing it is often safer to use the Latin name. Our tree is 12.65m in height and the trunk has a diameter of 57cm at 1.5m above ground level. These standard measurements have their origins in establishing the timber volume of trees, but we are able to say that our Larch is much smaller than many other similarly aged specimens growing in other parts of the country. Larch likes deep, moist, well drained soil; our low rainfall and clay soil just doesn’t fit the bill.

Old: the Monkey Puzzle by the school Araucaria araucana Also known as the ‘Chilean Pine’ – although not technically a pine at all, the Auraucaria grows naturally on the foothills of the Andes in Argentina and Chile. These great forests lie among lakes, mountains and volcanoes, forming a place of such primordial beauty that it was a natural choice for the background landscape for BBC’s ‘Living with Dinosaurs’ programme. Auraucaria can reach 45m in height and live for 1200 years in these conditions; they grow to be towering exotic parasols that can be recognised in the shape of our tree by the school. These forests are surely a ‘must’ on the list of places to visit if you ever plan to go to South America. There is no sign of male or female flowers on our tree; they are normally born at the end of the branches and take the form of green cones. The seeds are edible and can be roasted. Indeed, the plant collector Archibold Menzies was given some to eat whilst dining in Chile; he popped some in his pocket and brought them back to England in 1795. 28

The first Araucaria in Kew Gardens lasted for 97 years but the Victorians were fascinated by this tree and planted it everywhere, they gave it the name ‘Monkey Puzzle’ because if it’s distinctive appearance. Ironically, although well established in this country the species is endangered by extensive logging in its native South America. On close examination of the branches you’ll see that there is no terminal bud. Growth just stops in October then continues on in spring. The tough glossy leaves have sharp edges and are viciously spine-tipped, a feature that has undoubtedly enabled the species to survive dinosaurs and all sorts of grazing animals since. I seem to recall these features were highlighted in a Health and Safety risk assessment a couple of years ago and the tree, growing in a public place, was scheduled for removal – be warned, nothing escapes the mighty H&SE! I have taken core samples from the trunks of both trees, measured the widths of the annual rings, and plotted the rates of growth on a graph. Both trees grew rapidly until 1950 but the Larch temporarily slowed – possibly as a result of the loss of its top, but by 1970 it had recovered and growth picked up again. But what does this all tell us? These growth curves are typical of most conifers; our Larch and Araucaria can typically be expected to grow vigorously for the first 60-70 years; slowly for the next 40- 50 years- the graph flattens, the crowns of the trees broaden and the trunk slowly thickens, dead branches begin to form. In the end they become susceptible to fungal and insect attack; may become unstable and take 20-30 years to die. We can see that both our trees are well into the second period of their lives, they are relatively healthy but vigour is declining – this can be confirmed by the Ivy on the Larch. As yet there are few signs of senescence but we cannot realistically expect them to live more than 150 years. Many of you will remember Charles Going. He planted trees along lanes and roadsides, the churchyard, the school, playing fields and other bits of public land, wherever he could get them in. He believed that trees would improve the look of the village and encourage wildlife. I’m sure that if he was asked about a prognosis for our trees he would say “All’s well at the moment but I think it’s time to start thinking about replacements”. Patrick Smith

Next time: The Alders of Stebbing Brook and the best tree in the world: the Conker

Just a bit about gardening

10 jobs for spring

1. Weeds start to grow fast now- get started before they take over 2. Plant summer-flowering bulbs. 3 Lift and divide overgrown perennials. 4. Open greenhouse door or vents on warm days 5. Plant early potatoes. 6. Top dress containers with fresh compost. 7. Keep feeding wildlife,if you have fed them all winter 8. Cultivate and prepare seed beds, cover with fleece to warm soil. 9. Sow parsley, chives, marjoram ,and coriander, to kick start your herb bed. 10. Sweet peas can be planted , and put into cold frame.

Two Simple Gardeners.

IMPORTANT NOTICE For all ‘Stebbing Scene’ Contributors

Please send all articles for Stebbing scene to:- Jennifer McGinn (Editor) [email protected]

Stebbing Scene is your Magazine and we hope you enjoy it. Without advertising, we could not continue, as this pays for our outgoings, but we need content to make it interesting. How about an article on whatever subject interests you, or letters to the Editor with ideas, criticism or praise. “My grandfather was a renowned poacher….” No, not mine, but maybe yours? Let us hear about him. (Names withheld!) There are countless tales to be told. All this adds spice to the Magazine. If you are a tradesman in the village and seen sights you maybe should not have, tell us!

Stebbing Cricket Club News Welcome to another year of Stebbing village cricket and our second as a member of the Colchester based PDQ cricket league. Last year, we achieved a creditable third place in our division and also progressed to the quarter final stage of the league’s premier knock-out competition. We are confident that we can build on this success to achieve even more this year, with our main aim being to win promotion to the next division. Everyone involved in our transition to league cricket should be congratulated on making it such a success. A great team spirit has developed on and off the field, best exemplified by the players’ call for a “team uniform” to be made available. A club shirt was duly created, helped by the sponsorship of the White Hart, D & A Hills and Sons, Dennis Locks and Eddy Parsley Associates. Matching jumpers, track suits and trousers will also be available for this season. We are currently practising for the new season using the indoor nets at Felsted school, which we are hiring from 7:30 to 8:30 every Friday evening. This is expected to continue until the end of March. Existing and any prospective new members are invited to attend. Fixtures to the end of July are listed below. We welcome your support at any of these games. There are fewer league matches this year so we have scheduled more friendly games with local clubs, including a number of Friday evening 20-20 matches. The greater variety of fixtures should give more playing opportunities to players who aren’t regulars in the league team and help attract new members into the club. Fixtures to the End of July: Sat. April Sun. June High Roding (h) St Osyth (a) 25th 14th Sun. May Sun. June Wickham Bishops Elmstead (h) 3rd 21st (h) Sun. May Cressing (a) Fri. June 26th Lindsell (a) 10th Sun. May Estuary Amblers Sat. July 4th Colchester (a) 17th (h) Sun. May Great Bentley (h) Sun. July 5th Cup Match 24th Sun. May Hatfield Broadoak Fri. July 10th Dunmow (a) 31st (h) Sun. July Fri. June 5th Dunmow (h) Cavaliers (a) 12th Sun. June Sun. July Shalford (h) Cressing (h) 7th 19th Sun. July Fri. June 12th Canfield (a) Shalford (a) 26th The ground continues to look in good condition thanks to the hard work put in by Simon Little, Wally Crow and Jonathan Hills in particular … and no thanks to the weather and the moles! We are taking a break from holding an elaborate summer ball this year … the organisers need a rest and it was thought that even a temporary change would be good for everyone concerned. In its place, we are holding a more informal “fun-day”, with a barbecue, licensed bar and family entertainment, followed by a disco in the Village Hall in the evening. The combined event will take place on Saturday June 27th. 32

Further details can be found in a notice of the event published in this issue of Stebbing Scene. Please note that attendance at the evening event is limited to 100 so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Adrian Farr

STEBBING CRICKET CLUB Mid-Summer Barbecue & Dance SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2009

Afternoon Event at the Cricket Ground Barbecue & Licenced Bar Family Entertainment 1pm – 6pm Evening Event in the Village Hall

Disco & Licenced Bar

7pm – 11pm

£ 8.00 per head (evening only) Contact: Phil Barker Tel: 07973 315 904

The organisers reserve the right to make amendments to the events.

Football Club

Stebbing Football Club & Flitch Youth FC held a quiz evening in the village hall on Saturday 14th Feb. It was well supported by both the village & the football clubs with 14 teams taking part. The event raised £487.70 which goes towards the fund for the new changing rooms.

There is little to report on recent senior team results as their fixtures have been seriously affected by the bad weather in Jan. & Feb. with a number of games cancelled.

1ST STEBBING CUB PACK

Congratulations to Bradley Walker of Mill Lane, who scooped two first prizes at the Hatfield Forest District Handicraft Exhibition . His 'Junk Robot' and painting of a sailing ship both impressed the judges.

Similar congratulations go to Josiah Goodbody, who also produced a first prize for the pack with his 'Pottery Pig'.

Well done, boys!

Stebbing Tennis Club

Although winter is well and truly upon us we have continued to play tennis most Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, sometimes under extreme conditions. The new floodlights have extended our playing times on club nights, ensuring that everyone gets a game whatever their standard. Having joined the Winter and Summer Essex Small Clubs leagues we can now offer a fuller range of tennis playing for all abilities, from beginners to the more serious player.

On the social side we held a successful St. Trinian’s evening in November and the Turkey Trot tournament in December was well attended, despite the cold. Plans for the summer season include a barbeque in June and a quiz night in October.

We are always looking for new members and if you are interested in joining please either come along on a Thursday evening (from 6pm) or Sunday morning (from 10.30am) or contact me (Keith Chapman) on 856632.

STEBBING BOWLS CLUB Established 1903 Affiliated to ECBA & EBA Are you bored and want to get away from the television? Then why not try something which is as relaxing or competitive as you make it, the answer could be a game of bowls where you will be amongst friends of all ages, male and female.

We at Stebbing Bowls Club would like to welcome you to our three open dates this season. Friday evening April 17th. at 6.00pm Saturday April 18th. at 2.30 pm Sunday April 19th. at 2.30 pm

Come along and have a cup of tea or glass of beer and try your hand at bowling, all you need is a pair of flat shoes we will provide the rest. We will also give you free tuition.

The club is situated in Mill Lane, Stebbing For more information please contact Ken Copping 01371-856338 Dennis Hustwitt 01371-856137

Stebbing Over 60's Club - Programme 2009

Feb 18th - 'English country houses & gardens' - Talk & slides by Mr. Akers

Mar 18th - 'A day in the life of a chimney sweep' – Maxine

April 15th - AGM & entertainment May 20th - Half day outing to Sutton Hoo (Viking ship burials & treasure)

June 17th - Half day outing to Jimmy's Farm

July 15th - Birthday & strawberry tea

August - no meeting

Sept 16th - proposed outing to the Poppy Factory, Richmond

Oct 21st - Autumn Fair

Nov 18th - 'Bring your Antiques' hosted by Clive Welch (open to all non-members. Entry £2.50 including tea & cake)

Dec 9th - Christmas lunch

We started 2009 with a most enjoyable afternoon spent socialising & playing card bingo hosted by reassure Harvey who did an excellent job! Our Club has had a good year with some interesting speakers and outings. Our membership numbers have improved since some folk from the Salings joined the Club, not having one of their own. We also have a few new Stebbing members - more are most welcome! Our outings are always open to any non-member wishing to come along.

If anyone wishes to join the Club or an outing , please ring Eve Stephenson on 856293, or Audrey Silvey on 01371 856612. Our meetings are held in Stebbing Village Hall on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and start at 2pm.

STEBBING VILLAGE STORES

GREAT NEWS FOR STEBBING

THE COMMUNITY SHOP COMMITTEE IS PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE CURRENT OWNER OF THE PROPERTY HAS DECIDED TO RE-OPEN THE SHOP AS A PRIVATE VENTURE

THE VILLAGE SHOP IS RE-OPENING EARLY MARCH, 2009 AS STEBBING VILLAGE STORES

THE SHOP IS BEING RE-FITTED WITH NEW SHELVING, FLOOR AND FIXTURES AND EVEN A NEW SHOP SIGN

AFTER OVER A YEAR OF CLOSURE THE VILLAGE SHOP WILL RE-OPEN WITH A RANGE OF GOODS (INCLUDING NEWSPAPERS) THAT WE NEED ON A DAILY BASIS

THE COMMUNITY SHOP STEERING COMMITTEE HAS WORKED HARD OVER THE LAST 9 MONTHS TO FIND SUITABLE SHOP PREMISES BUT NONE OF THE LEADS INVESTIGATED HAS PROVED POSSIBLE

THE VILLAGE SHOP IN ITS PRESENT POSITION IS AN INVALUABLE ASSET TO THE VILLAGE AND THE COMMUNITY SHOP STEERING COMMITTEE, WHILST NOT INVOLVED WITH THIS NEW VENTURE, WISHES IT EVERY SUCCESS AND STRONGLY URGES EVERYONE TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITY

THE NEW MANAGERESS, GEMMA, LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN OUR NEW VILLAGE SHOP

THE COMMUNITY SHOP STEERING COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE VILLAGE FOR THE INTEREST AND SUPPORT WHICH WAS DEMONSTRATED AT THE PUBLIC MEETING IN NOVEMBER AND FOR KEEPING THE VILLAGE STORE PROJECT ALIVE

------STEBBING VILLAGE STORES

STAFF REQUIRED PART TIME AND FULL TIME VACANCIES PLEASE CALL GEMMA ON 07791 106354

------

STEBBING CONSERVATION AREA APPRISAL AND DRAFT MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS

Uttlesford District Council has carried out an appraisal of the Conservation Area in Stebbing. Its aim is to investigate the best way to protect our heritage in a time of increasing pressures.

There is a meeting in Village Hall, Mill Lane, Stebbing on Thursday 26 March 2009, commencing at 8pm where officers will answer your questions.

The main recommendations of the appraisal are:

The conservation area boundary should be amended.

The historic core of Stebbing is of high quality and the buildings and open spaces need to be protected. Additional powers are proposed to protect some quality architectural features, such as windows, doors and roofing materials, walls and railings of selected unlisted buildings. Some detracting elements have been identified and discussions should take place to improve them.

A number of important open spaces, trees and views that should be retained have also been identified. There are very few opportunities for development in Stebbing but where such development could occur, it must be sensitive and respect the character of the conservation area.

To view the document please visit our website www.uttlesford.gov.uk then go to Planning/Trees and Conservation/Conservation Areas Appraisals. If you cannot access the website, contact Barbara Bosworth the Conservation Officer on 01799 510462 who will assist you. We need your responses by 17 April 2009 and you can respond on line or in writing.

DON’T ABANDON YOUR CAR

If you think the easiest way to get rid of your old car is simply to abandon it somewhere, think again: you could end up facing a hefty fine or find yourself in court. Uttlesford District Council is putting out a stern warning to anyone considering dumping their car, rather than recycling it or disposing of it through a breaker’s yard. The Council is crushing abandoned cars and passing on any costs to the vehicle’s owner. Cars left for dead by the side of the road or in fields or woodland are a blot on the landscape and detrimental to the environment. Four vehicles have already been destroyed by the Council after they were found abandoned, and in each case the owner has been successfully traced and held accountable. Paul Woolcott, Uttlesford District Council’s Enforcement Team Leader, said: “If you abandon your car, there is no escape: you will face a fine of £200 and, if you refuse to pay, be prosecuted through the courts. This can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 plus costs. “Even if you’ve sold the car on, unless you’ve ensured the new owner is now the registered keeper, you could find yourself liable.” The Council would welcome calls from any members of the public who wish to report an abandoned vehicle. If you find one in the district, whether on private or public property, notify the Council’s Environmental Department on 01799 510342.

The above photograph is one of over 400 that the Stebbing Local History Society has collected since it’s founding in 1995, and future issues of Stebbing Scene will feature a picture from our collection.

This photo shows the Stebbing Silver Band taken somewhere in Stebbing in about 1913. Unfortunately we know almost nothing about the history of the band.

As well as a photo archive the Society has a document archive that includes original maps, deeds and copies of documents held by the Essex Record Office. The Society meets bi-monthly in the Village Hall. Our next meeting will be Tuesday 7th April when Geoff Woods the Essex County Millwright will be talking about the history of milling in Essex, including our own water and windmills. Visitors are always welcome, £1 charge. Ar each meeting we display a selection from from our photo and document archives.

Derek Towler, Secretary [email protected]

The dates for Local History meetings are; April 7th June 9th Sept. 8th Nov. 10th

All dates are Tuesdays in the Village Hall commencing at 8 p.m.

STEBBING VILLAGE FETE

27th SEPT 2009

To be held on Mill Lane Playing Field - 1.30 pm Start

We are looking for support from the clubs etc of the village to run stalls and events. This is a chance to increase your membership and raise some money.

We need the support of all the village to make this work. Interested? please contact Stebbing Society Jenny Nichol on 856401 or Ernest Howard on 856325

OLD FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE STEBBING IS HOLDING A MOTHER’S DAY & EASTER

CRAFT FAIR

ON SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 11am to 4pm

Come and meet local crafts people who will be displaying and selling their wares. We are fortunate to have:

Moi with her wonderful Beaded Jewellery

Puzzlin Bob with Fantastic Wooden Toys

Soaps & Lotions

Carol & Colin’s Cards

Knitted Garments and Miniature Paintings

Jams & Chutneys and Cake Stall

Wood Turner

Variety of Other Crafts

Tea, Coffee & Home made cakes and Raffle

Do come and support us and meet nice crafty people and pick up some lovely gifts for your family and friends or even yourself!

1939 Evacuee family comes to live in Stebbing

On returning from a weeks holiday in Littlehampton war broke out and we were told to prepare to evacuate on the Monday. So our Mother Amelia, without a washing machine had to wash and pack clothes for 6 children and herself.

Our Mum and 5 of the children were sent to Stebbing our eldest Sister Molly being sent to Halstead.

After what seemed a long coach ride we were dropped off in Dunmow and then collected by a flat top coal lorry where we were driven to Stebbing. My Mother, one of my sisters Peggy and our youngest brother Len were billeted with a Mrs Melbourne at the far end of the village. Geoff our eldest brother 11 years old was sent to Mrs. Staines (next to the Barringers) along the High Street who was the daughter of Mrs. Danes where Bob and I were housed.

I was 9 and Bob was 7 and we slept at the top of the cottage, which was very small. There were 3 adults – Mr. & Mrs. Danes and a brother. Both the men smoked long clay pipes, and the smell was awful. Needless to say we were all bewildered and miserable at being separated, but we soon got into a routine, washing in the morning come rain or shine outside in the garden in a wooden bucket dipped into the rainwater barrel. We had, most days, bread and Jam for breakfast and lunch and tea and were sent out of the house every day to amuse ourselves. We found some steel hoops in the village and used to run up and down the street racing each other. When it rained we had to go in the shed at the bottom of the garden because there wasn’t enough room in the cottage and they weren’t too happy with us London evacuees. At the bottom of the garden there was a small Hall where the villagers held whist drives. I remember we made a hole in the back of it where we used to hide the horrible meat pies we were occasionally given in this hole, but they soon disappeared with Toby the dog next door, and needless to say we got into trouble.

About 6 weeks later Mother, our sister and youngest brother left. Later we discovered that Mum had gone back to London and Peggy & Len were sent down to Wales of all places,(when we eventually got home they had picked up the accent and we couldn’t understand a word they said). Geoff our eldest brother seemed to be getting on okay. He went on “rabbit coursing” (beating)where they used to beat the bushes on the rabbit hunts. Geoff was invited to some of the local farmer parties. But Bob & I were very unhappy so one morning we decided to walk back home to London. We got as far as Throes Corner when the older boy next door Noel Gilbey came after us on his bike and said we should go back to Mrs. Danes before we get into trouble.

School at first wasn’t very enjoyable and there were fights between us and the locals But Geoff was big and strong and used to sort them out, and eventually the fighting fizzled out. Once we got used to School it wasn’t so bad, and among other things we learnt how to sew and measure rain water. Sometimes we used to look over the garden wall and watch the headmaster Mr. Taylor and Mrs Hales and Mr. Appleby the teachers having tea and cakes in the garden. I joined the Lifebuoys for a short time which I enjoyed.

I also did a paper round from one end of the village to the other end at Mr. Thorogoods’ holding for 1d a day (and when we eventually went home I had saved 14 shillings in my little red tin). Bob and I were in the Church Choir at St.Marys and the vicar a Mr. Tatham was very nice. I remember on one occasion a new vicar was going to be ordained by a Bishop at the church but no one would pump up the organ. I really wanted to be out in the Choir but I eventually volunteered and was paid two shillings at the end of the service. I felt quite rich. We seemed to be accepted eventually in the village and occasionally Mrs Danes would take us on the weekly bus to Braintree.

Some weekends the 3 of us used to walk to Dunmow which was about 3 miles to the Saturday pictures. We all went scrumping and on one occasion was challenged by the local Bobbie. We had great fun paddling in the stream in Mill Lane where there used to be a big paddle wheel.

On a couple of occasions our Father cycled all the way from Wood Green in London to Throes Corner to see us for a little chat to make sure we were okay and then he would cycle all the way back again.

When Arthur & Fred Danes were working in the fields Bob & I had to take their tea and sandwiches to them. We remember seeing many dogfights in the sky not realizing that our Spitfires and Hurricanes were defending our country.

Stebbing as far as I can remember only had one bomb during the time we were there at the top end of Mill Lane but cannot remember if anybody was killed.

All in all it was quite an experience but it was nice when we left after a couple of years to go back home.

Terry Steiner 0208 304 2371

Christmas feel good factor

Dairy date for Christmas 2009

Carol singing meeting outside The White Hart on Monday, 21 December at 7.30pm.

SMALL ADS

QUIET SPACE

What makes a good holiday for you? Sun, peace, no rushing around in ever increasing tight circles? Why do we so easily loose that feel good factor that we experience on holiday and have all but lost by the time we have landed at Stansted?

Hoping to address some of these questions, I am running an afternoon at The Friends Meeting House on Saturday 21 March from 2 until 4.30pm looking at ways in which we can learn to relax, to focus and to just BE. I will be gleaning tips from my career of 35 years as a Chartered Physiotherapist and bringing out tips that have worked for me and many of my patients from courses I have run or attended in Yoga, Pilates, Alexander technique, Life Coaching, Spiritual Directing and Meditation. We will be having a go at some of these techniques so do be comfortably dressed and bring a mat and a pillow. The afternoon will be suitably for anyone who would like to begin to learn how to slow down and relax (Don't worry if you cannot get down onto the floor for the relaxation - sitting in a chair will work). Places will be limited so please ring or email me Gillian Warren 01371 856321 [email protected]

LETTERS to the EDITOR

Blast From The Past I was spooning Lyles golden syrup on to my porridge the other day, when I noticed that the tin was special; instead of "Lyles golden Syrup" it had " Happy Birthday Lyles". Apparently they have been going for 125years. This triggered memories of my childhood in Stebbing during the Second World War. I was six years old at the beginning of the war, so in the 1940s I was doing all the things that small boys did in those days; fishing for minnows in the Stebbing brook and playing Cowboys and Indians in Lanyons meadows. But because children's play always mimicks what is going on in the world at the time, we also played war games. This is where the syrup tins come in! my mates and I converted these tins into very effective cannons. The design of the tin hasn't changed in all these years and the lids are precision fit and can be interchanged with other tins. My mates were,as I remember, Harry Harrington and his young brother, and Malcolm Lagdon and Garry.

We mounted a 2lb tin on a piece of timber and punched a small hole with a nail on the top surface near to the base. The propellant was carbide, which the older residents of the village will remember was still used for bicycle lamps. The timber was propped up at 45 degrees. The "cannon" was primed by throwing some granules of carbide into the tin and adding a small quantity of water. It only remained to cram the lid on and apply a match to the small hole. The resulting mini explosion could propel the lid twenty yards or so. We had several lids and could sometimes launch two or three missiles before having to replenish the carbide. I lived in Honeysuckle Cottage and our garden was separated from Bill Young's orchard by a ditch .We made two syrup tin cannons and set them up facing each other across the ditch, each with a supply of spare lids. So we conducted our own little war. I suppose the health and safety folk of today would be horrified, but I can only remember one "accident". That was when one of the younger boys prized the lid off a cannon that had failed to detonate and got a face full of soot!!

What puzzles me now, looking back, is why empty tins were available when sugar was rationed. Surely golden syrup must also have been rationed. Charles Boyton

Do you enjoy your job? I enjoy mine at Tesco Great Dunmow.

I am lucky in the location of my job. Right at the front door of the shop so I get to see people coming and going. If I am dealing with a customer enquiry I don’t always get to speak to people but I sometimes nod or wave in recognition of them as they go by. You get to meet allsorts of different people and it feels like a community centre sometimes where you see people, meet and greet each other maybe catching up with neighbours or old friends that they have lost contact with. The staff at the store all gets on really well and if you shop regularly on Wednesday for example you will see the same faces in the store working week after week. We do not have a high staff turnover, as we all generally like the store and the people we work alongside; and it shows. Getting back to the allsorts of customers we see you get farmers, {Father & Son}, dustmen, ladies that shop everyday. Sometimes the odd customer will tell you that you have been the only person they have spoken to that day. We have the airport close by and at shift change they come in on mass Pilots ground crew all different workers day and during the night.

This week is school half term and the noise level in the store goes up 10 fold with children screaming and shouting and playing Mum and occasionally Dad up. I have got to admit shopping was not one of my favourite pastimes when my kids we little. A comic magazine for a child can cost £2.00 today and this is where I show my age, the parents do not stand a chance as when they get past that then the next “I WANT” is on its way. On to the next hurdle and the next and by the end, at the checkout, the parents are ready for leaving the country never to return leaving their children in the car park.

Talking about car park our 3 Trolley boys are the most popular by far that the customers like and comment about. One a youngish lad has been doing the job for years and is very popular, also an elderly gent is very popular with young mums; the other lad is a good all rounder and very helpful to all.

The busy times of the year are Easter & Christmas when the shop and all the staff are going at it full blast. I say this can be the most stressful time for everyone. Customers just want to buy and fly out the door. Staff are busy scanning, packing and also cannot wait to finish their shift to do the same as customers, get it in the trolley go to checkout, get the car home, unpack, put into freezer, fridge or cupboards, into the garage or outhouse with potatoes, carrots, parsnips all the other fresh veg ready for Xmas dinner.

My favourite customer is the Man with a basket and shopping list who needed directions to get to the car park, as he had never ventured into the store before. The fun begins on entering the store when he looks at the area in front of him and none of the products in view are on his list. He has a number of choices, 1, does he go on further but may never find his way back out of the store or 2, go home and say that they did not have any of the items on your list Dear so I came home with nothing.

The other customer is a young man with a basket, complete with newspaper and cheese sandwich that now makes for the Health & Beauty aisle looking for a date that night. He hovers over the shampoo products to see if any young ladies are about and if not moves up the aisle to the toothpaste section. These are all safe products for any young man needing assistance from a young lady about.” have you tried this flavour toothpaste” is always a good start, followed by what are you up to tonight, fancy a drink at the local 53 boozer? If it doesn’t work he’s not to worry as he still has the paper to read and cheese sandwich for later.

Well now all I can say next is there are a lot of people you don’t see on the shop floor all the time and that includes our Back Door boys bringing in all the supplies out of the lorries. In Stock Control the ordering of Fresh food and Grocery goods is done before they go out of stock on the shelves, then there is our wages clerk, and the girls in our staff canteen and the night crew that restock and fill the shelves. We have a butchery, bakery, and fishery and of course one of my favourites, beers wines and spirits aisle 13 I get all excited going down this aisle and would love to be a sampler “would you like to try this wine madam one for you and one for me” the day would just fly by, In all there is over 250 odd people work at the store

Now in my best Scottish (posh) accent on the tannoy system in the store I say to you all “Good morning this is a customer announcement Thank you for shopping at Tesco Great Dunmow. Have a nice day.”

Snow

Oh what a wonderful sight, snow for the first time in an absolute age. Kids free from school, up and out early, laughing, playing and making snowmen (should that be snow persons to be P.C.?).

Parents taking Police advice and not venturing off to work in case they don’t make there (or back).

The local hostelry packed to the gunnels with daytime revellers, eating, drinking and being merry. Lighthearted snowball fights in the car park and the slippery trudge home at the end with tingling hands and fingers.

The snow soon went, but for a very brief, short period of time it took our minds from more pressing worldly matters and gave us something to smile about for once.

Can we have more?

Boy Racers

It is with great regret that I feel the need to bring up the subject of boy racers and the chaos they bring to the centre of the village.

But before you jump to conclusions and assume I am referring to the earring-adorned shellsuit-clad irritants in their Subaru Imprezas (always blue with gold alloys, have you noticed?) may I request you place your ire on the shelf. The menace being posed to our rural idyll which irks me so is not wrought at the hands of spotty adolescents in hot hatches but by a new breed of menace - the geriatric romatics, or GRs as I prefer to call them.

A few weeks ago I arrived in the centre of Stebbing to be greeted by clouds of billowing black smoke and the clanking of agricultural gears. Imagine my surprise - and dismay - to note that the cause of this industrial scale pollution was not some mouthy oik from Dunmow revving his souped-up Japanese babe magnet but one of the village's supposed 'elders and betters' trying out his new tractor. Tractors are a necessary evil in the countryside as they give our fast dwindling bunch of farmers an outlet for their aggression now that the supermarkets have brought them to the brink of financial ruin. But they should stay in the fields where they belong and NEVER, not EVER, be permitted to clutter up our roads with their infernal racket and life-choking smog. If one agricultural romantic in the village wasn't enough, it seems that we are now living in a state of virtual tractor envy.

I know of at least one other member of the Stebbing 'wiserati' who has also recently purchased one of these appalling machines with the soul intention of competing in 'Massey bashes' along the High Street. Please gentlemen, I implore you... STOP THIS MADNESS NOW. Village life, already under threat from the plethora of construction works which have turned Mill Lane into a highway of misery, is teetering on the rim of aesthetic extinction.

If you must play with your old boy's toys do it somewhere far away from the rest of us - and preferably in a neighbouring county if at all possible. (Name withheld.)

Our Environment.

One day in the middle of January 10kgs of rubbish was collected from the Crooked Mile in one hour, (Stebbing Church to Throws Corner). The contents of the bag were: plastic drink bottles, drink cans, fast food litter, sweet wrappers, chocolate bar wrappers, tissues, tags from Throws Farm etc. Multiply this for all the roads in the UK! It took just 20 minutes for someone to litter again with a 'Starburst Choozer' 'The chews that ooze' orange bag!! (Name withheld.)

CIVIC AMENITY SKIP DATES 2009

Location at:

THE DOWNS Sunday 24 May 2009 0800 to 1130 AM THE DOWNS Saturday 7 November 2009 0800 to 1130 AM

Essex Police and Essex Police Authority are sponsoring the Young People of the Year awards to be held in Essex on March 1.

Do you know a young person in Essex who is a positive example to others? If so nominate them for an Essex Police Young People of the Year. The winner will receive a £1,000 prize.

To nominate a young person, aged 10-25, who gives to others and is a positive role model, log on to www.yopey.org or write to Essex Police YOPEY, PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware SG9 0XD for an entry form.

Entries will close on January 31, 2009 and an awards ceremony will be held at the Radisson hotel, Stansted Airport, in March.

For some examples of nominees visit www.essex.police.uk and go to the news section.

Nicola Bastendorff Public Relations Officer Internal ext: 50611 Direct Dial: 01245452395 or 0300 3334444 ext 50611 Mobile: 07802913920 Fax: 01245 457222 or ext 50657 Email: [email protected] Website: www.essex.police.uk

Essex Police HQ, Springfield, Chelmsford

FELSTED DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

PROGRAMME OF LECTURES FOR NEXT QUARTER

Date Title Lecturer Time Wednesday ‘The Medici’ : a James Gilpin 2:30pm March 25th history of the influential Florentine family

Wednesday ‘A Journey around Mary Yule 2:30pm

April 29th the Sculpture Parks in Britain’ Wednesday ‘By the Sea, the Marina Vaizey 2:30pm May 27th Beautiful Sea’

All lectures, are held in the GREAT SALING MILLENIUM VILLAGE HALL.

If you are thinking of joining Felsted DFAS, you can come to the March lecture free of charge. Contact Dick Frost for details. Enquiries to Dick Frost, 01371 820824

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY STOP STANSTED EXPANSION 10 February 2009

BAA LIVING IN A WALTER MITTY WORLD

Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) has accused BAA of living in a Walter Mitty world of make believe as passenger numbers and flights at Stansted Airport fell for the fifteenth consecutive month according to figures announced today (10 February).

Five years of growth have now been wiped out by a combination of the economic downturn and BAA’s 2007 decision to double Stansted landing charges to its biggest airline customers.

Stansted handled fewer flights last month than in any month in the past six years and SSE estimates that this year Stansted will handle just 155,000 flights – down 20,000 on current levels. This is only half the capacity of the existing runway, demonstrating the illogicality and fantasy-based business strategy of BAA in pushing ahead with its planning application for a second runway, due to be considered at a Public Inquiry beginning on 15 April.

SSE has written to the Secretary of State Hazel Blears calling for the Public Inquiry to be postponed, pointing out that with Stansted Airport in such rapid decline there is no conceivable reason for haste. In addition the Competition Commission is expected to confirm within the next month that BAA must sell Stansted, throwing the Public Inquiry process into confusion.

BAA’s plans for a second runway are opposed not only by SSE but also by the local councils and even its own major customers at Stansted, Ryanair and easyJet who together account for over 80 per cent of Stansted’s business. Against such opposition BAA’s prospects for winning approval at the Public Inquiry are bound to be slim – as are the chances of any new owner of Stansted taking them forward even if permission were granted.

To compound BAA’s difficulties, if there were to be a change of Government at the next general election, which must take place before June next year, both the main opposition parties are committed to scrapping any plans for a second Stansted runway.

SSE Campaign Director Carol Barbone said: “BAA is living in a Walter Mitty world, being frivolous and irresponsible with other people’s money since a Public Inquiry won’t come cheap for any of the parties. The cost to council taxpayers in Herts and Essex alone could be more than £2m.”

Ms Barbone concluded: “It’s time for BAA to wake up to reality and put an end to the blight and uncertainty that has dogged this community for years.”

Stop Stansted Expansion is also organizing a coach to the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford, from Takeley to Chelmsford/return for those who would like this option. Seats can be booked through the SSE Campaign Office on 01279 870558 at £7 per person

SHOWTIME AT CHELMSFORD’S CIVIC THEATRE TO HELP FIGHT AGAINST STANSTED EXPANSION PLANS

Saturday 4 April 2009

A fantastic team of professionals and amateurs from the communities most directly threatened by plans for expanding Stansted Airport are joining forces to present ‘Showtime at the Civic’ on Saturday 4 April at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford.

The performance will be held in aid of Stop Stansted Expansion which is spearheading community representation at the second runway public inquiry scheduled to start in mid April.

The fun-packed variety show of comedy, singing, dancing, magic, music and juggling at the Civic will be led Derek Connell of The Three Horseshoes pub at Duton Hill, near Dunmow who will bring his extensive and varied experience in theatre to the fore on the night as both host and performer. Highlights from the acts drawn from the villages around Stansted will be Brian Miller and Audrey. Members of the Magic Circle, they have performed their magic at countless theatres including the world famous London Palladium and have television appearances to their credit including The Magic Show Live from Caesar’s Palace.

Meanwhile, the fabulous ‘Vlada’ from Little Canfield, a professional dancer and former ballerina who has performed in her native Russia and across Europe will present cheeky bellydancing routines (in the best possible taste!) to give the audience something to smile about.

The show builds on the success of the previous variety performance staged at The Barn in Little Easton last April which played to a sell-out audience and raised over £2000 for the Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) second runway fighting fund.

Once again, all proceeds from the one-night-only show at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford, will be donated to the fund.

Tickets are now on sale at just £15 (£12 concessions) and can be booked through the Civic Theatre box office at 01245 606505 or online at http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=16362.

STEBBING DIRECTORY

Stebbing Scene Jenny McGinn 856249 AFSS School 856260 Archive Derek Towler 856680 Badminton Richard Pellatt 856218 Or Diane Lunn 856462 Beavers John Edwards 856342 Bell Ringing John Gilbert 856516 Bowls Club Ken Copping 856338 Brownies Liz Parker 870493 Carpet Bowls Reg Frost 856712 Church – St. Mary’s Tim & Ruth Goodbody 856080 Church Flpwers Sandra Walker 856074 Craft Group Angela Newbrook 856464 Cricket Club Adrian Farr 856691 Cubs Wendy Kibblewhite 856470 New Dorcas Society Pat Childs 856341 or Dorothy Pelham 856733 First Aid Training Val Mulcare-Tivey 856076 Flitch Youth FC Phil/Marina Bull 856560 Footpath Rep. Ernest Howard 856325 Friday Morning Market Sue Tekell 873225 Friends Meeting House Jim Newbrook 856464 Garden Club Linda White 856756 Holistic Therapies Val Mulcare-Tivey 856076 Guides Liz Parker 870493 Judo Club David Walsh 856770 Library Direct Pauline McAllister 856478 Local History Society Derek Towler 856680 Meals on Wheels Eve Stephenson 856293 Medi-Call EMS Val Mulcare-Tivey 856076 Minibus Adrian Greenway 856892 Toddlers Helen Mason 821511 Over 60s Peter McGuinness 856254 Parish Council Clerk Linda White 856756 Police Gt. Dunmow 872208 Rainbows Liz Hooper 856814 Scamps Vicky Kemp 856027 Scouts John Edwards 856342 Stebbing School Office 856260 Stebbing Society Jenny Nichol 856401 Taxi Bev Harrod 856440 Tennis Club Keith Chapman 856632 Village Hall Ursula Bunn 856628

Any omission, errors or changes please tell me - Jenny McGinn 856249

If you spot anything Essex Mobile Library Stebbing interesting or amusing on every 2 weeks on Thursday at: the Stebbing Scene, let us have it and we will publish Oakfield 12:10 – 12:25 The School 13:35 – 14:35 it…..Ed

Garden Fields 14:40 – 14:55

Bran End 15:00 – 15:15 Old School House 15:40 – 15:55 Closing date for contributions Lindsell to the next issue Books - Tapes - Videos- Games th An Essex County Library Service 20 May 2009 Friday Morning Market First Friday in the Month Editor: Jenny McGinn

01371 856249 [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTICE For all ‘Stebbing Scene’ Contributors

Please send all articles for Stebbing scene to:- Jennifer McGinn (Editor) [email protected]

DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the Publishers cannot assume responsibility for errors. As you will know, Stebbing Scene is free and its existence depends on our advertisers. However, the Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions.