March 2013 Edition

March 2013
The Award-winning Independent
NGAR NEWS
For the people of Ongar by the people of Ongar
Free
Issue No. 90
THE CHANGING FACE OF THE HIGH STREET
And Time to Break the ‘Bottle-neck Barrier’
Readers will notice that a number of changes are
taking place near the bottleneck. The Green Room
situated next to the entrance to the Royal Mail depot
has closed. Some residents may remember this as
once being ‘The Chocolate Box’.
Next door, KoKo Kouture, run by Sharon Hill, is moving
into the empty shop on their left which has recently been
vacated by the Dolls House Shop.
There are plans for the former bread shop near the Post
Office to become a fish and chip shop and for a home
improvement company to open up in the premises
formerly occupied by HSBC, and that this retailer will be
offering kitchen and bathroom make-overs.
It is a changing scene with the shops, but one which, in
the opinion of the ONGAR NEWS team, is likely to settle
down bit by bit. The determining factors about a shop’s
chances of doing well -or the opposite - are firstly whether
they are selling products which will appeal to tourists of
which we are already now having thousands, and
secondly whether the owners of the shops will be willing
to adapt to a new pattern of shopping with the emphasis
being on the week-ends when visitors flood into the town
centre.
It is also being said that shop-owners should be liaising
among themselves and under the leadership of the Ongar
Town Forum in order to establish by mutual agreement
one day of the week on which the shops would be closed.
The old pattern of half-day closing on Wednesday is now
almost a thing of the past and it may be that, as in other
tourist centres, Monday is regarded by the majority as the
most satisfactory closure date.
There’s More!
As the nature of the town centre changes and adapts to
its new role the Forum will have to give some thought as
to how visitors can be persuaded to explore beyond the
bottleneck.
At the moment this ‘pinch’ at the southern end of the main
shopping area gives an impression of being the
conclusion of anything which a visitor to the town might
find of interest. Added to this there is the fact that visitors
at this point find themselves facing dangerously narrow
pavements on both sides of the road. Undoubtedly it is
features of this nature which give Ongar its pleasant ‘Olde
-Worlde’ look and just unfortunate that this little narrow
street happens to be a bit of the un-bypassed A128.
But beyond this narrow section of the High Street there
are more shops and also twice as many public houses
and churches as in the centre. So some thought will have
to be given as to what inducements might be offered to
coax visitors through the bottleneck and what is currently
a visual barrier.
Two shops in this southern tail of the town are likely to be
of interest to visitors, one being of course the recentlyopened When Skies Are Grey and the other, although not
immediately apparent is Aspects of Glass who keep in
stock some particularly good mirrors.
Both the United Reformed Church and the Roman
Catholic Church opposite have a good pedigree, the
former with its association both with Dr David Livingstone
and with the once nationally-famous Taylor family of
poets, writers and artists, and the latter with its
connection with the Titanic disaster.
The Royal Oak is a basic but welcoming pub with its
pavement benches and bars and attracts a steady flow of
regulars, whilst at the end of the High Street The Two
Brewers is also noted for its friendly service and
enjoyable food served in its adjoining restaurant at
reasonable prices.
Think up a Slogan!
The Town Forum’s ‘Visit Ongar’ working party devote
their energies to the designing of publicity material for
distribution and on the web and more is in the pipeline.
Continued on Page 6
ONGAR NEWS Pick-up points
The Ongar News is available at selected pick-up points in
the area.
Senners Newsagents, 180 High Street, Ongar
D.I. Lewis & Co, 101 High Street, Ongar
Costcutter, 23 High Street, Ongar
Nisa Wisebuys, Fyfield Rd, Shelley,
Fyfield Stores,
High Ongar Village Post Office,
The Post Office, Ongar High St
Ongar Library,
Shelley Hairdressers, St Peters Avenue
John Sears.
Moreton—The Church
For Facebook search for Ongar News and ‘Like’
For Twitter it is @OngarNews and ‘follow’.
Useful ONGAR NEWS Numbers
Events In Ongar
Age UK
Bansons Lane Surgery
Barclays Bank
Budworth Hall
Co-op Pharmacy
Childline
Chipping Ongar Primary School
Dr Menon
Environment Agency Floodline
Epping Forest District Council
Epping Ongar Railway
Father Andrew Hurley, St Helens
Great Stony
High Ongar Primary School
High Ongar Parish Office
High Ongar Parish, Revd Malcolm
Peters, Rector,
Joseph King Trust
Lloyds Pharmacy
Forthcoming events this month
Don’t forget to let the ONGAR NEWS know about events
planned.
Tuesday 5th March, 7.30pm
Ongar Flower Club floral demonstration called ‘A Novel
Idea’ by Dianne Blomfield at Zinc Arts Centre. Visitors
welcome. Further details from Pauline Booty 899941
Friday 8th March, 7 -10pm
Ladies Pamper & Shopping Evening at Chipping Ongar
Primary School (More details page 4)
Wednesday 13th March, 8.00pm
Patients Forum Meeting at Banson’s Surgery
Monday 18th March, 8pm
Ongar WildLife Society (OWLS) at Zinc Arts, Great Stony
when Colin Plant will give a talk entitled Moths of Essex
and Hertfordshire. Why not come along and join us. For
further details please visit:
www.ongarwildlifesociety.org.uk
Ongar Allotments & Gardening Society
Ongar Art Society
Ongar Bereavement Service
Ongar Circle Dance
Ongar Fire Station
Ongar Flower Club
Ongar Girlguides Alison Lavender
Ongar Jazz Club
Ongar Leisure Centre
Ongar Library
Ongar Mail Sorting Office
Ongar Millennium History Society
Ongar Music Club
Ongar News Reporter
Ongar Post Office
Ongar Round Table
Ongar Rotary: Roger King
Ongar Scouts, Brian Baldry
Ongar Town Council
Ongar Twinning Association
Ongar Sports & Social Club
Ongar Squash Club
Ongar Voluntary Care Helpline
Ongar Wildlife Society
Police
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Rev. Susan Cooper, Rector Chipping
Ongar and Shelley
RSPCA
Samaritans
Shelley County Primary School
SPAB
SSAFA/Forces Help
St Margaret’s Hospital
The Rodings U3A
Zinc
01279 415553
362 255
306 720
363 888
362 052
0800 1111
363 789
363 976
0845 988 1188
01992 564 000
365 200
362 645
366 194
363 761
366 047
326 593
366 167
362 567
369 577
362 305
366 534
363 085
362 682
363 874
365 842
899 504
363 969
362 616
362 648
362 684
362 332
366 807
364 030
07787535118
362 723
362 651
365 348
365 179
363 838
362 424
365 363
363 947
101
01279 4444 55
362173
0870 5555 999
01245 357 357
362 354
365 179
07867 386528
01992 561666
362 043
365 626
Does your group or activity feature in ONGAR
NEWS?
Simply email your report, article or letter to
ongarnews@btinternet.com or drop handwritten copy into the envelope in John Sears
Estate Agent by the 10th of the month.
Page 2
On-going events
Ongar Library Toddlers Storytime Wednesday 10.3011am
Free WiFi connection at Chipping Ongar Library during
normal opening hours.
Basic Computer lessons by appointment on a Saturday
morning at Ongar Library. This is a very informal one to
one session, there is no qualification but our volunteer will
tailor the lessons to your needs.
Vojan Business Network Group, first Tuesday of the
month, 7.30—9.30pm £10 including food. (See page 3)
‘Next Step’ careers and skills advice for adults’ by
appointment at the library
Ongar Market, Every Wednesday morning, Pleasance
Car Park
Ongar Library Writers’ Group, meet other aspiring authors
on the First Tuesday of the month in the library from 2.003.15 with guidance from professional author Anne
Cassidy.
The Rodings U3A Art Group at High Ongar Village Hall.
Meets on alternate Mondays 10.00 a.m.-12 Noon
Contact Louise Searl 362043.
Ongar Town Forum are delighted to draw your attention to the
events calendar for Ongar and surroundings, which is hosted on
the Ongar Town Forum website; www.visitongar.co.uk
Future Events
Let us know what events you have planned throughout the year.
Email ongarnews@btinternet.com or pop a report into the
envelope in John Sear Estate Agents by the 10th of the month.
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Telephone No.
Closed
9am – 6pm
9am – 6pm
Closed
9am – 5pm
9am – 5pm
Closed
362616
FROM THE EDITORS
Lorry Park Delays
After the good news at the end of last year that finally a
deal is being struck between the Ongar Town Council and
the Essex County Council over the transfer of ownership
of the unsightly free lorry park it is disappointing to learn
that there are still further problems to be resolved before
the transfer can take place.
These further delays are not because of any problem with
ground contamination since the area has been checked
and pronounced clear, but because of what our Town
Council refer to as ‘complexities’.
Irritated residents may have their own views on this state
of affairs but perhaps it is wiser to look on the bright side
and be thankful that we have people employed by the
Council to deal with such matters. Might we hope that any
remaining problems can now be resolved with the very
minimum of delay?
A Reputation of Strength
In the unlikely event that opinions were sought from
residents as to whom we might consider as a suitable
candidate to have as the subject of a grand statue in the
town centre the name of the late Paul Moxey,
environmentalist and philosopher, we suggest should at
least be on the list.
It was Mr Moxey who, in the nineteen-nineties when he
was a leading member of the erstwhile Ongar
Consultation Group, wrote of our town that ‘Ongar has
always punched above its weight’. If he was still alive
today we imagine that his view would not have changed.
We now have to our knowledge at least four residents
who within living memory have had their names on the
Queen’s Honours list, a tourist attraction that has won
three awards in less than a year, along with other
significant achievements by Ongar people in various
fields of activity including music, sport and publishing.
Whilst this maintaining of our collective reputation of
strength will be something with which we think our
readers will be aware we have to bear in mind that sadly
many of our neighbours will have no knowledge of this
interesting ratio between our small population and big
reputation.
Down the Wrong Road
When the possibility of our town centre being enhanced
by the Epping Forest District almost twenty years ago
there were some strong voices raised in the town
pleading with the authorities that the centre of Ongar
would not be subjected to the same routine treatment that
had been applied lock, stock and barrel to other town
centres should not happen in Ongar.
Ongar’s arguments were that we didn’t need fake York
stone uneven paving slabs, only the laying of level
asphalt to improve the uneven pavements.
We didn’t like the idea of the long stepped section on the
east side having its blue engineering bricks that had
withstood the test of time being removed and replaced
with cheaper materials and we weren’t especially happy
with the plan to lay block-paving as a road surface.
Today the High Street underfoot and under-wheel is in
ruins. The hollow bricks in the steps are broken and
finished, the pavements are uneven and the block-paving
in the roadway is collapsing right, left and centre. The
bottom line to all this is that we weren’t listened to and
now there will be hefty repair charges laid at the
electorate’s door.
Vojan Business Network Group
Next Meeting Tuesday 5th March2013
At the last meeting of the Vojan Business Networking
Group new members were welcomed with a warm smile
and tasty food and drinks. Sharon Butler-Felby told the
members about the Facebook and Twitter support that
the group gives it's members for free throughout the
month. A directory of regular members has been set up
in the photo album section of the Vojan Business
Networking Group's Facebook Business Page. Members
were encouraged to supply pictures and a biography of
their business with all contacts so that they can be
shared. This brilliant resource gives the regular, loyal
members promotion throughout the month and local
people a way to find great local businesses to use. This
is a great idea and is amazing value for just the £10 fee
which is paid on the nights that one attends. The rest of
the evening was spent by going round the table with small
introductions and swapping of business cards. Elizabeth
Thomas from Zebra PA, also provided the group with a
presentation explaining about being a virtual PA..
The next meeting will be a special session all about social
media and business. Two wonderful marketing specialists
will be there to trouble-shoot and explain a little more
about how social media can help business. This one
should not be missed!
Price is just £10 per meeting which includes the
wonderful Vojan meal and drinks. There is no
membership fee. For more information please visit the
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheVojanBNG and
for Twitter: @TheVojanBNG
Call Sharon Butler-Felby on 07850 864 799 or email:
sharon@sketchdesign.co
Page 3
News Round-Up
Re-ordering at St Martins
Permission has now been given by the Chancellor of the
Diocese of Chelmsford for the re-ordering of the Chancel
to go ahead at St Martin’s Church in Chipping Ongar.
The pews currently used by the choir will be replaced by
the Pankhurst Pews currently in the Chancel, there will be
improved lighting and heating, the church will be painted
and a new carpet laid.
A new wooden altar will be
purchased for use in the Chancel to bring the focus of the
services closer to the congregation and to give everyone
the chance to see as well as hear what is going on. The
space created will be used for small services of prayer
and meditation, and it is hoped that it will be possible to
experiment with new forms of worship such as Taizé
services.
The Church Council’s concern at the moment is that costs
will have escalated in the time it has taken for this matter
to be resolved but it is hoped that work will begin shortly
after Easter.
At the same time, thanks to a very generous legacy from
the late Mrs Pauline Newman, the boiler in the church is
being replaced.
The current choir pews will be offered for sale, and if you
would be interested in purchasing one please contact the
Rector on 362173.
Spring Barn Opens A Week
Earlier this Year
Norpar's Easter/Spring Barn is opening on Saturday 23rd
March, a week earlier than usual.
This is partly due to
Easter being so early and partly so we can share the
swathes of snowdrops that we've been planting over the
last few years, which should be in full bloom the both at
the entrance and in the woods behind the barn .
The barn is full of pretty things, flowers in pastel shades,
twisted willow catkins, decorated glass eggs, chick
and duckling decorations and of course chocolate from
Belgium, plus all sorts of new home and garden
items. It may be cold outside but it's spring in the barn..
Do come along for tea and home made cake whilst
browsing the shop and barn.
Opening times: Mondays - Saturdays l0-5pm
Sundays - 11-5pm"
LIVE music at the Cock Tavern every Saturday night
(362615). Regulars and new bands play.
The Patients Forum
Report by Loran Vaux
We had a very interesting talk from Deborah RidleyJoyce. She runs Autumn Years. Autumn Years offers
straightforward information and solutions to families
dealing with Mental Health issues, in particular
Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and she stressed how
important it is to put legal and financial affairs in order as
soon as possible for the future.
Deborah gives talks to clubs etc as well as one-to-one.
I had a look on her website and I would urge others to do
the same. It’s very informative and there is a brochure
you can download – Deborah@autumnyears.co.uk .
Telephone: during office hours 07802403134
There was no further news on when the New Health
Centre will be opening but we are assured that it will
indeed happen, but things are going very slowly.
Anyone who is a patient at Bansons Lane Surgery is
invited to attend these very useful and informative
meetings. It gives patients the opportunity to talk openly
about current developments as well as problems and the
doctors are friendly and helpful.
The next meeting is 13th March 7pm at
Bansons Surgery.
Ladies Pamper
Evening
&
Shopping
An Invitation from Chipping Ongar Primary School
On Friday 8th March, 7 -10pm
Come along and join us for an enjoyable evening where
you can relax in pleasant company. There will be Indian
Cuisine, Bar, Raffle, Nails & Beauty Treatments,
Massage, Phoenix Cards, Cupcakes, Handbags &
Fashion Jewellery, Jamie at Home, Tarot Card Reading,
plus much more…Tickets cost £5.00, which includes your
first drink. They are available from the school.
Please call 363789 for more details.
All proceeds to School Association.
Jazz Brunch at The Vojan
The first ever Jazz Brunch to come to Ongar back on 27th
January at The Vojan restaurant was a great success.
Adam Amor and Sarah Peterson are very professional
entertainers who played from Midday until 4pm whilst the
diners enjoyed a variety of dishes served by the Vojan's
award winning chefs.
The Sunday papers with all the supplements were
supplied to diners and people were encouraged to kick
back and relax, take their time, so they could enjoy the
wonderful music. The Vojan also supplied a face painter
from local business Cre8tive Faces, who painted several
faces, including some subtle designs for the adults!
One of the highlights was the magician, Andy Jamieson,
who attended to display his slight of hand to different
tables and even the waiters, some of whom had some
magic up their sleeves to show him! The whole day was a
change from the norm and it is great to be able to offer
Ongar and the surrounding areas something different and
fun!
Song & Sax is a monthly event which is held on the last
Sunday of the month at The Vojan Restaurant rom
Midday
Contribute to ONGAR NEWS about your club.
Contact details inside back cover.
Page 4
Hoots for the Tube
Curry Night
Friends of Moreton School are holding a Curry Night on
Thursday 25th April at The Vojan. Tickets are priced at
£15 and this includes Food and entertainment for the
evening. They will also be holding a raffle with some
fantastic prizes. If you would like further information and
to
book
tickets
please
contact
rebeccaallison@btinternet.com but please note they only
have a limited number of tickets available.
Appeal from Chipping Ongar
Library
Do you have IT Skills?
Can you spare a few hours per week?
Chipping Ongar Library are looking for a Volunteer to
share their computer skills with complete beginners.
If you could help with this very rewarding & worthwhile
opportunity, please speak to a member of staff.
In the Footsteps
Livingstone
of
David
This is the title given to a leisurely stroll through some of
our surrounding countryside planned and organised by
the West Essex Section of the Rambler’s Association due
to take place on Saturday March 23rd. Those intending to
take part should contact Alistair and Jackie Thom on 020
8502 1628 to sign in and then to be at the assembly point
in the Lorry park for a 10.30am departure.
Suitable footwear should be worn for walking in the
country and those taking part should be ready for a walk
of between five and six miles at an average speed of twoand-a-quarter m.p.h.
(Are the organisers aware that David Livingstone had a
penchant for using a compass to go only in straight lines
when walking in the local countryside? – Eds.)
Next Month
In our April issue we shall be including a feature on
Weighbridge House, McCartney & Stone’s new complex
now nearing completion. If any of our readers have
comments which they want to make on this topic please
let us have them by the 10th of March, or speak to Lorna,
our roving reporter on 366807.
Jumble Sale
Saturday 9th March 10 a.m till noon A jumble sale will
be held at Doddinghurst Village Hall, Church Lane
CM15 0NJ with a nearly-new rail, childrens’ toys,
jewellery, and good bric-a-brac. Refreshments will be
available admission 30p. All proceeds to Friends of
Wallace Kennels, the authorised dog re-homing centre
and sanctuary for dogs brought in by Chelmsford and
Brentwood Dog Wardens etc.
Peter Jefferson, Chairman
Southend
available
Coach
Trip
As part of the150th celebration of the London
Underground journalist Stephen Moss decoded to take a
trip along the entire line and for old time’s sake decided it
would be right to start his journey from Ongar. (His
decision was justifiable simply on the basis that when
Ongar was an end of the Central Line it was recognized
as 00 on the whole system!).
In his report of the end-to-end journey entitled ‘To the end
of the line’ the writer refers to the trains that are now
being run at this end by the Epping Ongar Railway and
after proclaiming that ‘Everyone loves steam trains’ asks
‘Who in their right mind gives a hoot about tubes trains?’
Perhaps he should have spent a little more time at what
he calls ‘this sleepy corner of Essex”, because had he
done so he would have discovered that not only is there a
group of dedicated tube train enthusiasts who actually
own and run their own preserved tube train, but that when
125 years of the tube were being celebrated the 1938
trains brought out of hiding to run between Epping and
Ongar for most of the journeys it was ‘Standing room
only’.
Such was the enthusiasm for underground trains that the
group of tube enthusiasts were keen that after the line
closed in 1994 it should be run as a preserved tube line
with vintage stock and using traditional fourth rail
electrification. The plan was to acquire a pensioned-off
diesel locomotive and to install the diesel engine from
this in a purpose-built powerhouse situated between
Ongar and Epping in order to provide the necessary
current, once the branch had been closed and
disconnected.
Had this happened it would be safe to say that those
residents living close to the line would have had no
quarrel the promoters. In the event these plans were
abandoned and that was because of health and safety
risks. It is enough for heritage railways to have
enthusiasts occasionally wandering off limits without the
added risk of one or two tube enthusiasts being
electrocuted from time to time.
Ken West
Are you a member of a church, club or
organisation? Do you have an interest that
Ongarians would be interested in?
Write and let ONGAR NEWS know what you get up to?
Contact details inside back cover every month, which
include hand-written articles to John Sears office by 10th
of the month or email ongarnews@btinternet.com.
Seats
Ongar & Shelley Ladies Group have a coach trip to
Southend on Wednesday 13th March, leaving Ongar at
9am, returning about 5.30. If anyone is interested, please
ring 36 3278.
Page 5
Dave Green
Sainsbury's
Retires
from
Report by Lorna Vaux
Dave started at Sainsbury's in November 1998 and after
training started at the new store in Ongar. Dave had been
a Career Manager since 1977 travelling all over Europe,
so it was quite a change in career but allowed him more
time with a growing family.
Dave quickly became popular with customers and
colleagues alike. He always had time for the elderly and
the very young and he is renowned for his bad jokes. He
used to run a Scout Troop but due to ill health had to give
it up.
Dave would like to say ‘thank you’ to Sainsburys for giving
him a great send-off, including a buffet and decorating his
till. He held another going away “do” at the ‘Cock’ in
Ongar. Lots of friends and colleagues attended.
He has an allotment and is looking forward to a bit more
time there.
Dave said he really enjoys the Ongar News and often
goes to the entertainments that are advertised.
We all wish you and your wife Kath, well in your
retirement.
Continued from front page
Changing Face of the High Street
The management of the Epping Ongar Railway already
have the town’s interests at heart and are keen to
encourage visitors to walk into the town.
So what is wanted is a concerted effort by us all to break
the bottleneck barrier and encourage visitors to brave the
narrow pavement in order to enjoy what lies beyond.
The ONGAR NEWS team is keen to see the ‘town’s tail
‘embraced in the overall promotion and feel that a
campaign in the spring and summer should be
considered to encourage our many visitors to see more of
what the town has to offer.
Such a campaign would need a precise objective and be
linked with a suitable slogan to ‘sell’ the idea of seeing
what there is beyond the narrow section of the street.
Here is a chance for you, our readers to throw in some
ideas. Something that conveys and invitation in a short
and snappy way such as ‘Follow the Titanic Trail’ , ‘Don’t
miss Dr Livingstone’s home’ or Find out the names of The
Two Brewers’.
(No, we don’t know either but it’s a start!). Thinking caps
on. Let’s have your ideas please by March 10 th to be
included in our April issue.
Page 6
Essex Technology and Business
Centre
If you are thinking of setting up your own business the
Business Centre is the place to start.
The Essex Innovation Programme enables Essex-based
businesses to grow by providing a range of fully-funded
services including access to world-class business
support, networking events, workshops and places to
develop, commercialise and profit from new business
ideas. They run free-of-charge specialist programmes to
enable you to fully exploit your business idea and help
you through the difficult first stages of running your own
business.
Pam Winter has been the Centre Manager for 19 years.
She showed me round the building which holds twenty
nine offices for rent, two conference rooms and two
meeting rooms which can be rented either hourly or daily
at very reasonable prices.
There is also a room
containing computers of hire. You can just pop in and use
these for a small fee. The building has WIFI so you can
also go in and use your own laptop, which is handy if you
are on the road and need to check updates on your
computer (and get a coffee from the machine while you
are there!)
They also run a virtual mail service and can be E-linked to
the phone.
I was very surprised by all this as I had no idea that we
were lucky enough to have something like this in Ongar.
If you are interested in finding our more email:
pam.winter2@essex.gov.uk or telephone: 368201
Lorna Vaux
Our Pride at Stake
VILLAGE LITTER-PICK CAMPAIGN
What does an empty drink can have in common with a
traffic cone?
Village litter-pick to be held on Sunday 24 March at
9.30am for 10am
Bovinger, Bobbingworth, The Lavers, Moreton and
the roads towards Fyfield and Ongar
Organisers call for volunteers and donations from
businesses
DRINK CANS, take-away cartons, carrier bags and even
the odd traffic cone. These items are typical of the litter
dropped along verges and ditches around Bovinger,
Bobbingworth, The Lavers, Moreton and the roads
towards Fyfield and Ongar. A group of local residents
wants to take action.
On Sunday 24 March teams of volunteers will launch Our
Pride at Stake 2013, a community-led effort to clear away
the rubbish along roadsides in the parish. The organisers
are calling for village residents to help on the morning,
starting at 10am from Moreton C of E Primary School.
Coordinator Graeme Cooper explains: "We live in
stunningly beautiful area, enjoyed and valued by locals
and visitors. But it's a shame we can't take a walk along
our Parish roadways or around the fields without spotting
a fair few items of rubbish – much of which is recklessly
dropped by people passing through.
"That's why we formed Our Pride at Stake 2013. By giving
-up just a single Sunday morning to help clear the
roadsides of cans, boxes and other debris, we can make
a huge difference to the appearance of our local
environment, and be proud to know that we'll be among
Britain's cleanest parishes in time for Easter," he adds.
The Our Pride at Stake team is also calling on local
businesses to support the clean-up, including donations
towards fuel, photocopying, supplies and refreshments for
the volunteers. Every donation will make a big difference
to its success.
To take part and donate
The clean-up kicks-off at 10am on Sunday 24 March at
Moreton C of E Primary School. Volunteers will be
allocated into teams and given a safety brief. Rubbish
sacks will be provided; please wear stout footwear and
suitable clothing, and bring hardened gloves if you have
them
Refreshments for helpers will be provided at Moreton
School after the event (approx. 12.30pm)
You can also sign-up in advance by joining facebook/
OurPrideAtStake and follow us on Twitter at
@ourprideatstake
To pledge financial support or other donations in the runup to the event, and for further information, please contact
Graeme Cooper on 01277 890470
About Our Pride at Stake
Our Pride at Stake is organised by an informal group of
local residents, with the aims of: creating and promoting a
cleaner, healthier village; building a legacy of
environmental responsibility; and enhancing a social,
friendly community in the area. The organising committee
members devote their personal time and effort for no
financial gain.
Ongar Library Opening Times
Monday & Thursday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am-6pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm
Looking for a Venue?
St. Martin’s Church Rooms, Castle Street, Ongar, Essex
The Church Rooms are let for casual hire for parties and
fund-raising activities etc. and regular activities range
from dance and photography to ladies’ groups, keep fit
and art.
There are some slots available for regular hire and all
enquiries should be made to Susan and Roger King on
362723 or susan.roger.king@ntlworld.com who would
be happy to discuss your requirements.This e-mail
address is being protected from spambots. You need
JavaScript enabled to view it
AND The Church Rooms is now even better!
Following their grant last year from The Big Lottery Fund
– Awards for All - they have now refurbished the Church
Rooms by installing a unisex disabled toilet in place of
the old ladies’ loo and replaced the low-level windows
and external doors with secure double-glazed units which
greatly enhance the property. The forecourt has also
been resurfaced and these renovations have greatly
improved the facility.
The Church Rooms can be used for many including
celebration meals for personal or for fund raising and
with the dimmable lighting; it is very adaptable for parties
of all kinds. To see photographs of the interior, take a
look on the website www.stmartinongar.org.uk. This
venue should certainly be considered when planning
your next event!
NB: Bansons Surgery Telephone number is now
362255
Page 7
Food Banks – An Update
Following an earlier news item in Ongar News
We can confirm that this initiative has been supported by
several churches in the area with St Martin’s Church in
the town centre being the most central.
The purpose of the scheme is to assist those unfortunate
people in our own country who are too poor to feed
themselves properly, and Ongar is regarded as part of the
catchment area for supplying the Harlow Food bank.
It is encouraging to note that the Rotary Club of Ongar
have now become participants in the scheme following a
talk given to the club on this subject recently and reported
on page 22. In this connection it should be noted that
Roger Roles, who is a member of the Rotary Club, has
offered to make the Budworth Hall another receiving
point.
Flowers Looking Good in the
Town Centre
The flowers that bloom in the spring, (Tra-la!) have not
grown there by themselves. In the first place they are paid
for by the Ongar Town Council but planted in the troughs
by the kindness of members of the Ongar Allotments &
Gardening Society who give their time for free for the
benefit of all.
You can read all about the Society’s current activities
reported in Alex Hague’s usual jaunty style on page 23.
Reminder re ONGAR NEWS Deadline
Contributors please note that the CLOSING DATE FOR
MATERIAL for the APRIL ISSUE is March 10th See
what you can rustle up in the next few days!.
FOR SALE Decorative Railings
Fifty-seven feet of decorative metal fencing, consisting of
five lengths each 12inches in height excluding supporting
posts are being offered for sale in Ongar. The metalwork,
which is in the form of a popular design, is in good
condition but the black painted finish will need some
improvement.
The price for the five lengths is only £20 but the buyer
will be asked to make the collection arrangements and
should note that the longest section is 13ft. Tel: 363202
Pick-up Points to be Reviewed
The ONGAR NEWS team are planning to review the supply
and demand situation at the various pick-up points both in
the town and surrounding areas. It appears that in some
places there are never enough copies to meet the
demand but in others there are a few copies left
In total 1500 copies are printed and we hear that some
local deliveries have been organised by enthusiastic
readers.
April bike ride through beautiful
Essex countryside
What could be better than spending a Sunday cycling
through Essex villages and countryside, enjoying the
Spring sunshine, absorbing the beauty of the countryside
and perhaps enjoying a short stop for lunch or a drink at
one of the village pubs or cafes en route? We are inviting
couples, families and friends to take part in Pedal for The
J’s, now in its fourth year, a successful charity bike ride
that draws people from across Essex with excellent
reviews on its organisation and variety of routes.
The event will take place on 28th April 2013 and promises
to be a great day out for experienced cyclists and novices
alike. The ride takes in some of Essex’s most beautiful
villages with a choice of three routes of 15, 35 and 50
miles. All routes will start and finish at Admirals Park in
Chelmsford with the 15 mile route taking in the Easters
and the longer ones travelling west to Hatfield Heath via
High Roding before returning via Matching and Abbess
Roding. The spirit of the event is ‘taking part’ so you can
go as fast or slow as you like.
The J’s Hospice provides hospice care in the home for
young adults throughout Essex. Due to improvements in
medical care and technology, the population of young
adults with life limiting conditions is growing. But at 19
years old, these patients have outgrown children’s
services and need age appropriate care and support.
The J’s Hospice team provides hospice, medical, nursing
and respite care for patients, carers and their families.
They also provide emotional and bereavement support.
The long term aim is to build a stand-alone hospice
building in Essex.
You can register to take part in Pedal for the J’s online by
visiting www.thejshospice.org.uk or call Katie on 01245
475474 for a registration form to be sent to you.
Registration is just £12 (£7 for under 16s) and this
includes a t shirt and refreshments; there is no minimum
sponsorship but of course please try to raise as much as
you can! Registration is open now so hurry as places are
filling quickly!
ONGAR NEWS wants to hear about your church, sport, club
or organisation. Contact details inside back cover
Page 8
RURAL COMMUNITIES NEED A
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
Edwyn Gilmour questions whether the Rural
Communities Council of Essex should be reviewing
the rules of their community newspapers contest.
Cheers and smiles all round the ONGAR NEWS camp last
month on learning that we had won an award in the
county’s annual competition. The contest for Community
Newspapers is organised by the Rural Communities
Council of Essex which does invaluable work in assisting
those who live in the remoter parts of Essex.
To give just one example the RCCE organises a system
of grouped heating oil deliveries so that users in the
country areas do not have to pay the haulage costs for
individual deliveries.
The Communities Council recognises the great value of
small newspapers such as ours which, to quote one of the
RCCE’s executives, “…work on the Heineken principle of
being able to reach parts which others are not able to do.”
The organisation has very commendably taken it upon
itself to foster and encourage the growth of small
community newspapers and magazines that are
published in Essex and has partly done so by instituting
an annual competition. This has proved to be very
popular and the scheme has the backing of Essex Life
Magazine and the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Appropriately these bodies have a part to play in the
judging of the entries of which there are on average about
fifty each year. Moreover the actual announcement and
presentation of the awards takes place away from the
principle towns, and sometimes in villages in the heart of
the countryside.
The Rural Communities Council of Essex has its
headquarters in Feering and in fact publishes its own
journal ‘Oyster’ from there four times a year.
It was as a result of the ONGAR NEWS team being
participants in the 2012 competition that we came learn
more about the RCCE, but at the same time it opened our
eyes to what we might refer to as ‘anomalies’ in the
system. One of the conditions for example, of entry is
that the newspaper is produced on a voluntary basis and
not for commercial gain. This is eminently fair as a
ground rule, but quite a number of these rural publications
are produced wholly and entirely by a Parish Council, or
with the help and support of a Parish Council and the
records show that publications falling into this category
have frequently qualified for the top awards. Not for one
moment would I, nor I am sure anyone else, suggest that
Parish Councils, who represent local government at its
grass roots be prohibited in taking part in this contest but
it might make for a more level playing field if community
newspapers published with the backing of local
government were entered in a separate category.
Another area where the playing field can clearly be seen
to be tilted is in the matter of publication frequency. A
paper published on alternate months allows its writers and
editors twice as much time to produce an issue than one
published every month. And by the same token a journal
published four times a year gives its publishers three
times longer to put one issue together.
On this basis one might make a prediction might be made
that a community journal published by a Parish Council
quarterly would have the best chance of qualifying for one
of the top awards. Not surprisingly the records show that
actually this has been the case. Of course it might be
argued that Parish Councillors are volunteers, but it
cannot be denied that most will have at least one paid
employee to act as clerk. That is as maybe, but on the
matter of how frequently a community paper is published
there is another strong case for having separate
categories of entry to the RCCE competition based upon
frequency of publication.
In our participation which began by the submitting during
last year of three recent issues, there was also another
matter at which we felt we were slightly at odds with the
organisers.
My co-editor, Karen Bush who has worked with me from
the very first issue, in talking to the organisers after the
awards ceremony, discovered that ONGAR NEWS had lost
points in the judging process because there was no
colour in evidence.
Understandably Karen pointed out that whilst we could
have brought colour into the paper years ago it was by
design and intention that we kept to what we have
always regarded as a ‘classical’ style, and one has only
to look up and down the magazine racks in a
newsagents to see that one brightly colour cover cannot
possibly stand out when surrounded by dozens of
equally bright and colourful competitors.
Both your editors feel strongly that an entry into the
RCCE competition should not be penalised for opting out
of colour by choice which currently is perceived by the
judges as an inadequacy.
If we had come away empty-handed from the RCCE
Community Newspapers event then very possibly these
observations would have been seen as a ‘sour grapes’
reaction. But the fact that we did win an award, we feel,
gives us an opportunity in the first place to highlight the
Community Council’s praiseworthy efforts to help rural in
Essex and at the same time to ask them to have another
look at their entry requirements to their Newspaper
competition so that all future entrants can be assured
that it is free of bias and not a simple ‘one-size-fits-all’. It
is on their behalf and not ours that this appeal is made.
Shop Moves Next Door
Ko Ko Kuture is expanding, and is moving to the bigger
shop next door. Sharon is hoping to be in there by the
end of March, but renovating the new property is taking
longer than expected. The main reason for this is that
originally she was going to paint the new shop but as
they took off the layers of old paint they found some
beautiful old wood, so she is restoring that. Now that
she will have more showroom space Sharon intends to
sell larger items like tables and sofas and more variety of
what she sells now. Look out on the shop window for
the moving date.
Lorna Vaux
Page 9
Church Matters
St Martin’s Chipping Ongar with
St Peter’s Shelley Services
Services at St Martin’s each week
Sunday
8.00 a.m. Holy Communion (first Sunday at
7.30am—9.30am One Big Family service (first Sunday
only)
10.30am Parish Eucharist
Wed
10.00am Holy Communion
Services at St Peters on the third Sunday afternoon of
each month
Baptisms and weddings and further details of all our
services from the Rector, Susan Cooper on 362173
Parish of High Ongar with Norton
Mandeville Quiz Night
Saturday 9 March
7.00 for 7.30pm start
St James’ Church Hall
Full details from Parish Office 01277 366047
All proceeds towards the repair of St James’ Church Hall
Roof
Women’s World Day of Prayer
(Interdenominational)
This year the Women’s World Day of Prayer service has
been prepared by the women of France and will be held at
St Mary the Virgin’s Church Matching on Friday the 1 st
March at 10.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
This service is not restricted to women.
Refreshments will be served following the service
Carol Sheets available
St Mary’s Church Moreton have a quantity of Carol
Sheets to dispose of, is anyone interested? If so please
contact Christine Davis on
01277 890283 or
alleluya@tiscali.co.uk and I could deliver in the Ongar
area:
The Bethlehem Carol Sheets 2nd edition; 45th edition;
49th edition; 52nd edition; 53rd edition; 54th edition; 55th
edition
Page 10
Services in the United Benefice of
Fyfield, Willingale, Bobbingworth
& Moreton
Mothering Sunday Services
10th March
9.30am St Christopher’s Willingale
9.30am St Mary’s Moreton
11.00am St Nicholas’ Fyfield
11.00am St Germain’s Bovinger
Following each service posies will be distributed and
refreshments served.
Easter Services
Maundy Thursday 28th March 7.00pm HC St
Christopher’s Willingale
Good Friday 29th March 6.00pm Service of the Cross St
Mary’s Moreton
Easter Sunday 31st March Family Communions
9.30am St Mary’s Moreton HC
9.30am St Christopher’s Willingale HC
11.00am St Nicholas’ Fyfield HC
11.00am St Germain’s Bovinger HC
Midweek Communion will take place on the 1 st
Wednesday of each month in St Mary’s Church Moreton
commencing the 6th February at 10am conducted by the
Rev Albert Watson – all are welcome
Services In St. Margaret’s Stanford
Rivers and Toot Hill for March and
April including Easter
10th March @ 11:15am Family Service to celebrate
Mothering Sunday
24th March @ 11:15am Holy Communion – Palm Sunday
30th March – Saturday @ 4pm Easter Celebration on
Toot Hill Village Green followed by refreshments in
Village Hall
31st March @ 11:15am Celebrate Easter Sunday with us
with Holy Communion and refreshments after
14th April @11:15am Holy Communion
28th April @ 11:15am Holy Communion
Budworth Hall Bulletin
Our new heading
picture of the
Budworth
Hall
from our files is
based on an
original drawing
by A. Shillum.
Can any reader
tell us about this
artist please as
we
have
no
details.
MARCH\APRIL 2013 EVENTS
SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL – We know money is tight
in the current recession.
Because of this we are
continuing our Special Offer of £80 to hire the Ballroom,
Kitchen and use of the Bar from 6 p.m. until midnight on
Saturdays. Why not make use of the fantastic offer for
your family parties, wedding receptions, social and other
events. Ballroom, Concert Hall and Committee Room
available for hire for Weddings and family celebrations,
social and other events 7 days a week at competitive
rates. For details pop in and see us or contact us –
telephone 363888 or e-mail odca@budworthhallongar.org.uk
WEEKEND AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday 15th March – Night – Ongar Music Club Concert
Saturday 23rd March – Day – Noona Craft Fair
Sunday 24th March – Afternoon\evening - Tea Dance
and Concert (Tickets available at Budworth Hall)
Friday 12th April – Night – Ongar Jazz Club
Sunday 14th April – Day – Pet Chip Company –
Microchipping Course
Wednesday 17th April – Night – Annual Town Meeting
Saturday 20th April – Day – Craft and Psychic Therapy
Fair
Sunday 21st April – Fabric Sale
WEEKLY EVENTS AND CLASSES
Monday
14.00 – 16.00 KFA Mature Moves – Gentle Keep Fit
Class
16.00 – 19.30 KARATE – Classes for all ages and
abilities – Call Daniel on 07804813705
18.30 – 21.45 JU JITSU – Classes for all ages and
abilities – Call Lee on 07836574237
Tuesday
10.00 – 14.30 GOLD PRICE – Independent Jewellers
Ray & Jacqui offer cash for unwanted gold/silver. Also:
Watch battery, strap, Jewellery/Clock repairs – Antiques
and Collectables- Dealers waiting to purchase.
15.30 – 18.30 KUMON – Educational support for children
covering Maths and English
18.15 -21.30 BALLROOM/LATIN – Dance classes for all
ages and abilities (private sessions available)
(Call Emma on 07956116827)
Wednesday
10.00 – 14.30 GOLD PRICE - (as for Tuesdays)
19.00 – 21.30 OPUS CHOIR – meet to enjoy music and
singing – New singers always welcome
Thursday
17.00 – 21.00 SLIMMERS WORLD - Experience a warm
welcome and all the support you need
Friday
10.00 – 14.30 GOLD PRICE – (as for Tuesdays)
11.00 – 12.00 PILATES
Saturday
08.30- 11.30 KUMON - (as for Tuesdays)
To obtain more information about our facilities, discuss
your requirements or purchase tickets, visit our Office
(9.30 – 12.30 Monday to Friday), telephone (363888) or e
-mail (odca@budworthhall-org.uk). We will do our best to
assist you.
NOT BUYING IT –
REVISITED 5 YEARS ON!
March 2013
Looking back I note that we changed our electricity
supplier to Ecotricity and we now have our gas through
this supplier too. Their bills are simple to understand,
always notify us when the tariff changes, keep charges
level with the cheapest alternative provider in the area
and some of their revenue goes towards sustainable
alternative methods of creating energy (like the wind
turbines that I love. ) I mentioned that I didn’t like to win
raffles as this can generate more unnecessary stuff at
home – mostly unwanted – but feel churlish at not buying
tickets for a good cause. This also goes against the grain
of Quakerism. A way around this is to buy the tickets,
support the cause, and not win (as is usual) or if I do to
choose the chocolates and share them! I note that in 2008
I was going to have a water meter installed but confess
that this hasn’t happened yet. Note to self: look into this! I
understand that if you have more bedrooms than people
in the house then you will save money. I will have to see
where daughter ends up after returning from university
with her mountain of dirty washing. The amount of
packaging around food items does not seem to have
changed much although the cucumber does sometimes
only have one wrapper now or none at all if you buy from
a market or farm shop. One really good idea I read about
recently was to use the waxed cartons that hold soya milk
or fruit juice as miniature planters. Turn the carton on its
side with the lid on, cut out two rectangles from the side
leaving a piece in the middle to act as a support, and then
fill it with potting compost. They hold the water well and
can be laid side by side on the patio or window sill to hold
herbs or rocket or maybe cherry tomato plants. I am
certainly trying this one. I have not knitted anything else
from plastic bags over the past few years because I don’t
have any to knit with and it was not a good look! I can
count on one hand how many times I have gone shopping
without my own bags and if there are just a few items I
carry them. Friends and family do the same and when I
am out in our local big store (do not want to advertise its
name as the bags do this) friends caught without bags
have been known to apologise to me. I am quite happy to
be their conscience in this matter. I also shop with a list,
try not to shop when I am hungry and keep to a budget. I
am looking forward to the days when I am not working so
much and will then not have to do the large weekly shop.
One pleasure of our wonderful holidays in France is the
chance to visit local markets and buy fresh produce
almost daily with my lovely wicker basket over my arm. I
drive past our little market every Wednesday, on the way
to work, and wish I stop there for my cheese and veggies.
C’est la vie ma petit choux!
Angie Kenny
Page 11
Letters
Is there something you would like to share with our readers? Make use of our Letters section which is seen by over 2000 local people. All letters must
have an address as we cannot publish anonymous letters. The address will not be published. For details of how to get in touch with us write to
ONGAR NEWS c/o John Sear, Estate Agents, 204 High Street, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 9JJ. Alternatively you can send material by email to
ongarnews@btinternet.com
Senior Citizens’ Clubs
Dear Editors
I was surprised to see that Edwyn Gilmour, in his article
on Senior Citizen's Clubs in Ongar and the villages,
ignored the Rodings and Surrounding Area U3A. I am
sure he must know that U3A stands for University of the
Third Age and that the third age is the stage of life that
follows retirement, which in most cases indicates being
quite old.
A member of the RU3A pointed out to me that there was
to be an article about senior citizen's clubs in the Ongar
News, and my first instinct was to draw attention to The
Rodings U3A. But then I thought that anyone writing such
an article could not fail to be aware of our group since we
contribute a piece to the Ongar News every month.
He may be surprised to know that over 80 of our current
233 members come from Fyfield and Ongar. The clue is
in the name -The Rodings and Surrounding Area.
In actual fact there are a number of groups for older
people in the Ongar area, as I am sure they will be
testifying.
I was amused by the idea that increasing frailty prompts
people to join with other people of “restricted capabilities”.
I would also question the assertion that clubs for the
elderly are more likely to thrive in rural areas. We oldies
are everywhere and in fact transport is much more of a
problem in the country due to very poor bus services.
Also, as we get older it becomes more difficult for some of
us to drive, not only at night, but at all. Established U3As
are bursting at the seams with members, in towns, cities
and rural areas.
I wish Edwyn Gilmour luck with his list, and am confident
that it will actually be quite long!
Louise Searl, Secretary, The Rodings and Surrounding
Area U3A
(Edwyn apologies for this omission and says this was he
didn’t pick up ‘University’ when hunting for clubs. Our list
has now been updated. - Eds )
Ongar Limerick
Dear Editors
I was interested to read Alan Nicholls’ letter regarding the
“Young Lady from Ongar.” I don’t know what John
Buchan had in mind, but how about this:
There was a young lady from Ongar
whose passion was doing the Conga
She danced to and fro
with the whole town in tow
And the queue just got longer and longer.
Perhaps we could have a Conga line for the Ongar
Carnival?
Cllr Maggie McEwen
Keep Pavements free from Snow and Ice
Dear Editors
During the recent spell of snow and icy weather I have
noticed with dismay the state of the pavements in our
residential roads.
They are a danger to everyone
attempting to walk along them.
I can remember the time when people would keep the
front of their homes clean and tidy and in the winter
months would keep their pavements free from snow and
ice, which was for the benefit of everyone.
We cannot expect the council to do everything for us, and
how wonderful if we could show some civic pride and
responsibility, and maybe undertake this task ourselves.
Thank you for giving this letter your attention.
Pamela Humphreys (Mrs)
Parking Problems in Ongar
Dear Editors,
Your February issue reported concerns of a local resident
about the parking problems at the top of Moreton Road
and you
correctly advised the writer to start by
approaching the Town Council. This is something which
has already been reported by others who are particularly
worried at the risks posed when the new Zebra crossing
begins to serve visitors to the Health Centre. I have taken
this whole question up with the 'North Essex Parking
Partnership', which is the body responsible for
management of parking throughout six Districts which
include Epping Forest. At the same time we are trying to
resolve the serious, inconsiderate parking issues at
Page 12
Castle Street which you have reported in previous issues.
The Town Council have given their full support and I am
sure you will understand our frustration that it takes so
long to get results! To illustrate the scale of the problem,
I was told recently that there are currently nearly 400
applications being considered by the Partnership - and
only four are likely to be granted for the whole of Epping
Forest District in this years allocation! Obviously I am
doing all I can to promote our case with those who will
select the top priorities and I would like to assure you that
the Town Council give me regular 'reminders' too. I will of
course write to you as soon as there is any news to report
but I hope this gives an idea of the scale of the problem.
Gerard McEwen,
County Councillor Ongar Division
Thank You for the Wool!
Dear Editors
I am writing to firstly thank you for printing my appeal last
month for wool which I use for my charity work. One
generous donor left 50g and another 100g as a result.
So a special thank you to those kind anonymous ladies
who responded to my plea. I was really delighted. Thanks
again! ( And please keep it coming !)
Yours sincerely
Gwen Booth
Correction to Names for Pearly King and Queen
Dear Editors
I was going through your news letter May 2012 issue 80
and noticed that the story you have for Vera and Eric
Monk has an error in it.
It is mentioned that the Pearly King and Queen was Mr.
and Mrs. Byous this is in correct there was only one set of
Pearly King and Queen Herbert and Harriet Lyons who
lived at 1 The Limes Chipping Ongar just behind where
Ongar Motors was.
I know this as they were my Nan and Granddad they are
both buried in the cemetery up at Love Lane, I have
mentioned to people before that Ongar had there own
Pearlies but no one seems to care anymore, they did a lot
for charities in and around Ongar, Granddad was a
chimney sweep and was always at weddings to give the
bride a sooty kiss on the cheek.
There are still Pearly Prince's and Princess's alive, my
Uncle still lives on Shelley, one lives in Epping, one aunt
lives in California, one in South Wales, my mother lives in
Harlow and one still lives at the bottom of Ongar.
Please could you do something to correct the error from
May 2012, I know it was a while ago but just think you
now have another story to put in your news letter perhaps
the heading should read THE PEARLY KING AND
QUEEN ONGAR FORGOT.
Thank you in advance.
Beth
(Thank you for drawing our attention to this. WE have
made a note of this for inclusion in our next History
Edition – Eds
ONGARMAN’S CORNER
Well I’ll be jiggered! Fancy this monthly mouthpiece
winning an award. First I learned about it was when I
mosied into the town and picked up a copy. I’m told that
it’s usual for publishers to supply a copy of a paper or
journal to a contributor whose handywork is in there but
of course I realise that this outfit is run by a bunch of
volunteers. The thought crossed my mind that being
volunteers might have given our bunch a bit of headway
over the others but then I found out that it’s only those
papers run by volunteers that can take part anyway.
*****************************************************************
All credit to the history-conscious guy who got the little
wooden railway shed listed, but although I’d say that was
good in principle, now that the wooden walls have gone
from McCarthy & Stone’s new building complex I do have
so say that the aforesaid shed is going to look like the
pimple on the baby’s proverbial bottom. As it will also
look meaningless where it is I would suggest that it
should be moved to the station. Right lads! One each end
and steady as you go!
*****************************************************************
Still with this new building complex, there’s something I
like and something I don’t. I like the fact that now that it
has been unveiled it doesn’t look quite so domineering as
it did when it had a high fence round it. In fact I’d stick my
neck out and say that Central House dominates the street
-scape more than the new retirement homes.
Now I’ll you what I don’t like about the retirement homes
complex – and neither will you when I tell you. Apparently
there’s parking for residents but no space for visitors!
Just imagine in the summer when there’s sixty flats
occupied, and on any weekend sixty visitors looking for
somewhere to park plus maybe twice that number on the
same quest who want to take a trip on the railway.
Come to think of it there’s a chance-n’-a –half here for the
railway folk to cash in. All they have to do is put leaflet
into sixty doors telling the occupants that their visitors can
save themselves a lot of hassle by coming on the train.
Good idea eh what?
*****************************************************************
The bottom end of Ongar doesn’t get any better does it?
There’s an area of uncared for land on one side nicely
balancing the pot-holed lorry park on the other and now
to add to the effect of depression and neglect there’s
some ugly-looking metal work just been screwed together
and right in your face in what started out with high hopes
to be a Nature Reserve . With this fencing being next to
the Cripsey, I’m starting to think that it’s our friends
Health & Safety worrying about crocodiles popping up .
Ongar News Headlines :- Elephants in Ongar?
Dear Editors
Yes its true, a reporter has discovered not one but two –
Hospital and Zinc. Total cost £12 million? Justified
expense or not ????
M J Stanton
Advertise in ONGAR NEWS
Contact details and terms and conditions inside back cover
Page 13
Getting Ready for Easter
The volunteers at EOR have been continuing progress on
a number of areas during the winter works period. The
works are many and varied with people from all
backgrounds and ages helping out. The signalling team
have been connecting up the last of the “Phase 1”
signalling at North Weald. Pictured is Dave & Michael as
they connect and test the “ground frame” in the yard. This
set of levers is like a smaller signal-lever frame, which
controls the points and signals for engines going in and
out of the yard area. Prior to using the ground frame, the
operator needs the permission and an electronic release
from the signalman in North Weald signalbox, to ensure
the safety of the movements.
Dave and Michael checking the correct operation of the
semaphore signal to enter the yard.
The signals team are now working at Ongar, connecting
up the lever frame in the signalbox, to some of the points
and signals outside, as we start to progress the signalling
of the station. This will make shunting easier, and in time
enable a greater variety of movements and flexibility in our
train operations.
Meanwhile inside the coaches the carriages team are
working on one of the 1960’s “Tourist Second Open”
coaches. Regular readers will remember that we had
significant works in a similar coach following water ingress
affecting the window surrounds and floor. This coach has
suffered in a similar way and so is benefitting from the
attentions of the team. Luckily it has been caught earlier
with early signs being the damage is not as bad. The team
are using the skills learnt previously to help us return this
coach to full health and back into traffic prior to Easter.
The stations gang have also been busy, following the
successful bench fund appeal we have worked with a
foundry to cast some bench ends which are identical to
those originally used at all our stations. The team
Page 14
by our industry body, in a category where we were up
against many famous names or “bigger boys” of the
heritage railways movement. All three national awards
were unveiled at a ceremony at Ongar Station on Sunday
10th February, when the HRA visited as part of their AGM
held in London this year.
The guests reported that they were particular pleased by
the warm and friendly welcome of our team and the
enthusiasm shown in the restoration and operation of the
railway. All three plaques are now on display at Ongar
station, and we are pleased to invite Ongar News readers
to pop in to the station when we are open from Good
Friday onwards. We are operating weekends and bank
holidays, then more frequently during the summer. By the
time this issue is out, our timetable leaflet will be available
from both the station, Library and local shops, and we
look forward to welcoming you on-board our award
winning railway!
Simon Hanney
General Manager, EOR,
NRHA & Ian Allan - Heritage Railway of the Year 2012,
Volunteers Award for Restoration of Ongar Station, HRA
Award for Large Groups
Railway Switchboard: 01277 365200
http://www.eorailway.co.uk/ Follow us on Facebook or
Twitter "@eorailway"
FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS
Ongar station waiting area is temporary a workshop as
the volunteers construct and paint the authentic
benches, which will help ensure our visitors have
somewhere to sit and enjoy the ambiance of our
heritage railway.
researched and ordered wood of the same type and
specification and are currently cutting, painting and
constructing these benches for both our stations; those at
Ongar in Great Eastern Railway colours, and at North
Weald in London North Eastern Railway colours.
Finally, the railway has had another surprise, with the
announcement that we have been awarded the “Heritage
Railways Association Award for Large Groups” for the
restoration of the railway. We were delighted to be
announced as the winners of this prestigious award made
David Allan (Ian Allan Publishing, sponsor of Heritage
Railway of the Year), David Morgan (HRA Chairman) and
Andy Savage (NRHA Judge) at the unveiling of the
awards.
Adult choirs’ within 12 miles distance of Ongar are signing
-up for Ongar Rotary Club’s “FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS”.
On Saturday 11th May all types of choirs will converging
on the town to take part in this event. The Club is inviting
choirs, Adult, Youth and School choirs to join-in a day of
non-competitive performance to be held at a new venue,
“Zinc Arts Centre”, on the site of the old Great Stony
School.
The response from youth and school choirs has been
disappointing so far. The Club is asking for schools to get
in touch for details. Ring Rotarian Tony Moore Tel:01279
415563.” Email: moorsie3@sky.com
It will be an opportunity for the choirs to perform in front of
an audience of supporters and public alike each singing
their own selection of songs, to delight all. A change of
venue, from the usual “Budworth Hall” has been arranged
due to the large numbers of choristers in each choir. Adult
Choirs will perform in the morning and Junior Choirs in the
afternoon.
There will be a panel of accomplished musicians on hand,
who at the end of each performance will make
constructive comments, with the aim of helping them to
improve and develop. Groups are asked to register NOW
with Tony Moore Tel: 01279 415563 (answer phone)
giving their details including an email address.
There will be a limit on the number of choirs that they can
accommodate
Confirmation of a choir’s entry will be made by mid March.
There is no charge for a group to enter. However,
supporters and the public will be invited to purchase a
souvenir programme. Tony Moore, the Festival’s chief
organiser, said: “This will be an exciting event which will
give amateur groups the chance to show-off their talents.
The “Zinc Arts Centre” studio is the perfect setting for the
performance.” Roger King, the current President of the
Ongar Club, said: “I am proud to offer this experience to
the choirs, especially as it is held in memory of Frank
Collins, one of our past members.”
Page 15
FOCUS ON FYFIELD
welcome. Future village events – like
the Pancake Party and the Quiz Night –
are advertised, giving everyone the
chance to join in, especially people who
don’t always notice posters in the Shop,
or events in the parish magazine, but do
attend St Nicholas’ Coffee Mornings.
Focus on Fyfield Focus!
First things first! Congratulations to the Editors and
Production Manager of the Ongar News on being
awarded `best New Entry’ in the Annual Community
Newspaper Award, a competition organised by the Rural
Community County of Essex. First out of 40 entries! Well
done to the whole team at Ongar News!
A thick layer of snow covered most of the Bridge
Wilkinson Sports Field on the morning of Shrove Tuesday
and the ground was very soft and boggy underfoot – not
good conditions for a Pancake Race! However, in the
warmth of the Village Hall, as members of the Pilates
Classes performed their stretches in the Monica Couling
Room,
the
mouthwatering smell
of pancakes
cooking
wafted
through from
the
kitchen.
The
WI
Pancake Day
Party
got
under way by
10.30am and
proved
very
popular! By 12.30pm nearly 100 pancakes has been
tossed, plated, sprinkled with sugar, dressed with lemon
quarters and served to eager villagers and visitors alike,
along with cups of tea and coffee. It was lovely to see so
many people celebrating Shrove Tuesday in the
traditional way and enjoying themselves no end! The
pancakes disappeared like melting snow in sunlight, and
the cooks were hard pressed to keep up with the demand.
Well done Fyfield WI – let’s have another Pancake Party
next year!
More People at the Coffee Mornings
Regular Coffee Mornings at St Nicholas’ Church, held on
the first Tuesday each month, are attracting more and
more people who enjoy coffee or tea with delicious homemade cakes, the chance to chat and relax with old and
new friends, and to catch up on village news. The next
Coffee Mornings are on 5th March and 2nd April, from
10.00am – 12.00noon, so do come – everyone is
Page 16
Talking of the parish magazine, the
`Fyfield Focus’, has a new look and a
new Editor. Cheryl Hadley took over as
Editor from Katherine Perry as from the
February edition and in 2013 is
launching an on-line version, namely
www.FyfieldFocus.org.uk. Cheryl and
her husband, Ian, came to Fyfield in
2005 and soon became involved with
village activities. As well as starting and
running the Fyfield Bridge Club, now in
its fifth successful year, both Cheryl and
Ian have devoted considerable time and
energy
to
community
projects.
Currently Ian serves on the Parish
Council and Cheryl is Treasurer of the Village Hall
Committee. A new venture Cheryl has introduced into
the Fyfield Focus is an Arts Section featuring theatre,
book, film and TV reviews – very useful if you are wanting
ideas of new authors to read, or plays to see. The new
look Fyfield Focus is much appreciated – well done
Cheryl!
Our next Village Hall Event is a Quiz Night with maestro
Quiz Master John Jewiss on Saturday, 2nd March. It’s
always a very popular event, so phone Helen on 01277
899690 or Wendy on 01277 899367, if you want to field a
Team (8 being the ideal number) and have a table
reserved.
Tickets are £10, include a Ploughman’s
Supper, with licensed Bar available. It’s a great evening’s
entertainment – so get your team together and come
along!
Concert in Church
A choir from Cooksmill Green, known as `People of the
Green’, will be presenting a concert, including music from
recent shows, at St Nicholas’ Church on Saturday, 9th
March at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, include Refreshments
after the performance, and are available from Carol
(01277 899245) or Wendy (01277 899367).
Looking back, our Burn’s Night celebration on 19th
January went full-steam ahead despite the snow and ice
that weekend and was enormous fun. The hard-working
ladies on the catering team worked wonders and served
the traditional meal
of haggis, neeps
and
tatties,
enhanced with `wee
drams’ – it was
delicious! (We also
enjoyed
hors
oeuvres, trifles to
die for and cheese
– bang went the
New Year diets!)
Our visiting Scot,
David
Thomson,
resplendent in full
Highland
evening
dress, recited the
ode `To A Haggis’
in
his
fine
Glaswegian accent,
and
ceremonially
stabbed it with his dirk amidst cheers and applause. (see
the photo) There followed toasts to the Lassies, Replies
to the Laddies, Poems, and Scottish dancing for those
able to move after all that food! Another great evening at
the Village Hall.
WD50+ Club gets a Windfall
The WD50+ Club has had some good news. The CoOperative Bank Community Fund has made a grant of
£1980 towards tuition costs for which the Club is very
grateful. This money will help the Club to continue
operating without increasing the session fee.
(There
aren’t many classes that allow members to `pay as you
go’ rather than paying in advance for a term or year at a
time.) The first class of 2013 had to be cancelled due to
the severe wintry conditions – normally we are like `The
Windmill’ and never close!
Every week there is
something in the media about the importance of regular
exercise for older people and how this can prevent or
reduce problems of mobility and balance. So why not
come along and try a Free Session? We meet on
Fridays, 1.45pm for an hour under the supervision of
Clare, our wonderful Trainer. For further information,
contact June on 01277 899942 or Patti on 01277 899504.
I am very pleased to report that the rejuvenated Fyfield
Village Stores is flourishing and providing an excellent
service for local people. Manager, Nikhil Patel, runs the
Post Office and Kate serves in the shop, and they greet
everyone with a friendly smile, whether they have come in
for a newspaper, a stamp or a big shop. Nikhil stocks a
wide range of groceries, frozen foods and has good fresh
vegetables and, for those of us who like the occasional
open fire, kindling and coal – just the job for cosy nights
around the hearth. Nikhil has certainly injected new life
into Fyfield Stores.
A Lighter Village Hall
The lighting in Fyfield Village Hall is being updated over
half-term and some re-decoration is due to be carried out.
Visitors who come to our hall for the first time are always
surprised at just how attractive and spacious it is. The
Hall is available for private functions such as children’s
parties, weddings, and other celebrations. To enquiries
about hiring the hall or information on Clubs and other
events taking place at the hall, visit the website:
www.fyfieldvillagehall.org.uk
Patti Nicholson
Have your say in ONGAR NEWS? Write to us using the contact
details inside back cover.
Page 17
Vojan cooking club
On the third Monday of the month is a unique opportunity
to cook in a professional Indian restaurant kitchen with
award-winning chefs. For only £30 customers get to cook
in the Vojan kitchen, learning tips and techniques, have a
drink whilst they enjoy the fruits of their labour in the
restaurant and take spice bags home depending on
which dishes were cooked that night. Due to the
popularity of this wonderful restaurant and how busy the
kitchen gets the sessions start at 5.30pm. The evening is
facilitated by Karen Bush who discusses the menus with
the chefs which are then professionally designed by
Sharon Butler-Felby of Sketch Design and emailed to all
attending participants after the evening. To book a
session or to buy a voucher to give as a present please
contact
Karen
on
07528
075320
or
email
karen@cookinconfidence.com.
Making Chicken Tikka
Cooking Mushroom Rice
Making Jangli Mirch
Enjoying the food together that they have just cooked!
Page 18
Essex Police Campaigns
for our Safety
Essex Police launches campaigns to raise awareness
and reduce the offences of car crime and burglary within
the county. Research that preceded the campaign
showed that the Epping Forest District was particularly
vulnerable to these crimes. This is possibly due to our
close proximity to a large Metropolitan area.
Also, Detectives have renewed an appeal to beware of
bogus police officers following another incident in west
Essex. A woman aged in her 80s was tricked into giving
her bank details after receiving a phone call from a man
claiming to be a detective chief inspector from the
Metropolitan Police.
The caller, who claimed he was DCI Charlston told the
woman that she had been the victim of a fraud and that
he needed all her bank details, which she provided.
The woman, who is from Chigwell, was then told that the
officer would need to see her bank cards and that a
courier would be sent to collect them. A man turned up
30 minutes later and took the cards. It is not yet known
how much has been taken from the woman’s savings.
Detectives are carrying out an investigation into the
incident which was reported one Tuesday morning.
The latest warning follows an alert issued on Monday
about a bogus caller claiming to be a police officer, who
attempts to use the Police non-emergency telephone
number 101 to obtain bank details. That suspect is
known to call people and tell them their bank details had
been found in possession of arrested suspects.
In an attempt to verify that he was a genuine officer he
gave the name of Sgt James Hackett (no such officer
exists) and invited his intended victim to call him back
urgently, within five minutes, on the police 101 number.
One victim did call him back to find out more but became
suspicious because there was no dialling tone and no
extension number was given. He hung up immediately.
Another victim was tricked into giving details.
Inspector Paul Wells said: “We have no evidence that the
three incidents are connected because the methods are
not the same in all three cases. However, in each case
the caller claimed to be a police officer and claimed to be
investigating an alleged theft or fraud against the victim.
“It is absolutely vital that people are on their guard if they
receive a call of this kind. Genuine police officers will
never ask for bank details over the telephone. It is
possible that one man or a group of criminals working
together is using different names and different stories to
trick the elderly or vulnerable. One simple rule will
prevent you from falling for this kind of con and that is to
never give bank details to anyone who has called you.
“The same is true of people who knock at your door. If an
individual is legitimate, they should not mind your asking
for them to prove who they are.”
Anyone who is contacted by a caller claiming to be police
investigating a bank card fraud should contact police on
101. Anyone with information about suspicious callers
claiming to be police should call detectives at Loughton
CID, also on 101.
The two attached posters form the basis of our media
campaign. Would you kindly consider publishing them in the
next edition of your magazine in the hope that it will raise the
awareness of local residents to these issues and hopefully,
prevent crime.
Page 19
Clubs and Organisations
Ongar
Society
Millennium
History
The Essex Earthquake
Anne Brooks kept a packed hall spellbound describing
the effects of the 1884 earthquake. Lasting just 3.5
seconds it occurred at 9.20am on 22nd April and was
centred in the Abberton area of Colchester. Two people
died.
Measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale, it was felt in
Cornwall, the Midlands and as far away as Boulogne and
Ostend. It caused much damage to churches, chapels,
schools and homes. Evidence can still be seen today,
especially in damaged churches which have had to be
repaired or even a new steeple built. Very little local
evidence seems to exist with only one church recognising
the fact that major reconstruction was due to the
earthquake.
A 3ft tsunami followed, travelling along the Blackwater
and into the Thames where boats were sunk, upturned or
beached.
Will it happen again? Who knows?
Future Event
The annual Marion Slade Memorial Lecture will be held at
the Essex Studio, Zinc Arts Centre, High Street, on
Friday 22nd March with Dr. Martin Bridge talking on the
fascinating subject of Dendrochronology, the art of dating
old buildings or ships' timbers by the rings on the trees
which were used in construction. Think Greensted
Church and Mary Rose! Dr. Bridge is from the Institute of
Archaeology at the University College of London and has
worked for the National Trust and English Heritage.
A cheese and wine buffet will follow. Commencing 7.45
for 8.00pm, tickets at £7.00 are available from John on
362461. Free parking.
Ongar Music Club
The Music Club's February concert was given in memory
of long-time Ongar resident and former chairman of the
Music Club, John Harrop, who died last year. He had
been an accomplished pianist, so would have appreciated
the piano recital given by Benjamin Grosvenor, who last
played in Ongar at the age of 10, when he won the Essex
Young Musician of the Year Competition, against others
more than twice his age.
Now, ten years on, he is one of the world's foremost
young pianists, and much in demand internationally. It
was therefore no surprise that the tickets were sold out
weeks ago, so he played to an enthusiastic audience in a
packed Budworth Hall.
His programme included a number of works new to his
repertoire, including arrangements of pieces by JS Bach
and Johan Strauss as well as more standard works by
Beethoven and Chopin.
Ongar Music Club's March concert is on Friday 15th, in
the Budworth Hall at 8 pm. Our performers are a french
horn and piano duo from the Guildhall School of Music,
playing works by Mozart and Strauss. Lauren ReeveRawlings (french horn) was a finalist in BBC Radio 2’s
Brass Young Musician of the Year, and she has already
created a considerable reputation with performances
including Mozart’s fourth horn concerto at London's
Barbican Concert Hall, conducted by Sir Colin Davis, in
her first year of study. Her recital will include music for
horn and piano by Mozart and Strauss. Tickets are
available at the door, and cost £10 (£8 members) with
concessions.
ONGAR & SHELLEY LADIES’
THURSDAY GROUP
JACK THE RIPPER & THE EAST END
Pauline welcomed everyone, read a prayer and informed
us that sadly, Brenda Wilson had died early in the New
Year. A minutes silence was observed.
Pauline then introduced Brian Billins who is from Essex
and became interested in the mystery of Jack the Ripper
at an early age. Firstly he gave us some interesting facts
about the east end of London. Mile End was so called
because it was a mile from the boundary of the city and
Tower Hamlets, as it was also known as in the 19 th
century, was so called because is was the hamlets for
those who looked after the Tower of London.
Conditions in the east end in the late 1800’s were
extremely poor with workhouses, slums and many gangs.
Whitechapel housed over two thousand people, and
many prostitutes roamed the streets. There were a series
of murders of the lowest class of women, all prostitutes
and in their 40’s. Many of the victims were murdered in
the same way, with their throats cut and bodies
dissected, so the police thought the killer must have had
some anatomical knowledge. No-one was ever charged
over these murders, but it was unknown why the killings
suddenly stopped. There were many suspects from
royalty to doctors, but there was insufficient evidence to
link anyone directly with these murders. There was also
the possibility that there was a cover-up with the police,
as any records relating to these events went missing.
Pauline thanked Brian for his talk and although most
informative, a number of the audience found rather
gruesome.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 7 th March.
Members only please, as we have a full membership.
Jan Turnbull
Ongar Library Opening Times
Monday & Thursday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am-6pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm
Page 20
Birchills Zebra, Botswana, Lynn Rix
ONGAR PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Ongar photographic club continues to achieve high
marks in inter-club competitions.
The club attained joint fifth place in the prestigious
Cambridge inter-club D.P.I competition.
For a small club of 22 members to compete against 36
larger clubs, with perhaps 90 members, and score so well
is indeed
an achievement and congratulations are due to all the
authors of each image in the set subjects.
March meetings are as follows,
Tuesday March 5th. Assignment No 4 – Picture to Depict
a Song Title. Presentation and scoring
followed by member’s favourite photographs.
Tuesday March 19th. Inter-Club Digital Projected Image
Competition verses Mill Camera Group. Judged by Mike
Fuller.
Club members are pleased to welcome visitors or
prospective new members at either of the March
meetings.
Why not come along and enjoy a good evening with some
excellent photography? New members are invited
to attend three meetings free of charge before deciding if
they wish to join the club.
For any further information please contact John 362327,
Lynn 362991 or check out the website at
www.ongarphotographicclub.co.uk or turn up at one of
the meetings.
The Rodings and Surrounding
Area U3A
Barry Kaufmann-Wright addressed a packed gathering at
The Room in the Rodings, for the first monthly meeting of
2013. He showed a selection of slides of Scottish
scenery and wild life, accompanied by fascinating facts
and observations. Afterwards he answered questions,
ending with his opinion of the alleged link between
badgers and bovine TB.
The RU3A Programme of Study Days and Workshops
has just been issued and members can now book for a
variety of one-off activities and events. The idea is that
people too busy to commit to regular group meetings
can enjoy a taste of various subjects and experiences.
Outings to Highgrove and the Battle Proms at Hatfield
House are being planned and will soon be ready for
bookings,
A number of new groups have just started or are about to
become viable, including Scrabble, a third Lunch group, a
second Play Reading Group, Geology and Table Tennis
which is already full! The Art Group, which now meets in
High Ongar Village Hall, also has space for newcomers.
With what must surely be better weather on the way, a
programme of spring walks has been drawn up. There is
always room for more walkers in the great outdoors! For
more information see our website: http://u3asites.org.uk/
the-rodings-area
or
contact
Louise
Searl
at
louisesearl@hotmail.com or 362043
Ongar Art Society
March 14th
Talk on Historic theatrical costume by Ann Hardy
At St Martins Church Hall, Castle Street, Ongar.
8pm to 10pm
Non Members welcome at a price of £3.50 to include tea
or coffee
Workshops
An Acrylic workshop has been arranged for Saturday 16 th
March to take place at Stondon Massey Village Hall.
Please contact Beverly Hughes 01708 688554 for further
details or come along to one the above meetings to
reserve a place.
A collage workshop is being arrange for June or July
further details to follow.
Page 21
ONGAR FLOWER CLUB
The Rotary Club of Ongar
A good number of members and visitors braved the wet
and windy weather to attend Ongar Flower Club’s 49 th
AGM. The president welcomed everyone and thanked all
those people that had helped the club over the past year.
Gifts were presented to the four committee members who
were retiring and those remaining were re-elected with the
welcome addition of a new face. Due to rising costs we
were told that there would be two members meetings in
the coming year and ideas were sort for these. After some
discussion it was decided that the April meeting would be
a workshop. The committee are to look into the possibility
of re-instating garden visits.
After refreshments, Felicity Barnes, the wife of a former
headmaster of Great Stony School came to talk to us
about its history.
The ‘poor law’ passed in 1898 required that the provision
of care and nourishment be made for poor children. The
railway was a deciding factor in favour of Ongar and in
1908 Great Stony School and accommodation in the park
next door, was opened as Hackney Children’s Home.
According to the 1911 census, there were 333 children
between the
ages of 8
and 15 at
the home,
the
final
year being
devoted to
teaching a
trade such
as
carpentry,
tailoring or
band boys
for the army
with
girls
being
trained as
nursemaids
or domestic
servants.
After WW2
the school
was
used
for children
with learning difficulties from the whole of London.
The houses and school provided work for a large number
of local people and several members of the audience
knew people who had worked there and recognised faces
in the many photo’s passed around. Some members
remembered selling floral baskets at school fairs and
bazars and joining in the country dancing on ‘The Oval’
between the houses.
Felicity and her husband lived there for 25 years and
brought up their family in one of the houses. She had
many stories to tell and fond memories of sharing the lives
of the school children. The school closed in 1996 and
when they left, her husband was presented with the
school bells which Felicity brought along.
Our chairman, Hilda Barker, thanked Felicity for a very
interesting talk.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 5 th March at 7.30pm at
Zinc, Ongar. Dianne Blomfield will be demonstrating ‘A
Novel Idea’ and we look forward to seeing you all. Visitors
are welcome so why not bring a friend along.
Further details from Pauline Booty 899941
Future Events
Page 22
“The Festival of Choirs’ to be held on Saturday 11 May
10am – 4pm and open to the public is to be held at the
‘Zinc Arts Centre’ (on the site of old Great Stony School)
and not at the Budworth Hall as previously advertised.
Details of this Event are published elsewhere in this issue
of Ongar News.
A Quiz Night in aid of Rotary International Charity
Projects – is to be held on Saturday 13th April at St.
Martin’s Church Hall, Castle Street, Ongar – 7.30pm for a
prompt start at 8pm. Make up a table of 8 persons –
bring your own snacks and drinks etc and a Raffle will be
held.
Tickets cost £8.00 per head and will be available shortly
from members etc – See you there!!!
A talk on the ‘Harlow Food Bank’
At a recent Rotary Dinner held at the ‘Two Brewers’ Pub
in Ongar, our speaker Sue Mullis, introduced us to the
working and aims of this worthwhile local charity. The
Harlow Food Bank works to support people who find
themselves on the edge of a sudden financial crisis, such
as a benefit delay, redundancy, illness or bereavement,
which can leave one unable to feed yourself or your
family.
Accordingly, The Harlow Food Bank gives out
nutritionally-balanced emergency food to people in crisis
who have nowhere else to turn.
The food, mainly non-perishable food (eg tinned products
such as Baked Beans, Tomatoes, Fruit etc) Sugar, UHT
or powdered milk, cereals, biscuits etc, donated via local
charities, clubs, colleges and collections at Supermarkets
etc is collected and sorted out into boxes for 1 person, 2
person and family boxes by volunteers. Each foodbox
contains enough food for three days. The ‘Food Bank’
liaises with the front-line care professionals such as the
C.A.B., doctors, schools and social workers etc who
identify people in crisis and issue them with a ‘Voucher’
for food.
The Vouchers are then taken to the Food Bank
Distribution Centre by the Recipient and exchange for the
appropriate number of box(es) of food. The Speaker
pointed out this could be a problem for a family without
any means of transport themselves. This problem was
being looked into by the Charity. At the moment, the
Harlow Food Bank only operates within the boundaries of
Harlow, but plans are in hand to extend it outside Harlow.
A question from the floor enquired whether there was a
need for a Food Bank in Ongar and District. The
Speaker replied that if there was a need for a ‘Food Bank’
in Ongar it would have to be organised by Ongar people
themselves due to the transportation problems of
recipients having to travel to Harlow to pick up their Food
Bank Boxes.
Rtn. Roger Roles offered the use of the Budworth Hall as
a collection point for the people of Ongar on given dates.
The President Rtn. Roger King thanked the Speaker for
her interesting and thought-provoking talk and Rtn. Roger
Roles for this offer of the Budworth Hall as a collecting
point. He also suggested that members could help the
scheme by bringing in food gifts at our monthly
Fellowship meetings for the Food Bank.
W.A. Tillott
Advertise in ONGAR NEWS
Contact details and terms and conditions inside back cover
ONGAR
ALLOTMENTS
GARDENING SOCIETY
&
Right, where were we? Ah yes, I remember, computers. I
don't know about you but whilst I am a great fan of many
facets of the computer age, one thing, above all else,
causes me increasing problems as I grow older. That is
the question I seem to be asked incessantly, which is,
what is my password? At my age it is enough of a
problem going outdoors dressed (not in my onezie)
remembering to feeds the ferrets (Boss: we don't have
any ferrets!) without having to remember numerous
passwords. I have, after much deliberation, solved the
problem I believe once and for all.
What I propose to do is to use the password “incorrect”.
Then, whenever I need to sign in to a site and am asked
for my password I can put it any old rubbish, if I cannot
remember what it is, and the computer will then
immediately tell me that my password is ”incorrect”.
Magic!
We had had a very nice gesture last month. Mrs Anne
Stokes kindly donated several silver cups which we will
use for presentations. Now Wilf Stokes (Pimmy) was
some gardener! At the old shows in the Budworth, his
carrots and parsnips had to be measured with an
extending tape. A 12” ruler was totally inadequate. I kid
you not! The friendly rivalry, often relating to the size of
onions, particularity with Uncle Fred Cracknell, who had
plot 1 at Castle St, was legendary. Not quite like footballs
but if only like large grapefruit, quote, “IT WAS A BAD
YEAR!”. I have, in the old society records, a newspaper
clipping showing Wilf receiving one of the many prizes he
collected at a show.
its way shortly.
I have got some seeds on the go in a propagator, tomato,
cabbage and sweet peas but that is all so far. I have
bought flower bulbs/tubers, (Dahlia and Gladiolii) this
year. Apart from Sweet Peas I have not grown flowers
before, having left that side to the Boss at home. I always
felt that, when looking at my veggies on the plot growing
away, with fronds like these who needs anenomies!
Sorry, couldn't resist it! Nowadays of course the need to
feed the 5000 is diminished somewhat so a bed or two
dedicated to pretty things is in order I think.
I hope we get some dry weather soon. Not just for
gardening but fishing as well. The past 3 months has
been a trial for me. I even had to do some decorating!
Alec Hague
Annual Dinner
I told you about the annual dinner last month and some of
you missed it. What you actually missed was a delightful
evening, good company, superb surroundings, food and
drink. What I hope you also didn't miss was our meeting
on 20th Feb. Another good night, a superb speaker, Tom
Cole, head of Horticulture at Writtle, who spoke
engagingly and informatively. All in all if you missed them
I earnestly suggest you try to get to both next time.
This month members are off to Anglesey Abbey on 23 rd
March. You will have had notice from Sheila Shippey
already ( mid Feb) so if you wish to join us don't delay
and make contact with her. Anglesey Abbey has been
repositioned in Cambridge for the weekend and
exclusively for the benefit of members going on the trip.
This took a lot of doing so full marks to the committee!
Next month we are off to Copped Hall (21stApril) again
you will be contacted by Sheila.
Phase 2 of the Castle St /Brook St(M25) extension should
be completed by now. Thank you is due to our members
who helped of course but also to two others without
whose contribution this would not have been possible. I
mentioned earlier the old Ongar Horticultural Society.
They made a generous contribution to our funds which
enabled us to spend some on the materials for the
improvement of the pathway at Castle Street. Also of
course what would we do without PW Keen? Again
sourcing and transporting materials for us made the work
both feasible and indeed possible. If you need any of the
plannings (please do not take ours) as Keens have them
now in stock at their yard at their Hallsford Bridge site.
Compost continues to amaze by its popularity. No sooner
is it delivered than it appears to vanish, even in this
terrible weather we are experiencing. More compost is on
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Page 24
3rd Ongar Scout Group.
February the 8th saw members and friends of 3rd Ongar
Scout Group enjoying a charity “Race Night” at the H/Q in
Love Lane. The event marked the official start of our fund
raising campaign to get the money to pay for the
refurbishment of the H/Q.
Just under £350 was raised through ticket sales,
gambling on the horses (Shock Horror) with the punters
placing 20p bets and the auction of the race horses at the
end of the night, just before the last race was held.
At the midway point we all tucked into a traditional “Pie
and Mash“ supper which was supplied and prepared by
Carlos from “Tilly’s Tea Rooms and Mr Grumpy’s Sweet
Shop.
The “project” as it’s become known in the group is to
rebuild the toilet area and entrance lobby and to provide
a new storage building at the back to replace the motley
collection of sheds and garages that we have at the
moment.
We are in the early stages of planning at the moment and
are as I have said just getting started on the fund raising.
We need to raise between eighty and one hundred
thousand pounds if we are to achieve all that is on our
wish list, which includes making the whole building
useable by disabled people, providing new toilets and
showers, new storage and improving the security.
Add to this the cost of a new boiler and central heating
system and you can see where the money will go.
We are just at the point of forming a buildings
subcommittee because already the project is taking up a
lot of time at the group committee meetings and we do
still have a group to run.
The subcommittee will meet for the first time in a few
weeks and it will be responsible for the whole project as
well as fund raising and grant applications. A
representative will report to the main committee on a
regular basis.
I invite parents, friends and anyone who would like to get
involved to come forward and be a part of this project.
Back in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s a group of
parents and friends did just that and the group ended up
with it’s own H/Q which over the past 50 years has
provide a home for the group and seen many thousands
of young people come through it’s doors. All of our kids
have benefited from the effort those people put in and
now we need to put some effort into providing a home for
Scouting in Ongar to continue for the 50 years and
beyond.
Please come and help us to achieve this. You don’t have
to have a connection with the group or even be a parent,
you just need to want to help.
A bonus on the race night was the arrival home of the
Cubs Team that had been at Theydon Bois Scout H/Q as
part of the district Cub Scout annual quiz. They entered
the room with big smiles and holding aloft the winner’s
trophy that they had just won. With over twenty teams
entering the competition our team did very well and we
are extremely proud of them.
From the Scout Troop we entered some teams into the
annual “Brass Monkey Camp” at Thriftwood campsite
near Brentwood on the 2nd and 3rd of February.
The competition requires the youngsters to survive the
night using very basic equipment and cooking over wood
fires. There is plenty of help and indoor shelter should
they need it but the Scouts are encouraged to be selfsupporting and are tested on things like first aid, camp
cooking and hygiene survival techniques.
We didn’t win this year but we certainly held our own and
the Scouts should be proud to have survived the night.
After all winning isn’t everything.
If you would like to get involved with the group in any way
please call me on 363651 or email me on
brianbaldry@hotmail.co.uk
Brian Baldry,
Group Scout Leader, 3rd Ongar Scout Group.
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Contact details and terms and conditions inside back cover
Page 25
Ongar Sports and Pastimes
Boules
The Boules Club meets on Sunday mornings at 10.30am
and goes on 'till about 1pm. It is a very friendly, if small,
group of people who enjoy a game of Boules. We play
on the piste behind the library. We welcome new players
and can supply you with Boules to play with. It is lovely
round there at the moment because it is covered with
snowdrops, crocus, primroses and the daffodils are just
starting to bloom. Please come along on Sunday if you
are interested, you will be made very welcome.
Lorna Vaux
ONGAR NEWS on Social Media
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Twitter page so if you are into Social Media please ‘Like’
and ‘Follow’. The Facebook page is simply ‘ONGAR
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BANTHAM & ONGAR BOWLS
CLUB
The Table Tennis is going very well. Every Thursday
evening from 7pm to 10pm supervised by a qualified and
experienced coach. The cost is £2 per session. For
further information contact Mary Nicholls, tel. no. 890209
or Jim Heppel, 362631.
Our other regular activities are:
MONDAY EVENING – Short Mat Bowls from 7.00-10pm Contact Len Harris 01277 822847.
WEDNESDAY - We run an informal group playing Bridge
every Wednesday morning from 9.45am to 1.00pm.
Visitors and new members welcome. Table money £2.00
inc. refreshments, contact Val Finbow - 362470 for further
details or email: valerie.finbow247@btinternet.com
Wednesday afternoons are given over to Short Mat Bowls
between the hours of 2.00-5pm.
THURSDAY - This is Cribbage morning from 9.45am to
12noon.”15 -2 and a pair is 4. Card game at its most
entertaining. Table money £2 inc. refreshments. Contact
Jim Heppel 362631 or email jimheppel571@gmail.com.
FRIDAY - Short Mat Bowls between the hours of 9.0011.00am. Contact Len Harris for details 822847.
Whist drives are held on Friday evenings 7.15 for 7.30pm
start.
Weald Bridge Road, Tylers Green, North Weald, Essex
CM16 6GP
Sports Reports – Update
Regular reports on sports activities at Love Lane by
James Bass, which we had hoped to recommence last
month have been delayed due to unexpected demands
for a while on his time. He asks us to apologise on his
behalf.
Page 26
ONGAR NEWS Contact Details for Editorial and Advertising
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where space permits. Please submit material, preferably by
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ongarnews@btinternet.com
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to
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ONGAR NEWS COMMITTEE
ONGAR NEWS, c/o John Sear, Estate Agents, 204 High
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All copyright for stories, poems and articles belongs to the writer
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ONGAR NEWS although it will use its best endeavours to
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date although ideally payment should be with the
ADVERTISING RATES from May 2012
Display
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Frank Hart — Secretary & Distribution
Lorna Vaux (366807) - Roving Reporter
PICK-UP POINTS FOR ONGAR NEWS.
The Ongar News will be available at selected pick-up points in the area.
Senners Newsagents, 180 High Street, Ongar D.I. Lewis & Co, 101
High Street, Ongar Costcutter, 23 High Street, Ongar Nisa Wisebuys,
Fyfield Rd, Shelley, Fyfield Stores, and High Ongar Village Post
Office, The Post Office, Ongar High St and Ongar Library, Shelley
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Have your say in ONGAR NEWS? Write to us at
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Refuse and Recycling Collections March/April
Friday 1st March
Recycling & Green Waste
Friday 8th March
Refuse & Green Waste
Friday 15th March
Recycling & Green Waste
Friday 22nd March
Refuse & Green Waste
Friday 29th March
No Collection
Saturday 30th March
Recycling & Green Waste
Friday 5th April
No Collection
Saturday 6th April
Refuse & Green Waste
Friday 12th April
Recycling & Green Waste
Friday 19th April
Refuse & Green Waste
Friday 26th April
Recycling & Green Waste
For more information the waste help-line number is 01992 564608.
Information correct at time of going to press.
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