Sheering News April 2006 (94)
In this edition:
Website - Letters - Mobile Audiology Unit - District Councillor's Report
Parish Council News - Local Organisations - Voices On the Green - Oh To Be In ...
New Ventures - London Bridges Walk - Mental Health Consultation
Travel News - Recycling - RESULTS Education - Sheering School - The Rector Writes
Website
Sheering's very own website is now well and truly up and running, as you can see. www.sheering.org has links to local organisations, local businesses, local government and other useful sites such as bus timetables, weather, maps, and websites of many regular contributors to Sheering News.It is planned to keep an archive of Sheering News editions on the site and to develop more detailed pages about the fascinating history of Sheering Village and Lower Sheering.
All advertisers in Sheering News will be included on the Local Businesses page linking to websites where these exist and showing information where they do not. Sheering News funded the software and site hosting in order to supplement the paper version of the magazine.
Thanks are due to Kevin Scott, freelance web designer, computer expert and photographer, of Scott Digital in Sheering. Kevin generously designed and set up the site and gives his continued support and expertise.
Anyone is invited to submit letters, articles or photos for inclusion on the site and/or magazine, and contributions will be greatly appreciated.
(e-mail them to sheeringnews@sheering.co.uk, or post to the address at the bottom of this page.) Other ideas for development will be welcomed.
What would you like to see included?
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Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
I would like to express my thanks to all those who contributed to the 2005 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The six main static sites within the village are:- The Cock Pub; The Crown Pub; Reid's Butchers; Sheering School; St. Mary's Church and Sheering Village Stores.
The total collected from these sites was £388.74 which also includes donations from Poppy wreaths. These wreaths are laid at the village war memorial on Remembrance Sunday and are donated by Sheering Parish Council, St. Mary's Church, The Happy Circle and The Hambro family.
Any sum of money collected, no matter how small, will always be gratefully acknowledged by the RBL and each static site receives a card from myself confirming their contribution to the appeal. However I must pass on my thanks to the patrons of the Village Stores and the staff and children of Sheering School for their fantastic support this year.
Finally my own personal thanks (once again) to Paul Fisk of Essex Police who gave up his own free time to halt the traffic along The Street during the service at the village War Memorial.
I look forward to your generous and continued support for the 2006 appeal.
Neil Marsden
Local Honorary Organiser RBL Poppy Appeal
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Harlow Citizens Advice Bureau
Can you help?Harlow Citizens Advice Bureau is desperately seeking new volunteers to train as advisers. Full training and support is given and expenses paid. If you're over 18 and under 75 and fancy giving advice work a try, why not come and have a chat, or phone Jean on 01279 429924.
We are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to do some admin work or join the Trustee Board. Interested? then please phone Stephanie on 01279 444120.
Harlow Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity.
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Mobile Audiology Service
Second Monday of the month Budgens Car Park 10.00 - 12.30The Mobile Advisory Service provides a monthly scheduled service in Hertfordshire for people affected by hearing loss. Our trained volunteers and staff offer basic NHS hearing aid maintenance, and supply batteries. They also offer advice, information and practical support covering all aspects of deafness. The on-board equipment display can be used to demonstrate solutions for the home and work.
We need volunteers! If you have a few hours to spare each month to help people affected by hearing loss in your area, please contact Gary 01707 324582 or visit on-line at www.hhas.org.uk
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Lower Sheering District Councillor’s Report
The Sawbridgeworth Railway Crossing. How often do you try to avoid it and how
often do you sit for 20 minutes when you’ve only got 10 minutes to spare?
It’s a veritable pain to be blunt about it and the first email I received when
I took on this post was pertaining to the impact the new barriers were having on
Sheering Mill Lane and the surrounding roads. I wrote to Network Rail and asked
questions and their reply was as follows – “Network Rail took advantage of the
West Anglia Route Modernisation project to replace the original half barrier
following fatalities at the crossing and increasing pressure from the local
community, press and councillors. Interested parties were made aware of the
impact a full barrier crossing at this location could have on traffic; however
all parties agreed that safety must take priority.” I have quoted the relevant points and clearly their decision was based on safety and one can only support that decision. However, I also wrote to Stansted Airport and as yet have not had a reply. I’ve asked a representative to attend an Open Forum so that questions can be asked. The concerns I have relate to the long term future of the crossing and the increase in rail traffic particularly with the ongoing expansion at Stansted. Does it mean the crossing will remain closed for even longer? Alongside this issue there is the negative effect on surrounding highways, the chronic congestion during peak times, environmental issues and last but not least there have been road traffic accidents as a result of the long queues. None of these factors should be ignored.
At a meeting at the junction of Lower Sheering and the Sawbridgeworth road the following short term solutions were agreed with Harlow Highways. Signs will be erected warning of possible queuing ahead on the approach road from Hatfield Heath. Secondly, line markings opposite Hyde Hall will be implemented preventing the access being blocked when motorists are trying to turn out onto the Sawbridgeworth Road itself.
On the important subject of safety I would like to push for changes in the roads around Lower Sheering and in particular the speeding along what I refer to as the rat run through Lower Sheering to Harlow. Mr John Gilbert who is Head of Environmental Services at Epping Forest is taking my case to County and I will continue to press for improvements. Sometimes the system works and at a recent Cabinet meeting I lobbied Robert Glozier, the Portfolio Holder for Highways.
Lower Sheering was allocated parking restrictions in October 2004 and only some of the work was carried out. I put the case that Lower Sheering Road (the station end) suffers from parked cars often left for days at a time and they have agreed to reinstate the original proposal which included double yellow lines along that stretch of road. In other words Sheering is “back on the list”. I’m not sure when the work will be done but it will happen. Something I’ve learnt in the last few months is that things don’t always happen overnight.
In the last Sheering News I touched on the subject of Anti Social Behaviour and Neighbourhood Policing. I attended a lively presentation last week given by Chief Superintendent Andy Adams and it was very interesting. Each neighbourhood will have a named Inspector and the phrase “Dixon with attitude” was coined. They intend to provide continuity of personnel and long term commitment, involving partner agencies and the community. I did raise the question, “and what about rural communities” – and was assured that all calls would be taken seriously and the response would be dealt with. I’m also pleased to report that the Special Constables will be given Smart Cars so that they can actually reach us out here in the nether reaches of Lower Sheering. It’s probably a question of watch this space but I have to say that Jon Hill the new Chief Inspector’s “let’s get cracking” policy is refreshing. The government has taken on board the serious issue of Crime in the Community and the resources are in place. Further information is being sent to the Parish Council and the planned roll out should be in place by July 2006.
Finally, you will find on the contacts page that I have added my mobile number (07711 0669343). The more written material either by post or email on issues that matter to you is a great help to me in terms of backing up my ongoing requests for improvements – thank you to those who have already taken the time to do so.
I will be at the Annual Parish Meeting on 12 April and will be very happy to answer any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you then.
Kind regards
Heather Harding
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Parish Council News
Vandalism
About twenty members of the public attended the January meeting of the Parish Council to express their concern at vandalism and intimidation in the Parish. Particular problems related to damage to garages and the kicking of balls against the walls of houses causing distress to the residents. PC Spinks attended the meeting and answered questions. He explained that it is difficult to police this area as there are transport problems – in other words, there are not enough police vehicles to get the police here. He explained that the public should phone the police whenever there are any problems. Otherwise the police will assume that there are no concerns. See back page for contact details.Precept
The Parish Council precept which is added to the Council Tax bill has been increased from £20,000 to £22,500 for the forthcoming year.Back to the Top
Local Organisations
Happy Circle
Our Annual Carols & Mulled Wine Evening held in December was once again a huge
success, although the numbers were down on last year. This year’s date is already
booked with Epping Forest Band for Friday 15th December.Our AGM held in January, was followed by a talk on “Helps at Hand” by Irene Harriss. She can be contacted on 734334 if you would like help on any home jobs or lifts to hospital appointments etc. An illustrated talk with slides was given by Christine Middleton in February, on the “Send a Cow” project, a charity which helps people in Africa to benefit from the gift of a cow, goat and/or chickens and become self-sufficient.
As bus passes are now being supplied free of charge from EFDC, we no longer distributed them, as has been the practice over the last few years at our March meeting, to members and local residents. We had a picture quiz for members, and the usual Bring < Buy stall and Raffle. In April there will be a ‘Beetle’ afternoon.
The outings commence in May, when we shall visit Bury St Edmunds on the 17th, and Wyevale Garden Centre at Woodbridge on the 31st. Our coach is not always full, so if you are interested in joining us on either or both of the above dates, please contact me nearer the date on the telephone number below.
The club would be happy to enrol new members, so if you are of a pensionable age, we shall be pleased to see you. Transport can be arranged from Lower Sheering. We usually meet on the last Wednesday of the month, except in August and December. Seaside outings are taken in July and August.
Valerie Monk
Leader of the Sheering Happy Circle
Tel: 832502
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RAF Sawbridgeworth Memorial
Following on from the success of the memorial built on the site of former RAF
Hunsdon in May 2005 a new memorial is to be constructed at the former RAF
Sawbridgeworth airfield by the Hertfordshire Airfield Memorial Group.
The group plan to hold a dedication and unveiling ceremony on Sunday 14th
May which will be part of a weekend long event that will incorporate the
annual reunion of No.2.Squadron (AC) Association and also a 1940's Festival
at the Queens Head public house in Allens Green. For more specific information
on the memorial event and history of the airfield please contact Mr Denis Sharp
on 01279 450452
www.wartime-airfields.com
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Friends of Rivers Orchard
We meet on the first Sunday of the month in historic Rivers Orchard for maintenance, planting, pruning etc. Come along to Sawbridgeworth May Fayre on Sunday 30 April where we will have displays and information in Church House from 1.00 - 4.00.
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West Essex and East Herts Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers
Thursday 13 April. 7.30 - 9.30 Lecture and slides on Rag RuggingThursday 11 May. Slides and talk on Bayeux Tapestry 7.30 - 9.30
Thursday 8 June Spinning workshop. 7.30 - 9.30
Saturday 8 July Rare Breeds with Jan Shailes. 10 - 4
We are a very friendly, knowledgeable group who meet in Harlow Museum. There is equipment, videos and books for hire when you become a member.
Further information - Hazel Mead 01279 724503
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1st Sawbridgeworth Scout Group
Saturday 20 May 9.00 - 1.00 Plant Stall in Bell Street Car Park.David Mead 01279 724503
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Sheering Village Pre-School
The children all enjoyed their Christmas end of term party. The entertainment
this year was provided by the staff who put on a wonderful version of Rapunzel.
The children then all worked hard and entertained parents, grandparents and friends
with their excellent nativity play at the end of term coffee morning.
A special well done to all those children who attended the Family Christmas service at St. Mary’s and acted out a wonderful nativity play which was enjoyed by all those who attended. This term the children have been learning about Australia and even made tickets and passports and went on an imaginary holiday there!
There have been some changes to our Committee. Amanda Storey (Chairperson) and Sarah Edwards (Treasurer) have both resigned from their posts. The new Committee, staff and parents of Pre-School children past and present would like to thank Amanda and Sarah for all their hard work and efforts in the past. Jill Messenger is now the Pre-School Chairperson, Jeni Meadows is now Treasurer and Debbie Pennell will continue as Secretary. We are currently looking for new Committee members. If you are interested please contact any of the Committee members above through Pre-School.
Following planning permission being granted for our new build, we are now seeking quotations for all works needed for this project. If you have any skills which could be of use to us and would like to help in any way or provide quotations, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are also looking for members for the New Build Committee.
We held our annual Quiz night recently and a great time was had by all! This raised some much appreciated funds for Pre-School and we would like to thank all those who supported this event by coming along, buying raffle tickets and donating raffle prizes.
This year’s annual Pancake Race was hosted by Little Hallingbury Pre-School. After winning the last two year’s races our luck ran out and we finished in second place! We look forward to re-claiming our winning title next year!
The children have been invited to attend the St. Mary’s Mothering Sunday church service. This is always a very nice service and the children always put on a lovely show, so come along especially all those hard working mums out there!
www.sheering-pre-school.co.uk
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Rotary Club of Harlow Tye
Charity Abseil 2006
Sunday 30th April 2006 09:00 to 17:30 (with Saturday 29th 12:00 to 17:00 if demand is sufficient)
Did you know that local people abseiling from the 110 foot water tower in Church Langley, Harlow, have raised over £285,000 for more than 100 charities and local organisations over the past eight years?
If you are over 16 you can take part and help achieve this year’s target of £60,000 plus.
There are still a few places available for this year’s event, if you are quick! You can either raise money for the cause of your choice or for the Harlow Tye Rotary Club Charity Trust Fund. Registration for the event costs either £30 or £20 dependent on your selection.
Once your registration is accepted we will send you official sponsor forms so that you, your family and friends, can collect the names and addresses of your sponsors, and the sums they are prepared to donate for your meeting the challenge.
We’ like you to support our Rotary Club Charity Fund but it’ up to you which charity or organisation you support. You’ll find it much easier to raise larger amounts for well-know deserving causes.
The Harlow Tye Rotary Club Charity Trust Fund (Reg. no. 297719) distributes thousands of pounds each year to local hospitals and care centres for equipment, as well as to local, national and international charities and for emergency relief. By donating to us, you can be certain your sponsors’ money will be spent effectively.
When you turn up on the day, our team of experts from the Duke’ Barn Outdoor Adventure Organisation will give you instruction and training on how to abseil. They supervise your ascent and descent from the rim of the water tower to the ground. As proof of your achievement you will receive a commemorative certificate and a photograph.
After you have collected your sponsorship money, we ask that you send it to the Rotary Club and we will send 100% of it directly to the organisation(s) you have nominated.
For a brochure and entry form or for further details please contact: -
Mary on 01279 734211
e-mail harlowtye@freeuk.com
or visit our web site at www.harlowtye.freeuk.com
Just some of the organisations that have benefited from the abseil so far are: - Special Needs and Parents; Essex Air Ambulance; St Clare Hospice; Water Aid; Multiple Sclerosis Society; Parkinson’ Society, Harlow; Childline; St Albans RC Primary School; Broadfields School PTA; Churchgate School; Haven House Children’ Hospice; St John Ambulance.
Mike Hayter Secretary
Harlow Tye Rotary Club is part of Rotary International; we meet at Sawbridgeworth Cricket club every Tuesday at 19:40 (for dinner at 20:00). If you would like to attend a meeting or find out more about our club, or the work of Rotary in general, please contact me on 734211 or via e-mail at harlowtye@freeuk.com
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Village Hall
Since the last Sheering News we have had to say 'Good bye' to Brenda Cummings who has been our Treasurer for around 20 years. Brenda is moving away from the area and will not be able to attend to our accounts. Lynda Case has now taken over and of course we all wish her well in her new role.Unfortunately the New Year’s Party had to be cancelled. Our next planned event will be the Produce Show in September followed by the Annual Quiz Night in November.
We are still experiencing vandalism from a minority group within the village and the police are being kept involved. As a result of this continuing problem we are investigating installing CCTV cameras. Of course this comes at a price which we then have to pass on to hirers of the hall. We are also experiencing increased heating and lighting bills as is everyone else so again this will reflect on the hiring charges.
Beryl Gurteen
Chair, Management Committee
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Short Mat Bowls
It is with great sadness that I start this report with the death of one of our
true and loyal members of the club, Joan Brown. She was a committee and League
member and great friend to so many, also supported us in everything we did and
just loved her bowls. She is sorely missed.
On December 3rd we held our annual Presentation Dinner/Dance; this was attended by over 70 Members and friends. Once again Walkers Caterers served up a superb meal and we had live music to 2's Company. The presentation of our trophies took place and the Ladies Final was not played but the finalists were Joan Brown and Pam Graham. The Men's Champion was Red McGeagh, runner up Michael Vincent.
Another date in December was a trip to Harlow Dogs on 21st. Plenty of Christmas Spirit and a few winners too.
January was a quiet month with just one home league game. February began with the starting lists for competitions for 2006 and a league match away at Bantham and Ongar. We needed to win this to stay on top but it was not our day. We had a Sunday Friendly match against our friends from Woodford Wells, four mats with afternoon tea and chat. A very good way to spend a wet cold Sunday afternoon.
Sunday 26th February we were invited to play at Tye Green Long mat. We were given 3 rinks. We had two teams from our club and invited Chigwell Short Mat to join us. We won on 2 rinks out of the 3 and did win overall. So this was a great achievement as some of the players had never played long mat before. A really good afternoon and meal was had by all.
We have two more dates with Tye Green. I'm sure that they will be just as enjoyable.
Maureen Wright (Sec)
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Do you seek the thrill of live theatre, to laugh and (perhaps) cry - Harlow Theatre Company can provide this. Their production of Sue Townsend's ‘Bazaar and Rummage’ at Victoria Hall Theatre Bury Road, Old Harlow will be from Wednesday 26th to Sat 29th April at 8.00. With tickets priced at a modest £7.50 (£5 concessions) and only just "down the road" it is so easy to spend the evening out with us. If Sue Townsend's name rings a bell, then you may remember that she is the author of the very funny book/play and TV series ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole’.
Harlow Theatre Company will also be performing 3 one-act plays in June (22nd to 24th) This will comprise a fascinating mix of comedic plays - worth looking out for! Victoria Hall Theatre is a friendly little theatre (two miles away from Sheering) with a racked auditorium seating 100 and has a licensed bar in the foyer.
Nina Forth
Treasurer
http://www.harlowtheatrecompany.org.uk
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Stan’s Christmas Walk
The Christmas walk was undoubtedly a success. Around 62 people and 7 dogs turned
up at the village hall shortly after a dusting of snow.
We set off along the Street, around the back of Sheering Hall towards Campions.
After crossing the road, most of us were surprised to discover a fishing lake
and a pedestrian tunnel under the railway. We then stopped for refreshments
and a short rest before setting off once again in the direction of Lower Sheering,
back up towards the village via the railway foot crossing, arriving home by about 12.45.
There was an added bonus this time, as the walk was registered for “Walking For Wishes” (a charity sponsored by Fairy). Every person walking raised £1 towards granting wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.
The Easter walk will as usual be on Good Friday 14th April - leaving the village hall at 10.15. If you would like to join us just turn up. See you there.
Any queries phone 734580.
Lee and Debbie Tennant
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Sheering School P.T.F.A.
We start the New Year with a healthy bank balance as a result of the successful
Christmas Fayre. This year we decided to change the time of the Fayre to the afternoon
to allow the children to come along with their friends straight from school and
encourage people to come who otherwise wouldn't want to venture out in the cold
weather at night. The Fayre was a great success raising over £1000 for the school
and we were grateful that Father Christmas made the time to visit, listening to
the children and handing out Christmas presents. We are also grateful to all
those businesses who regularly support the school through the Grand Draw each
year. This year in addition we were very grateful to receive a donation for the
prize money for the Grand Draw from Stuart Griggs on behalf of his company and
also from Zenz Restaurant in Old Harlow who donated vouchers for dinner at the
restaurant.
Looking towards the New Year we are planning the Easter Disco for the children at the end of term. Also in May we will be holding our Annual Plant Sale in the front playground of the school. The plants are very good quality at a good price and the school receives a percentage for every plant that is sold, so please come along and support us.
The summer looks to be busy and we have had great difficulty booking a date for the Summer Fayre that doesn't clash with a football match but have decided to opt for Sunday 11th June. We have checked, there is no England game so we hope to see everyone there!
Pamela Gaines
Chairperson.
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Sheering WI At the end of 2005 in December Members very much enjoyed an "In-House" Christmas three course dinner at the Village Hall which was cooked and served by the WI Committee - many compliments.
The WI Meetings commenced again in January 2006 with Mrs Spicer as President, and a speaker on behalf of the local Gibberd Garden made us think that a visit would be ideal between April and September, where there is also a Visitor Centre, Tea Room and Shop.
In February, Mr Maurice Lawrence from Hatfield Heath spoke about "Watchman International - Uganda" an organisation in which he is involved.
On the 14th March at 7.45., members and any visitors, whom we would welcome, met with Mrs Barbara Millard who spoke about Stained Glass.
All our Meetings are most informative and also include a lighter side - come and join us at the Village Hall on the second Tuesday in the month, either regularly or choose when we have a speaker of interest to you personally.
B.G. Barker Hon. Sec.
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Voices on the Green
Born six years after the end of the Great War, Sheering author, Dorothy Cleal
tells of a country childhood between the wars, of hardship in the Home Counties
and the sights and sounds of her early life.
Demobbed after the Great War, her father is offered a job in the country near Ware and here the family stay until times change and the family move to live with grandparents in the Cotswolds.
Full of social commentary , the book provides insights into everyday life in the nineteen twenties and thirties; class divisions and status; living with no mod cons, while down the road new council houses have running water and bathrooms. A trip into London gives a glimpse of the conflict to come with restless gangs of blackshirts on street corners.
An objectively affectionate voice recounts the stories of family and friends, neighbours and village life and the reader rapidly becomes caught up in the happiness and hardship of Dorothy’s life.
Available in large print edition ISBN 0753193264 or coming out in paperback soon ISBN 0753193272.
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OH TO BE IN ......
England, of course. Though these days one doesn't want to be accused of being
politically incorrect, suggesting that we in England are singularly blessed.
Spring is always beautiful, and the images of our childhood springs remain with us always, enhanced in memory.
For the country child, spring meant (and, dare one hope, still means) flowers. Perhaps it's only with a child's eyes that we really appreciate such things. Any mother, presented for the first time with a little fistful of dandelions gathered from some dusty roadside, should recognise that this is an important and touching moment. Only a child can see what an incredibly beautiful thing a dandelion is. Was there ever such colour, texture, brilliant cheerfulness in a flower? Floral sunshine indeed. A child can see this. Sadly, the time will come when he/she will grow blind to this innocent truth, and grumble at the appearance of a dandelion on the lawn and reach for the weedkiller. That, alas, is life.
Few children now experience the delights of wild-flower gathering, for reasons all too obvious. There was a time when the weeks between mid-February and late June were open season for the amateur florist (girls, that is; boys were more interested in the more manly pursuits like birdnesting). For girls, then, the ritual began with snowdrops, when, if there had been snow, its melting would have swollen the brooks and ditches, and perhaps there would have been a deceptively mild spell when it seemed that winter was over. Snowdrops in the wild weren't easy to find, which made success all the sweeter. Another month would pass before we moved on to violetting, and that too was a tricky branch of the fancy. Only a trained observer could recognise the kind of terrain which would yield the best crop. Banks, of course, but not any old bank. The grass had to be of a particular type, not too green, still drab and tussocky from the ravages of winter, and eyes had to be sharp to catch the speckle of white or purple within, and a whole morning might pass with only an eggcupful to show for our labours. And then there was the weather to contend with, the early spring winds stinging our ungloved hands still sore from the winter's chilblains. And mud, of course, upon which we slithered into ditches, resulting in mud-caked underwear which would impede our progress on the homeward trek. The distances we covered in search of our booty would astonish today's young (no childhood obesity problems in those days). All that effort, for a tiny posy so short-stemmed that we shed half of them before reaching home. No matter, it was done, the early spring ritual, and Mother would say, 'Yes dear, they're lovely,' and put them in a fishpaste jar on the kitchen windowsill, to be joined the next week by primroses, easier to gather but more risky, as the best ones grew in a wood overseen by a gamekeeper. (The notice said, 'Trespassers will be Prosecuted,' but we read it as '...Persecuted' and could only think of the fate of the early Christians). Every crackling twig brought hearts to mouths, which was an added delight to the hardier souls, but not to me.
And so on. Daisies. (In passing - do little children still make daisy chains? I think not.
Another lost art). An early memory lingers in my mind of soft April evenings on the green,
sunset and the dewy feel of the grass, and the little petals closing, and our mothers calling
us to make haste in before we caught our deaths.
Some time around Whitsun half-term we were sometimes sent out into the fields on dandelioning and cowslipping forays, for homemade wine. Not flower-gathering in the true sense, and I for one always felt a bit guilty about it, for it seemed to me that the pale, flat-tasting liquid which I was allowed to sip was a poor return for the destruction of so much beauty. But it was one of life's pleasanter chores, giving us fresh air and healthful exercise while getting us from under our mother's feet. And we could make ourselves a picnic, with curling jam sandwiches and 'lemonade' made from brilliant yellow crystals, warming and maturing in an oilcloth bag underneath the hedge while we worked.
A bluebell wood, most people would agree, is magic. To go into one on a hot spring day is real food for the spirit in an increasingly drab world. But bluebell woods, like most happy hunting grounds, usually involve a plod across several ploughed fields, and here again, even in these days (indeed, increasingly) one risks confrontation with an irate farmer or landowner who may not understand the importance of beauty in young lives. (Only with the passage of time will we concede that his objections may be understandable!). At this point I must confess that children of my generation, having no consciousness that the earth's riches are finite, would plunge in rapturously and pick too many bluebells, and pick them carelessly, with the result that the homeward path was strewn with wilting white stems, and our mothers would run out of jam jars to accommodate those that were left.
Throughout the lengthening days, the woods and spinneys rang with the call of the cuckoo, sometimes almost nonstop all day long, (to the point where I once heard a neighbour say: 'I'll shoot that ...... cuckoo!' but to me it summed up all that was happy and light-hearted about the season. Now, to hear a cuckoo, in the eastern counties at least, is something of a rarity. One more thing the modern world has to answer for.
Bluebells and the cuckoo were the high point of the season. From then on, with summer edging
nearer all too quickly and the leaves already losing their pristine freshness, there was a
touch of langour about the countryside, and flower gathering took a more leisurely turn.
Buttercups and dog daisies (moon daisies in some areas, peggles in the eastern counties),
marsh marigolds, glitteringly beautiful but gathered warily for the boggy ground in which they
flourished was reputedly the haunt of adders, giving a buzz to the adventurous or boastful. And
wild roses, as the longest day approached. In just one week, it seemed to me, spring had turned
to summer, and although one had longed for it, with the prospect of the long holidays, there was,
for me, a moment of panic. I wanted to hang on to spring a bit longer, as though I hadn't quite
had my moneysworth. I think the feeling has remained with me, and each spring I feel again the
sadness of short-lived beauty, with the idea that it might have been 'the last performance on
any stage.' I am tempted here to mount my conservationist soapbox. We have taken spring, and
all the other good things about the world we live in, so much for granted, and like children
yanking up too many bluebells by their white stems, we assure ourselves that Mother Nature
will replace them indefinitely. Looking back over the past forty years, it isn't too hard to
visualise a time when she may not. We have been warned.
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New Ventures Join Sheering Business Community
Two new business ventures have joined well-established Sheering Newsagents & Post
Office and Reid’s Butchers in the Street.
Joseph Smith, hairdresser’s, and take-away café, Brunch, will be helping to continue the traditional spirit of shopping locally which marks Sheering out from so many other nearby communities.
Brunch’s bright yellow sign is the first indication that you will be made very welcome by new proprietor, Lorraine and her able assistant Mandy.
Whether you want to eat in or take-away there is a wide choice of made-to-order baguettes,
rolls and sandwiches. Or you can choose from a selection of pies and pasties, hot and cold
drinks, fresh cakes and pastries.
Lunchtime orders can be phoned ahead preferably between 9.30 and 11.00 on 0787 144 3610. Brunch is open from 6 in the morning.
Meanwhile, Karenella’s has seen a change of name and a change of management, with Joe Smith
taking over from the previous owner Karen, after several years. Karen’s friends and favourite
customers need not fear as she will remain a partner in the business.
Joe has given the salon a complete make-over with new soft furnishings and fittings and promises to have a wide range of products on sale to suit all styles.
It is to be hoped that the new enterprises will help Sheering’s existing community businesses by bringing in trade from further afield as well as our faithful locals.
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Kidney Research UK
London Bridges Walk - 25th June
Walk the famous London Bridges to help promote awareness of kidney disease
and fund research to save lives.
Want a walk with a difference? Fancy seeing the stunning sights of London, while raising money for charity? See London's spectacular sights while raising awareness of kidney disease and supporting research to save lives by walking eight of London's bridges on Sunday 25th June.
The walk is about 7 miles long and crosses all of the bridges between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge, including the famous Millennium Bridge (which no longer wobbles!). There is also a reduced mobility route to avoid steps. The Bridges Walk starts and finishes at the Tate Modern.
Have the opportunity of viewing historical landmarks – such as the Tower of London, City Hall, Tate Modern, London Eye and Big Ben.
Registration fee is £7.50 per walker and there is no minimum sponsorship requirement but walkers are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as they can. Proceeds will be used to further the work of Kidney Research UK and help improve the lives of people living with kidney disease.
Kidney Research UK is the leading national charity funding research to save lives from kidney disease. This cutting edge research focuses on the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. The charity also dedicates its work to patient care and educational initiatives. Currently in the UK, 2.5 million people are suffering chronic kidney disease. This figure is set to rise to 12.5 million people over the next 10 years, so we need to act now!!!
Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, "The walk is a wonderful opportunity to view the many historical sites along the Thames, and the route offers great views of London. The atmosphere on the day is second to none and it is open to anyone who wants to help make a difference."
For more information or to take part in the London Bridges Walk please call Kidney Research UK on 08456 121226 or visit www.kidneyresearchuk.org
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North Essex Mental Health Partnership
Help Shape Health Services for the Future
You are invited to shape how local health and social care services will be provided in the future.
The North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is applying to become an NHS Foundation Trust and asking local people if they would like to be involved. According to research by the Department of Health severe mental illness is three times as common as cancer. Mental health issues will affect most people at some point in their lives either personally or as something that a relative or close friend experiences.
The Trust provides specialist support for all ages and for a wide range of conditions including post-natal depression, chronic anxiety, schizophrenia, substance misuse and dementia. NHS Foundation Trusts are firmly part of the NHS but have more freedom from central Government and local communities have a much greater say in how, when and where services are provided through a membership system.
Everyone who has an interest in mental health or substance misuse issues should consider becoming a member of the new Foundation Trust - it will cost you nothing and it’s up to you how much you want to get involved.
To become a member or for more information on membership and the Trust’s proposals to become an NHS Foundation Trust:
Visit www.nemhpt.nhs.uk
Call 0800 169 1625
Email foundationtrust@nemhpt.nhs.uk.
Invite us to come along to speak to a group.
Take part in a formal consultation on the proposals which runs from 27 February to 19 May - we can send you a copy of the consultation document and details of consultation events. I look forward to hearing from you
Carol Edward
Project Director - Foundation Trust
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Travel News
Bus Passenger News
If you would like to receive Bus Passenger News, please telephone 0845 7430 430 or for an electronic version email travelwise@essexcc.gov.uk.Carshare in Essex
If you have to travel by car, why not cut your costs and help to reduce congestion. Log on to www.essexcarshare.com to see your choices. For further details of car sharing contact the Essex County Council Travel Plan Team on 0845 7430 430 or email travelplanteam@essexcc.gov.ukSocial Car Scheme
Open to any resident within the district of Epping Forest who meets the membership criteria and who cannot access public transport. For up to date fare charges and advice, please phone 01992 564040Minibus Scheme
Available for local not-for-profit organisations to enable their members to attend social clubs and go on group trips. A group membership fee is applicable. For help and advice on costs, please contact us on 01992 564040. Operating times: Bookings Monday - Friday 09.30 - 12.30 Office Hours Monday - Friday 09.30 - 15.30 Social Car Scheme and Minibus Scheme operate subject to a driver and vehicle being available.Timetable Information
Full timetable information can be found in the West and North West Essex Bus and Train Timetable Book, available from Tourist Information Centres and all good newsagents for just £1.Essex Public Transport Map
Essex County Council also produces a free Essex Public Transport Map and Sunday Travel Guide. Please call 0845 7430 430 or email travelwise@essexcc.gov.uk for your copy. For timetable advice for bus, coach and train services locally and all over Great Britain call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 from 07.00 to 22.00 daily.www.traveline.org.uk
www.harlowride.co.uk/connectionsmain.html
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RECYCLING
Wheelie Bins
Sheering’s bins are due to be delivered in mid August with the first collection being
approximately three weeks after the delivery date.
The wheeled bins have a capacity of 180 litres equivalent to about 3 or 4 black sacks
(residents in special circumstances can apply for a larger or smaller bin).
Special Collection and Large Item Disposal
South Herts Waste Management operates a special collection service for bulky household
items such as beds, chairs, suites, fridges, washing machines, etc.
All metals collected (eg washing machines, cookers, tumble dryers, etc) are recycled. Fridges are now classified as hazardous waste and are handled, treated and disposed of accordingly.
Residents can arrange collections and make payments directly with South Herts Waste Management by calling the following number: Freephone 0800 781 9676 There is a charge for this service.
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RESULTS Education
RESULTS is an international charity working to generate the public and political
will to end hunger and poverty. We do this by ensuring that promises made by our
government, and other powerful and influential governments are kept.
In the year 2000 a set of pledges were made to help our world’s poorest people. These pledges are called the ‘Millennium Development Goals’ The goals are to:
Through small-scale, grassroots methods we can and do make a difference to help ensure these governments keep to their word.
RESULTS is different because it empowers ordinary citizens to take action. We encourage our members to get to grips with the root causes of poverty, write and speak to politicians and international lending institutions, and generate media coverage of the developing world and initiatives that will make the world a fairer, safer and more just place for its poorest people. Guidance and training is given to help all members take part in this action.
I am writing this article in order to invite more members to our local group meetings and to join us in taking action. Please give a little of your time each month to help make sure that governments keep to their promises and that the Millennium Development Goals are achieved.
Donations are also welcome. Each pound donated helps to raise thousands of pounds which will then help RESULTS work to implement political development. I will be doing the Rotary Club sponsored abseil down Church Langley Water Tower on 30th April (See page 9) to raise money for RESULTS and will be extremely grateful for any sponsorship. Please contact me on the number below.
We meet locally on the first Tuesday of every month. Please contact me for more information about our work or to join us at our next meeting.
Rachel Ainsworth
01279 734333 or 07793 537163
rachelainsworth@hotmail.co.uk
“RESULTS provides people with the technology to take action in their everyday lives towards eliminating hunger and poverty in the developing world. The vision is simple but the message is powerful.” RESULTS Activist, Poole Group. RESULTS Education:
01926 435430
www.results-uk.org
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Sheering School
World Book Day
We believe strongly at Sheering School that reading is the key to independent study. Celebrating World Book Day helps to stimulate a love of books and literature in general. Dressing up as a character from a book adds an extra dimension and helps children to understand and think themselves into the character of a book. Some of our pupils dressed up as characters from modern books, such as Harry Potter; others chose traditional stories, such as Snow White or classic books, such as “The Wizard of Oz.” All the pupils were encouraged to bring the book into school to share with others. Pupils in all four classes were given the opportunity to write a poem during World Book Day, often writing about the characters from their books. Here are some examples from our Class Two pupils.
I am Benny the Builder. Today I came to school in my van. I can mend anything you have to mend At home, as quickly as I can. I am a good builder. Bailey Mead: Age 6 My dragon makes me happy, When he comes to play with me. We run and drink juice all day And laugh and laugh – hee! hee! Bradley Sweeney: Age 5 Today I am Woody. I hope there are smarties. All yummy and scrummy, Filling my tummy. Callum Pennell: Age 5.Our youngest pupils in Class One have been listening to the traditional story of Jack and the Beanstalk. In groups they wrote acrostic poems about a giant.
Grumpy, lumpy giant. I think you’re scary, And very greedy. Naughty giant. Teeth are black. Chloe, Abbey, William, Harvey and Dylan. Gigantic giant. I’m surprised. Angry. Naughty. Teeth can crunch. Danny, Rebecca, Louis, Daniel, Thomas and Harry. Greedy Giant. Incredibly nasty. Angry. Not happy. Tired of chasing Jack. Torin, Samuel, Erim, Lewis and Millie.Pupils from Class Three also wrote acrostic poems about characters from books:
Hobbit, hobbit stole a goblin’s dagger in
Murk Wood. Spiders called it sting.
Oh Hobbit. Gandalf thinks he is a hero.
Bilbo Baggins, the only hobbit in the story.
Bilbo, with his ring of power, finds Gandalf
and meets him again with surprise.
It is Gollum, the monster fool, who is wise.
The dragon Smorg never wants to drop his
treasure.
Paul Uncle: Age 7
Beth Twiddle is at the gym,
Exciting the crowds as she leaps.
Teaching the young how they too can win.
Her pupils may fall and land in heaps.
The crowd is cheering, when she leaps.
When she lands, the mat is safe.
Interesting leaps as she pounds.
Diving into a roll with a lot of grace.
Diving into a cartwheel with a lot of pace.
Love to be a winner.
Enjoying it all the time.
Mary Devine: Age 8
Scarecrow in the field, trying to scare the
crows.
Crows pecking at her, making little holes.
Air is waving the scarecrow around.
Ripping her clothes away.
Rnter the field? No one enters.
Elouds nowhere in sight. Sun always shining.
Cobins flying around, looking what the crows
R are doing.
Over the hedges he can see crows sitting on
the trees.
Wind just swaying the scarecrow around.
Laura Tuck: Age 8
Our oldest pupils wrote “list” poems, based on a poem, which the teacher read
to the class, entitled “ Ten Things Found in a Magician’s Pocket.
Ten things found in a gardener’s van Rough hands from all weathers. A wheelbarrow to carry heavy loads. A watering can to help things grow. A spade to dig in the sweet-smelling earth. Flowers to make things appealing. A jerkin to keep you warm. Strong arms to push and pull. Concrete slabs to make a path. A rake to sweep the leaves. A chainsaw to chop dead trees. Claire Leadbeatter: Age 10 Ten things found in a referee’s pocket A yellow card to warn someone. A red card to send them off. A whistle to stop the match. An offside flag to keep to the rule. A pair of shin pads to protect your legs. A pencil to mark the score. A book to mark all the people with a yellow card. A spare boot, if someone has lost one. A pack of spare goalie gloves. A pair of speedy legs to run up the field. George Bonney: Age 9 Eight things found in a hippie’s pocket A flower from the outside world. Relaxing Eighties Music to meditate to. Jazzy high-heeled shoes to boogie in. Flared trousers to fit into the fashion. A spare pair of sparkly star sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun. A soft blanket to lie on. A lava lamp to get you into the mood. Joss sticks to slowly wave through the atmosphere. Emily Edwards: Age 10I hope that you have enjoyed reading the poems, as much as the children enjoyed writing them!
Philip Hays
Headteacher
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The Rector Writes
Our country is, rightly, a place where all have freedom to talk, think and act within the law. Precious freedom indeed when we consider some other places in the world. Recently all the major religions agreed that their faith schools would teach all the other main faiths to their pupils with the hope that better understanding would bring even better relationships between people of differing faiths and backgrounds. We can only applaud every effort made to improve relationships between the many diverse groupings which make up our complex society. We are rightly the envy of much of the world in this respect.However, we are still a basically Christian ethos country. The vast majority still count themselves as Christian in surveys and when they are admitted to hospital! So it is right and proper that the great Christian Festivals should be observed and understood. Christmas is special and so is Easter, which this year is in the middle of April.
What do we celebrate? Christians believe that Jesus lived and did wonderful things in 1st century Palestine. We believe that he died on what we now call “Good Friday” and in so doing wonderfully opened the way for all of us to know God personally. We also believe that three days later on what we now call “Easter Day” the tomb in which they had buried him was empty and He was alive again. The resurrected Jesus was seen by numerous people, eating with them and talking with them for a spell of forty days before finally leaving (on what we now call “Ascension Day”). We contend that these facts of history make Christianity unique and very special. We celebrate Easter as the heart of our faith and invite everyone to stop to consider what they make of this Jesus of history.
I hope that we won’t just enjoy the Bank Holidays and extra time off work but also think seriously about why we are celebrating Easter at all. I invite you to join us at St. Mary’s to do just that.
Yours sincerely
Tim Potter
PS: Our Easter Services will be:
Do come and join us to celebrate this most important weekend for Christians.
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Deadline
for next printed copy of Sheering News is:
1st July 2006.
Publication date for next issue is: 1st August 2006.
Sheering News Editorial Team:
Ron Ainsworth (Editor): 734333.
Linda Ainsworth: 734333.
Barbara Barker: 734354.
Sheila Caves: 725578.
Sheila King: 831971.
Valerie Monk: 832502.