1 Stebbing Scene Your Village — Your Magazine www.stebbingscene.uk Edition No: 149 Spring 2019
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Stebbing Scene
Your Village — Your Magazine www.stebbingscene.uk
Edition No: 149 Spring 2019
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THE BRIDGE
Most Stebbing residents will be aware of the plan to replace the road bridge over the
stream at Church End Stebbing, owing to deterioration of the brick work on one side.
It does not appear to be dangerous, otherwise a weight limit would have been issued.
Essex County Council hoped to
do these works over this summer
and autumn, but it appears both
they and Uttlesford District
Council failed to carry out their
legal obligations to inform the
landowners and local
community in a Conservation
Area. This project will now
probably not take place until the
summer of 2020.
In order to facilitate this new
bridge it has been proposed that
six major trees, some with Tree
Preservation Orders, (a major
wildlife habitat, representing
some 300 years of growth) will be
felled, totally changing the
landscape at Church End.
The reason this is apparently necessary is that the current roadway is to be removed to
a depth of 3.5m to enable a base of 11x9m to be laid to provide a new 1msq culvert
under the road. Removing the trees will facilitate the access of machinery into the
area. All this will mean that the current stream and drainage will need diverting
somehow. The services (gas, electricity, water, sewage, telephone) will have to be
redirected. In order to accomplish this, the road will need to be closed for four
months to both motor and pedestrian access. It has yet to be decided how to
maintain pedestrian access from one end of the village to the other.
An Ecological Survey has been carried out but no information regarding its remit is
known. A request for this Survey has been made and is awaited. No Environmental
Audit has been seen either. A request has been made for detailed paper plans of the
intended works and a schedule. Advice is being sought from a planning consultant
and also a civil engineer with major road construction experience.
It is hoped that updates on the progress or otherwise of this project will be available
through Stebbing Scene and the Next-Door Neighbour Website.
StephenBazlinton
The front cover is an illustration by Tory Roberts, who pays homage to the trees on page 5 - Ed
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Editorial
I decided to write an editorial this time, partly to
remove my usual little introduction from the front page
so Tory Roberts’ illustration could have the space it
deserved - but mainly because these are important
times for our village and there are important choices
to be made.
Stephen Bazlinton’s piece (opposite) shows us that,
yet again, Uttlesford’s planners have proved
themselves unequal to the task by their cavalier agreement to the large scale removal
of trees in a conservation area, in apparent ignorance of their responsibilities. Just a
few years ago they were similarly in error when agreeing to planning permission for five
dwellings in Bran End, despite these being outside permitted development limits. The
local residents have lost forever their view across the valley, carved out by Stebbing
Brook, and we just have to hope that we can avoid the similar loss of character that
would arise from the wholesale destruction of mature trees in Church End.
The affection Stebbing’s people have for our village is plain for all to see in this
magazine. Tory’s front page and her piece on page 5 describes the reasons for her
family’s decision to settle here. It is mirrored by the affection for our surroundings
shown by Zoe Panting on pages 35/7, and in the delightful photographs she has
allowed me to include in this and in past issues. Similarly we have Stephen’s willingness
to go into battle to try to ensure that, whatever decisions are made about the work on
the bridge and culvert at Church End, they will be informed in relation to the need to
minimise the ecological and aesthetic damage done. And then of course there are
the growing number of people who are willing to pick up litter (page 25) and repair
infrastructure such as the footbridges on our local footpaths (page 27).
It is sad these efforts will count for little if we continue to vote for an administration in
Uttlesford which is eager to build new towns on much of the arable land that stretches
between Braintree and Stansted Airport. Their proposed Local Plan is a disaster for
Stebbing and the two councillors we have voted in to represent us have been
contemptuous of our concerns. We need Uttlesford to change, to show more care
for its environment and to listen to the wishes of its population. We need to make sure
that in May’s local election we vote for people who value our village and the local
environment as much as we do.
It is not for the Editor of Stebbing Scene to tell you how you should vote, and we do
not yet know all who are standing for election in May, but if you value the things that
most of us say we value about life in Stebbing, please ensure you are as informed as
possible about the views and promises of the candidates and let’s see if we can do
better next time!
Richard Foot
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The Trees
Garden cities, mass rapid transport systems, airport
expansion, Brexit, our next humiliation at the Eurovision Song
Contest. There is a lot on the horizon to disturb the
equilibrium of even the most zen of tight-rope walkers. It’s
almost irresistible to want to ignore it all, hunker down until
Spring.
And yet, like the great crested newts behind Garden Fields
before them, the trees at Church End culvert now are
under threat and we shouldn’t just stand by and shrug.
Some may, and indeed have, suggested that we have complained about this
curiously damaged section of road for years - and now we moan about its imminent
repair too. There’s no pleasing some people!
I would argue however, in the words of the inimitable Lorax, that we must ‘speak for
the trees, as the trees have no tongue’.
We all have a duty of care to the natural world, but even more so when we have
chosen to make the countryside our home. Who else should better defend it?
Stebbing is not just a cluster of crooked (and newer, slightly less crooked) houses strung
out along sinewy lanes. It is, and is of, the topography it sits within. Those that have
been involved in the preparation of the Local plan and commissioned the landscape
assessments know that better than I. Every swell or dip of the valley, the pockets of
woodland and the streams, the vistas from within and without, define the village. Strip
all that away and Stebbing would be someplace else, and undoubtedly something
less special, entirely.
So back to the trees. Not one or two, but possibly all, are earmarked to be felled to
allow reconstruction and widening of the road over the culvert. These trees, their
cathedral-like architecture, buttresses and branches weaving together towards the
sky and wrapping the cottages below in an arboreal embrace, they frame the scene,
welcoming you as you make your approach on to the high street from the monument.
Indeed it was this view that impressed itself upon me when visiting Stebbing for the
very first time with a view to living here, before falling in love with what became our
home.
If we allow the trees to go, without question, without a ‘fight’, decades of growth that
cannot be replaced in our lifetimes, conservation protections proven to count for
nothing, what else of value will we allow to be lost? I retain some hope that common
sense and creativity can still prevail over the forces of box ticking and regulation in
reaching a solution.
I am sure we would all be happy to wave goodbye to the orange, plastic eyesores
and the changeable traffic priority signage. But less so, to the trees.
Tory Roberts
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The Adult Scarecrow Winner The Big Cheese
INVITATION TO ALL LADIES Stebbing Ladies group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month in
the village Hall. We open at 7.30pm and start at 8.00pm. Our aim is
to provide a varied and entertaining programme throughout the
year. It’s a good opportunity to meet up with old friends and make
new ones. Everyone is welcome.
Jan 23rd We have an entertaining talk on the history of Saucy Seaside Postcards.
Feb 27th Chris Beaven, whom most of you will know, is to give a talk on his vast
collection of cork screws, which knowing Chris, will be very amusing. An evening not
to be missed.
March 27th Naturals, from Dunmow, are returning to give us an insight into their various
beauty and nail treatments. A very popular evening when they last came to our
meeting.
April 24th Mike Perry is giving a talk on the history of photography. - should be very
interesting.
For more information on any of the above please contact:
Val Stokes on 01371 856882 [email protected] or
Gina Going on 01371 855943 [email protected]
10am to 2pm
Millennium Village
Hall, Piccotts Lane,
Great Saling,
CM7 5DW
Salings Plant Sale
Bank Holiday Monday 6th May
• Come and join us for a pleasant morning and early
afternoon at our annual Plant Sale
• Plants, shrubs and trees from North End Nurseries,
plus some real bargains on tomato plants and
bedding plants grown locally
• Stalls inside with local produce and arts and crafts
• Breakfast buns with bacon and a cuppa on offer….
• Plus lots of cakes for those not watching their weight
• Plus some classic cars (do bring yours along!)
• Hear about progress on our Neighbourhood Plan
• All profits to the upkeep of our two historic churches
St James Great Saling, St Peter & St Paul Bardfield
Saling
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A Message From Our Vicar
Dear Friends,
I saw an article online today about some
archaeologists who found a flint arrowhead
embedded in a mammoth bone, thus proving early
humans hunted the animals. Those hunters certainly
left their mark on history!
Our politicians are doing the same thing – as I write this
letter, the House of Commons is debating a motion of
no confidence in the Prime Minister following the heavy
defeat for the Brexit deal yesterday. Who knows where
we’ll be by the time you read this, but some politicians
will have cemented their place in history by then.
And how will you leave your mark? This year the Church of England is undertaking one
of our regular electoral roll ‘resets’. We review the roll annually, but every 6 years it is
wiped clean and everyone has to reapply. This gives us the opportunity to reflect
upon what it means to be a Christian, to be a church member, in our villages today.
Some of that is to do with how we worship together on Sundays, and some of it is to do
with our private devotions and spiritual life, but a major part of it is to do with how we
bring God’s love to those in need (and those in plenty). I often take time to read the
epitaphs of our forebears on the memorials in our churches, as they often speak of the
Christian love and character of the person commemorated, because of the impact
they had on their community.
I do not necessarily think we should all aspire to be memorialised like that, but it would
be good to look back in 25 years and remember a kindness or a campaign, or a
special gift that someone gave us and for our community. When we remember these,
we are also therefore remembering God’s love, for in such small ways it spreads
throughout the world.
With best wishes,
Tim
Stebbing Fete - Sunday 15th September! We have bought the date forward as the Dunmow Carnival is due to be held
on the 22 September. In previous years we would have held the Fete on the
following Sunday, 29 Sept, however, after last years rain-off, the Committee
decided to go for the earlier date and hopefully reduce the risk of bad
weather. Peter Merrifield
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Essex County Council
Stebbing Primary School Stebbing Dunmow Essex CM6 3SH
Headteacher Miss Lucy Mawson
Telephone 01371 856260
Fax 01371 856091
Web: www.stebbingprimary.co.uk
email: [email protected] [email protected]
COMMUNITY MONTH NEWS:
March is always a busy month in school as we aim to take part in lots of different tasks
and activities. Here is a snapshot of the events that will be taking place during our
Community Month:
-Visiting theatre group and performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
-Litter pick around the village
-Visit to the local park
-Helping at Little Harts group
-Muffins for Mum
-Careers fayre for our year 5 pupils
-Dance workshop day
We would also like to invite all villagers and parents to come and read with the
children. Please see the little poster below for more information.
Come and share a book for our BIG READ on:
Friday 15th March at 2.30pm
Please contact the school office on: 01371 856260
if you would like to attend.
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Finally, I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our committed volunteers. We are
incredibly fortunate that we have many villagers who give freely of their time every
week to come and support in school. Usually this is listening to the children read in
class and is a bonus extra read with an adult. The children are always so keen to read
with our volunteers and get excited by their visits.
Thank you so much.
Miss Mawson, Headteacher
Great British Spring Clean 2019
22 March - 23 April 2019
Help us make history
and make the Great British Spring Clean 2019 the country’s
biggest ever, mass-action environmental campaign.
We want to inspire 500,000 people to join forces to clear litter, including single-use
plastic, from our streets, parks and beaches, recycling as much as possible.
If you want to help with parts of Stebbing, please let Cllr Judith Farr know:
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Stebbing Village Stores - New Volunteers
We are Joy and Loftus Buhagiar and the newest volunteers at the shop. Having lived
in Stebbing (Garden Fields) for the last 35 years, we thought it was overdue that we
contribute to actual village life, having only served in the cricket team for the first three
to fours years on moving here.
Joy retired from teaching four
years ago, after 38 years in the
business, and Loftus from
construction after a 40 year stint.
Both of us thought long and hard
about what we should do as a
contribution and the shop
seemed like the sensible way
forward - where we could both
do something together.
Julie Gray signed us up and put
us through a training programme
to experience all four shifts, so
we have probably met you
through these sessions, if we
didn’t already know you. So far
we have been thoroughly
impressed by the friendliness
(and patience) of the customers
whilst we’ve been training and
we volunteered for our first real gig at the Stebbing School Fete (see us in the picture
above).
Retail is completely new to both of us, but it’s a great experience and we are
thoroughly enjoying it. There are many opportunities for volunteers to help out both in
the shop and the kitchen - and at times and days to suit the individual. So what are
you waiting for? See you in the shop soon.
Joy and Loftus at the Stebbing School Fete 7th December 2018
PCI COMPLIANCE
If you are an expert and could offer help with some
of our checklist questions, please contact:
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ELIZABETHAN WILLS 1558-1603
Thanks as always to the Stebbing Local History Society for this piece from their archives
The Essex Record Office has published abstracts from Essex wills
proved during the reign of Elizabeth 1. The Society has extracted
those written by Stebbing people and from other towns and villages
that refer to Stebbing. Fifty Seven were written by residents of
Stebbing and a further twenty-one mention people or lands in the
parish. They vary considerably in length, as do the type of bequests
that are made. Some of the testators donate money to the poor,
often stating that the money shall be distributed at their funeral. This of course helped
to ensure a good send off for the deceased. A few attempt to set up perpetual
charities, but most were not successful. Others were concerned for the moral
wellbeing of the poor, and so funded religious education or the activities of a priest.
Until 1858 all wills were proved by the Church and most of the Stebbing wills were
proved either by the local Commissary Court or by the court of the Archdeaconery of
Middlesex. In the main these were the wills of the ‘middling sort,’ as the poor had
nothing or little to leave to their heirs. Professions or occupations are not always given,
although it can sometimes be inferred by the contents; fields and crofts are often
named. Frequently under age children are named, indicating the testator had a
young family, reminding us that death in Elizabethan times was not something that just
happened to the elderly. A common theme is the importance they attach to what
we would regard as everyday items, e.g beds, linen, clothes and kitchen utensils.
The example of a will below gives a flavour of these historic documents.
William COOKE of Stebbing 20 Nov. 1581
To the poor people 20s. To Margaret my wife for life a standing
bedstead and a trondle bedstead in a good manner as she
brought them to me. To her a brass pot, 2 kettles, a posnet, a
brass goblet, a fire shovel, a pair of tongs, a chafing dish, a
scrummer, a spit, a dripping pan, a frying pan, 1 brown chest
in the chamber above the parlour, 3 pewter chargers, 3 lesser
pewter platters, 2 saucers, a salt, 3 porringers, 6 pewter spoons,
4 pairs of sheets at her own choice saving the bearing sheet, 2
tablecloths, 6 napkins, 4 pillowberes, a pair of trammels, a pot of hooks, all her
apparel, 3 cushions at her choice, 5 lb of linen yarn and a bowl; and 3 load of wood
and 6lb of hops yearly for life, the wood to be provided by my exors and laid in the
yard of the mansion [i.e. dwelling] house of Mertons [Martins Hall Bran End] for her use
to be burned therein and not elsewhere; also 2 candlesticks, 3 little back chairs, a
chest and a keeler, which she brought with her, a flax wheel, 1 horse of her choice, a
side saddle, 3 barrels, a tub to yele, a tub to mash in, and a cupboard as is now
standing in the hall, 4 bushels of wheat, 6 cheeses, 1 of great pots of butter, a flitch of
(Continued on page 15)
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(Continued from page 13)
bacon of the best, a square joined table and a fair joined chest with 4 joined stools.
To Elizabeth, Barbara, Margaret and Susan my daughters my lands and tenements
free and copy in Stebbing parcels of the manors of South Hall and Porters Hall to hold
according to the custom of the manors, on condition that they pay my wife yearly £8.
To her for her life the upper chamber with the chimney with free passage to go and
come at all seasons. To Nathan son of John MARYON 6s 8d. Sarah daughter of
George COOKE 40s. Within two years after my decease, Thomas Seward my sister’s
son 1 lamb, and Alice SAWERD my sister 2 bushels of wheat. I make my 4 daughters
ex’rices; to them the rest of my goods equally. I make Richard BARNERD of Lindsell
and John CUTTINGE of Stebbing overseers.
Wit. William BRYDE [BRYLE?], John SAVELL, Richard GARRAD, James COOTE Pr. 15 Jan. 1582/3
A very informative will, the list of kitchen implements giving a good picture of how an
Elizabethan kitchen worked. He lived in Martins Hall, Bran End, and seems not have
any sons but four daughters. This was a family that was reasonably well off, probably a
Yeoman farmer, his plate and spoons are pewter, the aristocracy would have used
silver. The references to hops and wheat suggests that farming provided part of his
income. His wife was given the upper chamber with the chimney, (fireplace). The
hops that are to be provided would be to enable the brewing of beer, normally this
would be a ‘small beer’, quite weak and used as an alternative to water. The
reference to the Manor of South Hall is not understood; it may refer to a manor in a
neighbouring parish, or it maybe a mis-transcription.
Glossary of Terms from Elizabethan Wills
Bearing Sheet - Christening Robe
Chafing dish - Dish for heating liquids
Keeler - Shallow vessel
Pillowberes - Pillowcases
Porringers - Bowl for porridge or soup
Posnet - Three legged metal pot with handle
Scrummer - Not known
Trammels - Devices to hang pots over Fires
Trondle/Truckle/ - A moveable bed stored under another bed or other furniture
A tub to yele - Brewing vessels / a tub to mash in.
2019 meeting dates for Stebbing Local History Society:
April 8th Rural Essex in Victorian/Edwardian Times Peter Lazell
June 10th Henry V111 and Great Dunmow Kate Cole
Sept 9th History of Courtaulds Braintree Claire Willetts
Nov 11th Stebbing in 1517 Graham Jolliffe
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Farleigh Hospice launches new Hospice Outreach Project
Farleigh Hospice is proud to launch the Hospice Outreach Project (HOP) vehicle,
designed to deliver hospice care directly to the community. This new bespoke vehicle
will provide accessible information and support to people who are ill, bereaved, or
worried about someone who is.
The HOP will serve a community of 377,000, including Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon,
South Woodham Ferrers, Witham and the surrounding villages.
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst attended the launch and
said,
“I am delighted to be able to join you all for this very special occasion to officially
launch the new Farleigh Hospice Outreach Project vehicle, affectionately known as
the HOP. The information team of specially trained staff and volunteers will provide
much needed information and support for people who have a life-limiting illness,
listening to their concerns and worries and sharing information about Farleigh Hospice
and other services available to them. This service is also offered to support families,
carers and people who are bereaved. The team work closely with other national and
local charities and Broomfield Hospital to ensure information is up to date, relevant
and easily accessible.”
Farleigh’s previous outreach vehicle had to be retired due to mechanical and
bodywork failures in 2016. However for over 10 years the HOP was an instrumental part
of the community, supporting over 50,000 people. It was therefore vital for the hospice
to raise much needed funds to reinstate this essential community service. Over the
past three years the hospice has been working tirelessly with foundations and local
businesses to raise a staggering £95,600. Farleigh Hospice would therefore like to take
this opportunity to thank the following funders:
• The QBE Foundation
• Albert Hunt Foundation
• The ACT Foundation
• Fowler Smith Jones (FSJ)
Trust
• The Inman Foundation
• The R U B White Charitable
Trust
• Colchester Catalyst
Charity
• Order of Secret Monitor
Freemasons
• Birketts Race for Business
sponsored by Birkett’s
solicitors
The HOP vehicle will be visiting communities across mid Essex. To find out more visit
www.farleighhospice.org
Michelle Martin, Communications, PR and Marketing Assistant, Farleigh Hospice
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Stebbing Garden Club News
Our Club got off to a flying start in January with a thoroughly enjoyable illustrated talk,
and demonstration of willow-weaving, by Deb Hart. The event was deservedly
popular with our members and attracted a number of visitors from nearby villages.
We are pleased to announce that, at our next meeting on the 25th March, Stuart
Elsom, Ecological Consultant, tour leader and lecturer, will be giving us the benefit of
his expertise when he speaks to us about ‘Birds, Bats and Beasties In Our Gardens’.
Don’t miss this opportunity to put all your wildlife questions to our highly qualified
expert.
Our two other unmissable evening talks are the 15th April, when Dr Gill Regan, who
opens her garden in Kent for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), speaks to us on “A
Woodland Garden through the Year” and the 20th May, when Christina Lavelle
(Writtle University College) talks about the very pertinent subject of “The Dry Garden”.
All are welcome at our evening events, 7.30 for 8.00pm in Stebbing Village Hall.
Our first outing this year will be on 11th May to ‘Dragons’, an NGS garden opening
especially for us (members only, so why not join?). Our main outing, on the 7th July, is
to Eltham Palace and Gardens, near Greenwich, and is open to all. Our visit
combines access to one of English Heritage’s flagship properties, set amid stunning
gardens. Enquiries and/or expressions of interest to:
Margaret Rufus, Tel: 856122 Email: [email protected]
Village Summer Basket or Container Competition
As a departure from the formality of our flower shows, we have
decided to run a ‘just-for-fun’ hanging basket or container
competition this summer – an event that should be enjoyable
to take part in and bring a bit of colour to Stebbing. If you
fancy having a go - read on.
To ensure our competition is fair, the following apply:
• entries can be for a single hanging basket or a single
container of any type, such as a trough, window box, pot,
tub, or something a bit more quirky - the choice is yours
• needless to say, planting up the basket or container must
be all your own work
• the competition is open to residents of Stebbing but is
limited to one entry (either a hanging basket or a
container) per household
• plants used must have been in your possession for at least
four weeks prior to judging (unless you've raised them
yourself in less time)
(Continued on page 21)
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(Continued from page 19)
Judging will take place between Monday 24th June and Sunday 7th July 2019 and
the last date for entries is the 17th June. Our judges will be looking for:
• the quality, health, vigour and appropriateness of planting
• the initial impact of colours and/or textures and
• overall impression - including appearance, balance and symmetry of display
First, second and third place winners of each category will each receive a medal.
Please place your entry in the front garden for the
period of judging. If there is more than one
container or basket on display, please mark the one
you would prefer us to look at. If your property
fronts directly onto the pavement and you wish to
enter the competition, six spaces for display will be
available in front of Friends Meeting House, on a
strictly first come first serve basis.
To enter, please complete the tear-off slip below
with your name, address and place in the box
provided in Stebbing Village Stores, with an entry
fee of £1.
If you have any queries or want further advice,
please contact:
Joan on 856041 or Angie on 856464.
For tips, look online at the RHS, T&M, 'Britain in Bloom'
websites or Youtube.
Margaret Rufus 856122
If you prefer to keep your copy of the Scene unmutilated, additional copies of this form are available in the
Village Stores -Ed
COMPETITION ENTRY FORM
Please complete this tear-off slip, with your name and address and place it in the box in
Stebbing Village Stores with your £1 entry fee. Last date of entry, 17th June.
Contact details obtained will be destroyed after the competition has been completed.
Name
Address
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Keith Chittenden
26 March 1934 – 12 January 2019
Keith and his wife Sylvia lived in Red Lion House from
1982 -2004 when they moved to Gloucestershire to
enjoy retirement and time with their family.
Having left Imperial College, London with B.Sc
Electrical Engineering, Keith joined Marconi (then
Elliott Bros) and spent a career spanning forty years in
the development of radars for the defence industry.
He received the Queen’s Award for Technology
Export in 1979 and a Medal of Honour from King
Hussain of Jordan for work on Jordan’s airport in the
1980s. He also lectured regularly at Keele University
during the 1980s.
Keith and Sylvia were greatly involved in Stebbing life. He served on the Parish Council
for many years and captained the White Hart Quiz Team as well as being a regular
client with a close band of friends. His generosity in offering Red Lion House and its
garden for use by village societies, Stebbing Elizabethan Fayre and for many events,
was legendary. When a visiting choir from Soviet ruled Estonia, complete with KGB
Minders, joined a BBQ at Red Lion House, Keith spontaneously engineered a system of
plying the Minders with alcohol whilst choir members were spirited away to phone long
lost relatives all over the world and with whom they were denied contact at home.
Keith died peacefully on 12 January and laid to rest in the churchyard at
Minchinhampton where he had served and worshipped.
Jackie Kingdom
February Wedding
On 2nd February, Nienke
Weishaupt and James Ramm of
Williams Farm, Stebbing, ‘tied the
knot’ at St Mary’s Church,
Stebbing.
In this photograph of the happy
couple, they are accompanied
by their son, Tomas.
JK
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English Tuition
Julie Bull B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. E.L.S., C.R.B. checked
I am a highly experienced English
tutor living in Stebbing, offering
tuition to help to develop
confidence in the subject and to
prepare for exams, including
common entrance, 11+, GCSE and
A Levels.
Please contact
Email: [email protected]
Telephone
07890 540059 or 01371 856 768
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Focus on Litter
We have been increasingly disappointed in the growing amount of litter discarded by
motorists, cyclists and walkers in our village. As a result we have decided to adopt a
section of road from Lashley Drive to Lubberhedges Lane in Duck End where we live ,
for us to keep clear.
This entails two to three hours a month with
bags and litter pickers. Our first month
produced six full black plastic bags of litter,
ranging from vodka, wine and Scotch
bottles, numerous beer, cider, coke and
red bull cans, along with many cigarette
packs, McDonalds cartons and general
litter .
We are pleased with our small contribution
to keeping our village the beautiful place
to live that it is, and would welcome
others to join us and adopt their own
stretch of road.
Pete and Liz Stabler, Duck End Wombles
Have you lost a Fiver?
A leaden January sky split to reveal a watery
sun as four buzzards circled mewing above
the winding road from Church End to Throes
Corner, as five bags of rubbish were
collected from the roadside.
Just the usual cast offs, sweet wrappers,
bottles, fag packets, coffee cups, cans, fast
food wrappings etc. Stuff folk would not
litter their front rooms with but care not about
our plastic oppressed environment. Oh for
the wings of a buzzard to rise above the
trash!
But wait what is that green flash of paper
screwed up with a check list note of a fruit
wholesaler? A fiver! If you’ve lost one as
you chucked the rubbish out of your car
window and would like it back, how about
showing evidence of loss to the Parish
Council who will be delighted to return your ill lost cash!
Stephen Bazlinton
Only 100 yards of road to retrieve this two sackfuls!
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Stebbing Over Sixties Stebbing Over Sixties meet every third Wednesday of the month except August, either
in the Village Hall (VH) or The Friends Meeting House (FMH) at 2pm, when we either
have a speaker or an entertainment followed by an excellent tea and a raffle. We
also aim to go on two half day outings a year and one full day at the seaside.
Our programme for the year is as follows:
March 20th (FMH) AGM followed by Tea
April 17th Outing to the Suffolk Punch Trust, leaving at 11.30 am
May 15th (FMH) Talk by Lee Acres, Metropolitan Police Forensic Officer
June 19th Visit to Cherry Lane, leaving at 1pm.
July 17th (VH) Strawberry Tea.
September 18th Outing to Frinton, leaving at 10am
October 16th (VH) Harvest Lunch 1 for 1.30pm
November 20th (FMH) Dunmow Wind Band
December 11th (VH) Christmas Lunch 12.30 for 1pm
If you would like to join us do come along, you will be very welcome. If you need
transport or further information:
ring Doreen on 856408 or Eve on 856293.
A ‘Thank You’ to the Footpath Team!
Brian Martin has gathered a small
band of willing assistants to help
with keeping footpaths clear and
they are working with Essex County
to repair bridges and stiles. In the
last few weeks they have replaced
the dangerous old bridge at the far
end of the copse on footpath 46,
towards Holts Farm. A hole in the
bridge beneath crumbling steps
had made the crossing quite
dangerous (The Editor slid down the
steps and nearly went through the
hole only two months ago!).
The robust new replacement bridge and steps should last for years. Thanks to all
involved! If you’d like to help in future then give Brian a call on 856664.
RF
28
29
Lawn Ad
30
31
Hatfield Forest Spring is approaching and excitement is mounting at Hatfield Forest, where a Tawny
Owl has again been spotted roosting in a veteran tree. The Forest has a number of
nest boxes, but this owl seems to prefer the natural habitat. Henry Bexley, Operations
Manager, said, "The owl is in a prime place to be able to capitalise on every element
which make up a Tawny's diet - small mammals, rodents, small birds, frogs, insects,
worms and even fish at times."
There are also reports of Red Kites and Ravens overflying the Forest, and the possible
sighting of a Goshawk around the area. Finding a spot to watch wildlife is a wonderful
way to enjoy the Forest. We ask that you please give the creatures space to live,
undisturbed by us. Please do take photographs, sketch and paint from a distance,
but keep to hard-standing paths and away from waterlogged areas. It is important
dogs are kept on leads in the lake and boardwalk areas, around our livestock and
wildlife, and are kept under close control in the wider Forest.
There are many ways to explore Hatfield Forest. We have events during the spring and
summer, including photographic workshops, a Forest Bake-off and the opportunity to
build a bee hotel. For details see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest/whats-on.
It is not just wildlife that is flourishing now. The Forest is showing signs of new growth,
with catkins on Hazel trees, sticky buds on the Horse Chestnuts and Dogs Mercury
carpeting our ancient woodland.
Helen Hooker and Elizabeth Reeve, Visitor Welcome Team, Hatfield Forest
32
Stebbing in Winter
Thanks for photographs: Zoe Panting (above/below) and Suzanne Gates above opposite
33
Valentines Quiz Night at the White Heart
Stebbing’s favourite quizmaster,
Dick Hughes, provided another
highly entertaining evening of
quirky quizzing, for the quick
witted and light heartedly
quarrelsome quaffers, in the
White Hart on the 13th February.
The clever-clogs on this
occasion were the Webbing
Stalkers (in photo). As we go to
print, Dick is still waiting to hear
from Essex Air Ambulance how
much was collected - but on
past form it will be an impressive
total. Thanks again Dick; I’ll
have to swat harder for the next
one! RF
34
35
Breathing under open skies
When we moved to the village
three and a half years ago, the
idea that we might one day take
long walks with our son seemed
some way off. At just over three,
the most I managed to persuade
him to walk was from the high
street to the puddles on Clay
Lane, armed with the promise of
splashing freely and searching for
dinosaur bones (strange-shaped
flint to you and me). On family
walks it was my husband who
ended up carrying him on his
shoulders, muddy boots on his jacket. At four, I realised that asking him to walk, at
what I considered a reasonable pace for a reasonable distance, wasn’t going to
happen.
Not all children are the same; I swear I remember skipping like a mountain goat on
Hadrian’s Wall at a similar age (though photographic evidence would seem to
suggest I was less than cheerful about it) but I agonised about how I could get our son
to enjoy walking. After all, it was one of the many reasons why we moved to Stebbing,
to be able to walk out from our front door into the open countryside.
Six months after we moved here I started to try to run, something I’d never successfully
been able to do before. As I got fitter, my confidence increased and I began
exploring. It was really down to curiosity that the distances increased. I ran further
and further afield and grew to love the landscape as much as the flora and fauna.
On my runs, through the
seasons and in all weather, I
have seen dancing
dragonflies, turquoise and red,
skylarks rising from the wheat
and barley, buzzards soaring
and keening overhead,
kestrels hovering, green
woodpeckers in dipping flight
and song, herds of fallow deer
bounding across fields or
stock still, staring through
trees. Occasionally I find
myself face to face with a tiny
(Continued on page 37)
From Ridley Wood towards Leaselands Spring
Towards Lashley Hall
36
37
(Continued from page 35)
goldcrest, a chaffinch, or a
charm of goldfinches or
watching a pair of hares chase
each other in the distance,
among the stubble of a fallow
field. Sometimes I walk in snow,
run in fog, sweat in blazing hot
sunshine. Being outside brings
me the most complete calm,
as well as moments of pure joy
- the sight of a red kite close
up, a wake of buzzards
following a plough (during one
run over by Ridley Wood I saw
over nine), an egret in the pond at Tanner’s Farm, and once, just once, I saw a
kingfisher over the water at Stebbing Brook. Why wouldn’t I want my son to enjoy all
this too?
So now he is six and we have adventures, not walks. Sometimes we take scouts knives
(we have one each) to whittle a stick under a tree, a microscope to look at things up
close, waterproofs and wellies for all and any puddles we encounter, a camera each
(his is waterproof!) and plenty of warm clothes. Crucially, we stop at the village shop
for supplies - hot sausage rolls to get us started, a slice of homemade cake for a later
stop, a packet of crisps.
Today we walked five miles in glorious
sunshine and towards a beautiful
sunset, through the kissing gate at
Stebbing Park and along the brook to
Tanner’s Farm, up the hill and past
Nick’s Hole to Lashley Hall, and
alongside Great Rakefairs and past
Rogers’ Piece back towards Ridley
Wood and Nettle Spring, and back
past the barns at Williams Farm and
on towards Stebbing Brook. We saw
a buzzard swoop, yellowhammers in
the hedgerows, and over twenty
fallow deer streak across a field.
Today was a day for breathing under open skies.
Zoe Panting
I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Tommy's, the baby charity, because Tommy’s
research will make pregnancy safer https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zoe-panting?utm_id=124
Towards Nick’s Hole
Barn at Lashley Hall
38
Registered Office: Green Ley Mill Lane Stebbing CM6 3SL
DPS PLUMBING & HEATING CONTRACTORS LTD
Domestic plumbing, heating and
gas work undertaken, including bathroom
installation and wall tiling
Steve
Telephone 01371 856029
Mobile 07850 942120
E-mail: [email protected]
Peter
Telephone 01371 879103
Mobile 07850 942121
E-mail: [email protected]
Reg. No. 018705
39
Ed’s Recipe
With lemons in season now, it is the best time to make the perfect lemon
tart for dessert on a Sunday or little individual ones for your dinner party.
Pastry recipe: 400g butter
280g icing sugar
95g ground almonds
7g salt
150g whole eggs
760g plain flour.
Egg wash:
2 egg yolks
Splash water
Method:
Cream butter and icing sugar together.
Sieve ground almonds, salt and flour together.
Add eggs and flour, alternately, in three batches to the butter mix. When all
ingredients have combined, take out and cover with cling film and rest in the fridge
for an hour before rolling.
Once rested, roll the dough out to ½ cm thick and line your desired tin. Place a
couple of sheets of cling film on top of the dough and fill with unwanted dry beans/
rice or (if you have them) baking beans. Place in the oven @ 180° and bake for
10mins, then take it out of the oven, remove the beans, and when the pastry is
cooked, but not brown, brush with the egg wash and place back in the oven. If you
have any holes in the pastry case then patch these with some left over pastry. Finish
baking the tart case so it is golden brown. Then leave to cool.
Lemon tart mix recipe: 250ml fresh lemon juice
6 whole eggs
220g sugar
160g double cream.
Method:
Blend all ingredients together and pass through a sieve, then chill in the fridge.
To finish the tart, pre-heat your oven to 100°/ gas mark 1. Place the tart case on a flat
tray in the oven and pour the lemon tart mix into the case, until it reaches the top, and
bake until the tart does not the wobble in the middle. Place on a cooling rack.
Once cool you could garnish with whipped cream and raspberries.
Enjoy
Chef Ed
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41
Stebbing Tennis Club
Smashing Success...
For quite a small club, Stebbing Tennis Club does rather well! A hardy bunch of
characters who laugh in the face of bad weather, their courts see play throughout the
year. Winter legs are a common sight and their club nights and club mornings are
buzzing with activity, even in the bleakest of seasons.
The club currently has seven teams participating in the Essex Small Clubs League and
several are regularly placed high up in the rankings, despite coming up against some
formidable opponents from much larger clubs. Their strength as a club isn't only due
to their success on court, as they know how to balance up court time with social time.
From family fun days to fundraising, quality coaching to quizzes, Stebbing Tennis Club
serves up a winning combination. A friendly, random, sometimes slightly mad group of
locals, united by the love of the game - a game which caters for all ages and abilities,
characters and styles. With new junior camps, adult coaching clinics, cardio tennis
and much more scheduled, this club looks set to continue its rally of success into the
new season and beyond.
John McDowall
Turkey Trot Tournament 2018 - photographer John McDowall
42
Offering great quality timber, garden furniture & fencing at competitive prices
Open to the general public & trade
Find us just off the roundabout between A120 Great Dunmow & Tesco
01371 876841/01371 734400
www.dunmowfencingsupplies
43
Stebbing Cricket Club News
After a very successful 2018 season, when we achieved promotion
as runners up in division 3 of the North Essex Cricket League, we
look forward to another new season of competition under Steve
Hooper’s leadership as club captain.
With the continuing support of Felsted School’s headmaster, Chris
Townsend, and ex-England cricketer Jason Gallian, we hope to
add more young blood to the team and see last year’s new
members further develop their cricketing skills. We wish Steve and
his team an enjoyable and fulfilling season of cricket ahead.
Our league fixtures for the season are listed below. As there are
two fewer league matches this year, we will try to add more friendly matches to the
schedule, beyond our regular mid-summer-evening encounter with the stalwarts of
Stebbing Church; I’m sure they will look forward to this with renewed enthusiasm this
year after their notable last-ball victory last summer.
We would welcome some new faces to the club so, if anyone of any age is interested
in playing some regular or even occasional cricket, please contact myself or our club
chairman, Phil Baker, over the next few weeks.
We remain grateful for the continued support of our commercial sponsors (The White
Hart, D & A Hills, Dennis Locks, Eddy Parsley Associates and Daniel Brewer Estate
Agents), our club president Kevin Farr and our vice-presidents.
Adrian Farr, Club Secretary
2019 PDQ League Division 2 Fixtures:
Sun. May 19th Kelvedon (H) Sun. July 14th Springfield (A)
Sun. May 26th Real Oddies (A) Sun. July 21st Braintree (H)
Sun. June 2nd Cavaliers (H) Sun. Aug 11th Cavaliers (A)
Sun. June 9th Witham (H) Sun. Aug 18th Witham (A)
Sun. June 23rd Braintree (A) Sun. Aug 25th Real Oddies (H)
Sun. June 30th Springfield (H) Sun. Sept 1st Kelvedon (A)
Stebbing Cricket Club Welcomes new players
Anyone interested in joining our small & friendly club, please contact:
Phil Barker: 01371 856597 or Adrian Farr: 01371 856691
44
CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST
Andrew Marlow MSSCh MBChA
Registered Member of the Health Professions Council
HOME VISITING PRACTICE
Tel: 07754 700950e.mail: [email protected]
45
STEBBING BOWLS CLUB
The new Bowls season starts on Tuesday 23rd April. As usual, the
following Thursday, 25th of April, will be an open day for any new
members to try the game. These Thursdays will continue
throughout the season, together with coaching for any player.
We start our first friendly game away at North Weald on Saturday 27th April. Friendly
games are held against local teams most weekends during the season.
We start our very competitive games in the North West Essex Bowls League on
Wednesday 8th May against Quendon. Once again we are looking to move from our
position in Division 2 up to Division 1 (We missed promotion last year by one point).
Also, throughout the season, we make time for many BBQ days. One such day is the
Des and Josie Staines Trophy Day. The picture shows the players last year (2018) when
the winners were Rae Barbier, Mark Dovaston and Howard Jolliffe.
As always we are open to outside groups who are looking for a fun evening with a
BBQ to finish.
Pat Going, 01371 855 943 John Pitkethly , 01371 856 155
46
Thanks to Colin Harrison for this
picture from South Africa of a
response to what is a problem the
world over.
PLEASE PICK UP
AFTER YOUR DOG!
47
The Mad Medic
Hello Stebbing, I hope that all is well with you and huge thanks to
Bruce and Wendy, who have enabled us to do some lovely
additional things for my children's project in Mumbai, for which I
am so grateful. Everyone is excited.
Most of you know that I have zilch common sense and that day to
day living baffles me but, given an emergency, however bad, I revert to my secret
persona of 'Balaclava Woman' and can tackle anything without batting an eyelid.
Inevitably, dealing with Loss and grief is par for the course in my profession and people
even come to me distraught over the loss of their beloved pets. You may have heard
something often said to pet lovers, “But it was ONLY a dog/cat! Why get so
upset?” (not too hot on the empathy thing that's for sure ). But true pet lovers take
their dear little creatures into their heart and home, loving them and going all out to
care for every need unconditionally. Many people see more of their pets than family,
friends or neighbours, so there is an unspoken bond of love, loyalty and
companionship to enrich their life. Therefore the grief is almost unbearable and the
loss immense.
Having lost our darling Cherry 'Diva' Dog on the 3rd February, in awful circumstances, I
totally get it and the heartbreak is beyond painful. Our comfort is the love that family,
friends, patients and clients gave to her - and she often sat in on sessions in my
practice to provide therapeutic comfort. Our pets are never 'just' anything and we
are privileged to have them in our life and for the love they envelop us with. Thank
you to everyone that loved Cherry and for the loving kindness shown to us.
On January 27th, I was lucky enough to have a book launch and had the loveliest
evening. Thank you to everyone who attended because you made it very special
and I will never forget it.
Spring will soon be here and it will be fantastic to see everyone emerging from semi-
hibernation and hopefully feeling great. Not like one of my gorgeous patients who
phoned me 2 weeks ago to say that she had foot and mouth disease. I'm still trying to
work that one out bless her. I tried to explain to her that she wouldn't be up to having
the acrylic nail extensions that she was on her way to have done, followed by a spray
tan, if she actually had the disease, but she was adamant. Life is such a tapestry that
moments like that are wonderful. Take care everyone
love Valerie,
the mad Medic xxxx
48
49
A Close Encounter With Big Foot!
No this does not refer to a meeting
with the illustrious Editor of Stebbing
Scene but, needless to say, a bird.
Prior to a recent trip to North West
Argentina, the group of birders making
the trip talked about the chances of
seeing one of the rarest birds of prey in
the world, a harpy eagle.
Having investigated the literature, we
learnt that there had only ever been
four previous sightings of this enormous
eagle in the area. To give you an idea
of the immense size of this bird,
females, always bigger than males,
measure in excess of a metre in length and weigh 10kilos. They have thick strong legs
and 7 centimetre talons to deal with their primary prey - large forest monkeys.
Harpy eagle plumage is unmistakeable, with the upper side being predominately
black and the under parts white, but with a black breast band added. Added to this
it has a pale grey head which is crowned with a double crest.
It was therefore a heart stopping moment when our guide, Marcelo, almost casually
uttered, “Harpy eagle,” as we were driving up a steep wooded valley in the Andes
foothills. And there she was, without doubt the bird I had most wanted to see in the
world. Over the following half hour she flew from enormous tree to tree displaying and
carrying nesting material.
After this she flew down the valley out of view. Since that sighting on 25th January, a
lot of Argentinean birders and tour groups have looked for the harpy eagle without
success and so I consider myself very fortunate indeed.
Around Stebbing in the last few days, I notice that the resident birds, particularly great
and blue tits, robins and dunnocks, are starting to sing more actively, suggesting that
spring is just around the corner.
Very soon our winter visitors, such as fieldfares and redwing, will depart and early
migrants such as martins and wheatears will start to arrive, heralding my favourite time
of year.
March and early April can be very hard times for our resident birds, as natural food
resources are at their lowest. So please don't forget to continue to feed the birds in
your gardens as they need support feeding at this time of year more than ever.
...But even then, none of them will grow to the size of the fabulous harpy eagle.
Howard Jolliffe
50
Did you know that this issue, and back copies, are available to download at
www.StebbingScene.uk
AFTERNOON CARPET BOWLS
THURSDAYS 2.00 - 4.30pm
at the Village Hall
Cost £2.00 including tea and biscuits
Newcomers welcome - Informal
instruction and encouragement given
Contact: Pat Hopwood 856183
BADMINTON
New members needed
Wednesday evenings 8pm-10pm (except 4th Wednesday of each month)
In the Village Hall, Mill Lane
Contact: Mark Hayden Tel: 07791526278
EVENING CARPET BOWLS
THURSDAYS 7.30pm
at the Village Hall
Cost £2.00, including tea and biscuits
Guidance, encouragement and a warm
welcome come free
Contact: Roger 856348 or Ann 856476
SAVE YOUR OLD STAMPS
Please save old postage stamps,
British or foreign, as I collect them to
help The Leprosy Mission, who are also glad to
receive old picture postcards of any kind. If you
have any, please drop them in to me at :
6, Oakfield, Stebbing - or phone me on 856325
and I can collect them.
Thank you, Anne Howard
WEST ESSEX JUDO CLUB
Class Times
Tuesdays
6pm – 7.30pm Novices & Juniors
7.30pm – 9.30pm Advanced & Seniors
Saturdays
10am – 11.30am Novices & Juniors
11.30am – 1.30pm Advanced & Seniors
Held at
Stebbing Village Hall, Mill Lane, Stebbing
Contact Faith on 07595331073, [email protected]
or via Facebook
NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME YOUNG OR OLD!
WANT AN OUTDOOR EXERCISE
YOU CAN STICK WITH?
Nordic walking uses 90% of the body’s muscles A full-body exercise that is suitable for all ages
and fitness levels, Nordic walking provides fast
results and can burn up to 40% more calories
when compared to walking without poles.
LEARN TO NORDIC WALK
Dates to be arranged. Contact Sarah Bennison details
below.
REGULAR WALK
Mondays 2 hour walks from Stebbing, Felsted, Lindsell,
Rayne and surrounding villages.
Fridays 1 - 1 and a half hour walks from Felsted and
surrounding villages.
Enrol online at www.uttlesfordnordicwalking.co.uk
where you can register and book any of my
classes and walks I can also be contacted directly on
01371 870817 / 0770 332 5332 or
51
Champagne!
Champagne is generally a blend of chardonnay (white),
pinot noir and pinot meunier (black) grapes. The dark-
skinned grapes are simply pressed gently to keep the skins
from bleeding into the juice. Fermentation of these base
wines takes place separately in stainless steel by adding
yeast to the juice. Yeast eats the sugar and creates
alcohol, heat and carbon dioxide.
Assemblage follows this first fermentation which involves
blending wines from the current vintage, along with wines
that the Champagne houses have kept back from a few
previous vintages. This way each Champagne house
can blend their Champagnes to a ‘house style’. Hence
most champagne is ‘non-vintage’. Vintage champagne
comes from a single year.
After the correct ‘house style’ is achieved, the wine is transferred to the bottle that we
will eventually purchase. To this is added the ‘liquer de tirage’ – a mixture of wine,
yeast and sugar before sealing with a temporary crown cap resting horizontally in one
of Champagne’s cool, dark chalky tunnels. The yeast starts to eat the sugar and a
second fermentation takes place increasing the alcohol content (by around 2% abv).
The carbon dioxide produced is unable to escape and gradually dissolves into the
wine, creating champagne’s effervescence.
The second bottled fermentation leaves dead yeast cells, known as lees, which
eventually split open leaving a distinctive yeasty, bready, brioche flavour. The length
of time a Champagne spends on its lees greatly affects the quality of the final wine.
The next stage is known as ‘remuage’ or ‘riddling’. Here sediment is gradually worked
from the side of the bottle down to its neck, achieved by gradually altering the
position from horizontal to downwardly vertical. As the angle is changed, the bottle is
twisted slightly, forcing the lees into the neck.
The lees must now be removed through ‘dégorgement’ or disgorging. Traditionally,
the bottle would be dipped, just up to the neck, into a frozen brine solution which
freezes the yeast particles together to form an ice plug. The temporary bottle cap is
then removed, allowing pressure within the bottle to force out the plug, so removing
the lees. Invariably a little wine is lost from the bottle during this process and the level
in each is topped up with the ‘liqueur d’expedition’, a mixture of wine and cane
sugar, dependent on the required sweetness, or dryness, of the finished champagne.
This part is known as the ‘dosage’.
The process of dégorgement and dosage, along with the final cork being driven into
the bottle, are conducted at speed leaving us with a lovely sparkling wine.
Neil Bull , Essex Wine School
52
53
The Scene Crossword - 149
Solution to Crossword no: 148
Across
3 Time of year to return fruit (3)
7 She's the girl for lager (6)
8 Tie rat around dress (6)
10 Smart boy is cold after beer (4)
11 Tough returned for a new novel? (8)
13 So I'm both backward and sound hesitant getting
element (6)
14 After conflict, muppets begin to raise the
temperature (4-2)
16 Posh car once came to grief on this turn (6)
18 Divide to make dry in a bit (6)
19 Stormy Welsh sweetheart takes it back to sea (8)
21 Hang about to laugh out loud at left (4)
22 To Poirot, tennis was somewhat putrid (6)
24 Pilots shot with this perhaps? (6)
25 Fuel for stoves that don't start (3)
Down
1 Council?.. tidy it up with loft duster (10)
2 When you vote, choose charged particle (8)
3 After 3ac he might start confusion! (6)
4 Raise worry about a plant (6)
5 Sounds like tails are up for tail end (4)
6 Use proper ends to manage information (2)
9 Tree's last replaced by large deer (3)
12 May no ill occur to upset successful candidate in 2d
(10)
15 Not relaxed because what remains
is not so much (8)
17 Score given at ring around (6)
18 Two mushrooms make muscle? (6)
19 Go left from hiding place for us to
breathe (3)
20 Return at after 10 for such a little
thing (4)
23 First two of lady's fingers are
alright (2)
A1
L B2
U M3
S A4
P5
R I L6
G O A G7
O8
I A
I L9
E A P10
E P P11
E R
L12
I E M13
E14
R E R D
E R X N S15
O M E
B16
O W17
L E R H A T R
E C O U
A18
P19
E R S U A D E20
R
C21
O O22
T A S M I23
T W B24
E E F25
B26
U D
S27
I N F28
U L I29
L L Y
U U E30
G D E L
P31
I A N O N32
O R M A L
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11 12
13 14 15
16 17 18
19 20 21
22 23 24
25
Thanks for all the, much
appreciated, feedback on
how you got on with the last
crossword. There is a minor
theme to some of the clues
this time and you will not be
surprised that it links to my
editorial on page 3.
Good luck and don’t forget
to let me know how it goes.
RF
54
55
The Rodings and Surrounding Area U3A
Peter Turrall, a former long-serving employee of Marconi, gave an excellent talk at the
February monthly meeting. Peter’s presentation was in two parts. The first described
how Guglielmo Marconi, born in Bologna in 1874, became one of the most famous
and prolific inventors and electrical engineers in the world. The second concerned
examples of some of the many pieces of equipment he devised. When his ideas did
not elecit much interest in Italy, Marconi came to London, where he worked with the
chief engineer of the General Post Office and later chose Chelmsford to start his first
manufacturing base. Marconi’s basic idea was wireless communication between
long distances, which involved high towers from which the sounds were transmitted
and receivers, kites in the early days, which allowed the signals, morse code originally,
to be captured. This basic thesis was developed to embrace every communication
system we know today. His inventions led to broadcasting including the original
development of television, the telephone system and communication between
members of all the armed forces. It was due to the radio system on board the Titanic
being used to call for assistance that more lives were not lost. Over one hundred
members heard a fascinating talk about a remarkable man.
Our Outings Co-ordinator is still keeping busy. Future trips include Kew Gardens, Living
Crafts at Hatfield House and, what used to be called Hampton Court Flower Show and
is now Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. There is also another booking for the
theatre at the Mill in Sonning, where the play is preceded by lunch or dinner,
depending on the time of day.
Although there has been less news from the RU3A lately due to the Christmas break
and no monthly meeting having been held in January, most of the interest groups
have carried on with their programmes. Many of the groups are full but there are
spaces in Aviation, Badminton, Bridge, Church Visiting, Croquet, Garden Visits, Nine-
hole Golf, Sharing Sunday and Walking. If you are considering joining us do find out
more from the website:
u3asites.org.uk/the-rodings-area or email [email protected].
You can also telephone Louise Searl on 01277 362043.
Stebbing Community Going from strength to strength
492 people from 60% of Stebbing homes communicate with each other on ‘Nextdoor’
Email the scene if you want an invitation at [email protected]
Do you want to know what Stebbing is talking about?
The more of us who join in, the more useful it is.
56
Bran End Flooring Ltd Flooring Specialists
We are your local, Independent flooring supplier and installer.
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Domestic and Commercial work undertaken, please contact David to arrange a free estimate.
01371 856465 07779 580364
[email protected] www.branendflooring.co.uk Facebook @branendflooring
57
Letters to the Editor
I would like to thank all members of Stebbing Carpet Bowls Club for being so
friendly and welcoming.
My parents were committed bowls players in Danbury for many years before
they moved to Hawthorns, the retirement home in Braintree, and my mum was no
longer able to play. I told Dad the club in Stebbing was looking for new members but
he never wanted to go to a club without her. Very sadly, she passed away last June.
After a while, I suggested the club to Dad again and he agreed to give it a try if my
husband, Neil, and I were also interested in going along. Neither of us had ever
played but it seemed a relatively simple game and we were happy to keep Dad
company. We were rather surprised to discover that, far from being an easy game, it
requires considerable skill and concentration, particularly in negotiating the difficult
path around the wooden block placed in the centre of the mat!
Dad’s experience was immediately obvious and we are gradually improving but one
of the nicest things about the club is how warmly we have been welcomed. Every
single member is friendly and enthusiastic, giving us helpful advice and
encouragement. Perhaps it’s a hobby that has associations of being solely for senior
citizens but it’s a fallacy to assume that’s the case, or a limitation for anyone younger
who is interested.
We now attend because we really enjoy playing and being involved with such a
lovely group of people. Matches played against other local clubs are also relaxed
and friendly, so it hasn’t been too embarrassing to be the newbies who are just
learning! The club meets every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 at Stebbing Village
Hall and is still appealing for more new members. Dad is very glad that he is playing
again and we all really enjoy the evenings.
Julie Bull
Hello Richard,
My family’s surname was Joyce and my great grandparents’ graves (Alice and
Thomas Joyce) are in the Great Saling churchyard. My great grandfather (Randal
Joyce) was the first to leave the village, but for centuries it seems the family stayed in
Great Saling.
Census records show that they lived in Saling Road, White House Cottages, Shalford
Road and Blake End Beer House. It seems many of them worked at The Hall (as
gardeners and groom); they mainly seemed to be agricultural labourers.
I wonder if there are any Joyces living in the area now or if anyone could shed more
light? If you have any information, my email address is:
[email protected] or Tel: 07775 621835
Thank you,
Sarah
58
59
Letters to the Editor (Continued)
Stebbing Community Minibus Needs Drivers.
You will probably be aware that there is a Community minibus which provides a vital
service for some Stebbing residents who have no other means of transport.
Every Tuesday morning the bus goes from Stebbing to Dunmow and once a month, on
a Wednesday, it goes to Braintree. For some people in the village there is no other
way to get to these places and this provides them with the opportunity to go shopping
for a couple of hours or visit the hairdressers, doctor, bank and so on.
We currently have only 3 drivers and more drivers are desperately needed to keep this
community service going. If you are aged between 25 and 70 and be able to spare a
half a day on Tuesday or Wednesday every few weeks we would like to hear from you.
If you think you would like to volunteer to help out on an occasional basis please call
either the bus number 01371 856 892 or Pat Going on 01371 855943 to discuss further
details.
Robert James
Hi Richard,
Congratulations on the last issue of Stebbing mag. The pictures were stunning and
there were several very interesting articles. There is usually something that reminds me
of my early days in the village; this time it was Hicks buses. They took me to school at
Braintree High. We used to have to go to the corner where Clarkes Scrap yard was,
the bus came from Felstead via Bannister Green.
Happy New year, Charles (Boyton)
Thank You Stebbing – WW1 Armistice Centenary Poppy Appeal 2018
The generous people of Stebbing contributed £1,433.88 to the overall total for
Dunmow & District of £22,714.86. This always involves groups of amazing volunteers
and I would like to thank, Cathy Beavan, Jackie Kingdom, Rosemary Pitkethly, Jane
Goodwin, Teresa Taylor, Wendy Chalklen, Vicky Skilton, Roy Shephard, Peter Merifield
and Lucy and James Pickford for taking the time to collect. This appeal is truly a whole
community venture as Stebbing School, the Village Shop, The White Hart and Andrews
Airfield are also involved in collecting.
Stebbing’s donations to the Poppy Appeal contribute towards supporting members of
the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families, enabling the
Royal British Legion to help those in need within the Armed Forces community. Thank
you once again Stebbing for your continuing support of this very worthwhile cause.
Sandi Merifield,
Stebbing Poppy Appeal Coordinator
60
STEBBING VILLAGE HALL
Available for hire for all sorts of occasions
Family Events: - Birthdays • Funerals • Christenings • Wedding Receptions •
Quiz Nights
Village Clubs/Hirers: - Carpet Bowls • Badminton • Parent & Toddler Group Pilates • Judo Meetings: - Stebbing Ladies • Garden Club • Friday Morning Market • Over 60’s • Historical Society Why not start a new group? – Free slots are available in the main hall and the
Pelham Room for smaller groups – chess, bridge, music, dance, craft, floral etc.
Contact the Booking Clerk: – Donna, Tel 01371 855859
61
THE DORCAS SOCIETY
Invites you to their Annual Spring Soup Lunch (Home-made soups)
Friday 22nd March 2019 at The Village Hall 12.30pm
Tickets £5 (Cheques made payable to NEW DORCAS SOCIETY 2006) from:
Ann Pattenden 856476 or Rosemary Pitkethley 856155
As spring approaches, it is again time for the Dorcas Soup lunch. Everyone is
welcome, but we are only able to accommodate a certain number of people so, if
you would like to attend, please ask me or Ann Pattendon for tickets. We request
payment before the event to enable us to firm up on the numbers for catering.
As most of you know, we try to visit anyone whom, for any reason, we feel would
benefit from a card, some flowers or a small gift, but we are very aware that
sometimes people can slip through the net. I would like to reinforce the plea that I
make at all our lunches, that we can only visit people if we are know about them, so
please do tell any of us if you should hear of anyone whom you feel would benefit
from a visit from one of us. Many thanks and we look forward to seeing many of you
on March 22nd.
Rosie Pitkethly
Stebbing Village Market
Our village market has been running for
decades and is a wonderful place for
different generations of villagers to meet.
Our veteran villagers certainly enjoy the
company, but we are in need of some
younger (and I use that term loosely!)
visitors, if the market is to keep going.
Regular stalls include pre-loved books and
jigsaws, home grown produce and cakes,
crafts, bric-a-brac and a raffle.
All the proceeds go towards local
(Stebbing) charities/associations. Please
come with your friends for a chat and a
cuppa. A warm welcome is guaranteed!
If you have a craft or a product you’d like
to showcase or sell, why not take one of
our guest stall slots. Contact:
Kim Matthews, Tel: 01371 856112
62
Stebbing Directory
AFSS/Stebbing School
Badminton
Beavers
Bell Ringing
Bowls Club
Brownies
Carpet Bowls (Afternoon)
Carpet Bowls (Evening)
Church – St Mary’s
Church Flowers
Cricket Club
Cubs
New Dorcas Society
First Aid Training
Footpath Rep
Friday Morning market
Friends Meeting House
Garden Club
History Society / Archive
Guides
Guides – Senior Section
Judo Club
Ladies Group
Little Harts
Meals on Wheels
Medi-Call EMS
Minibus
Over 60s
Parish Clerk
Police
Rainbows
Scamps
Scouts
Stebbing Society
Tennis Club
Village Hall
Village Stores
White Hart
Office
Mark Hayden (eve)
David Arnold (afternoon)
Andy Kiberd
Neil Bromley
Pat Going
Loraine Irani
Pat Hopwood
Roger
Tim & Ruth Goodbody
Hazel Kerr
Adrian Farr
Maxine Walker
Rosie Pitkethly
Val Mulcare-Tivey
Brian Martin
Kim Matthews
Angela Newbrook
Margaret Rufus
Derek Towler
Clare Moreton
Sarah White
Andy Kiberd
Gina Going
Nikki Munson
Ann Howard
Val Mulcare-Tivey
Pat Going
Eve Stephenson
Greg King
All non-emergency
Liz Hooper
Tim Goodbody
Andrew Lipski
Jenny Nichol
Sabina Bird Donna Kiberd
Volunteer staff
Nick Eldred
856260
07791526278
856271
855859
820898
855 943
07788 412813
856183
856348
856080
856993
856691
856232
856155
856935
856664
856112
856464
856122
856680
07704 101936
856032
855859 855 943
07939 497472 856325
856935
855943
856293
855805
101
856814
07708 660162
821671
856401
07793 893545
855859
856380
856383
Please help us to stay up to date - tell us about changes – Richard Foot 856122
63
6th Stebbing Vintage Tractor Road Run
Make a note and tell your friends
SUNDAY 12th MAY 2019
This year’s event will again pass through Stebbing High Street at a time yet to be
advised. Last year we had 47 entrants and this year we are expecting over 50. In
2018 many of you turned out to
wave us through. Have you
noticed how young children
seem fascinated by old
tractors? We hope to see lots of
you.
We propose again to donate all
proceeds to Essex Air
Ambulance for whom we raised
£7,500 last year.
Dick Hughes, email:
Garden Waste Collection
The Green garden waste skip will
be back this year but the Parish
Clerk has not yet been informed
of the schedule. He will post it
on village noticeboards and in
the shop when it becomes
available.
64
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot assume responsibility for errors. Stebbing Scene is delivered free to all Stebbing residents and its existence depends on our advertisers. However, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for resulting transactions.
Stebbing Scene is your magazine and we hope that you enjoy receiving it each quarter.
Thanks to our advertisers, we are able to produce a professionally printed magazine, which is delivered free to every household in Stebbing. Our first priority is to entertain and inform village residents, but we hope that in doing so we can ensure that advertising with us is worthwhile. For most people in the village, when seeking local tradesmen or services, the natural first source of information is the Scene. If you own a small, or large business, why not place an advert in ‘Stebbing Scene’. Prices for 4 issues range from £30-£95.
We can only produce a magazine that meets the needs, and satisfies the interests of Stebbing residents if you continue to send us articles and reports of events and social activities in the village. We welcome photos, reports and announcements covering all aspects of life in Stebbing. Let us have your views on the magazine and on how we can improve and develop. If you have an opinion, a moan, or a suggestion then please contact one of the team.
Please send contributions to:
Richard Foot (articles, reports, and letters) [email protected]
Karen Howe (advertising) [email protected]
Jackie Kingdom (obituaries) [email protected]
John Pitkethly (queries about delivery) [email protected]
Copy date for next issue is 15th May 2019
All contributions are welcome. E-mail is preferred where possible, but even handwritten contributions are accepted (if we can read them).
What am I? Competition What is this recent (but already quite common) Stebbing immigrant? The first correct answer out of the hat
wins the wine.
Please send entries to
The Editor: Richard Foot
Closing date is 1st April 2019
Winner of the Winter 2018 Competition
A single correct entry this time, apart that is from the
photographer who correctly described a moth resting
on a lens cover! The particular moth in question is the
spectacle moth (Abrostola Tripartita) and the correct
answer was supplied by:
Sharon Holmes
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