Pot Holing Anyone?

No we are not talking spelunking here - A new interactive service for reporting potholes on the roads has been launched by Essex County Council.

The online service allows users to pinpoint the exact location of the defect on an interactive map and also has a facility to upload photographs. You can report potholes, issues with water leaks/drainage defects with footpaths and other natters.

It asks for as much detail as possible to identify the location including road name and other identifiable landmarks such as a house number or nearby junction.

Users are then asked for details of the defect such as the size of the pothole/etc. and whether it is in the middle or at the edge of the road.

When the repair report is completed, a job number is given which allows users to follow up on the status of the repair at any time.

Site inspection
The council said it would schedule a site inspection as soon as possible after a report is made. A statement on its website reads: “From the location details you provide, we will check if the issue is already known to us.

“If it is not, we will assign the task to the officer responsible for that area who will visit the site to assess the situation. This will include deciding how urgent the repair work is and when it can be scheduled into the works programme.”

Given the poor condition of the roads in the parish, it will be a facility that will be of use to many local residents but the county council will have a long way to go to restore confidence in local road users with a recent survey showing more than 85% of Epping Forest residents were unhappy with the condition of roads in the area.

‘Ignoring problems’
Many, no doubt, will be sceptical on whether the new reporting system will make any difference, with the Parish Council Chairman John Glover having previously accused the county council of ignoring problems on smaller roads in the parish.

Gerard McEwen, the County Councillor representing Stanford Rivers, said he hoped the new system for reporting would lead to issues over potholes and other defects on the roads to being resolved more quickly.

The website address for reporting defects is:
https://secureweb1.essexcc.gov.uk/Highways/Report-a-highway-problem.aspx

Maybe we should find out just how effective this service is for ourselves - and give it a good run for the money.

Something in the Water?

There seems to have been a mini baby boom in the parish recently, with three newborns in the last few months.

Congratulations to Ashleigh and Martin O’Neal, of Toot Hill on the birth of their daughter Ava. The couple are said to be delighted their two boys now have a little sister to look out for.

And best wishes to Gemma and Darren Pace, of Weald Farm, Toot Hill, on the birth of the second son Felix, who was born in April.

And last, but by no means least, belated congratulations to Sophie and Paul Rocks, (News & Views editor), on the birth of their daughter, Molly Rose, who was born in February.

All the mothers and babies are said to be in good health

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Parish Prepares for Diamond Jubilee CelebrationsThe final plans are being made for the local Jubilee celebrations with the main party scheduled to take place on Sharpe’s Green, Toot Hill, on Monday June 4th.

A full programme of events is planned from midday onwards which will include the lighting for the first time of the Parish Beacon and the presentation of the Diamond Jubilee commemoration mugs to the under 16s of the parish.

There will also be a children’s entertainer on the green to keep the younger parishioners busy.
Everyone is asked to bring their own food and drink and, if possible, to don the patriotic red, white and blue colours of the Union Flag.

Beacon Chain
The Parish Beacon is being erected for the first time on the green and it will be part of the nationwide chain of 2012 beacons that are being lit on June 4th to mark the 60 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.The beacon was originally purchased for the Millennium celebrations but technical issues around planning meant it was unable to be used at the time.

The Parish Council has utilised temporary planning legislation to ensure it goes ahead this time.
Bunting has been erected in Stanford Rivers and Toot Hill. Council clerk Kay Hayden (01277 364764) has called for anyone with bunting left over from last year’s Royal Wedding celebrations to come forward.

It is noticeable that a number of residents have also taken the initiative to decorate their own properties with bunting and flags.

Commemoration mugs
Meanwhile, there are more than 100 children now scheduled to receive the Jubilee commemoration mugs which will be presented as part of the festivities on June 4th.

Kay said: “It is fantastic that we have had so many people come forward and register for the children to have these specially commissioned keepsakes. But we do not want anyone to be left out so anyone that has not yet contacted me must do so as soon as possible as we do not want anyone disappointed on the day.”

The mugs will also be on open sale to the public during the festivities on Sharpe’s Green.

Fireworks
A special fireworks display is being held at the Woodman Pub later in the evening on June 4th to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The celebration event, which also features a family barbecue, is scheduled to start at 7.30pm and admission is free.

Future Memories
If you have any photographs of your Jubilee celebrations you would like to share please email them to editor@stanfordriversnews.com.

A lawman with a Gun

A lawman with a gun rode into town today. It was not the first time. In fact he has been making regular visits.

Contrary to the image those words conjure up he was not a US Marshall - and he was armed with a speed gun.

Several times in the last few weeks this lawman has found a discrete position albeit wearing high visibility clothes and proceeds to checks vehicle’s speed as they travel through the village.

He checks 100 vehicles in a session and that can take hours because of the stops. Out of those 100 he expects around 10 to be exceeding the speed limit.

You may well be wondering to yourselves how much attention some of the motorists travelling through the village are paying if they don’t spot an officer dressed in fluorescent yellow, or do but don’t moderate their speed.

If a speeder is detected, depending on how badly they exceed the limit, the driver might be issued a ticket receiving a fine and getting points on their licence, or be required to take speed awareness advice.

It is not just speeders that get stopped. Recently a car and a motor cycle have been seized by the police during these checks because they were uninsured.

Now I know what you're thinking. "Did he get in 100 checks or 0nly 99?".

Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as he has a whole book full of speeding tickets and the fine can just blow your mind you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" - Well, do ya, punk?

Stanford Rivers Parish Council Newsletter - Issue #25

New Councillors

The three new councillors were welcomed on board at the last PC meeting held in May. Basil Hollington, Robert Manning and Robert Jackson were all co opted to the council after being nominated for the vacant positions.

Vice Chairman Alan Buckley, standing in for absent Chairman John Glover, told the PC there were challenges ahead in the next term and the enthusiasm of the new members would be warmly received.

Robert Jackson took on the responsibility for dealing with highways issues while the others will have duties assigned over the coming term.

Best wishes were also passed to Heather Brady, the new district councillor representing the area at EFDC. Mrs Brady, part of the Conservative grouping on the council, took over from Di Collins, the long standing councillor for the Passingford ward who retired earlier this year.

Alan Buckley said he was looking forward to Mrs Brady attending the Parish Council in the near future and working with her to get the best outcomes for the residents of Stanford Rivers parish.

Electoral Register

The Annual Canvass of Electors form will arrive in June and parish residents have been urged to respond to ensure their views are represented at all levels.

It is now easier than ever to respond to the canvass form with the option of replying by phone, text, online, post or in person.

The first elections of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) takes place on November 15th this year and residents will need to be on the Electoral Register or they will lose the right to vote.

Also, being on the Council Tax Register does not automatically mean that you are on the Electoral Register as the two registers contain different information.

Stanford Rivers Parish Council Newsletter - Issue #25

New Councillors

The three new councillors were welcomed on board at the last PC meeting held in May. Basil Hollington, Robert Manning and Robert Jackson were all co opted to the council after being nominated for the vacant positions.

Vice Chairman Alan Buckley, standing in for absent Chairman John Glover, told the PC there were challenges ahead in the next term and the enthusiasm of the new members would be warmly received.

Robert Jackson took on the responsibility for dealing with highways issues while the others will have duties assigned over the coming term.

Best wishes were also passed to Heather Brady, the new district councillor representing the area at EFDC.
Mrs Brady, part of the Conservative grouping on the council, took over from Di Collins, the long standing councillor for the Passingford ward who retired earlier this year.

Alan Buckley said he was looking forward to Mrs Brady attending the Parish Council in the near future and working with her to get the best outcomes for the residents of Stanford Rivers parish.

Electoral Register

The Annual Canvass of Electors form will arrive in June and parish residents have been urged to respond to ensure their views are represented at all levels.

It is now easier than ever to respond to the canvass form with the option of replying by phone, text, online, post or in person.

The first elections of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) takes place on November 15th this year and residents will need to be on the Electoral Register or they will lose the right to vote.

Also, being on the Council Tax Register does not automatically mean that you are on the Electoral Register as the two registers contain different information.

Parish Council Annual Statement 2011/2012

Minibus Hire

Ongar Town Council has made its minibus available for the use of community organisations and groups within a 10 miles radius of the town. That easily includes Stanford Rivers.

All users must apply for a Section 19 permit from VOSA.

For further information, or to book, call Ongar Town Council at Banson’s Way, Ongar. Tel: 01277 365348 or email clerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk.

Toot Hill Horticultural Society Show - Saturday 4 August 2012

We are very pleased to confirm that we will be back on the old show ground at the bottom of Church Road for 2012. A big thank you to Bridge Farm.

We are also pleased to welcome back the Essex Farmers Pony Club Gymkhana and the fun dog show run by Theydon Mount Kennels.

We hope to see even more entries in the Horticultural Society Marquee to build on the bumper number of entries last year. Don’t forget there are lots of “open” classes to which anyone can enter even if you live outside the district.

This year many classes have an “Olympics” theme. A full set of classes and tips will be included in the 2012 schedule to be distributed locally and posted on the Show website towards the end of May.

In addition the show will have all the regular favourites including classic cars, side shows, stalls and falconry.

Refreshments are available at the Beer tent, Tea tent and BBQ.

In the evening we will be staging our annual after show party in the main marquee with dancing to a live ceilidh band. Call the number below for information about tickets. or check out the web site www.toothillshow.co.uk

Maurice Harvey - Show Committee 01277 366102

Church News - St Margaret’s Church Stanford Rivers

Despite the terrible weather and the refreshment marquee nearly floating away, the Spring Concert with the Brentwood School Band was attended by more than 100 people who all had a most enjoyable evening.

The talent shown by these young people was amazing and the school is to be congratulated on having such a wonderful group of ambassadors!

The following day the Jubilee Songs of Praise was held followed by bubbly and cake and a grand time was had by all. The choir sang Vivat Regina and it took me back to the day of the coronation very moving.

The flag waving to Land of Hope and Glory was reminiscent of the last night of the proms but our organ sounded much better-many thanks to David Pattrick and the choir for all their hard work.
It was a great start to the Jubilee!

Many thanks to all our supporters. We managed to raise over £800 over the weekend towards the restoration of the cross on the roof.

Quiz Night Success
Congratulations to the Friends of St Margaret’s who ran a very enjoyable Quiz night at the Green Man – so nice to see so many joining in.

Teas & Tours
Due to a lack of helpers we will not be running Sunday teas this summer but will be open for cream teas and church tours for groups. Call me on 01277 362501 to book.

Flower Festival
We will also be helping at the Flower Festival being held at St Andrews church
Greensted on 9/10th June — see you all there!

Local Campaign gets Shopper Bus Service Reinstated

Bus Campaign Leads to Shopper Service Return with New Toot Hill Route

The shopper bus service between Stanford Rivers and Ongar has been reinstated, this time by Essex County Council, following pressure from the local campaigners.

The service, which was withdrawn at the end of March because of a lack of use, has now been extended to Toot Hill.

The new service, which is run by Epping Forest Community Transport, collects at Toot Hill every Monday at 9am and then at Stanford Rivers five minutes later before dropping in Ongar High Street just before 9.15am.

The new route also stops at the new Ongar Hospital before eventually terminating in Epping at 10.10am.

The return leg leaves Epping High Street at midday and picks up on Ongar High Street at 12.55pm.

There will be a flat fare of £3 (single or return) to use the service.

Serious Issue

The decision to reintroduce the service was taken after Parish Clerk Kay Hayden lobbied Essex County Council over a lack of services locally.

She said: “There are a lot of people in Stanford River and Toot Hill who have no other means of getting to town and this is a very serious issue for them.

“Using taxis is out of the question for many because of the high cost so this service really is important to them.”

In the last edition of News & Views, residents said they feared being left stranded and without access to the services and amenities they required in Ongar, including medical and dental surgeries, pharmacies, banking and shops.

The Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Alan Buckley, called on residents to make the most of the service in order to secure its future.

“It is excellent news that this service now also covers Toot Hill and hopefully this will generate more passengers. The truth is we really need people to use the bus or we may loose it in the future."

Save money with Heating Oil Rural Bulk Buy Scheme

Heating Oil Bulk Buy Scheme Launched by Rural Charity

A scheme to save money on home heating oil has been launched by an Essex charity for rural community development.

The Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) said it plans to use the model of a local buying syndicate for domestic heating oil and roll it out across the whole county.

As part of a national network syndicate with rural councils in other counties, RCCE said there was great potential to harness the purchasing power of the many rural communities who are without mains gas, so that together, local oil-buyers would be able to make significant savings.

It said experience had already shown it was possible for oil-buyers to get a discount of around £50 on a single order. Community organisations and businesses will also be able to join the scheme, which will be run by RCCE’s own social enterprise business.

Syndicate members

Nick Shuttleworth, RCCE Executive Director said: ‘The key to making this work will be having local people who will collate the syndicate members’ oil orders once a month and pass the information on to us. We will then let the local members know the cost per litre and the delivery date. That’s pretty much it."

“Scheme members will be able to order as many times as they like during the year, and the price will be negotiated centrally.”

Mr Shuttleworth was keen to emphasise the environmental benefits of the scheme adding: “Delivery tankers guzzle a lot of fuel and the more deliveries they can make in one place, the less fuel they use. And the fewer tankers there are on Essex small country roads, the better.”

An annual membership fee of £20 applies to each household, £30 for a community organisation and £100 for businesses.

For further information about the oil buying scheme, contact Nick Shuttleworth or Martin Woodrow on 01376 574330.

Further information is also detailed on the RCCE website.

Beer and Bible

Despite the sometimes heavy - and in its place beneficial - influence the temperance movement has. If you read your bible you will see that Jesus did not frown on alcohol.

Although possibly with a mental subtext of Marcus Tullius Cicero’s “Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide.” That - Jesus being a knowledgeable bloke (Luke 2: 29-52), could have heard.

In fact his first recognised miracle gig was at a wedding in Cana , Galilee (John 2:11) where the groom’s parents had obviously underestimated the bar bill and were running low on booze.

John 2: 1-11 (paraphrased)
Mary: (Panicked Hiss) “They’ve run out of booze - and they haven’t invented off licences yet. You’ve got to do something.”.

Jesus: “Oh Muuum!” (Whispered) “Ixnay on that. You know I shouldn’t be doing this stuff yet.”

Mary (to the servants) ”You lot. Just do whatever he tells you - even if it sounds crazy - OK?”

Jesus: (muttered) “Ok Mum I’ll sort it”

And that’s also where the phrase “saving the best till last” comes from too, (John2: 6-10) because it wasn't just your average wine he created.

Jesus didn’t mind being remembered through wine either, or others drinking it (Corinthians 11:25). “This cup of wine stands for a new deal between you and God through my blood. Each time you drink let it remind you of me.”

He probably picked wine for both the symbolism and as something his followers and everyone else might have done regularly.

~~~~

Wind forward around 1970 years…

BEER AND BIBLE
at the
GREEN MAN TOOT HILL

7:30 pm every Wednesday May 9 to June 6

Offering you a unique opportunity to refresh your faith.

Jesus said: let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (Isiah 55:1 + John 7:3)
Hence the first drink is FREE!

Contact the Rev Andre Petrine email: pater@me.com