Issue 7: Christmas & New Year

Waltham Abbey

LOCAL FEATURES EVENT & CLUB LISTINGS CHARITY NEWS CHILDREN’S PUZZLE PAGE

www.magascene.net

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In this issue

4 Men on Song: Three Valleys Male Voice Choir

6-7 Waltham Abbey Theatre Company

8 Sue de Nime’s “A Yuletide Aberration”

10 YES Partnerships ‘Investors in Young People’ Awards

12 Seasonal recipes from “Amy’s Baking Year”, Britain’s youngest baker

14 Copped Hall Choir Christmas Carol CD

16 Time for a Change, Heather Waring

18 And Another Thing: 10 places to visit before you die (a parent’s version)

19 Puzzle Cellar for children

20 Ask Brenda. Is my husband having an affair?

21 Penny Forem

24 St Clare Hospice Light up a Life

26 Haven House Christmas Appeal

28 Dream Factory ball raises £70,000

29 Event listings

30 Club and society listings

31 Handy numbers

Spring 2015 (Mar-Apr-May): Deadline

The deadline for advertisement bookings and submitting club or event listings is February 13th. For details call 01992 814621 or 07738 383299 or email jane@magascene.net for a media pack.

We also publish Magascene, a bi-monthly magazine for Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill. Our next edition is the February and March issue, the deadline for which is January 16th, 2015.

W e are delighted to highlight local charity and fundraising news in this edition, and some with a Christmas flavour. The Copped Hall restoration project is

aiming to raise additional funds this Christmas, with their Christmas Carol CD (page 14). Please read Haven House Children’s Hospice’s Dylan’s Appeal on page 26. For the equivalent of a couple of bottles of wine, your money could make a huge difference to his and his family’s lives. We hear from The Dream Factory about their recent star-studded ball, which raised in incredible £70,000 towards granting wishes for children and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. St Clare Hospice is holding several Light Up a Life ceremonies between now and February, giving many an opportunity to remember a loved one.

16 year-old Amy-Beth Ellice, from Ongar, has just published her first cookery book, “Amy’s Baking Year”, an offering of seasonal recipes, all of which are beautifully illustrated. We are delighted that the book’s publishers, John Blake, has allowed us to reproduce Amy’s recipe for ‘Red Velvet Angel Cakes’ (page 12). Even our resident Bah Humbug, Sue de Nime, has stepped up and given us a yuletide poem (page 8), which I expect will ring true for many readers.

Thank you to the Waltham Abbey Theatre Company for their article; an interesting look at the history of the drama society. You can book now for their next production, Dick Turpin the Pantomime, performances for which run across three dates in January.

Thanks also to our advertisers for their support during 2014. Please remember to support your local businesses, particularly retailers and small business owners during Small Business Saturday on December 6th and beyond. (see page 29).

We will be back in March, but until then, have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.

Jane

Editor / Publisher Jane Smith

Contributors Sue de Nime Brenda Clowes Penny Forem Heather Waring Jackie Deane

Email info@magascene.net Telephone 01992 814621 Mobile 07738 383299 Web www.magascene.net

Magascene is published independently. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in

this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The publisher does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the prior permis-sion of the publisher. By placing an advert advertis-ers agree to the terms and conditions (see www.magascene.net for full advertising terms and conditions).

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magascene @eppingmagascene

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MEN ON SONG

T he Three Valleys Male Voice Choir has moved their rehearsal venue from the Friary, Waltham Cross to

the Waltham Abbey Baptist Church. After the departure of their musical director in June, they have welcomed Virginia Firnberg, who took the reigns in October and hails from a strong music background. The Choir performs throughout mid-Essex, west Essex, east Herts and north London. They also make visits to other parts of the country, including Eastbourne, where they performed as part of a weekend of charity con-certs in November. Nigel Thomas, the Choir’s secretary said, “Each year we travel to a different part of the country. It is so inspiring to sing in other buildings with enthusiastic audiences. We were sad to leave the Friary, where building alternations prevented us from continuing to practice there. We are extremely grateful to Waltham Abbey Baptist for giving us a new home.”

The Choir is recruiting new singers, especially music readers. They perform 20 concerts a year, both to private and public audiences. Those interested are invited to contact the Choir, whose details can be found at www.3valleymvc.org.uk They meet on a Tuesday evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. There is no audition required, just the ability to sing in tune.

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W ALTHAM ABBEY THEATRE COMPANY

Formerly Becket Drama Company, the Waltham Abbey Theatre Company has been central to the area's theatrical entertainment scene for many years. It was first formed by its residents in 1935 and wasn't long before Waltham Abbey Dramatic Society (as it was then known) was bursting at the seams with potential stars, stage managers and anyone else who wanted to be part of this exception-al, social event set to become indigenous to the people and synonymous with the very name of Waltham Abbey. Not only did W.A.D.S. bring theatre to the area . . . unheard of in the '30s . . . a community spirit was born that has never waned. In 1950 the group re-formed as Waltham Abbey Theatrical Society and started performing pantomimes as well as some of the most famous musicals of the era. Some members were keen to stage plays, so in 1958, those members formed another group called Lea Valley Players. Waltham Abbey now had two groups and had the advantage of seeing separate productions or both groups in the same production when they co-joined for a particular event. In 1968 the L.V.P. changed their name to Becket Drama Company; only because they were staging a Samuel Beckett play. (Yes, you've spotted the deliberate Becket spelling mistake!) It was at this time the W.A.A.T.S. took their final bow and closed their curtains for the last time. Waltham Abbey Theatre Company may have a new name but its values and pride in the company are no different to those back in the 1930's. The need to go that extra mile for their audiences is evident when rehearsing against odds that didn't exist all those years ago. Work commitments and the fast pace of life have created challenges for members which they take in their stride in order to meet the theatrical expectations of their audience and to have lots of FUN! Putting on three productions in May, September and January will always be challenging but the rewards far outweigh any problems that may arise along the way. Waltham Abbey Theatre Company is a family oriented and community aware organisation, which welcomes diversity, new ideas and new members. W.A.T.C. strives to bring the best they can in amateur dramatics.

Why not come in and see us at The Community Centre, Saxon Way on Tuesday or Thursday between 8pm and 10pm. We would be delighted to see you and hope you'll stay!

Jackie Deane, Waltham Abbey Theatre Company

STAND AND DELIVER DICK TURPIN The Pantomime

January 22nd, 23rd and 24th Waltham Abbey Town Hall

The tale of the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, is given a humorous, panto spin in the Waltham Abbey Theatre Company’s January 2015 production.

Around 300 years ago, Dick Turpin carried out his villainous crimes in and around the Epping Forest area. Is he all bad guy? You can find out next month across three dates at Waltham Abbey Town Hall. The panto-mime promises to deliver more than a touch of melodrama in this original, inventive and full of fun production.

Many a twist is brought to the much-loved pantomime conventions; the Dame, the baddy, the beautiful girl with her pompous father as well as an entertaining dose of dim-witted henchmen and incompetent police-men, not quite the full truncheon. Throw in a parson and Daisy the cow for good measure, and you have a pantomime full of excitement, surprises and enjoyment for the whole family.

“It Runs in the Family” by Ray Cooney (pictured centre front with the Company)

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D eck the halls with bows of holly Just don’t expect me to be jolly.

Trolleys piled with Christmas fare Taking eight days to prepare. The checkout heralds mile long queues Mince pies, Yule Log, too much booze.

Writing cards to those you hate Then missing the last posting date. Ten rounds with the Christmas tree A bauble-smashing jamboree. Branches groan with decoration It’s a Yuletide aberration.

Presents wrapped with love and care Ribbons tied with creative flair One day on, they’re ripped to pieces And cast aside by thankless nieces. Reluctant hands in a turkey’s bum Begs the question; which one’s dumb?

Sprouts are prepped, as per tradition, Stuffed bird wrestled into submission. And according to your calculations, Somewhat of a revelation: You're three hours late with the turkey cooking So you microwave it when no one's looking.

Plates groaning under weight of food Refusing thirds is just plain rude. Three weeks to plan; an hour to eat That the fridge still shuts is quite a feat. Bad TV you’ve seen before And modern dance on Channel Four.

You want to nap but son keeps pleading His whines may start your ear drums bleeding. He needs help with Lego constructions, But some buffoon binned the instructions. You trawl the rubbish, try not to cry Like some half-drunk amateur CSI.

Lounge awash with crumpled wrapping You've given up, the hope of napping. And suddenly, it’s time for supper So out come all the hoards of Tupper- Ware – boxes filled with what is spare; Hot roast dinner? Now buffet fare.

Scrabble makes its annual outing Cue disputes, indignant shouting. Run to bed at first suggestion Then up all night with indigestion. So there’s only one thing left to say; Roll on bloody Boxing Day.

A Yuletide Aberration Sue de Nime

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T he YES Partnership in Epping Forest held its first ‘Investors in Young People’ event in November at

the Marriot Hotel in Waltham Abbey, attended by Eleanor Laing MP and the member of parliament for Chingford, Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, Secretary for State for Work and Pensions.

The event was held to celebrate the contribution that businesses make to the 13-18 year age group in the area and the efforts of young people during their work experience as well as in holiday and Saturday jobs. Also celebrated were those who contribute to improve employment opportunities in the under 24 age group by providing apprenticeships, those who offer advice on accessing employment and also those who became successful entrepreneurs.

A working group was set up and chaired by YES committee member, Philip Wilson, joined by Quentin Buller, who designed the information booklet and menu and John Houston who provided venues for all the meetings. Publicity, including social media, was provided

by YES committee member, Kate Towerzey, owner of local community About My Area websites.

Guests were formally welcomed by the Partnership’s patron, Eleanor Laing MP. Following dinner, the Secretary of State addressed guests, who spoke about improvements in employment figures, particularly for those in full time employment and for youth employment.

EPPING FOREST APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsored by the Higgins Group Winner: Kyle Toby Highly commended: Louis Walton

EPPING FOREST STUDENT CHAMPION OF THE YEAR Sponsored by J&H Sales Winner: Ben Wreford Highly commended: Kane Huxley

EPPING FOREST MENTOR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by H&M Security Services Winner: Simon Ross, Knight Wheeler & Co. Highly commended: Howard Green, Duncan Phillips Ltd.

EPPING FOREST CONTRIBUTOR TOWARDS RAISING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Marriot Hotel Winner: Rob Gayler, Essex Outdoors, Lambourne End Highly commended: Nick Robinson, Loughton Youth Project

EPPING FOREST ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Abbey Total Care Group Winner: Michael Scarce Highly commended: Chris Cricklow

EPPING FOREST EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Anderson Group Winner: Gloria Gottschalk, Porter Valmic Highly commended: Gerry Donaghue, Essex Securities Services

Investors in Young People YES Partnership’s awards—Marriot Hotel, Waltham Abbey, November 13

Photos, Richard Clarke

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SUPPORT, INSPIRE AND PROMOTE

SMALL BUSINESS

SmallBusinessSaturdayUK.com

SmallBusiness SaturdayUK

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Amy’s Baking Year John Blake, £14.99

Magascene is delighted to share a recipe from Britain’s youngest baker’s debut cookery book

RED VELVET ANGEL CUPCAKES

These beautiful cupcakes look like angels floating on clouds

METHOD 1. Dust your work surface with icing sugar and lightly knead your fondant icing until softened slightly. Roll out the fondant icing quite thinly. Using a round cutter that fits your cupcakes, cut out discs of fondant icing. Make 12 and set them aside to dry. 2. To make the angels, push a small amount of white fondant icing into the mould. When you have made 12 angels, use a decorating brush to paint them with edible gold paint for the finishing touch. Leave these to dry before decorating the cakes. 3. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/350°F/gas mark 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with gold foil muffin cases. 4. Sift together the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder into a mixing bowl. 5. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. 6. Beat together the butter and sugar in the bowl of a free-standing electric mixer (or you can use a handheld electric whisk and mixing bowl) until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the egg and slowly mix in the food colouring. Add the melted chocolate, vanilla extract, oil and vinegar on a low speed. 7. Gently fold in half of the sifted dry ingredients with a large metal spoon followed by half of the buttermilk. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk. 8. Divide the mixture evenly between the cases. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until well risen and a skewer inserted into one of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

(MAKES 12)

INGREDIENTS

For the angel cupcakes: 200g (7oz) plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp cocoa powder 100g (3½oz) butter 175g (6oz) caster sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 tsp red paste food colouring 25g (1oz) dark chocolate, melted 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp vanilla extract 120ml (4fl.oz) buttermilk 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the cream cheese frosting: 75g (3oz) butter 225g (8oz) cream cheese 175g (6oz) icing sugar, sifted For decorating: White fondant icing Small amount of mincemeat or jam Angel mould Edible metallic gold paint Fine decorating brush

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Copped Hall Choir hopes to build on success of Christmas Carol CD

T he Copped Hall Choir is hoping to gain an even wider audience this year for a

Christmas Carol CD that reached their friends and family in eight countries last Christmas.

The Choir, formed in 2009 to raise funds for the Copped Hall restoration project, has gone from strength to strength.

“In a way it’s been a rags to riches story,” says Stephen Fellowes, who as well as co-producing the CD, also wrote some of the arrangements on it and played flute and percussion. “A miscellaneous group of volunteers who were working at Copped Hall got together to sing. They now perform at sell-out concerts and have recorded a CD to professional standards.”

It’s a family affair with Stephen’s son Andrew, an Opera Singer currently performing with English National Opera, co-producing the CD and responsible for its engineering and daughter Katherine Fellowes (pictured below) as the Musical Director and inspiration behind the Choir since its inception in 2009.

Over the years Katherine’s diverse work has included assisting and collaborating with ex-offenders in the London area with the organisation Escape Artists; helping in music production classes for the charity Crisis; and leading children's theatre workshops in Bangalore, India. Most recently she has appeared with her early music vocal group The Erato Consort and performed with her professional opera company Meridian Opera who specialise in making opera accessible in the community. In 2013 she became the founding conductor of Sing, Sing, Sing, a Woodford-based choir for new singers.

Much of the Copped Hall Choir’s success has been due to Katherine’s enthusiasm and encouragement through an intense period of rehearsals before every concert. Last year, the Choir had four recording sessions singing “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” in the middle of August!

The CD has 19 tracks, some of which will be performed at the Choir’s two Carol Concerts at Copped Hall this year – on December 6th and 14th at 3pm. Every year Katherine selects a mix of traditional carols and folk songs as well as the well-known favourites, often writ-ing her own arrangements.

The 24 Choir members are mostly Friends of the Trust, augmented by some invited singers to boost various sections. Many also belong to other local and national choirs. The Choir is accompanied by pianist Norman Lansdown-Davis.

The CD is available (£10 plus p+p) from www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk where you can also find out more about The Trust’s substantial progress and continued efforts to carefully restore the mansion and gardens for educational, cultural and community use.

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Time for a Change By Heather Waring

L ove it or hate it, the new year in business and in fact all areas of life, is a great time to shake

things up a bit. Time to try something new or at least new ways of doing things. This can be as simple as taking a different route to work, to the shops, to get the paper or changing jobs, moving house or even embarking on a ‘round the world’ adventure. I’m sure you have heard it said that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Well if we continue to live our lives in the same way, day in, day out, perhaps then we should not be surprised if things stay the same. Perhaps that’s ok, perhaps it’s what you want. However, in my experience many people have things they would like to achieve, specific goals they are striving for and if what you have been doing is not working then may I suggest it’s time for something new. This is the perfect time to do this, turn things around and even improve them massively. Making changes though are not always easy on your own, so who could help you? What about a really good friend or a supportive partner, life or business? Sometimes all you need is to speak, because through articulating you hear things differently. Perhaps after spending a few hours with someone in this way you will be able to get your plan together. However, if you need more structured or ongoing help, then a coach or mentor might be right for you. Perhaps what you need is a member of staff? In business that might be a book-keeper, a VA or PA or even a business manager. It may be that you have realised where your areas of least efficiency are and at last you see that giving certain pieces of work to an expert will free you up to concentrate on what you are great at. This will not only make you feel better but bring in different results. Paperwork, figures, advertising or marketing; what is it for you?

That ‘member of staff’ may be in another area of life too. What about childcare? Perhaps a cleaner would help or a tutor for your children? It doesn’t matter who it is as long as it makes a positive difference. It may not be a person you need but a system or series of them. How many clients do you have? How many do you need? What percentage of them use your services regularly? What needs to change? When you can see what’s happening, this becomes easier to plan. How much income do you need to bring in? How much do you want to bring in? Are you on track? If not, what changes can you make? This is easier as you go through the year as opposed to trying to increase by a high amount in the last month or so. Am I on track with all my plans and aspirations in all areas of my life? Rather than leave the holidays and recharge time to chance, take that less crammed diary and block out the time now. You may not have the space to fit it in later, but now you can, and then you know that time for you and family and friends and wellbeing is being given the priority it deserves. This is just as important as the other plans you make. What else might you change? Remember, it can be as small or as large as you want. Just think how great it will be in 12 months’ time to look back and see that sanity is indeed alive and kicking!

Heather Waring www.waringwell.com

www.yourvirtualbooktour.com 07941 246619

“If we continue to live our lives the same way, then we shouldn’t be

surprised if things stay the same.”

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We also publish in

Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill Call 01992 814621 or email jane@magascene.net for details

February & March 2015 edition

Deadline January 16

Visit our website at www.magascene.net

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And another

Thing… 10 places to visit before you die (a parent's version)

Sue de Nime

W alking the Inca trail. Swishing your manicured toes in the gently lapping waves of a Maldives beach. Being punted (I said punted) down a Venice

canal as you sit resplendent in a gondola. I don't know about you, but I have pretty much had my fill of those 'Ten Places You Have To Visit Before You Die' lists. I have small children and let's face it, I struggle to tick stuff off my daily to-do list, let alone a list that involves global travel and the ability to pack light. So I have decided to create an alternative list. A list that I stand a very good chance of complet-ing given that I am en famille.

1. The supermarket. The pure adrenaline rush of navigating those aisles with an incalcitrant trolley and even more stubborn offspring will have you coming back for more. Even more spectacular when there is an unexpected tantrum in the bagging area.

2. The soft play centre. The shimmering oasis at the end of every parental question as to how to enter-tain the kids on a wet morning. Glistening vinyl land-scapes, replete with new species of bacteria in every crevice for the young explorers, as well as the re-nowned 'wall of sound' noise effect reminiscent of three hundred over-excited hyenas, are just the start of this magical experience.

3. The GP's waiting room. This is an experience to be repeated. Often. We recommend eschewing the more popular booked appointment for a will-they-won't-they slot with the on-call duty team, so you can luxuriate in the hard benches and beige carpet tiles for anywhere up to an hour.

4. Santa's Grotto. There is nowhere better to spend one and a half minutes of your life in than this fabu-lous feat of temporary architecture known as San-ta's Grotto. Watch the delightful anticipation of your offspring build into destructive boredom as you wait in the queue for fifty minutes with other like-minded saps who are about to be relieved of cash in ex-change for a plastic curio that will last for approxi-mately seven minutes. Book early to ensure disap-pointment.

5. The car. Experience a journey like no other aboard your very own vehicle. Fuel your adrenaline with the excitement of driving one-handed, your torso twisted sideways and with one arm flailing into the back seat to hand over a drink or break up a fight.

6. The shoe shop. A great weekend escape, a trip to the shoe shop is sure to thrill. Jostle for a seating cube with other parents who are all eyeing up the sale rack, praying that their children's' feet have not grown again.

7. The library. A trip not for the fainthearted, being as it mixes over-exuberant, children with an environ-ment that prides itself on its tranquillity. Marvel at the rows of books that you will never have time to read and instead, settle down with your child and attempt to master the 'reading out loud in a partial whisper' skill.

8. The garden. A real treasure right on your door-step, time spent in the garden is a real pleasure. Watch as your youngest attempts to sample the local delicacies by licking a muddy leaf and poking a snail before sucking his fingers. If you are really lucky, your eldest will create his own wailing wall, having slipped on a discarded muddy leaf and banged his head on the concrete.

9. Play dates. Some call this the Holy Grail of paren-tal destinations, the play date is an experience of both thrills and spills: you thrill in the luxury of leav-ing the chaos of your house behind and being in someone else's' tidier abode, before having the white-knuckle experience of your child spilling black-currant juice all over their lounge carpet. Not for the faint-hearted.

10. Your bed, after 7am. (Well, I had to put one ridic-ulously ambitious destination on there, to give us all something to aim for). Sue de Nime, aka Jodie Newman, also writes a blog at www.motheringfrights.wordpress.com or follow on Twitter for non-parenting advice @MotheringFright

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Ask Brenda

Relationship advice from Brenda Clowes MBACP COSRT

Is my husband having an affair?

I have a very stressful job which involves some travel and my husband has been taking on more of the childcare. Recently he has been distant and I'm worried because he has

been keeping his mobile phone with him all the time, even when he wakes up and goes to the bathroom. Do you think he could be having an affair? Anon, Buckhurst Hill

Brenda’s reply It’s very chilling when you become suspicious. What do you do? Confront him head on?

This could be useful to get things out in to the open, but often it will lead to a denial. There is a strong belief in “least said soonest mended” and many affairs are 'known but not known' as a protection for both partners and the marriage. An affair announced becomes a concrete reality with grief and betrayal and a need to make choices, but having it out in the open is the only way for some people.

It’s natural to feel panic and outrage but it is important to hold on to your head as well. To do some thinking about the relationship and your part in it. Initially it may feel like insult to injury that you should have to examine yourself.

Often lovers supply what is missing. If you think back to what attracted you to each other, what were the most important things in the relation-ship to you and to him? Sex? Affection? Companionship? Admiration? Communication? Shared interests? We may put these in a different order but they are the factors that make a relationship.

When was the last sexy time you had together, or were alone as a couple talking and really listening to one another about what has been going on inside you, how you've been feeling about yourselves and each other? Cuddling on the sofa? Getting a baby sitter, dressing up and going on whatever sort of date night that would have been on the cards when you met? Sending loving texts

to one another, telling each other how amazed you are by their face or their body or their brain or their humour? Admiration makes us expand. How much time is spent on grooming and looking special? Sometimes our partner has been saying the same thing, which we make 'white noise' and don't stop to think through what they mean.

Time, time, time and that is what you have so little of for yourselves now. When we have chil-dren and busy lives, often the last thing we think of is the maintenance of the relationship.

Deep down I expect you have some inkling of what has happened in your marriage. From the brief outline you give, your career is developing and you are spending more time in the outside world and your husband is spending more time with the children and home. Perhaps the change in both your situations has had an effect on his self esteem. Could he also be concerned at what you do abroad?

What do you think?

What are your views? How would you reply to this reader’s problem? Why not email your thoughts to info@magascene.net and we may publish your reply in the next edition. With thanks to Brenda Clowes T 020 85058328 / M 07943 335954. www.buckhursthillrelationshipcounselling.co.uk

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Penny Forem

F inally, I will agree to start thinking about Christmas. I am with Sainsbury's on this one. It's positively indecent to mention it before Armistice Day out of respect for

the war dead. And it's fairly inappropriate to think about it before my birthday half way through November. Now you are free to start shopping. As we surge ever closer to an age where no-one ever talks to one another but emails and texts them, I feel there is one glitch left to be resolved. Hell, there are probably loads, but today's whinge (No 67453a of "computer-induced complaints") is on behalf of all those marvellous people who may have more than just the 26 letters of the alphabet in their name. All the people with double-barrelled names. And the others who have annoying things like apostrophes in them, normally the Irish. Being a sufferer of such a name (what Forem is not my real name? Who knew!) I have spent years being filed under the wrong letter because people ignore the O and the '. But now a new indignation. When filling out a form on a computer when I put in my name it very often retorts "please use the correct characters". Grrr! No amount of swearing will make it change its mind. There must be a lot of thumped computer screens in Ireland that's all I can say.

B uilders, fairly fit people you'd think - what with all that walking up and down ladders carrying bricks on a hod and the like. But it appears this is an illusion.

For while they can lift bricks and gallon-sized tea mugs brimming with sugar they are no fitter than your average person with a blue disabled badge. How so? Because whenever they park their, invariably white, vans they have to be as close to the site as possible. If they can't get it on the road out the front, then parking on the verge is the answer or across the neighbour's drive is another favourite spot. Whilst I can understand this if the builder is then going to fling open the van doors and carry some incredibly heavy piece of kit onto site, the most I have seen builders emerge from their vans with is a Thermos flask and a popular tabloid tucked under their arm. Case rests, Your Honour.

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A weekend of history and celebration marked the 400th Anniversary of St Michael’s Church, Theydon Mount

T he last weekend of September saw St Michael’s 400th anniversary celebrations blessed with perfect weather and an abundance of

visitors, who had come to soak up both the sunshine on its lawns and its rich history at the exhibition held within its red-brick walls.

Saturday evening saw a full house for archivist Anne Padfield’s narration of the ‘History of St Michael’s’ which was supported by singing from the choir, and readings from members of the congregation.

During the interval, with a refreshment in hand, visitors were able to view the photographic and textual displays which recorded events through the centuries. Registers from the Essex Records Office had been brought in, along with the best silver plate receiving a rare outing from the bank vaults.

The large congregation at Sunday morning’s service, which was taken by the Rt. Revd. Ste-phen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, went on to enjoy the celebratory cake and champagne. Sales of the new Church Guidebook along with

other St Michael’s merchandise helped to make the weekend a financial success and the Events Committee’s hard work was evident throughout.

The Church holds events throughout the year and of course everyone is always welcome at the reg-ular Sunday morning service, which is held alter-nately at St Michael’s and St Mary’s, Stapleford Tawney, at 10.00am.

The Christingle Service will be held at St Mary’s on December 7th and the Carol Services also at St Mary’s on December 21st; the Children’s Service is at 4.30pm and the Traditional Carol Service at 6.30pm.

St. Michael’s Church, Theydon Mount CM16 7QQ St. Mary’s, Stapleford Tawney RM4 1DQ

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020 8504 4334

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E leven Light Up a Life services are to be held across the St Clare patch – including two at

the Hospice in Hastingwood – for people to pause, reflect and remember their loved ones this Christmas.

Light Up a Life is an important part of the on-going care that St Clare provides for our local community, allowing people to gather together to remember the joy people close to our hearts have brought to our lives, and to pay tribute to the incredible support the Hospice offers to patients and their families.

Each service will include heartfelt readings and carol singing. The highlight of the Hospice event is the lighting of the Christmas tree, each light representing the life and memory of someone dear to us.

St Clare supporter Jan Withey, who lives in Loughton, has attended Light Up a Life for the past seven years after her husband, Tony, (pictured above right) passed away at the Hospice in January 2007.

“Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same for me without St Clare’s Light Up a Life,” she said. “You look at the people around you, you look at their faces and you realise that you’re not alone. You’re all in the same boat, all missing those that you love.”

This year’s Light Up a Life services:-

Methodist Church, Loughton. Saturday, November 29 at 4.30pm Waltham Abbey Church. Thursday, December 4

at 7pm St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood. Saturday, December 6 at 4pm St John’s Church, Epping. Saturday, December 6

at 5.30pm St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood. Wednesday,

December 10 at 7pm St John’s Church, Buckhurst Hill. Thursday, December 11 at 7pm St Martin’s Church, Ongar. Thursday, December

11 at 4.15pm St Andrew’s Church, Harlow. Sunday, December

14 at 6.30pm St Mary’s Church, Stansted. Sunday, December

14 at 11am United Reformed Church, Great Dunmow. Sunday, December 14 at 3.30pm St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden. Sunday, February 15 at 6.30pm If you would like to make a dedication on the Hospice tree, or attend one of the two services happening at St Clare, please call the fundraising team on 01279 773750 or visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life

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...and a happy new year to all our customers!

Merry Christmas...

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The organisers of the Stratford and East London Music Festival (SELMF) have invested in a dynamic new website, making lives easier for everyone wanting information on available classes, dates and times. The website will allow all entries to be taken and paid for on line, making the system for both competitors and organisers quicker and more efficient. The website can be found at www.stratfordmusicfestival.org.uk

SELMF was founded in 1882, making it the UK’s oldest music and drama festival. It has continued to grow in popularity since that time, with entries in 2014 reaching in excess of 1,000 in over 200 classes.

Many musicians and actors can trace the start of their careers from success at the SELMF. These include Jonathan Antoine, (of Charlotte and Jonathan fame) and Charlotte Barbour-Condini, who reached the final of the BBC Young Musi-cian of the Year in 2012.

The Festival, which runs for two weeks in February, uses St. Mary’s Church in South Woodford for the organ, choir, orchestra and band competitions and Forest School in Snaresbrook for all other music, speech and drama classes.

UK’s oldest musical festival invests in dynamic new website

Dylan’s Appeal

T his Christmas, please consider donating to Dylan’s appeal. It could be the best gift you give this year.

Since 2003, Haven House Children’s Hospice, based in Woodford Green, has been providing specialist care for children and young people (birth-19) who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and who are unlikely to reach adulthood.

Dylan, aged 10, lives in Wanstead with his mum, dad and 13 year old brother Callum. He has Partial Triplication 15, a chromosome disorder so rare that there are only ten known cases worldwide. Whilst there is little known about the condition, one thing is certain - his life will be shortened.

Caring for Dylan is a 24-7 job. He was recently diagnosed with a very rare form of epilepsy, where seizures can be virtually non-stop. In a particularly bad period, he had 400 in 13 hours; every one of these can be life-threatening.

As well as his major conditions, he is wheelchair dependent, has poor fine motor skills, has no short-term memory and often suffers from pneumonia and chest infections. For weeks at a time he becomes floppy and can't function as he has so many seizures.

When Dylan is at home his family feel like hostages, held to ransom by the severity of his seizures. They are unable to leave the house. What Haven House offers them is a break. Without this they would not have coped as a family for so long. Janie, his mum, said: "As I know the experienced and highly trained nurses are able to care for all Dylan's needs I am able to relax for a few precious days a year and get a full night's sleep."

Dylan's family don't know what is going to happen next and having to watch their much-loved son and brother deteriorate before their eyes is heart-breaking. What they do know is that Haven House will be there to help them have the best Christmas together, just like it will be for the other 150 families they will be supporting this year.

How your donation could help:

£20 could pay for a 90 minute Therapeutic Yoga session for three children £38.25 could pay for 90 minutes personal counselling by a qualified counsellor £55.20 could pay for a child attending a one hour group music therapy session £99.80 could pay for 10 hours of care for a deceased child in our Butterfly Suite £210 could pay for six hours of support to families from our Bereavement Sister

To read more about Dylan and how Haven House supports him and his family, and to make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/dylansappeal. Alternatively, please call 020 8498 5841 to make a donation over the phone or to request an appeal pack.

Dylan, with his mum, Janie

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All aspects of gardening

undertaken Call Trevor 07960 713573

01992 573628

EPPING FOREST COMMUNITY TRANSPORT

Supplying transport across the district to the elderly, the disabled or those who are rurally isolated.

VOLUNTEER ROLES NEEDED Minibus drivers

Drivers with their own car Office support staff

Trustees

Call 01992 56515

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The Dream Factory charity ball set to raise £70,000 A star-studded Monte Carlo–themed ball looks set to raise over £70,000 for The Dream Factory charity.

The event, which took place last month at Orsett Hall, included an auction as hosted by EastEnders actor and comedian Terry Alderton. Guests were able to bid for signed merchandise and memorabilia from Pele, David Beckham, Olly Murs and Kylie Minogue.

Among the 280-plus guests were Colin McMillan, former world welterweight boxing champion, and Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, Secretary for State for Work and Pensions.

The Dream Factory’s founder Avril Mills said, “I am delighted that we have raised so much money and as a result, so many more dreams will now be granted.”

The charity has granted some 300 dreams for children and young adults who have either life-limiting or life threatening conditions. On top of this, a further 60 dreams are on the charity‘s waiting list.

Founder Avril was inspired to grant dreams by her son Oliver, who died of leukaemia at the age of 9.

www.yourdreamfactory.org

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Event Listings

DNA Studios Christmas Panto "Snow White & the Seven Minions". Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December 2014, 1pm & 7pm. DNA Studios, Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY. £5 per ticket. Brand new panto for the whole family performed by the talented dance college students of DNA Studios. All proceeds to Haven House Children's Hospice. For more infor-mation or to book tickets please call 01992 715979 or see their web-site www.dnastudios.org.uk

Blossom Centre Christmas Party. Saturday 13th December 2014, 2pm to 9pm. Nazeing Park House, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2DN. £15 adults and £5 children. Fun for all the family including Santa's grotto, Christ-mas market, live music, dance entertainment, theatre entertainment, carol singing, Minnie & Mickey characters, raffle, hog roast and bar. Fundraising for the Blossom Centre which will be opening next year on at Nazeing Park House for children with autism. Tickets available in advance from Annie's Coffee Shop in Waltham Abbey Town Centre or call 07710 392704 or see their website www.blossom-asd.uk

Farm-tastic Santa at Lee Valley Park Farms. 13 & 14th, 20th to 23rd December 2014, from 10am to 3pm. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF. First child £12, additional chil-dren £10. Enjoy the festivities at Lee Valley Park Farms, complete with elves and reindeer plus all the fun of the farm. Children will jump at the opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift and there will be a variety of Christmas arts and crafts to take part in too. Enjoy a festive bite to eat at the Orchard Café to complete this fun

packed family day. To book or for more information please visit www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms or call 01992 892 781.

"Frozen" Singalong Film Screening. Tuesday 23rd December 2014, 5.15pm for 6.00pm start. Cornmill Suite, Waltham Abbey Town Hall, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DE. Special Christmas film screening in the early evening when your children will be greeted by the Princess and refreshments will be Frozen themed. Tickets are available on the door or from Tourist Info Centre in advance at a cost of £2.50 adults and £1.00 for children. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Refreshments are available to purchase. For more information please call 01992 660336

Waltham Abbey Theatre Company presents Dick Turpin. January 22nd, 23rd and 24th at 7.30pm. Saturday matinee 2.30pm.Tickets £9, conc/Saturday matinee £8. Waltham Abbey Town Hall. Box Office 07519 588621.

Waltham Abbey Wool Show. Sunday 18th January, 2015 10am to 4pm. Waltham Abbey Marriott, Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX. Tickets: £3 in advance and £4 on the day. Funky wool show with luscious hand dyed yarns, beautiful handmade wool and felt items, unique knit and crochet kits. Wide selection of accessories. Demonstrations and workshops. Plus Best Funky Bag competition judged by Claire Montgomerie, editor of Inside Crochet magazine, who will also be opening 2015 show. Call 01992 651066 or visit www.walthamabbeywoolshow.co.uk

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Club & Society listings

Clubs, classes and societies

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS. For friends and relatives of alcohol-ics www.al-anonuk.org.uk Email: enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk Helpline 020 7403 0888 (10am—10pm)

Baby Sensory—baby development classes in Waltham Abbey. For babies from birth to 13 months. Classes Thursdays at Town Mead Leisure Park, Brooker Road. Contact Vicci for a free taster session on 07734 114538. Email cheshunt@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com

Breathe Easy Harlow & Epping Forest. Second Tuesday of the month at the Purford Green Community Centre, Purford, Harlow CM18 6HP between 2pm and 4pm. For enquiries, please call 01992m573387. Breathe Easy is the support group of The British Lung Foundation www.blf-uk.org

Burlesque Jems. Town Mead, Waltham Abbey. Booking is essential. The Burlesque Jems run weekly dance classes for ladies who enjoy a giggle & a wiggle. Aimed at all ages, abilities, shapes & sizes – no experience necessary. Contact Jem for more details on 07903188404 or info@burlesquejems.co.uk

Chigwell & Epping Forest Orienteering Club. Bored with just running, in pain from too much running on roads? Try running through forests and having to work out where to go. There is a local event approximately once a month. For more details ring Helen on 020 8502 1629, or visit chig.org.uk

Epping Forest District Badger Group. 3rd Monday of the month at Hemnall Street Social club, Epping at 8pm. Find out more about the existence and secret life of badgers and their preservation. Contact 01992 756038. www.eppingforestbg.org.uk

Epping Forest Centenary Trust. We can provide practical conservation sessions in Epping Forest for groups, including special needs groups, community groups and youth groups. Call Epping Forest Centenary Trust on 0208 508 9061, email efct@btinternet.com or visit www.efct.info

Epping Forest & District Stamp Club. 2nd Tuesday of month at the Dining Room, Roding Valley High School, Loughton. New members and beginners always welcome. Keith Smith 020 8505 5620.

Epping Forest Group of the Alpine Garden Society. Non-members are welcome. For further information please contact the Group Secretary: Keith Ballard on 01992 813231 or email keith@hetheringtonandco.com

Epping Forest HP (Walking) Group. We are a walking group who walk in Epping, Redbridge and sometimes London each week. Walks start at 10.30am. There is no charge to join walks, optional membership at £4. Social evenings, coach trips and holidays. www.efhfg.org.uk. Email: info2009@efhfg.org.uk

Epping Forest Outdoor Group. Are you a walker or a cyclist? Like to enjoy a more varied outdoor and social life? 8.30pm Thursdays, ROVSCO Hall, 72 Hollybush Hill, E11 1PX. Weekends away, day activities and social events. www.efog.org.uk Call Secretary, Ken, on 020 8524 3960.

Epping Forest Re-Use is a charity set- up to give support in the community, offering good quality furniture/white goods and general household goods open to everybody, those on benefits can buy at reduced price - goods are delivered at a one off price regardless of the number of items purchased. Visit the Epping Re-Use Centre Bower Hill Industrial Estate Bower Hill Epping CM16 7BN. Come and volunteer. For more information please call 01992 578222 or visit www.eppingreuse.org.uk

Family Care Counselling Service. We provide affordable, professional counselling in the Epping Forest area. Tel: 01992 788499 www.familycarecounselling.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1118296

Herts & Essex Architectural Research Society. 4th Friday of the month at 8pm, Church Hall, Loughton Methodist Church, 260 Loughton High Road. Call 020 8508 2512 for more details or visit www.westessex.net/hears_info.php

Jo Jingles at Town Mead, Waltham Abbey. Fridays 9.45am for ‘walkers’ and 10.45am for babies. Music, singing and movement for babies & children aged 3 months to 5 years. Contact Victoria on 07801 535146 or email jojinglesenfield@sky.com www.jojingles.com/enfieldarea

Upshire Short Mat Bowls. Upshire Village Hall on Mondays from 2pm to 5pm and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7pm to 10pm. Please phone for more information or just pop in. Contacts: Monday; David 01992 715129, Tuesday; Fred 01992 711720 and Wednesday; Dave 01992 711573. Everyone welcome. No experience necessary.

The Waltham Abbey Darts League. Friendly Wednesday night league. New members welcome. Males and females welcome. For further details email: walthamabbeydarsleague@gmail.com

Waltham Abbey Floral Art Society. Waltham Abbey Royal British Region, Sewardstone Street, Waltham Abbey 7.15pm for 7.45pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Entry £5 or annual subscription £18.50 and £2.50 entrance per meeting. Contact Pearl on 01992 715969.

Waltham Abbey Town Women’s Guild. 3rd* Monday of every month at the Salvation Army Hall, Sewardstone Street, Waltham Abbey at 2pm. We have demonstrations, speakers, competitions. Visitors welcome. Contact Joy Argent on 01992 714921. (* Check with organisers for December date).

Waltham Abbey Writers. 1st Monday of the month at the Good Intent, Upshire. Whether you are writing for pleasure, profit or prosperity, why not come along. See advert on page 4 for more details.

Zumba. Shake it at your own pace! Get active with great people at the dance party workout for the young at heart. Monday mornings 9.30am at Ninefields Community Centre. Contact Linda on 07909 962901. £3 per session.

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Doctors Surgeries Waltham Abbey Health Centre 13 Sewardstone Road EN9 1NP Incorporating: Greenyard Healthcare 01992 714088 Keyhealth Medical Centre 01992 707145 Market Square Surgery 01992 707130

Abbey Surgery 27 Howard Business Park EN9 1XE 01992 715755

Maynard Court Surgery 17-18 Maynard Court EN9 3DU 01992 761387

Hospitals NHS Direct 111 Princess Alexandra Hospital 01279 444455 St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping 01992 902010 Whipps Cross Hospital 020 8539 5522

Pharmacies Glennon Chemists 8 Hillhouse, Ninefields EN9 3EL 01992 717145

Lloyds Pharmacy 2a Market Square EN9 1DL 01992 713320

Lloyds Chemist 10 Sun Street EN9 1EE 01992 712097

Care Services Bluebird Care. Provides a full range of care services from shopping and companionship to full personal care including live-in care 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Bluebird Care Redbridge Office 0208 989 8444 Bluebird Care Brentwood Office 0127 7230 763 Bluebird Care Chelmsford Office 01245 263 962

Community Centres Ninefields Community Centre Ninefields EN9 1DE 01992 718764 Waltham Abbey Community Centre 46 Crooked Mile EN9 1QD 01992 711188

Schools Hillhouse CofE Primary School 01992 715999 The Leverton Infant 01992 715922 & Nursery School The Leverton Junior School 01992 715885 Waltham Holy Cross Junior School 01992 712775 Upshire Primary School 01992 715567 King Harold Secondary School 01992 714800

Police Essex Police (non emergency) 111 01245 491491 Emergencies 999 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Other numbers

Citizens Advice Bureau 01992 710353 Childline 0800 1111 Eleanor Laing MP 020 8508 6608 Epping Forest District Council 01992 564000 Job Centre 01992 903200 National Blood Service 020 8258 2700 www.blood.co.uk Samaritans 0845 7 90 90 90 Tourist Information 01992 660336 Waltham Abbey Library 01992 713717 Waltham Abbey Town Council 01992 714949

Handy Numbers

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

Listings are free for advertisers, non-profit clubs, societies and charities. If you are a business and would like to advertise, prices start from just £20 for

an eighth of a page and there is no VAT to pay.

The deadline for the Spring edition

(Mar-Apr-May) is February 13th.

Please email jane@magascene.net or call 01992 814621 for further information

or to submit your listing.

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Faith with her young family at a previous charity run

“Cancer effects most of us”