About the Parishes April 2025 : simplebooklet.com

Message CLERGY Priest in Charge: Reverend Sophie Weller For Wedding, Holy Baptism, Funeral and Burial enquiries, or if you need an appointment or call with the Priest in Charge, please contact the Benefice Office Administrator, Alison Uncle Email: administrator@thesixvillages.org Tel: 07934 260978. Canon Caroline Harding Licensed Lay Minister to the Six Villages Church Officers - St Mary's, Hatfield Broad Oak www.thesixvillages.org Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr Mark Haddon Mrs Liz Webber 10 Duke’s Orchard 14 Medlars Mead Hatfield Broad Oak (718236) Hatfield Broad Oak (717980) Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs Kerry Stedman Mrs Kerry Stedman Langafel, 6 Hammonds Road Langafel, 6 Hammonds Road Hatfield Broad Oak (07890 235130) Hatfield Broad Oak (07890 235130) Verger: Mrs Edna Halls / Mrs Jenny Daniell Church Officers - St John's, Bush End www.thesixvillages.org Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr David Robson Dr Fiona Perrott-Humphrey The Woods Salix, Jack’s Lane Hatfield Broad Oak (718452) Takeley (871668) Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs Emma Biaggi Mr David Robson The Woods The Woods Hatfield Broad Oak (718127) Hatfield Broad Oak (718452) Services Times of services are as listed in the Church Calendar inside the front cover of the magazine. Articles to reach Janet Pugh, 8 Medlars Mead, Hatfield Broad Oak, CM22 7JB, telephone 01279 718435, or e-mail: janet.hbo@btinternet.com by noon on 15th of the month preceding publication. Please note: Although About the Parishes is funded by St Mary’s Parochial Church Council, opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC, nor is the PCC responsible for claims (express or implied) made in advertisements. St John the Evangelist Bush End A Monthly Newsletter of Church and Village Affairs St Mary the Virgin Hatfield Broad Oak April 2025

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Church Calendar April 2025 Saturday 5th April 9.30am St Mary’s—Church cleaning Sunday 6th April—5th Sunday of Lent 9.00am St Giles Holy Communion 11.00am Holy Trinity Holy Communion 6.00pm St Mary’s HBO Holy Communion Sunday 13th April - Palm Sunday 9.00am St John’s, Bush End Holy Communion 11.00am Sheering Holy Communion 6.00pm Little Hallingbury Café Church Sunday 20th April—Easter Day 9.00am St Giles Holy Communion 9,00am St John’s Holy Communion 11.00am St Mary’s HBO Holy Communion 6.00pm Holy Trinity Evensong Tuesday 22nd April 10.30am St Mary’s HBO Cuppa Club Sunday 27th April—Second Sunday of Easter 9.00am St John’s, Bush End Holy Communion 11.00am Sheering Holy Communion 6.00pm Little Hallingbury Café Church FOR HOLY WEEK SERVICES, SEE INSIDE BACK COVER. Details of services in all churches of the Six Villages can be found on the Six Villages website www.thesixvillages.org. April 2025 This magazine was printed by M&B Printers Address: Unit 9, Zone D, Chelmsford Road Industrial Estate, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1XG. Telephone 01371 874695 Email: sales@mbdesignprint.com. www: mbdesignprint.com.

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Page 44 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES BROAD OAK STORES CURRENT OPENING HOURS: Telephone: 01279 718256 Monday: 6.30am to 7pm Tuesday : 6.30am to 7pm Wednesday: 6.30am to 7pm Thursday: 6.30am to 7pm Friday: 6.30am to 7pm Saturday: 6.30am to 7pm Sunday: 8.00am to 4pm Fresh Bread every day. Phone and Gas/Electric Top Ups. Newspaper delivery service to our local customers. And more... POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Telephone 01279 718809 Monday: 9am to 3pm Tuesday: 9am to 3pm Wednesday: 9am to 3pm Thursday: 9am to 3pm Friday: 9am to 3pm Please note the Post Office accepts British Gas Pay and Top Up. Please pop in and support your local shop and Post Office! HATFIELD BROAD OAK NON-ECCLESIASTICAL CHARITIES The Hatfield Broad Oak Non-Ecclesiastical Charities exists to make grants to villagers in financial need. Application forms may be picked up from the Post Office, or from any of the trustees: Mr Martin Broad, Mr Martin Bedwell, Mrs Penny Flack, Mr Roger Simons. Page 1 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES From Rev Sophie Weller Happy Easter! Dear Community, As we approach Easter, a time of renewal and hope, I've been reflecting on what this season truly means for our community. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, the challenges and uncertainties that life throws our way. But Easter reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there's always the promise of light, of new beginnings. The story of Easter is one of profound hope. It's about overcoming adversity, about the triumph of love and sacrifice over despair. It's a message that resonates deeply, no matter our background or beliefs. Think about the film "The Shawshank Redemption". While not a religious film, it beautifully illustrates the power of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Andy Dufresne, imprisoned unjustly, never loses sight of his dream of freedom. He meticulously plans his escape, a symbol of his unwavering belief in a better future. Even when surrounded by the bleakness of prison life, he shares his hope with others, planting seeds of resilience and reminding them that there's always something to hold onto. Just like Andy, we all face our own "Shawshank" moments. Perhaps it's a personal struggle, a difficult financial situation, or a feeling of isolation. Easter's message is that even in these moments, hope is not lost. It's about finding that inner strength, that unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow. The Bible tells us that: Because of the joy awaiting him, Jesus endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Through his sacrifice, Jesus conquered death, offering us eternal hope and forgiveness. On the cross, Jesus bridged the gap between humanity and God, giving us the promise of reconciliation. Jesus's love, displayed on the cross, provides us with the ultimate hope of redemption and new life. By taking our burdens, Jesus offered us freedom from sin and the assurance of everlasting hope. Continued on page 2

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Page 2 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Here's how we can embrace the hope of Easter in our own lives: • Connect with others: Reach out to a neighbour, a friend, or a family member. Share a kind word, offer a helping hand, or simply listen. Connection strengthens us and reminds us that we're not alone. • Find moments of joy: Take time to appreciate the small things: a beautiful sunrise, a blooming flower, a shared laugh. These moments of joy are reminders of the beauty and resilience of life. • Embrace new beginnings: Easter symbolizes renewal. Use this time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. What new beginnings can you embrace? What seeds of hope can you plant? Look for the light: Just as Andy found a sliver of hope in the darkness of Shawshank, we can find light in our own challenges. Focus on the positive, on the things that bring you joy and strength. This Easter, let's remember the power of hope. Let's be a community that supports each other, that shares kindness, and that embraces the promise of new beginnings. And finally, as we and the 6 Villages journey through the Easter Story, starting on Palm Sunday and finishing on Easter Sunday Evening with a Songs of Praise celebration, do feel free to come and join with us in celebrating this amazing season together. Wishing you a joyful and hopeful Easter. Sincerely, Rev. Sophie Weller Page 43 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES

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Page 42 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Page 3 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES IN MEMORIAM In memory of Harold Clark who passed away peacefully on 17th February 2025 aged 86. Harold lived in the village for almost 50 years. He was a keen nurseryman and grew many different plants and vegetables. He was renowned for his tomatoes, beetroot, runner beans and new potatoes through the summer months – all absolutely delicious! In later years Harold supplied his vegetables to Cammas Hall Fruit Farm where they were used in the kitchen and sold in the farm shop. Harold was a lovely kind and gentle man and will be sadly missed by all his family and friends in Hatfield Broad Oak and the surrounding villages. Peggy, John, Mel, Susan and Tom would like to thank everyone for their kind messages. Appeal The Churchwardens are looking for someone who may be interested in keeping a few graves tidy e.g. weeding, cutting any long grass around the grave, tidying bulbs etc once the owers have nished. This is in St Mary’s Churchyard, HBO and is for someone to care for several traveller graves in the churchyard. Due to poor health, this person is no longer able to look after the graves personally. She has always looked after them herself but is not well enough to continue and wants to nd someone (who she would pay) to do this for her. If there is anyone in the village who would like a small job tending a few graves on behalf of the family please get in touch with Liz Webber (see back cover) who will make contact.

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Page 4 AB OU T THE P AR ISH ES PARISH MAGAZINE DEADLINE The next deadline is 12 noon on 15th April in preparation for the May 2025 issue. Don’t forget that you can view this parish magazine on line at hps://www.thesixvillages.org/hbobe-parish-magazine.html —and it’s in colour! St Mary’s Church and Haield Broad Oak WI “Haield Broad Oak Community Cuppa Club” Cuppa Club on 22nd April will have a special Flower Fesval theme with rae and ower themed quiz for sale! When: 10.30am.Tuesday 22nd April 2025 and every 4th Tuesday thereaer Where: St Mary’s Church, HBO Who: Anyone who would like to come! Page 41 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES LONG BURNING TROPICAL HARDWOOD TIMBER OFF CUTS PERFECT FOR FIREWOOD Reclaimed Oak Fender Seats made to order Hardwood Railway Sleepers Sea Groyne Boards Structural Timber for Pergolas Eclectic, decorative feature pieces Contact our team to discuss your ideas on 01375 892576 info@ashwelltimber.com View our gallery at: www.ashwelltimber.com BARRINGTONS COAL MERCHANTS 01279 794246 Reeves Lane, Roydon Hamlet Harlow, Essex CM19 5DE www.barringtonscoalmerchants.co.uk Broken Windows Repaired Misted Double Glazed Units Replaced Traditional Leaded Lights made and repaired Mirrors Laminated & Toughened Glass Free Estimates and Advice Domestic and Commercial Work Undertaken Telephone: Mark Webber on 07973 238071 e-mail: markwebber14@outlook.com ANCIENT & MODERN GLAZING LTD

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Page 36 ABO UT TH E PA RISHE S Bathrooms Kitchens Conversions Fully Qualified Tradesmen All other aspects of building Office: 01279 814296 Mobile: 07714 300920 Email: camwoodhome@outlook.com www.camwoodhome.co.uk TONY WOOD Qualified Registered Electrician All electrical works undertaken Re-wires, new circuits, extensions Replacement Consumer Units Electric showers, additional sockets Internal and external lighting Free advice & estimates References available Competitive rates Fully insured Please ring Tony on 07714 300920 01279 814296 Or e-mail camwoodhome@outlook.com NICEIC Registered Page 9 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Cats and the Law In our pracce, we do, from me to me have cats brought in to us that have been found wandering, straying, or even, sadly found deceased. Usually, checking the details on the cat's microchip will allow us to reunite cat and owner very swily. Since 10th June 2024, it has been a legal requirement for all cats to be microchipped and failure to do so can result in a ne of up to £500. It is essenal to keep microchip details up to date on the database including removal/updang of redundant landline and mobile numbers. Ensure the email address the database holds is the one that you view most regularly. But what other laws apply to cats? Cats, by law, have a right to roam. The Common Law Duty of Care states that dog and livestock owners are obliged, by law, to keep their animals under control but this doesn't apply to cat owners. The law recognises that cats are less likely than dogs or livestock to injure people or property. Saying this, cat owners should take reasonable care to avoid injury or damage to property. The The Act 1968 states that cats are considered property, so the the of a cat is prohibited under this law. A cat that is lost or has strayed is generally considered the property of the original owner: it is therefore necessary to try to return a cat to its original owner if found. Owners with large numbers of cats in a home can be invesgated under the Environmental Protecon Act 1990 in the case of nuisance, noise or smell. Also, the Local Planning Authority could deem a change of use on the property be needed if the number of cats is too high to be incidental to ordinary use of the residence. In addion, all animals are protected from harm by the law. Animal owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets have all their needs met. The ve welfare needs are: • to have a suitable environment • to have a suitable diet • to be able to exhibit normal behaviour paerns • to have the opportunity to be alone • to be protected from pain, suering, injury or disease In England, the RSPCA is responsible for invesgang and prosecung cases of cruelty or neglect. Other charies such as Cats Protecon and the Dogs Trust can oer useful advice but have no legal powers. If you would like to check your cat is microchipped and the details are up to date on the database on which they are stored, we oer this service free of charge. Pauline Sell, Darwin Coage, Haield Heath, CM22 7EB. mobilevet@bnternet.com 07970 651710 www.paulinesellvet.co.uk

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Page 10 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES HATFIELD BROAD OAK PARISH COUNCIL Haield Broad Oak Parish Council Monthly Update Village Green Fencing Improvements We are pleased to inform residents that the fencing on the northwest side of the village green has been replaced. This important upgrade enhances security, ensuring that dogs remain safely within the green, cale are kept out, and even rabbits are deterred, helping to protect and maintain the grass. These improvements contribute to preserving our beauful village green for everyone to enjoy. Bunng on the High Street Councillor Beadle and the Clerk are acvely invesgang soluons for the bunng situaon on the High Street. Due to exisng restricons, the xings must meet a specic pull test, which unfortunately failed last year. As a result, alternave xings are being explored. While we are hopeful for a resoluon, the process has been both complex and costly. We appreciate the community’s paence as we work towards a soluon that allows us to bring back the fesve decoraons safely. Neighbourhood Plan Update The Neighbourhood Plan connues to develop, shaping the future of Haield Broad Oak. To keep residents informed and involved, a separate website is being built, which will be accessible at www.hbonp.org.uk. We encourage everyone to visit the site once it is live to stay updated on progress and provide feedback. Village Green Pedestrian Entrance Work is starng on the pedestrian entrance week commencing Thank you for your connued support in maintaining and enhancing our parish. If you have any quesons or suggesons, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Parish Council at parishclerk@haieldbroadoakpc.gov.uk or call 01279 927150. The Parish Council Page 35 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES

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Page 34 ABO UT TH E PA RISHE S - Flail Mowing - All types of Fencing - Tractor Mounted Hedge Cutting 07812 855146 / 01279 801335 www.jrservices.info jrservices449@gmail.com Haield Broad Oak Ch’uan Chang Do Kung Fu Club Improve your all round tness, exibility, strength and stamina while learning a maral art. In doing so you can learn moves, decide if they make sense for you and adapt them as you gain ability and knowledge, adjust them as you change. To nd out more email hbo@chuanchangdo.co.uk or call either Mark Stru on 07825 940645, you can nd me at the village computer shop Broad Oak Consultants or James Leighton Black Belt 4th Dan on 07853 987205. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday nights ready to start at 7pm for seniors in the Scout Hut. Visit the website at www.chuanchangdo.co.uk. Thanks Mark Page 11 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES DISTRICT NEWS Welcome to District News and the start of Spring, Bluebells, Snowdrops, Tulips and Daffodils. Local Government Reform Local Government Reform is a two-stage project for the 15 councils in Essex, put upon us by the Government. It is my own opinion (Geof Driscoll) that over 50 years since the last reorganisation of Local Councils, growth in population and relevant structures, the system does need reviewing and upgrading to make it fit for purpose. However, I feel that the urgency of this process laid out by Government has not been properly investigated and thought out. The proposed timeline contains two separate stages at the moment with deadline dates, the first will probably have expired if you are reading this in your local parish magazine. Part 1 deadline – 21 March 2025 I refer to this as the proposal - Interim plan for the future shape of local government in Essex. This submission of the Interim Plan follows the criteria set out in the Minister of State’s letter of 5th February. The interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation in Essex has been published, prior to its consideration by councils at forthcoming meetings and submission to the government on 21 March, to be discussed at Uttlesford's full Council ECM on 19 March 2025. The 17-page document does not formally commit anyone to going through with the process (although it does create substantial momentum in that direction), nor does it at this stage finalise numbers of unitary authorities or geographical boundaries. With that said, Uttlesford is one of the clear majority of Essex councils (10 out of 15) that have given a clear policy steer that the correct number would be five new unitaries, instead of a smaller number of much larger new councils. The document is essentially a collective expression of interest in LGR by the 15 Essex authorities with acknowledgement that much more detail needs to be developed ahead of the final case submission in September. The preferred number of unitaries by the 5 (against) would be a maximum of three, this would mean an average population 600,000 per unitary as there is a population of approximately 1.8 million in Essex. I like others can find no evidence that a larger council will operate any better that a smaller council and recent history shows several larger councils having difficulties because of their size. Local Government Reform for Essex is inevitable – it is supported as strongly by the current Labour Government as it was by the previous Conservative Government – and that it is better for the residents of Uttlesford that the authority remains influential in the shaping and direction of this process by signing up to the initial submission than by rejecting it and moving to the sidelines. The council requires to support this submission (It is not something on which Uttlesford or any other Essex local authority has a veto or an opt-out) if it wants any say going forward on how the people of Uttlesford will be represented and to make sure they get a good deal from the outcome. Once a proposal has been submitted it will be for the Government to decide on taking a proposal forward and to consult as required by statute. (Cont on page 12

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Page 12 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Continued from Page 11 If accepted by the Government it will progress to the business plan stage, Part 2, where all details of how many Unitary Councils there will be, districts amalgamation and actual responsibilities are put together with evidence to support that it will work. Part 2 deadline – 26 September 2025 Abolishing Uttlesford District Council Abolishing Uttlesford District Council and the other 14 current authorities, and replacing them with a smaller number (precise number to be decided, likely between two and five) of new unitary councils will have massive cost, around shutting down the existing authorities, staff redundancies (and associated pension) costs, unifying systems, ending contracts, branding, and very, very substantial professional fees and other project costs. An initial estimate has been made of the costs of the phase between this initial submission deadline of 21st March and the final submission deadline (ie a detailed business case for each of the new proposed authorities) by 26th September at between £5 million and £7.5 million – with the proposed split of those costs (at the higher £7.5 million end) being £2.5 million to be carried by Essex County Council, £1 million each by Thurrock and Southend councils (the two current unitaries) and the remaining £3 million across the 12 districts – ie £250,000 for Uttlesford. A further initial estimate for the costs of actual set up of the new authorities, between September 2025 and April 2028 is not yet available. An initial estimate was produced, but was rejected by various council leaders as requiring substantially more work before being sufficiently credible as to publish. It is important to recognise however that Uttlesford District Council challenged these initial estimate costs in the strongest possible terms, with the Leader indicating that she would not support such a vast expenditure of taxpayers’ money on structural reorganisation and associated costs. Whilst these overall costs therefore remain very much to be considered, analysed, and actively controlled downwards, there will be some inevitability that the overall costs of transition will run for the whole of the county into the tens of millions of pounds – with recent examples of costs of other LGR processes (on a smaller scale) elsewhere in England over recent years being reported as c£80m for Somerset; £40m for North Yorkshire; and £40 million for Cumbria. (Source: UDC Council papers for 19 March ECM) New unitary structures must support devolution arrangements. More details can be found on the UDC website https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/ Page 33 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES I’m going to leave you with this Quote “ without hard work nothing grows except weeds”. I’d like to really encourage on a Sunday to just pop over to the green, leave any negativity at the front door and just come over and enjoy some cricket, and hopefully some sunshine. Thanks Anthony HBO CC Chairman New organ at St Mary the Virgin, Hatfield Broad Oak with dedication to Lord Rookwood on the face of the wall hung set of pipes casing. The Rookwood Vault in the graveyard, Hatfield Broad Oak. PHOTOGRAPHS RELATING TO PAGE 20/21

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Page 32 A BO UT TH E PA R IS HE S HBO CRICKET CLUB As I am writing this article we have just had the hottest day of the year so far and it certainly makes you start to think about playing cricket and what the summer will hold for us as a club. Apologies for the absence over the last few months but we have had lots going on throughout the winter and lots of news as we enter into the season. We have had a good turn out at winter nets not sure if it’s the nets or the opportunity to pop into The Dukes after on a Friday night which is bringing people out late on a Friday (I’ll leave that for you to decide) As mentioned before, for the rst time in the history of the club we have entered into a Sunday league, This will bring a competitive edge to our Sunday matches. I am very conscious that we need to get the balance right between friendly and competitive cricket and I truly believe we have this and this will create lots of opportunity for all the members of the club to get the right amount of games. We have also just had the Davies Cup draw announced and we will be travelling to Farnham in the rst round, again more development opportunities for us as we look to continue to grow and get more competitive. As we go into the Summer we are in really good shape and we are certainly looking forward to getting going. On a social side we have our Quiz night coming up in April and again we will be running the fantasy league which always adds an extra incentive whilst on the pitch, also this year for the rst time we are looking for Match ball sponsorship, with us playing circa of 25 games this season we are looking for local companies / clubs to sponsor our match balls for games for the small sum of £25, for this you will get the best seat (bench) on the green, some social media coverage and a cold drink of some form if you come and support, what more could you ask for …. On a serious note we have already had some great support for this, if you would like to support this please get in touch. Tour preparations are already in hand at the moment. 16 of us are o to Jamaica (Thetford) for our yearly tour, again this keeps growing and growing and I for one have had some great memories from the previous 2 tours. As always I’d like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and for all the hard work behind the scenes that the committee do. Page 13 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Devolution Greater Essex devolution consultation The UK government has launched the Greater Essex devolution consultation. The consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. The consultation invites those who live and work across Greater Essex to share their views on: • The proposed geography • The effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority in Greater Essex • How the Mayoral Combined County Authority will make decisions • The consultation can be completed by visiting the Essex County Council website: https://www.essex.gov.uk/ Recycling… let’s get it right! PART 2 As some comments concerning recycling on Facebook were in the negative concerning the importance of recycling, I asked for some facts from Uttlesford concerning cost and how it affects the residents of the District concerning Council Tax and the cost to their pocket, please see the reply received below, recycling saves UDC money by being compensated by ECC, therefore keeps your Council Tax lower and is good for the future of all: Answer: Hi Cllr Driscoll, I have made some enquiries regarding recycling and have been provided with the following: Recycling is already a legal requirement and all Councils must recycle. From 2027 we will all have to collect the same range of materials from households and businesses. From 2026 companies that produce packaging materials will have help with meeting the increasing costs of dealing with waste. The financing of waste is not simple because different organisations have responsibilities for collection and disposal of waste. Whether recycled or not the cost of physically collecting waste remains broadly the same because we would need to collect the same overall amount from each house. Once collected, waste is either recycled or composted or in the case of grey bin waste is disposed of. Before recycling takes place, the materials are separated into marketable materials. This sorting process costs money, which is partly offset by the sale of the end products, some materials like aluminium are valuable and others are less so. Anything that Uttlesford recycles saves the cost of disposing of waste if it hadn’t been recycled and this is a cost that would be paid by Essex County Council because they have that responsibility. ECC then pay that saving to UDC to help cover the costs of sorting and recycling or composting waste. The overall impact on taxpayers is that there is an increase in cost. That is not because recycling costs more it is because disposal of waste costs more. There is an environmental benefit associated with recycling and composting of waste.

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Page 14 AB OU T THE P AR ISH ES The facts and figures that lie behind this service show that Uttlesford District Council collects the Council Tax that you pay but passes on about 90% of it to Essex County Council, the Police, the Fire Service, and in many areas also a bit to the Parish Council. This means the Council, on an average Band D home, keeps about £3.50 a week, this goes towards all the services we provide, including leisure centres and pools, statutory homeless duties, paying various benefits, licensing taxis, carrying out environmental health checks on restaurant kitchens and takeaways, dealing with planning issues etc., meaning that we manage to empty recycling bins, food caddies and residual waste bins for an average of about 50 pence per week. Extra Ward Surgery The extra ward surgery at Little Hallingbury Village Hall in February was a success and going forward will now take place regularly on the third Friday of each month, starting on Friday 21st March from 09am until 11am. Ward Surgeries Normal Ward surgeries will take place on the first Tuesday of the month at Great Hallingbury Village Hall, between 2 – 4pm (01 April 2025). And owing to the third Friday of the month being Good Friday, Little Hallingbury Village Hall (25 April 2025), between 9 – 11 am and at the Dukes Head PH, Hatfield Broad Oak between 2 – 4pm (25 April 2025). And the normal reminder that should you need to contact us, you can email us on the following addresses. cllrdriscoll@uttlesford.gov.uk or cllrreeve@uttlesford.gov.uk WARM SPACES Last Warm Spaces is on Wednesday 7th May. We will resume again in the Autumn. A big thank you to Lisa and Sue for organising the tea and coffee and an extra thank you to Sue for the scrumptious cakes. Penny Page 31 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES THE HUNDRED PARISHES SOCIETY www.hundredparishes.org.uk Late 19th-century Ordnance Survey maps record the location of numerous ponds in farmland across lowland England, but since then farming practices have changed and many have disappeared. Well-maintained ponds are hot spots for biodiversity, supporting special plants and animals. Responding to concerns about the loss of such habitats, researchers at the Pond Restoration Research Group at University College London joined forces with others to investigate the potential for restoring such lost ponds and produced advice about the best ways to create new ones. Following on from this, Essex Wildlife Trust identied 17,200 Essex farmland ponds on these old maps but noted that 10,400 had since disappeared. A few have been restored, and the team is working with the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group to secure funding to help more farmers reinstate their lost ponds - https://www.fwageast.org.uk/ponds However, pond restoration can be challenging - as evidenced by the diiculties faced during the project to resolve problems with Doctor’s Pond in Great Dunmow. In recent years it has been polluted by toxic blue green algal growth. Ambitious and costly plans were drawn up to desilt the pond which necessitated the safe removal of sh so they could be returned in due course. Work commenced last October with the installation of safety fencing and the draining of water so that a digger could be used to help remove over 1,900 tons of contaminated silt. Heavy rains made the silt very slippery, and the digger became stranded in January. By the end of February all the silt had been removed. Future plans include landscaping of the surrounding area and replanting with suitable vegetation once the pond is relled. It is anticipated that in the coming months this attractive pond will once again provide a great habitat for ducks, sh and dragonies. Tricia Moxey, Trustee.

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Page 30 ABO UT TH E PA RISHE S HATFIELD BROAD OAK VILLAGE HALL Events Please check our website www.hbovillagehall.com. Details of all our events can be found on that website or on our Facebook "Hatfield Broad Oak Village Hall" page. Events can only be booked via email hbovillagehallevents@gmail.com If you wish to be added to our mailing list please email that same address. Regular clubs and activities run in The Hall. Check out the website for more details on The website also contains details on how to book the hall for your event (be it a party or just a social gathering). A Crazy Kinda Queen - March 1st 2025 A Crazy Kinda Queen bring you an electrifying two-part show with a unique opportunity to see Queen and enjoy those timeless classics from the past. Comedy Night -- June 7th 2025 Hosted by Paddy Lennox. Featuring award-winning comedians from the UK circuit. Meetings Since the Dec/Jan Parish Mag was published, two monthly meetings of the Trustees of the village Hall have taken place on the 19th November and 17th December and the usual business was discussed covering the financial, bar, bookings and events. It was noted that the Sixties Night on 14th December was a great success, fully booked and enjoyed by all and that Warm Spaces intended to restart on 8th January and continue at 2:00pm every Wednesday . Also that The Free Art Class Course was completed on Wed 18th December and was well attended and successful. • Tai Chi (Tues) • WI (monthly Tues) • Ballroom dancing (Weds) • Warm Space (Weds 2-4pm) • Line dancing (Thurs) • Yoga (Thurs & Sat) • Meditation (Mon eve) • Puppy Training (Thurs eve) • Stay & Play (twice monthly term time Fri) • Friday Club (monthly Fri) • Japanese Calligraphy (Sun). Page 15 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES HBO Neighbourhood Plan Steering Commiee Report to the Parish Council 5th March 2025 There has been one meeng of the NP Steering Commiee since the last report to the Council, held on the 13th of February. The minutes of the meeng are available on the Council’s website. A Working Group meeng is scheduled to be held on the 13th of March. Since our last report there have been several developments with regards to the professional consultants working on our behalf: The Design Guidance and Code has now been signed o by Locality and a couple of minor amendments made. The nal version will be with us very soon. We have now received a dra of our Landscape Character Assessment. This will now be checked for accuracy and then returned to Wynne-Williams for any necessary amending. Following that we will arrange a Teams meeng with the Consultants to discuss landscape capacity and policy for inclusion in our Plan. Land Use Consultants Limited (LUC) are proceeding with the assessment of the potenal development sites and should be issuing a rst dra of their report quite soon. We have discussed the possibility of nding Rural Excepon Sites for social housing and have arranged a meeng with the RCCE and a Housing Associaon later in the month. The outcome of that meeng will be forwarded to LUC for inclusion in their report. All of these reports will be available on the Council’s own NP website and our own website as soon as it is up and running. We now have a dedicated website domain and have started populang it with informaon, surveys, maps, photographs etc that we have gathered over the past 12 months. We will nofy the residents once it goes live, which should be in the next couple of weeks. Alan Fisher 05.03.25

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Page 16 ABOU T T HE P AR ISH ES Village Green – Residents have Spoken A BIG thank you to everyone who voted in the recent Village Green Poll, which was overseen and arranged through Uttlesford Council. The questions were proposed by a group of 60+ residents and well over 200 voted. The results were as follows: Question 1 Do you support the plan by the Parish Council to dispose of (handover) the land called Hateld Broad Oak Village Green? YES - 7% NO – 93% Question 2 Do you agree with a sublease to a third-party organisation giving the village no control but the obligation to cover the running costs at our expense as parish members? YES – 6% NO – 94% Question 3 Do you believe you have been given suicient information on the proposal to hand over control of the village green? YES – 7% NO – 93% At the Parish Council (PC) meeting held on 11th March, the same evening as the poll, the Chairman, when asked if the PC would abide by the results of the poll stated, ‘I don’t believe that it’s a democratic poll in the rst place, the questions were loaded’. His comments were recorded and a video of this can be found on Facebook page: Information HBO and YouTube. It is hard to understand the logic of his comments when the whole process was scrutinised and carried out by Uttlesford District Council, an independent and oicial body. The results of this poll, along with 104 letters of objection to the disposal of land from residents (over 90% of respondents), have provided the Parish Council with the clear and unambiguous views of residents to their proposals regarding the Village Green… it is a resounding NO. PC Leaet Given the strength of the public feeling against the disposal of the Village Green to HBOSCC, why has the Parish Council spent even more of your money on a pamphlet to villagers on this issue? This literature does not provide any new information and doesn’t address the numerous concerns of residents regarding their plans. Page 29 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Nature Notes On our way out last Saturday, we saw 2 thrushes on a verge. We weren't sure which breed they were, so I thought I'd look up the dierence. There are a few birds belonging to the thrush family including Blackbirds, Fieldfare, and Redwings. Subjects for another month! I'm going to write about Song and Mistle thrushes. Song thrushes are the smaller of the two. They are a warm brown with a cream breast which has blackish, brown spots that resemble upturned arrows. They can often be seen with a snail, hitting it against a hard surface to remove the shell. Leaving empty smashed shells as evidence. Its song consists of notes being repeated 2 or 3 times. The Mistle thrush is a silver grey with a whitish breast that has larger less regular wedge-shaped black spots. It has a beautiful song, much like a blackbird. It's often given the name Stormcock as it's known to sing loudly at the top of a tree, during or just after rain. The name Mistle come from Mistletoe berries being a favourite meal. Both birds will eat worms, snails and insects during Spring/Summer but in Winter they turn to berries and fruits. Best Wishes for a joyous Easter. J.K.

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Page 28 ABOU T T HE P AR ISH ES The Mobile Library usually visits Broad Street Green between 2.15pm and 2.45pm every third Wednesday. Next visits: 9th and 30th April Fortnightly Garden Waste Collection Service SATURDAYS 12.45 - 1.45pm 12th and 26th April—Barnfield Free to all - Funded by the Parish Council NB: There are weekly Sunday collections from Broomfields, Hatfield Heath between 1.30 and 2.30pm and on Sundays from Little Hallingbury Village Car Park 11.45am-12.45pm. The Essex Library Service is excited to be running the Summer Reading Challenge again this year! The theme is 'Story Garden - Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors'. Keep an eye on Essex Libraries' news pages and social media for more informaon over the coming months! The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. Page 17 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Assignment The PC are now proposing to assign the lease to HBOSCC. This has all the same risks as those associated with a sublease and does not provide any further protection to the interests of residents. Normally, an assignment would result in the previous holder of the lease having no further liabilities. However, the PC are insisting that residents continue to pay for maintenance of the Village Green and pick up the pieces should the charity become insolvent. Is this a good deal? BOOST Why has the BOOST initiative not been taken more seriously by the PC? This option is widely supported by the public and £10,000 of funding was pledged in its rst month alone, along with oers of support from the public, as well as local farming and business communities. Importantly, residents will retain control of the Village Green, but at zero cost. The PC will therefore have up to £23,000 to spend on other community projects. Asset of Community Value There has been a growing call to make the Village Green an ‘Asset of Community Value’, which would protect the green for the community for both current and future generations. If you would like to add your support to this initiative by joining ‘Friends of Hateld Broad Oak Village Green’, please email HBOvillagegreen@gmail.com providing your name and the rst line of your address. Once the list is complete a formal application will be presented to Uttlesford District Council. From members of the HBO Village Green Honesty and Fairness Group. Further information can be found on: hbovg.co.uk or Facebook page: Information HBO

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Page 18 A BO UT TH E PA RIS HE S HBO YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB Football is played for fun. You get fit and make friends as you do it, hopefully learn important lessons like dealing with those imposters winning and losing, being in a team. Occasionally though you have to deal with injury and it is heartening to see children while injured come and support their teammates, it shows good values from the parents and the team cultures being built. Team News What a season HBO U16s are having. I took on the role as manager for the season 2024/2025. Along with myself, we also had 4 new players join, so we started the season on a bit of a learning curve. It has been great to watch the boys passion, teamwork and growth so far this season. They have demonstrated true resilience and are improving every game. Each player has shown remarkable progress in their skills and understanding of the game. The team has fantastic camaraderie and support each other on and off the pitch. We are currently sitting 4th in our League with 2 games to play. We’ve had some real highs and lows from losing and winning in the last minute. With some great victories and the boys are on a great run at the moment, let’s hope this continues for the remainder of the season. But most importantly the team plays with a smile on their face. Richard Andrews Meanwhile West Ham have for now missed out on 4 of our finest U10s and there are plenty of good ones at HBO Youth to choose from. Their loss is HBO’s gain. Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of watching various of our teams at home. Across all of our teams I have seen girls and boys playing some really good football and play-ing it in the right spirit. To get all the players more game time the U10s formed into 3 teams and that has taken a bit of adjustment, but they are settling into those teams nicely now. To see U11s build on their performance and their coaches’ hard work. From our Saturday training group we are looking at reforming an U8s and U6s ready for next year. Saturday Training It has been lovely to welcome some new children and see them enjoying football. Some have tried other clubs but not enjoyed football before. The children not paying team membership only pay £3 per session they attend. For our team members these sessions are included as part of their membership. Tournament 2025 Teams have started signing up for this year’s tournament and the responses are very positive as so many teams loved coming to our first tournament last year. We hope it will be even more beneficial this year’s Flower Festival. Page 27 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES If you would like to join us and for further informaon, please contact either Barry, Chair on (01279 718450) or Viv (01279 718738) or reach out via Haield Broad Oak (H.B.O) Facebook page. HATFIELD BROAD OAK FRIDAY CLUB The Friday Club meets in the Village Hall on the first Friday of the month at 2.30pm unless there is an outing or Bank Holiday. Visitors are welcome. “The Club for all those over 50 and young at heart” * 4th April Club AGM and Easter Tea. Have a say in the running of your club. Reports from the Club Treasurer and Chair with the election of your committee. Followed by tea/coffee, hot cross buns and more! * 2nd May Granny Day’s Little Book—Keith Day tells his family story including his Great Grandfather’s World War 1 service and his Granny Day’s Little Cookery Book. * 6th June The Days of Dolly Blue and Izal—Brian Carline brings back all our yesterdays with much humour and lots of nostalgia. Who remembers the use of Dolly Blue to get those whiter than white cloths or Izal loo roll? 4th July Southend-on-Sea—Day excursion. Travel by train along the 1.33 mile pier, visit the sea life centre or enjoy some retail therapy at The Royals Shopping Centre. * 1st August Summer Tea—Enjoy a social afternoon relaxing with friends, food and fine entertainment. * 5th Sept Antiques, Heirlooms and Bygones. Tell their story and Tim Turner will help identify your treasures. OPEN AFTERNOON * 3rd October Titanic—Her True Story—an interactive presentation by Steve Lester. 7th November Scotsdales Garden Centre. Enjoy Christmas displays, shopping and the newly refurbished restaurant. * 5th December Christmas Lunch. Join us for a great Christmas lunch, entertainment, tea/coffee and mince pies finishing with a free raffle.

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Page 26 A BO UT TH E PA R IS HE S Page 19 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Social Media Sorry about the intermittent social feeds this last month or so, we hope to up and running a bit more regularly again shortly. Don’t forget you can find out the youth football for HBO on Social Media feeds on Facebook and Instagram follow hboyouthfc. Help Wanted To keep doing this and mow we need more volunteers. Your help will enable us so we can do things better for the children and the community. There are many ways you can help from coaches, coach assistants, pitch care/grounds work, fund raising, social media, sponsors liaison and other admin background tasks. It is a rewarding thing to do so please get in touch. If you want to help and be part of our community youth football club please call me on 07825 940645 or 01279 717168 or email youth@hbofc.co.uk. Thanks Mark Strutt Chairman of HBO Youth FC Club 01279717169, 07825940645 Web www.hbofc.co.uk Caretaker required As our previous caretaker has left the village, Hatfield Broad Oak Village Hall Charity is looking for someone who would be interested in taking on the position. The role supports the trustees in the safe running and operation of the hall. We are looking for someone who can assist in opening and closing the hall for some hirers and who can help with keeping the hall running smoothly. Some skills in maintenance and odd jobs would be desirable. The role does not have responsibility for cleaning. If you are interested, please contact either: Tony McLean (Chairman) on 07966 156983 or Maureen Geddes (Vice Chair) on 07962 963990 or 01279 718428

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Page 20 A BO UT TH E PAR IS HE S Hatfield Regis Local History Society President: Patrick Streeter Lord Rookwood of Down Hall Having wrien about the succession of family owners of Down Hall in last month’s magazine, I thought Lord Rookwood merited a longer arcle to reect some of his life and mes and local acvies. Henry John Selwin was born on 26 September 1826 at Pall Mall, being the rst child of Sir John Thomas Ibbetson and Isabella Gower, who had married in 1825. He was followed by Gertrude in 1827 and Isabella in 1832. His father inherited Down Hall in 1825 when his brother Charles inherited the Ibbetson Baronetcy (and moved up to Leeds) and the family changed surname to Selwin as required by the inheritance. This meant Henry John grew up in the Essex countryside and learnt all the typical pursuits of Cricket, shoong, hunng, shing with the local people. His inial schooling was at Beaconseld unl he was 13 when, following a cold aer measles was neglected, he was removed home to die but his father found an eminent doctor whose treatment for six months returned him to good health. He never progressed on to Public School but was educated at home and in 1845 gained entry to St John’s College, Cambridge. He graduated with a BA in 1849 and converted to MA in 1852. He married Hon. Sarah Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Lord Lyndhurst in 1850 and there followed a period of vising the Nile, Holy Land and in 1856 Henry was at Balaclava when Peace was declared in the Crimea. He returned home and started to look at a life in polics, inially as a conservave standing at Ipswich on two occasions but was not elected. In 1865 he stood at Maldon and was elected but during the preliminary husngs his wife died suddenly of Typhus fever on June 23rd, 1865. A memorial tablet in her memory was placed in Holy Trinity, Haield Heath. He was elected and entered Parliament later that year. He remarried in 1867 to Eden, widow of his cousin Sir Charles Ibbetson (5th Baronet) who died in 1861. By now his career in Parliament was progressing well being elected for Essex West from 1868 to 1885 and then Epping from 1885 to 1892, when he rered. He served under Benjamin Disraeli as Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (1874-78) and then Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1878-80). During the laer duty, he steered the bill to give Epping Forest to the public through the house. As well as his Parliamentary work he undertook numerous dues for Essex. He chaired the local JP Bench and was Chair of the County Police Commiee, in 1876 he became a Chairman of the Essex Quarter Sessions, in 1890 Chair of Essex County Council, Master of Essex Hounds 1879-86, Chair of Harlow & Essex County Cycling & Athlecs Associaon. He was involved in the local church both as a Churchwarden and on Diocesan Commiees. Page 25 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Hatfield Broad Oak Women’s Institute Report on Hatfield Broad Oak WI held on Tuesday 5th March We were pleased to welcome a number of guests to our monthly meeting when our speaker was Suzi Clarke, whose talk was “An Eventful Life” and the title was indicative of the content. Suzie entertained us with her singing and guitar playing to eventful occasions in her life. This included:- dating the financial manager for the Beatles; going to China as a representative of the Chicken Shed theatre group; being shortlisted and interviewed for a six month contract as Press Officer for Prince Charles; being a part of the organising committee for Chicken Shed procession as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and meeting Cliff Richard. Suzi continues to lead an eventful life as part of her role in her company and told us of her plans to go travelling. She commented that she has enjoyed meeting interesting people and hopes that this will continue as she ages, but equally she enjoys binging on Netflix and eating chocolate!! This was an entertaining, humorous talk and members enjoyed joining in with the singing. Suzi was thanked by Mel Wharton. As this was Pancake Tuesday some members were brave enough to demonstrate their pancake tossing skills, the winner being Carmela Claxton. Members were reminded of booking for the Fed of Essex County Annual Meeting and the AGM for the NFWI both to be held in June. We also have a number of proposed trips and lunches for members to join. Always plenty going on in the WI both locally and within Essex and on line. Our next meeting is on 1st April and we would love to welcome you to our meeting so do think about coming along. Fiona Cattermole Secretary.

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Page 24 A BO UT TH E PAR IS HE S Support for Young People Young people face unique challenges as they navigate education, employment, housing, and financial independence. While digital resources are invaluable, the importance of individual, face-to-face advice cannot be overstated. Whether it’s advising a young tenant on their rights, supporting someone through a mental health or financial crisis, helping a victim of a scam, or standing up for those facing workplace discrimination, we can ensure young people feel seen, heard, and supported. We can offer support with a range of issues: Checking entitlements to benefits Budgeting and money management advice Help to navigate student finance Housing issues such as tenancy rights or poor quality housing Discrimination issues Employment issues - making sure you are paid a fair wage Family issues Access to mental health support Other local services that support young people can be found at https://essexfrontline.org.uk/ We also offer summer internships which provide valuable hands-on experience for those interested in pursuing careers in law, social policy, or advice work. Contact us for more information and an application form. Uttlesford Citizens Advice Barnards Yard, Saffron Walden CB11 4EB 01799 618840 help@uttlesfordca.org.uk www.uttlesfordca.org.uk Page 21 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES Lady Eden died on 1st April 1899 at their London residence and at her request she was cremated and the ashes transported to Down Hall and interred in a vault in Haield Broad Oak churchyard, created by Lord Rookwood as the Selwin family vault in the church was closed. He married his third wife in 1900, Miss Sophia Harriet Lawrell. Unfortunately, he died on 15 January 1902 following an operaon in London on his heart. His funeral service was held at Haield Broad Oak, the like of which we are unlikely to see repeated. The funeral cortege le Down Hall at 12.30pm, the hearse being preceded by Huntsman Bailey and the whips of the hunt, mounted and in full uniform. Behind the hearse there were sixteen carriages of mourners, one including ten children from the Princess Mary’s Village Home Society, each represenng a home for which Lord Rookwood had been a founder director and treasurer. As then procession approached the boom of Feathers Hill to enter Haield Broad Oak, a body of over 150 policemen commanded by the Chief Constable formed up and joined in the procession ahead of the hearse. At the church the pall bearers were four of the oldest Tenants on the Estate and the Chief Constable with three other police ocers. The body was met at the Church by the Bishop of Colchester and assembled local clergy and taken and placed on a trestle in the chancel for the simple service with two hymns and prayers. The congregaon ranged from the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, civic representave, local associaon’s and community. Aerwards the police lined the path to the Rockwood vault at the east end of the graveyard, where he was placed alongside the remains of his second wife. Memorials to him were erected in local churches, all dedicated by the Bishop of Colchester. A new organ was installed in Haield Broad Oak church in his memory by the family and dedicated on 4th October 1902, a memorial window funded by parishioners and friends in Matching Church on 4th February 1903 and a stone pulpit donated by parishioners and friends on 26th April 1903 at Holy Trinity, Haield Heath (this replaced an ugly erecon in stained deal the vicar recalled later!). In Lord Rookwood’s will, he le £1200 to the Eden Coage Hospital (named aer his second wife) in Haield Broad Oak for general purposes and requested that they keep his grave in good repair. With the closure of the hospital, I fear that the upkeep devolved to the parish church but minus the funding! His third wife inherited his London house at 62 Princess Gate, where she lived unl her death in 1932, aged 90. Our next meeng will be on 15th April at 7.30pm in the Haield Heath URC Church Hall when Karl Lumbers will be coming to talk about Trinity House. Quenn Spear

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Page 22 A BO UT THE PAR IS HES On Wednesday 30th April, Dunmow u3a will be welcoming Jane King from the Foundling Museum, London to tell us the story of “Coram's Children: The Story of the Foundling Hospital” From the struggle of Thomas Coram at the beginning of the 18th Century to establish the Foundling Hospital, Britain's rst and only home solely for illegimate children; to how the babies le there were brought up. And the involvement of William Hogarth and his fellow arsts and why the Hospital became Britain's rst public art gallery. Members may also be interested in the connuing work of Coram as a pioneering children's charity. Wednesday 30th April - 1.30pm for 2pm start Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG “Coram's Children: The Story of the Foundling Hospital” These monthly meengs are free and open to non-members as well as members, so do come along and see for yourself. Dunmow u3a is part of a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunies to come together to learn for fun. It is aimed at adults in the Dunmow and surrounding villages who are no longer in full me employment and have an interest in all things new: hobbies, challenges, sports or just making new friends. "I joined the u3a to meet new people who want to be sociable and fun, to try new things, to exercise and try to keep t, and to learn new skills ." We will also be at the Dunmow Showcase on Saturday 26th April at St Mary’s church. You would be welcome to come to chat to us there and nd out more about Dunmow u3a. Or you can email membership@dunmowu3a.org.uk or visit Du3a's website hps://dunmow.u3asite.uk/ Registered charity number: 1168310 Page 23 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES News for April 2025 The Gardens open for visitors on Thursdays from 3rd April, in me for the bluebell and blossom season at the Gardens and the last daodils. Bluebells thrive in the dappled shade of the woodland margin at the boom of the Glade. The lush greens of the grass and fresh leaves on the trees and emerging perennials set o the pink and white of the blousy apple and cherry blossom; the vibrant reds, oranges and purples of the tulips; and the rst roses, the yellow canary birds, in the Italian Garden. Hopefully, lovely sunshine and early spring warmth, will mean these owers provide lots of nectar and pollen for the bumblebees and other insects, which we hope might start to do well again aer the terrible year they had from the cold and wet spring and early summer of 2024. On Thursdays, the gate is open from 11.00-3.00 and hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes are available. Our rst main season Sunday open day is on 13th April and will be an opportunity for families to enjoy Easter acvies, with an Egg hunt, fun cras and face painng for children. There will be a plant stall and a range of other cra and produce stalls. Local duo, Karen and Tony, will entertain with folk and popular songs. Daisy’s catering kiosk will be open, providing bacon, cheese or hummus rolls. The Trust’s volunteers will be working hard to ensure the Gardens are looking at their best for the start of the season. Hopefully the bigger development projects will be completed in March – new beds and fruit cages in the walled kitchen garden and further extension of the Japanese style garden. Spring planng will have started, both for owers and, of course, vegetables too. And we will be weeding again, as the soil warms and all those pesky weed seeds germinate. For more informaon on opening mes, prices etc go to www.eastonlodge.co.uk Jill Goldsmith

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Page 4 A BO UT THE PAR IS HES PARISH MAGAZINE DEADLINE The next deadline is 12 noon on 15th April in preparation for the May 2025 issue. Don’t forget that you can view this parish magazine on line at hps://www.thesixvillages.org/hbobe-parish-magazine.html —and it’s in colour! St Mary’s Church and Haield Broad Oak WI “Haield Broad Oak Community Cuppa Club” Cuppa Club on 22nd April will have a special Flower Fesval theme with rae and ower themed quiz for sale! When: 10.30am.Tuesday 22nd April 2025 and every 4th Tuesday thereaer Where: St Mary’s Church, HBO Who: Anyone who would like to come! Page 41 AB OU T THE P AR I SH ES LONG BURNING TROPICAL HARDWOOD TIMBER OFF CUTS PERFECT FOR FIREWOOD Reclaimed Oak Fender Seats made to order Hardwood Railway Sleepers Sea Groyne Boards Structural Timber for Pergolas Eclectic, decorative feature pieces Contact our team to discuss your ideas on 01375 892576 info@ashwelltimber.com View our gallery at: www.ashwelltimber.com BARRINGTONS COAL MERCHANTS 01279 794246 Reeves Lane, Roydon Hamlet Harlow, Essex CM19 5DE www.barringtonscoalmerchants.co.uk Broken Windows Repaired Misted Double Glazed Units Replaced Traditional Leaded Lights made and repaired Mirrors Laminated & Toughened Glass Free Estimates and Advice Domestic and Commercial Work Undertaken Telephone: Mark Webber on 07973 238071 e-mail: markwebber14@outlook.com ANCIENT & MODERN GLAZING LTD

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CLERGY Priest in Charge: Reverend Sophie Weller For Wedding, Holy Baptism, Funeral and Burial enquiries, or if you need an appointment or call with the Priest in Charge, please contact the Benefice Office Administrator, Alison Uncle Email: administrator@thesixvillages.org Tel: 07934 260978. Canon Caroline Harding Licensed Lay Minister to the Six Villages Church Officers - St Mary's, Hatfield Broad Oak www.thesixvillages.org Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr Mark Haddon Mrs Liz Webber 10 Duke’s Orchard 14 Medlars Mead Hatfield Broad Oak (718236) Hatfield Broad Oak (717980) Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs Kerry Stedman Mrs Kerry Stedman Langafel, 6 Hammonds Road Langafel, 6 Hammonds Road Hatfield Broad Oak (07890 235130) Hatfield Broad Oak (07890 235130) Verger: Mrs Edna Halls / Mrs Jenny Daniell Church Officers - St John's, Bush End www.thesixvillages.org Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr David Robson Dr Fiona Perrott-Humphrey The Woods Salix, Jack’s Lane Hatfield Broad Oak (718452) Takeley (871668) Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs Emma Biaggi Mr David Robson The Woods The Woods Hatfield Broad Oak (718127) Hatfield Broad Oak (718452) Services Times of services are as listed in the Church Calendar inside the front cover of the magazine. Articles to reach Janet Pugh, 8 Medlars Mead, Hatfield Broad Oak, CM22 7JB, telephone 01279 718435, or e-mail: janet.hbo@btinternet.com by noon on 15th of the month preceding publication. Please note: Although About the Parishes is funded by St Mary’s Parochial Church Council, opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC, nor is the PCC responsible for claims (express or implied) made in advertisements. St John the Evangelist Bush End A Monthly Newsletter of Church and Village Affairs St Mary the Virgin Hatfield Broad Oak April 2025