January 2024

Est 1893 www.hatfieldheathvillagemagazine.weebly.com Your FREE monthly magazine - created and distributed by volunteers and paid for by advertisements HATFIELD HEATH Village Magazine January 2024

22 Welcome to your January 2024 issue of the Hatfield Heath Village Magazine. It has been a great opportunity to edit the Hatfield Heath Village Magazine since mid2022 and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more people and more about local events and organisations during this time. Sadly, I am unable to continue in the role for the longer term, so we are looking for a new volunteer to take over as editor. However, I will continue covering for the interim period, while we welcome a new editor on board. New Year is a time for new plans and ambitions. Could you fulfil yours as our new editor? The Hatfield Heath Village Magazine has been providing a vital public service since 1893. It is a free publication that is funded by advertisements and over 800 copies are delivered to residents across Hatfield Heath every month. The recently refreshed format sports a full colour, front page photograph of local interest and the designated pages for advertisements and editorial make it easier for readers to find relevant information and articles. We are now looking for a new volunteer editor to continue to develop the magazine, based on best practice and customer feedback. The goal is to provide informative and engaging content that will appeal to the local community and surrounding villages. The new editor will be responsible for: • Collating stories and generating headline ideas in alignment with targeted audience preferences • Liaising with regular contributors • Planning, coordinating and editing content • Creating digital layouts for submission to the printer • Proofreading Editing and desktop publishing experience is preferred, but not essential as training and support will be provided. For a full role description, or to find out more, please contact me by email [email protected] or call me on 07505 506716. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024! Dawn Cox PLEASE NOTE: The Hatfield Heath Magazine is a non profit organisation and everyone involved in its production and distribution works on a voluntary basis. DISCLAIMER: The Editor and Printers do not take responsibility for the information given or views expressed in the Hatfield Heath Village Magazine. Nor is any culpability accepted in work carried out by any of the advertisers. INDEX: Front Page: United Reformed Church under a clear blue sky, supplied by Mark Homer Pages 2 - 5: Local contacts for clubs, groups and organisations including upcoming dates for your diary Pages 6 -11: Regular features and local news Pages 12-14: Official notices and minutes from HHPC Pages 15-27: Advertisements Back Page: Local photographs ADVERTISING: We offer 4 sizes and duration options. A = 1/3 page (18.4 x 8.6cm) £20 pm/ £200 for 12 months B = ¼ page (13.5 x 9 cm) £15 pm/ £150 for 12 months C = 1/8 page (6.5 x 9cm) £8 pm/ £80 for 12 months D = 1/12 page (4 x 9cm) £4.50 pm/ £45 for 12 months Email: [email protected] Call: 01279 730756 Payment must be made by 14th of prior month EDITORIAL CONTENT: Please send to the editor using the email address [email protected] by the 14th of the month, for the following month’s issue. CONTACT DETAILS: Editor - Dawn Cox 07505 506716 [email protected] Treasurer and Advertising Manager - Norman Groves 01279 730756 [email protected] Secretary - Jean Clarke 01279 730667 [email protected] Distributor - Michael Hockley 07976 801 062 Chairman - Brendan Carrig 01279 730 549 Printed by Panther Print 020 8592 1166 WEBSITE: You can access the magazine and previous copies at: www.hatfieldheathvillagemagazine.weebly.com

3 3 Children’s Clubs - School Football Club - 812586 - Junior Cricket - Mark Welby 07717 204828 Tues 17:45 Cricket Pitch - Hatfield Heath Scouts:[email protected] - Cubs - Chris Hancock: 731646 - Brownies - in Sheering 734391 - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Guides - Little Hallingbury Sally Bentley 658347 -Junior Karate - 01992 575679 Village Hall - Tel 07803 273 083 Sport & Fitness Groups - Cricket Club - Mark Graves 07999416424 [email protected] - Football Club - 730212www.facebook.com hatfieldfc - Keep Fit for over 50s Wed 9:45-10:30 V.Hall - Georgie 07940 735773 - Bootcamp - Village Hall, Mon & Fri Men & Women all ages, shapes & sizes 07775 663 742 Wed 9:15 Institute - Bowls - Village Hall - Stan Fish 653715 Evening sessionsJack Sykes [email protected] - Boxercise Tues 9:30-10:30am & 7-8pm + Crunch & Punch Thursdays 7-8pm Tel 07766 963956 - Seated Exercise -Fridays Village Hall Debbie Mousdale 07904 198309 - Weekly 6 mile+ Walk in Lt Hallingbury Mon 10:00 Meet at L.H Village car park 899451 - Bounce -Village Hall Tues 17:30 Sun 09:00. Alex: 07926 564327 - Pilates - Monday Institute 9.30-10.30 Donna Leutchford tel: 07739 012076 - Yoga - Mondays in Institute 7:30-8:30 Jodie Parker [email protected] - Zumba Gold-Thurs10:00-11:00 VillageHall -Petra Bonich 07884 336614 - Air Training Corps www.aircadets.org Sawbridgeworth 01279 723517 Groups, clubs & institutions • Bridge Club Tues 2-5pm & Weds 7:30pm-10:30pm Village Hall 723948 Adrienne Tinn http://bridgewebs.com/hatfieldheath • Luncheon Club for senior citizens 730581 • Open Coffee Morning at the Institute 730288 • Gardening Club 730425 • Hatfield Regis History Society - FrancesSmith 718410 Hatfieldregislocalhistorysociety.weebly.com • Royal British Legion 730042 • Bell Ringers 730526 • Holy Trinity Choir 730288 • Leisure Hour 01279 731319 • W.I in Broad Oak - Sue Brown 718620 www.facebook.com/ [email protected] • Talking Newspapers 651270 or 653925 • Hatfeld Heath Men’s Shed - Mike 07968 066015 Simon 07966 382839 [email protected] • HeathPlayers - MarkRatcliff 503174 www.heathplayers.org, [email protected] https: www.facebook.com/groups/246923642002583 • Italian Language - Michelina 07786 341754 • Spanish Language - Ann Whale 731288 • Farmers’ Market 07956 563710 • Visiting Optician 443181 • Neighbourhood Watch - Hilary Allen [email protected] • Uttlesford Badger Group - Derek Barry on call 24/7 503332 or 07941 185171 • Footpath Warden: [email protected] www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk for local health & wellbeing services PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS Email: [email protected] Website: https://hatfieldheath.com Parish Clerk: Richard Bowran Chairman: Mark Bissell 07966 154401 Vice Chairman Niki Champion 731104 07967 322053 District Cllr Mark Lemon 730581 Councillor Sandra Saban 730042 Councillor Nigel Robley 730568 Councillor Chris Overton 731036 Councillor Peter Brown 730859 Councillor Hilary Allen 731049 Councillor Sam King 730241/ 07984 401170 Next Parish Council meeting: 7:30pm on Wednesday 10th January 2024 at the URC Hall Next Forum: 10-12pm on Saturday 20th January 2024 in the Institute KEY CONTACTS POLICE: PCSO Steve Sharma email: [email protected] Essex Police non-emergency 101 Emergency 999 HEALTH & WELLBEING: EdenSurgeries - Broomfields 01279 730616 Eden Surgeries - Broad Oak 01279 718245 https://www.edensurgeries.co.uk Central Surgery - Sawbridgeworth 01279 603180 Out of hours NHS 111 The Samaritans 116 123 [email protected] SCHOOLS: Hatfield Heath CP School 01279 730382 www.hatfieldheath.essex.sch.uk Pre-School (2-5 years) 07340 575792

4 MOBILE POST OFFICE https://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you/post-office/hatfieldheath-stop-cm22-7ea Every Friday from 10am - 11am - Village Hall Car Park. CM22 7EA. Services: Mail - Parcelforce Express Services - Travel - Foreign Currency - Travel Money Card LIBRARY VAN https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-mobile-andhome-library-services/mobile-libraries/uttlesford Visits every 3 weeks & parks in Wagon Mead, off Broomfields 12pm - 12:30pm Next visits: 11th January 2024 & 1st February 2024 UNITED REFORMED CHURCH URC Diary January 2024 Wednesday 3rd January Leisure Hour New Year Lunch Sunday 7th January Family Service 10.30 am Mark Dyer Sunday 14th January Family Service 10.30 am Rev Blair Kirkby Sunday 21st January Family Service 10.30 am Effua Koi Larbi Sunday 28th January Family Service 10.30 am Joan Smith It is our privilege to welcome families for services at significant moments in their lives. We would be delighted to hear from anyone living in the villages who would like to know more about planning a baptism, wedding or funeral. We wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year. Contacts: URC Rev Blair Kirkby 07913 476934 URC HH Administrator Jacqueline Jackson [email protected] 07341 299245 VILLAGE FACEBOOK GROUP Created for residents/ former residents of Hatfield Heath to share information and events within the community. Search: Hatfield Heath The Village Group! - www.facebook.com/groups 4

55 HATFIELD HEATH VILLAGE HALL & INSTITUTE ARE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE FOR ALL OF YOUR CELEBRATIONS, GROUP INTEREST ACTIVITY CLASSES & SPECIAL EVENTS HATFIELD HEATHVILLAGE HALL TRUST CIOARE VOLUNTEERS WORKINGONYOUR BEHALF TO PROVIDE FACILITIESFOR HATFIELD HEATH RESIDENTS,ORGANISATIONS ANDBUSINESSES WE ENCOURAGE YOUR INVOLVEMENT FOR BOOKING DETAILS TELEPHONE 01279 730544 HATFIELD HEATHVILLAGE HALL TRUST REGISTERED CHARITY No 1198523 FOR OTHER INFORMATION CONTACT [email protected] Ongar Young Farmers Club are collecting Christmas trees in aid of Collection will be on the Morning of Sunday 7th January If you wish to have a tree collected, please contact: Jonathan Hockley Mobile: 07815 616 680 Email: [email protected] A suggested donation of £5/ tree

66 Price: £8 Dear Hatfield Heath Residents, It is with regret that the New Year's Eve party scheduled to take place in our beloved village hall has been cancelled. Despite our best efforts and intentions, it has become apparent that the event would run at a significant loss due to the unexpectedly low ticket sales. We had booked a DJ and balloon display to ensure a memorable celebration, but unfortunately, the lack of interest has made it financially unviable. We understand that many of you may have anticipated attending the party, and for that, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. We share your disappointment and regret having to make this difficult decision. Our aim was to bring the community together and create a joyous atmosphere to welcome the new year. However, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who had already purchased tickets. Your support and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated, and we assure you that full refunds will be issued promptly, if you return to point of sale. As we bid farewell to this year, the Village Hall Committee wish to extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May this holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments spent with your loved ones. We hope that the coming year, 2024, brings you peace, good health, and prosperity. Once again, we apologise for any disappointment caused by the cancellation of the New Year's Eve party. We remain committed to organising future events that will bring our community together and create lasting memories. Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Warm regards, Hilary Allen Secretary, Hatfield Heath Village Hall Trust Email: [email protected] NANCY’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT What a magical evening we had at Hatfield Heath’s Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 16th December. Our beloved Nancy May graced us with her angelic voice, and the church was packed with familiar faces. It was truly a sight to behold! Nancy's voice was as beautiful as ever, filling the church with warmth and joy. We were all captivated by her incredible talent and couldn't help but be moved by her performance. HilaryAllen

7 7 Talk - Friday 5th January. 8 p.m. A presentation on Patmore Heath Nature Reserve by Warden Gavin Vicary. On Zoom. For log on details please email [email protected] Walk - Wednesday 17th January. 10 a.m. Walk around Patmore Heath NR and adjacent footpaths. 1.28 miles. Park on the Heath . Grid Reference: TL442257 What3Words: plastic.sampling.outboard Postcode: SG11 2LY Virtual Meeting - Friday 19th January. 8.00 p.m. Nature Reporter On Zoom For log on details please email [email protected] More details www.stortvalleynaturegroup.net or search for us on Facebook Hatfield Heath Table Tennis Sessions We still have room for more players at our weekly sessions each Friday at the Institute in Hatfield Heath. We welcome players of all ages and abilities and offer a free "taster" session. We have two tables, supply all equipment and charge £3 per week for those who wish to continue playing. All monies collected are donated to the Village Hall Trust to assist with running costs of the Village Hall and Institute. For more information please contact Mark Ratcliff on [email protected] or 01279 503174. Alternatively just come along one Friday from 7pm until 9pm to see what's going on. Keeping warm this winter If you are worried about paying your bills and keeping warm this winter, energy specialists at Uttlesford Citizens Advice can help with: • Fuel vouchers and emergency funds • Access to food banks and children’s clothes banks • Benefits advice, including cold weather payments • Money and debt advice, including debts to utility providers, • Priority services register • Home improvement grants and handyman services • Energy efficient behaviours • Home safety and fall prevention • Community services, including transport and food delivery It is important to know that you don’t have to be on benefits to access this support - call 01799 618858 or email [email protected] . Advice is always completely free and confidential. Heating Oil Over a quarter of homes in Uttlesford use Oil or LPG to heat their homes. If you have been getting your heating oil from the same supplier for some time it is worth doing a price comparison to ensure you are getting the best price. You can do this on one of the many price comparison websites, for example: • www.oil-club.co.uk • www.boilerjuice.com/ • www.fueltool.co.uk/ Joining your local heating oil club is another great way of finding savings. Speak to your Parish Council or neighbourhood group. Or visit the Uttlesford District Council website for more information and links to local groups https:// www.uttlesford.gov.uk/article/5783/Set-up-or-join-an-oil-club. Always make sure you ring round a few suppliers to compare prices before placing an order and don’t be afraid to haggle! Join our Team! If you would like to help people get the advice and confidence they need to tackle their problems, Uttlesford Citizens Advice would love to hear from you! The local charity is in urgent need of volunteer advisers - and someone with a background in HR or cloud based IT to join the board of trustees. Citizens Advice Barnards Yard, Saffron Walden, CB11 4EB 01799 618858 [email protected] www.uttlesfordca.org.uk

88 LEISURE HOUR We Welcomed Sally Sargeant to our last meeting, who gave us an inspiring talk about her charity walk for cancer charities. Rather than summarise it for her, Sally has kindly sent in her words. We thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and were hugely impressed by her stamina and commitment. “On the 6th December I was delighted to be invited to go to the Leisure Hour meeting to share my Camino 100 walk experience. In October I undertook the Camino 100 adventure walking 100 miles in 5 days along one of the pilgrim trails, starting at Mount OʼCebreiro and finishing at Santiago de Compostela in the Galicia region of North-west Spain. I shared my journey, showing some of my photographs, as I walked along the ancient path through deserted farmyards, beautiful villages, wooded paths and quiet country roads. The scenery is beautiful with rolling hills, mist in the valleys below and the sun rising behind you as you walk westward. I followed the Camino kilometre posts with their iconic blue background and yellow shell emblem. I spoke about the village of Portomarin which had to be relocated higher up the hillside in the 1960s when the Mino River was dammed to build the Belesar reservoir, and how the church was dismantled stone by stone and then rebuilt in the new village. (Each stone having been carefully marked to enable the rebuild). My journey finished at Santiago de Compostela in the square in front of the magnificent cathedral, the resting place of the apostle St James. The cathedral is very ornate and a work of art. I was able to share a very short video showing the swinging of the Botafumeiro, the huge incense burner. For me, undertaking this walk was both a physical and mental challenge but it was, and is one of the most rewarding things I have done and I have made new lifelong friendships with my fellow walkers, whilst raising funds for such a wonderful charity. I undertook this challenge with the Charity -Walk the Walk -which is united in its fight against breast cancer and other cancers. The charity celebrated 25 years of Moon walking in 2023 and has to date raised over £140 million to provide funds for research, and to help provide emotional and physical support for those living with cancer and prevention. The charity offers many different challenges for people to experience and help with fundraising. Thank you to the Leisure Hour for inviting me to share my adventure and for their wonderful donation to the Walk the Walk charity.” - Sally Sargeant. On January 4th some of the members will be going to the Hunters Meet for a New Year Lunch. If you have already paid, please be there for 12:30 in order to make your food choices. On February 1st we are having an informal afternoon where members and friends can share any memories of living in the village to coincide with the History Societyʼs photographic publication of “Hatfield Heath Then and Now.” You may know people who have left the village but who might have stories to share- do let them know. Happy New Year from the committee – Mary, Mieke, Anne and Catherine. GARDEN CLUB In December we had our AGM when the present committee was re-elected. The cost of speakers was one of the main issues and members offered various suggestions to help. The AGM was followed by member Hannah Shine's demonstration on making a Christmas wreath and table decoration. While artistically creating each of these, Hannah shared her knowledge of the plants she was using, the benefits of their varied foliage and how to keep the displays looking good. Hannah then kindly donated the wreath for the raffle. We meet again on Wednesday 25th January 2pm at the URC hall where we will be celebrating 50 years of the Garden Club. Former members are welcome to join us. Please let Diane Barnett (730425) or Rob Jones (730741) know if you would like to come. NEWS FROM THE GARDENS OF EASTON LODGE I hope you all managed to tuck up your Gardens for the winter. Do you remember winter 2023? We had sharp frosts then snow before Christmas and the snow hung on the trees beautifully and lasted for days because it stayed so cold. Then in January it went really cold again, so the lilypond and fishing lake at the bottom of the Gardens were covered in ice and the manure, which normally should stay beautifully warm in a big pile, had a thick crust we had to chop our way through, to spread it on the vegetable garden. Unfortunately we lost many shrubs and perennials, but through the year the upside has been fewer slugs (I think?) and the opportunities for renewal! So far this winter we have had sharp cold again at the beginning of December…but who knows what January will bring? Our first volunteer day in the new year will be Thursday 4 January – just before the beginning of the agricultural season, known as Plough Day, which in 2024 is on 8 January. Plough Day was a day of celebration for farm workers, who toured villages with a plough, singing and dancing and digging up the gardens of those who didnʼt join in or contribute to the fundraising! Maybe we should start to celebrate this, but of course without digging up othersʼ gardens! In January we will be working more on winter projects and prepping for snowdrop season – two Sundays and two Thursdays from 18 to 29 February. Thereʼs always a lot to do and we are happy to welcome new volunteers, if your new yearʼs resolution is to join us!! You can find information about snowdrop days and volunteering, as well as much more besides, on our website: www.eastonlodge.co.uk. Jill Goldsmith

9 9 This picture was taken by my son when he had to walk in the road when going to and from Dorrington's the other morning and since he was born with a disability, it left me rather annoyed. He sometimes needs to use his wheelchair which would have made it even more dangerous. We also get some residents going from the Haven for a stroll during the day I believe and It must be a nightmare for a mother with a child in a buggy or on the school run with little ones so I think it needs mentioning when as bad as this. Even when The Thatchers is packed, most drivers are considerate enough to leave space so you can still get past so it's not normally a problem. ‘No Consideration’ taken by Josh on 08/11/23. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, As a resident of Hatfield Heath I have watched and listened carefully to other residents regarding a council property that was recently vacated in Broomfields. The actual state of the place when the tenant moved is beyond belief, filth and damage together with being infested with rodents. It was noted that on the first day that the council attended the property there was one vehicle with two workmen clearing the property, by the second day there were at least four vehicles with numerous workers clearing the property resulting in a number of trips for the flat bed truck removing rubbish and fixtures, this I believe was for two more days. There has since been a skip at the property and further workmen one or two vehicles a day for the past two weeks to put the property back to a decent state of repair. With an expected cost of over £100 per man per day, plus fuel and vehicle costs, waste disposal, materials and decorating costs this would equal such a large amount. I have serious concerns that the costs for the clean up of this property alone must be extremely high, and the question I must ask is how is this funded? Does this major cost come out of the council tax payers pocket. Do Uttlesford District Council recoup these costs from this previous tenant at any point and are there restrictions set if this tenant has been moved into a council or housing association property to prevent this sort of behaviour in the future. In addition to the above the previous tenant was witnessed fly tipping a large amount of rubbish in an area to the rear of the property, which according to the village Facebook page has been actioned and hopefully the person fined etc. How does this person get away with believing that this sort of behaviour is acceptable, do they feel no shame. It seems so sad that deserving local young people cannot get council properties in Hatfield Heath as they are rare and this one if looked after and respected a family could have been housed much quicker. Name supplied Dear editor, As a resident of Hatfield Heath, I was both delighted and relieved to hear that the planning application UTT/22/1261/FUL which was considered on 13th December, was refused. This application was for the demolition of 10 existing structures, the conversion and restoration of 8 existing buildings to form 8 holiday cottages and 1 dwelling, the construction of 3 single storey dwellings and the creation of a pedestrian and cycle link path, located on land to the West of Mill Lane. Permission was refused for the following reasons: 1 The proposed development would constitute inappropriate development within the Green Belt and additional harm would result from the loss of openness. The harm by reason of its inappropriateness and loss of openness is not clearly outweighed by other considerations. There are no very special circumstances associated with this proposal that would outweigh the harm identified, therefore it fails to meet the tests found within paragraphs 147, 148 and 149(g) of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023) The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy S6 of the Uttlesford Local Plan 2005 and National Planning Policy Framework (2023). A heartfelt thank you to all that responded to object to the application and an even bigger thank you to Niki Champion for leading the local residents and working tirelessly to object to this inappropriate planning application for many years. Name supplied New Year Update from Eden Surgeries 2023 was a year of progress and advancement at Eden Surgeries. We changed our appointment system, introduced a new telephony platform, and made many other changes to upgrade and improve the services that we offer to our patient population. We achieved this with the close cooperation of our patient group, which meets every two months to discuss issues raised from across the villages and assess how best to address them. Throughout the year we consistently delivered around 4,000 clinical appointments each month. We now give our patients the choice of either a 15-minute face to face or a telephone call consultation with our GP's, and feedback tells us that this has been very well received. Whilst the pressures faced by the NHS remain well documented, I am proud of what the team at Eden has achieved in last year. But rest assured that during 2024 we will not rest on our laurels, with many new initiatives under consideration to further improve services. We are very grateful for the goodwill and support and that we continue to receive from our patients, and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024 from all of us at Eden Surgeries. Peter Eldon Practice Manager

10 10 HATFIELD HEATH WAR MEMORIAL WALTER EVERSHED GARDNER The recent Remembrance Day reminded me that when I was researching The War Memorials of Hatfield Regis (published by Hatfield Regis Local History Society in 2014) I found several men whose relationship with the village was difficult, if not impossible, to discover. One of these enigmas was a man whose name was highly distinctive: WALTER EVERSHED GARDNER. Gardner was born on 14 March 1888 at 15 Rebecca Terrace, Rotherhithe, the son of John Gardner, a granary keeper, and his wife Eleanor Charlotte (nee Walter). In the 1891 census he was recorded as three years old, the middle of three children, living with his family at 28 Gomm Road, Rotherhithe; all the children were born in Rotherhithe. In the 1901 census Gardner was a pupil at St Saviour’s College, Ardingley, Sussex; he was recorded as age thirteen, born Deptford, Kent. [Disagreements in the records relating to places of birth were not uncommon in different censuses, depending on the information held by the person completing the census form. This was especially the case when individuals wanted to disguise their origin.] Just for the record, St Saviours College is now called Ardingly College, a highly respected independent school. In 1911 Gardner was living with his family in seven rooms at 8 Cambridge Villas, Charlton Road, Shepperton, so he was obviously from a middle-class family; he was a clerk, age twenty-three, born Rotherhithe. Gardner was an early enlister in the Great War, sometime between 7 September and 20 October 1914, according to his original service number, 2975, which was issued between those dates. Soldiers Died In The Great War (SDGW) recorded that Gardner enlisted at Tufton Street, Westminster, where the Drill Hall originally built for the 23rd Middlesex Rifle Volunteers was based. When Gardner enlisted it was the base for the 2nd (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers). He gave his address at this time as Shepperton, so he was probably still living with his parents. Gardner’s Medal Index Card (MIC) recorded his original number and his new number which was issued in early 1917: 230911. He was entitled to the British War and Victory Medals, which means that he did not serve abroad until after 31 December 1915, indicating that he was kept at home for over a year. His MIC also states that these medals, having been issued, were returned to the War Ministry, as they had not been claimed. Normally medals were sent to the last address that the Army had for next of kin, but if the family had moved, and could not be traced easily, the chances were that the medals would be returned to the War Office. In April 1922 the officer in charge of records requested permission to dispose of the medals, which would mean scrapping the metal (silver and bronze). No affirmative reply was recorded on the MIC, but it is almost certain that Gardner’s medals have not existed for over a century. Another unusual feature of the MIC was that Gardner was recorded in the rank of Warrant Officer Class II, or Company Sergeant Major. This is the only rank shown on the MIC, which is unusual, as a new recruit would normally begin his Army career with the rank of Private. The fact that he was awarded this rank when he enlisted indicates that Gardner was no routine volunteer. For a man in his mid-twenties to be awarded this rank he must have been an excellent soldier and leader. It is quite probable that he had been a member of his school’s Cadet Force, although I have no evidence of this. He was killed in action on 15 September 1917, when his battalion was ‘holding the line’ between 14 and 17 September at St Julien. The battalion war diary did not even mention any casualties that day. Perhaps this was the case of a mistaken death date, either as a result of an incorrect report, or a mistake in recording by the SDGW, although the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records the same date of death. This particular date fell during the period of the build-up to a major attack by British forces as part of the Third Battle of Ypres. One description of the situation was as follows: ‘The preliminary bombardment of the German positions began on 13th September increasing in volume as the 20th September approached… The bombardment did not silence all of the German guns which continued to fire on the British batteries for most of the period of the bombardment and remained to fire on the British infantry as they got ready for the actual attack and as they crossed no man’s land.’ It seems that Gardner was one of the British soldiers to die under the German bombardment. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial. Unfortunately, when I did my research in 2013, I was unable to find any documentary evidence that connects Gardner with a family in Hatfield Heath. It would be very rewarding if, now that so much information about the Great War has been published, someone could find the missing link. John Sly https://hatfieldregislocalhistorysociety.weebly.com/ the-memorials-of-hatfield-regis.html £5.00 (P&P £1.49)

1111 At our November meeting, due to a change in circumstances, we had our Vice Chairman Mark Ratcliff talking about researching his maternal Grandfatherʼs WW1 history. George William Myhill (1890 – 1975) grew up in a small Norfolk village near Cantley on the River Yare. A major event for him was helping to build the Cantley Sugar Factory in 1912 and then to secure a job there for all his working life. His only time away from the village was his military service in WW1 when, having signed up in Norwich, because he was 6ʼ 2” tall he was enlisted in the Coldstream Guards. Mark was fortunate that his grandfatherʼs Pension Records were found in the archive but Georgeʼs brother who was also in the Guards have been lost in the Blitz fire. Markʼs research was greatly assisted by his mother being presented with a small leather attaché case when her siblings were clearing out the house following their fatherʼs death and burning all the ʻrubbishʼ. Containing various military issue bibles and forms, there was a wallet with photos of the two brothers in uniform and his sweetheart May as well as three pencil written letters from his mother. There was also a book of daily devotional readings that he gave May, with the added bonus that in it she noted his visits home and when on BEF duty in France. On his first tour in France in 1916, he had a month working in an Entrenching Brigade before joining the 1st Battalion at the front in April 1916, ready for the main Somme offensive. He received a gun shot wound in the neck on 15 September and was evacuated back initially to Rouen on 17th and then on to the major Harfleur Field Hospital on 10th October, when he was returned to the Battalion after 5 days, a month after receiving his wound. In December a problem with his feet (perhaps trench foot) resulted in him being returned to England for treatment and eventually returning to the London Command Depot. He returned to active duty in France on 31 March 1918. He was then hospitalised again in July due to shell shock due to wounds but returned to the Battalion in 2 September. A further relapse in November due to gas attack on his eyes resulted in his return to England in January 1919 and final discharge in 15 May 1919. For both of the main injuries, Mark was able to plot out on a map the sequence of locations he stayed at, revealing a significant amount of travelling. It is remarkable the amount of detail that the few remaining forms contain that allow a picture to be built up on his war experience that he took quietly to his grave, like so many of his generation. Well done Mark for your detective work. At the same meeting, hot off the press, was the Societyʼs latest book: Then and Now – The Village of Hatfield Heath. With 82 pictures it illustrates the village heritage and changes over the last century. A snip at £8 it is available at future meetings or from our Chairman, David Parish on [email protected]. Our next meeting will be the AGM on 19th March, 2024. Quentin Spear Hatfield Regis Local History Society Patron: William Gosling - Lord of the Manor President: Patrick Streeter THE HUNDRED PARISHES SOCIETY www.hundredparishes.org.uk The Society’s website has been updated although it retains the name www.hundredparishes.org.uk The most significant change is the addition of a section called Articles. This section consists of about 80 pages and offers a window onto more aspects of the Hundred Parishes, complementing the existing introductory pages to parishes, walks, people, what’s on, etc. The Articles section comprises a series of short essays on a diverse range of subjects ranging alphabetically from Almshouses to Workhouses. Most of the articles started life as a submission to local parish magazines; most have been expanded. We have introductory articles about the Hundred Parishes Society’s origins, aims and activities. Other topics include Aviation, many aspects of Churches, Landscape, Listings, Museums, Parish names, Pub names, Village halls and Village signs – and many more. This expansion of the website has provided an opportunity to include some 600 additional photos. The Articles section will grow over time, usually to incorporate new subjects that are submitted as monthly articles to parish magazines. We like to receive feedback, whether that be to report a problem, expand our knowledge, or perhaps just to express an opinion on what the Society is doing or could do. We particularly rely on feedback to keep our What’s On page up to date and the contact details current within our parish introductions. The details that require most frequent change usually relate to our pubs, either closing, reopening or changing their contact details. We hope residents will take a fresh look at the website. We hope they will find something to interest them and perhaps inspire them to investigate further, either online or better still on foot, following one of our suggested walk routes. Ken McDonald, Secretary Straw Finial - Pegasus in Leaden Roading Village Sign - High Wych

1212 Present: Cllr M Bissell (MB) Cllr N Champion (NC) Cllr N Robley (NR) Cllr P Brown (PB) Cllr M Lemon (ML) Cllr S Saban (SS) Cllr C Overton (CO) Cllr H Allen (HA) 3 members of the public In attendance: R Bowran – Parish Clerk Welcome by the Chairman who opened the meeting with season’s greetings to all those present and to all in the village. 23/140 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Received and accepted from Cllr King - unwell 23/141 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Cllr Bissell declared an interest in item 23/148.1. Cllr Overton declared an interest in item 23/148.3. 23/142 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION To receive and respond to questions from members of the public on matters within the remit of the Parish Council A member of the public again raised a number of issues relating to highways in the parish, especially relating footways and speeding on Sheering Road. MB responded that the invitation to meet with Cllr Cunningham still stood. NR responded on the visit by the Essex Highways “buddy” who noted points of concern throughout the village. ML said that work required is not in budget. Clerk was asked to write to Chair and Leader of Essex CC. Another member of the public also expressed concerns about obstructed footways on Sheering Road and pavement parking. Clerk to contact owner of Hunters Meet to suggest a remedy 23/143 MINUTES OF MEETING Resolved: To approve the minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 01 November 2023 (M07) 23/144 PLANNING COMMITTEE Noted: The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 01 Nov 2023. (P07). Noted: The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 08 Nov 2023. (P08). Noted: The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 15 Nov 2023. (P09). Noted: The draft minutes of the Planning Committee held on 27 November 2023. (P10). Noted: The draft minutes of the Planning Committee held on 29 November 2023. (P11). Noted: That we are advised that the planning applications for the development in Mill Lane, UTT’22/1261/FUL (Land West of Mill Lane) will be heard at the UDC Planning Committee on Wednesday 13 December 2023. 23/145 BUDGET 2024-25 Noted: Receiving further budget briefing notes from the Clerk Resolved: To adopt a revised budget for 2024-25, with a Precept Demand of £46,750. [prop Cllr Bissell; secd Cllr Saban; Pro 6:Con 0 Abs 2] 23/146 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS To receive and note reports from County and District Councillors. • Cty Cllr Susan Barker had presented her apologies • Dist Cllr Mark Lemon 23/147 FINANCIAL REPORT 1. Approval of Expenditure. Noted: Items of expenditure in November 2023 as approved by the Finance committee 2. Management Accounts Noted: Management accounts for the eight months to November 2023. 23/148 GRANT REQUESTS To consider further grant requests from: 1. Heath Festival – .Resolved: To make a grant of £800 towards purchase of new PA equipment. [prop Cllr Lemon; secd Cllr Robley, pro 6, con 0, abs 2] In addition the potential to make a repayable loan for provision of portable toilets. 2. Heath Players - Resolved: To make a grant of £400 towards purchase of new flooring [prop Cllr Saban; secd Cllr Robley, all in favour] HATFIELD HEATH PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held at URC Hall, Hatfield Heath at 19:30 on Wednesday 6th December 2023

1313 3. The Close Christmas Lunches – .Resolved: to make a grant of £200 towards funding Christmas and Boxing Day lunches. [prop Cllr Lemon; secd Cllr Bissell, all in favour] 23/149 CLERK’S REPORT & CORRESPONDENCE Noted: The Clerk’s report and correspondence received. • Thanks received from Holy Trinity church and United Reform church for grants received. 23/150 COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Noted: A report by the Clerk on an inter parish meeting to consider future Community Bus services. A preliminary meeting and is a work in progress. Suggestion of a wider project linking to Stortford. Project to be led by CO. 23/151 KEY TASK MONITOR The Key Task Monitor has been revised and simplified to create a better working document. • Noted: Report from Forum held on 11 November. Main points: o Bus service 305. o Manhole cover on Sawbridgeworth Road o Meeting with Highways “buddy” o Allotments visit. o State of salt bins o Commissioning of Defibrillator 23/152 HIGHWAYS MATTERS To consider any matters relating to Highways • Noted: Meeting with Highways “Buddy” 16 November o Review of outstanding items o Highlight pavement parking issues, clerk to write to police commissioner and the chief constable 23/153 PARKING MANAGEMENT AND CAR PARKS To consider matters relating to parking management. Errant parking is reoccurring. Clerk to commission CCTV supplier to identify serial long-term parkers. Essex Parking Partnership to be asked how many tickets they have issued. 23/154 PLAYGROUND Resolved: To approve Terms of Reference for the Playground Committee [prop Cllr Champion; secd Cllr Robley] Agreed to invite two parents to join the committee. To receive a report from the Playground Committee. 23/155 VILLAGE GREEN To consider any matters relating to the village green • Tree survey by Lord of the Manor awaited. ML advised speaking, tree surgeons will visit shortly and agree on work be done. • Footpaths survey. Comprehensive report prepared by HA. Action plan to be determined after establishing UDC and ECC responsibility. • NR and Clerk to review Tenders for grass cutting 2024-26. Three potential contractors identified including current suppliers. 23/156 ALLOTMENT To consider any matters relating to Allotments, including a report on the inspection visit undertaken on Sunday 05 November. . 23/157 STANSTED AIRPORT WATCH To receive a report on current activities of Stansted Airport Watch, who are becoming a Trust. HA had prepared a response to be submitted by the Clerk to the Local Plan consultation. 23/158 WILDLIFE AREA To receive a report from the Wildlife Area working party and agree an action plan. A grant application to UDC under the Zero Carbon Communities scheme will be made in the 2024 round. 23/159 NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN To receive a report on the latest meeting of the Steering Committee. Progress towards completing the public questionnaire is slow. 23/160 REPORTS FROM MEMBERS ON MEETINGS ATTENDED To receive and note any additional reports from members • ML and HA attended the surgery patients’ participation group. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14)

1414 PARISH COUNCILMEETINGMINUTES (CONTINUED FOM PAGE 13) 23/161 AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING To note items for the agenda of the next meeting. • Festival Committee to be asked to arrange a meeting with councillors to discuss future finances of event. • Consideration to formalise the Highways and Speeding committee 23/162 DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS Resolved: That the next meeting of the Council will now be on Wednesday 10 January 2024 [prop Cllr Robley; secd Cllr Allen] HHPC Parish Council Forum Dear all, Thanks to those who attended our December Forum. We will by the time you have read this followed up on all of your issues at our PC meeting and you will see that reflected in the minutes on the website. Please look at the KTM on the website which should now show the progress on all of the issues in front of us. Our next forum will be on January 20th, 2024 from 1000 to 1200 in the Institute. Please join us to discuss your issues more fully. In the meantime we hope that you have enjoyed Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year. Nigel Robley Cllr, HHPC FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HATFIELD HEATH NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN www.hatfieldheathneighbourhoodplan.weebly.com This website is specifically designed so that the Community can form and contact a steering group set up from and by Members of the public and NOT the Parish Council. It is an opportunity to contribute with ideas, suggestions and participate in the type of Community in which they live and would want to see it progress. New Year Waste & Recycling Collections Collections resume from 1st January 2024 and this will be a green-lidded, recycling bin week. Extra recycling can be placed at the side of your bin for collection as usual. Please put items in white or clear bag, (not black bags), or cardboard boxes. The following week, (commencing 8th January), is the grey-lidded general waste collection. Extra black bags can be placed at the side of your bin for collection. A maximum of 4 bags will apply for this week only. For more information visit www.uttlesford.gov.uk/ recycle-it Colombiaʼs New Yearʼs tradition Around the world, people see in the new year in different ways. One example is the South American country of Colombia. At midnight on New Yearʼs Eve, Colombians customarily grab an empty suitcase and take it for a walk down their street. They believe that, by doing so, they will be assured lots of travel in the year ahead! by Amar WISHING A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS. SENDING YOU ALL AN APACHE BLESSING: May the Sun bring you a new Energy by day, May the Moon softly Restore you by night, May the Rain wash away your Worries, May the Breeze blow new Strength into your being, May you Walk gently through the World and know its BeautyALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE Sent in by Kim Butler

1515 J&K DOMESTICCLEANING SERVICE We provide weekly ,monthly or one-offbasis, according to your needs ,reasonable rates. all surrounding areas -Trustful -Soletrader -Fully insured -15yearsʼ experience -Topreferences Please call Isabela on 07955658347 [email protected] To advertise in this space for £8 per month or £80 for 12 months call Norman on 01279 730756 or email: [email protected]

1616 A<RHALS Dear Readers Pleaseensure thatanyitems for themagazine are submittedby14th of themonth for thenext publication. Thankyou! Did you know that FREE copies of this magazine are delivered EVERY MONTH to ALL HOMES in Hatfield Heath? It is also available online at www.hatfieldheathvillagemagazine.weebly.com To advertise: email [email protected] OR call Norman on 01279 730756 16 A<RHALS Dear Readers Pleaseensure thatanyitems for themagazine are submittedby14th of themonth for thenext publication. Thankyou! Did you know that FREE copies of this magazine are delivered EVERY MONTH to ALL HOMES in Hatfield Heath? It is also available online at www.hatfieldheathvillagemagazine.weebly.com To advertise: email [email protected] OR call Norman on 01279 730756

1717 Grass Cutting, Hedge Trimming, Planting, One off Tidy Ups Regularly Weekly Maintenance Jet Wash Patio Cleaning Email: [email protected] Mobile 07956 524 586 Home Tel 01279 830 960 Whether you run a business, or are a home user, Heath Computers has an IT solution to suit your requirements. Web: www.heathcomputers.co.uk Office: 01279 912345 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07958 482889 • IT Solutions for home/office • Domain Registration and Web Design • Mac/PC Support, Repairs and Upgrades • Smart Phone/Tablet configuration and setup • Network Installation - Fixed and Wireless • Internet - Email - Broadband Virus Protection and Spyware removal Heath Computers For all yourIT needs Chesnut Drive Hatfield Heath HEATH HAY AND STRAW Traditional small bales, free local delivery on orders of 50 bales or more. Evening & weekend deliveries usually possible. Tel 07976801062 Michael Hockley, Friars Farm, Hatfield Heath www.heathhayandstraw.co.uk

1818

1919 •Wendycot” Chelmsford Road, Hatfield Heath, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts Opening Hours Mon - Fri 8am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 1pm Tel: 01279 730 274 [email protected] www.jewhitemotors.co.uk

2020 A" $"%&& &%' ApprovedChimney Sweep ALEX GLYNNS NACS No.95/352 Vacuum, Rods, Brushes, Clean& Efficient 12OrchardCroft, Harlow, EssexCM20 3BA Tel. 01279424983 Email:[email protected] Performed on mini trampolines ((BOUNCE)) is a FUN, FRIENDLY, FIERCE exercise class Tuesdays 5:30 – 6:30pm Sundays 09:00 – 10:00am In Hatfield Heath Village Hall ALL ages and abilities welcome Booking essential at www.Bouncefitbody.com 07926564327 Bounce Hatfield Heath bouncehatfieldheath with Alex Luxury Toilet Hire (UK) Ltd Whatever your special occasion, let Luxury Toilet Hire (UK) Ltd provide you with the perfect toilet facility to make your occasion amemorable success. Your local service provider for all liquid waste removal, including Cesspools, Septic Tanks, Klargesters and Bio Discs Tel: 01279 504638 or 01371 873003 Email: [email protected]

2121

22 22 PLANS Planning and Building Regulations Applications EXTENSIONS CONVERSIONS NEW BUILDINGS 07774 281115 or 01279 731770 [email protected]

2323 www.kingsremovals.co.uk For over 30 years we have been carrying out local, national and overseas relocations for personal and business clients. We understand that everyone's move is different and that is why we tailor our service to each individual customers needs. Kings Removals was set up as and still runs as a family business today. Great emphasis is put on customer satisfaction and this is why a high percentage of our work comes from recommendations and repeat business. 01279882 822 andrewbanks.co.uk - 01279 626389 Wood flooring,worktops,supply,fitting and renovation Decking Garden Furniture Decking

2424 Did you know that FREE copies of this magazine are delivered EVERY MONTH to ALL HOMES in Hatfield Heath? It is also available online at www.hatfieldheathvillagemagazine.weebly.com To advertise email [email protected] OR call 01279 730756 ANDREW SANFORD BRICKWORK • BRICKWORK • REPAIRS • REPOINTING • SLAB LAYING • CONCRETEWORK • BASE LAYING • PATIOS • FENCE WORK ALL GENERAL BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN 01279 833046 • 07974 842126 [email protected] Polite, friendly service with over 35 years experience

2525 Wishing all our readers and advertisers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR from all the volunteers involved in the production and distribution of Hatfield Heath Village Magazine!

2626 Yell&Google 5Star Rating • Plumbing Maintenance & Repairs • Boiler Breakdowns & Installations • Hot Water Cylinders • Annual Boiler Service • Gas Safety Inspections ALLGARDENASPECTS.CO.UK [email protected] All Garden Aspects

2727 YOUR LOCALPROPERTY FINANCEEXPERT. We will help youbringout only the best. Dovecote PropertyFinance Ltdis anappointedrepresentative of The On-LinePartnershipLimitedwhichis authorisedandregulatedbythe FinancialConductAuthority(FCA).The FCAdoes notregulate some investmentmortgages. We can helpwithall typesof specialist propertyfinance including: • Buy to Let Mortgages • Commercial Investment Mortgages • Finance for tradingpremises • Holiday Lets • Refurbishment & DevelopmentFinance To make an enquirycall 07764807803or visit ourwebsite at www.dovecotepropertyfinance.co.uk Conversions, Bathrooms, Kitchens Plastering, Brickwork, Decorating To advertise in this space for £4.50 per month or £45 for 12 months call Norman on 01279 730756 or email: [email protected] Did you know that FREE copies of this magazine are delivered EVERY MONTH to ALL HOMES in Hatfield Heath? It is also available online at www.hatfieldheathvillagemagazine.weebly.com

Printed by Panther Print & Design Ltd Tel: 020 8592 1166 Printed by Panther Print & Design Ltd Tel: 02085921166 We love to receive photographs relating to Hatfield Heath and the local surrounding areas for publication on the back page. Please keep them coming in with your name and a caption to: [email protected] Top Left: Lost sheep seen on the path to the fields on Saturday 16th December. Sent in by Chris Stearn. Top Right: Sunset on The Heath, Sent in by Mark Homer. Above: This photograph of a bitterly cold but beautiful winter morning was featured on the BBC Breakfast weather forecast. Sent in by Nigel Ayers. Right: Holy Trinity chancel, ready for choir practice. Sent in by Diana Graves.