February 2024

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

22 Welcome to your February 2024 issue of the Hatfield Heath Village Magazine. February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years. In Sweden in 1712 and 1732 the month had 30 days. This was to make the calendar match to the rest of the world. February is the shortest month of the year and, with February 2024 being a leap year, it becomes the only month to both begin and end on the same day of the week. The name comes either from the Roman god Februus or else from "februa", the festivals of purification celebrated in Rome every fifteenth of this month. As February is a winter month in the Northern Hemisphere and a summer month in the Southern Hemisphere, the weather is the seasonal equivalent of August in the other. Groundhog Day falls on 2nd February every year in the United States and the legend assumes that if the groundhog sees his shadow on Candlemas Day there will be a “Second Winter” or 6 more weeks of bad weather. Other notable dates in February are the celebration of Shrove Tuesday on 13th February and Ash Wednesday on 14th February, which also marks St Valentine’s Day. Random Acts of Kindness Day is a more recent initiative that is now widely observed on 17th February. Could you be our new editor? We are still looking for a new volunteer editor to continue to develop the magazine, based on best practice and customer feedback. 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 The goal is to provide informative and engaging content that will appeal to the local community and surrounding villages. Editing and desktop publishing experience is preferred, but not essential as training and support will be provided. This would be a great opportunity to develop skills and experience that could enhance your CV! For a full role description, or to find out more, please contact me by email [email protected] or call me on 07505 506716. 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: Morning Glow, supplied by Karen 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 - Villl 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 -11 - 12pm on Fridays in the 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 • Little Hallingbury Games Club - 1st Thursday of the month in Lt H Vill Hall. £2 inc tea/coffee & biscuit. 1:30 - 3:30.pm [email protected] or 07449523487 • 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] 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 7th February 2024 at the URC Hall Next Forum: 10-12pm on Saturday 17th February 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] West Essex Night Owls a text, email and telephone service for emotional support 5pm - 11pm 7 days a week. https://www.mindinwestessex.org.uk/ services/crisis-support/west-essex-night-owls-support-line/ Frontline for local health & wellbeing services ww.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk 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 ttps://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: 14th February, 6th March & 27th March 2024 Apologies for the incorrect dates that were printed in the January issue. Please note that at the time of this magazine going to print, the Essex website was still only showing dates for 2023. UNITED REFORMED CHURCH URC Diary February 2024 Sunday 4th February Family Service 10.30 am J.Bischoff Wednesday 7th February Leisure Hour 2.00 pm Church Hall Sunday 11th February Family Service 10.30 am Rev B.Kirkby (Communion) Sunday 18th February Family Service 10.30 am R.Mhiribidi Sunday 25th February Family Service 10.30 am Rev B.Kirkby 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. 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] Little Hallingbury Games Club 1st Thursday of the month in Little Hallingbury Village Hall 1.30 - 3.30pm £2 which includes tea/coffee and biscuit Come along and play/learn to games such as Rumikub, Backgammon, Scrabble and cards. If you do not want to play just come along for chat and a cuppa! For more info: call Chris on 07449523487 Or email: Chris Carey [email protected] UPCOMING EVENTS Big Brew Coffee Morning in the Village Hall on Thursday 29th February 10am-12pm to raise money for St Clare Hospice. Entrance £3 to include unlimited coffee and a cake. Prosecco available. Stalls include gifts, tombola, raffle etc and children are welcome too! For more info: Margaret Lines 01279 730544. There will be a concert on Sunday 24th March at St Nicholas's school in Churchgate Street at 4.30pm by the combined choirs of the Cantate youth choir and Amici Cantate. Full details will appear in next month's issue.

66 Sandra and Mick Saban’s memories Mick and Sandra agreed to wed, they decided to get married in Sandra’s original village of Bingham. The wedding had an important celebrant Bishop Gelsthorpe of Southall He was a blind bishop with a very distinguished military career. He was Sandra’s original vicar, being Rector of Bingham; 1953-1963 A coach full of villagers were driven up to Sandra’s village to celebrate the wedding. Their married life began having raised £450 which helped them purchase a caravan which was to be sited on land behind the Wagon and Horse pub. (Renamed The Thatcher’s).] The rent was a whole 6/6d rent (32 and half pence in today’s money). The new 22-foot-long cream coloured caravan purchased from Pendower Caravans in Bishops Stortford was towed to the site to accompany the 8 other caravans all of which were a variety of colours. Doris Dewar was the landlord of the site who became a good friend. The caravan’s accommodation comprised 2 bunk beds and a pull-down bed. Kitchenette, and a small lounge. No electricity or running water. The only fuel was Calor Gas and a coal fire. Nevertheless, two bouncing sons, Glen and Gary were born to Mick and Sandra whilst they lived there. Alan and Ruby Chapman, Ernie and Ria Jones, Mr Revell, Joe and Kathleen Saville, Janet and Tom Donnerly were neighbours who too became incredibly good friends. Eric and Mary Halls. were the Landlords of the Stag, they also ran ECW Halls Coach Company. Many trips to the market and days out were enjoyed. They also ran the petrol station outside on the frontage of the pub. When they left the management of the pub to Sid and Peggy in September 1960 they still organised coach trips. 0live May lived in Friars Lane and sadly lost husband after the war. She worked with Mary and Eric Halls in the Stag Pub and was one of the most cheerful souls in the village. She also was a conductress driving the coaches as she (reputedly) was the first lady to possess a PSV licence, and occasionally (presumably when Eric Halls was not available) drove the bus, with the cash-bag and Bell-punch worn just as she wore them when conducting. She never wore a formal uniform and had a tired coat which showed signs of its many excursions. When driving the coach to the weekly Bishop’s Stortford Thursday Market, Olive insisted on taking the fare money from her passengers before climbing into the coach’s driving cab, which sometime made the coach quite delayed. Olive also worked as a taxi driver for the servicemen who were stationed at Matching Aerodrome. Oh, how I would love to have had the opportunity to record her stories. A top Girl Guides leader and a strong member of the British Royal Legion. She had many a story and would talk about her war time adventures. Sandra and Mick fondly remember her driving people up to London for functions, dropping her passengers off and waiting for their return. One night a policeman was suspicious of her activity and was very surprised to find that she was working busily crocheting a whole first communion dress for her daughter Penny, all whilst seated in the back of the coach. Additionally, she worked on creating bed covers whilst waiting for her charges. Through the harsh winter of 1962/1963 the snow resulted in many men (including Mick who was a painter and decorator) being laid off of their respective building sites. That being the case Ernie Jones suggested that Mick could start working with his team logging within Hatfield Heath’s woodland which involved cutting trees into logs, then transporting them onto Mr J B Boswell’s yard. Once delivered to the yard approximately 7 girls would appear and work hard splitting the logs into a manageable size even with the snow falling! Mrs Boswell would call the crew into her home at lunchtime never minding the large clumps of snow on their working boots and after ensuring they had all sat down, would hand out large hunks of bread with a lovely piece of steak and a delicious mug of hot tea. Log selling followed, with Mick on Thursday Friday and Saturday mornings loading a lorry with logs and driving around the Tottenham area selling them at half a crown a bag (12 and half pence in today’s money). Returning back to the Caravan behind Waggon and Horses (that area now known as Waggon Mead), the winter was very severe and cold, the caravan’s double bed which folded into the wall would become so frozen it would become stuck so it was permanently left down! Sport could not be played during those cold months up to April due to the frozen ground. When the thaw came, Mick returned to the building trade but moved on to become a delivery driver for Grieves and Thomas a top furniture manufacturer with factories in Harlow and Stoke Newington. Sandra meanwhile worked in the fields picking and riddling potatoes and in the evenings sewing garments for Marks & Spencer’s. Later on, Sandra worked at Kingston’s Farm and Greenways the egg packing company…When the boys grew older she worked in Sainsbury’s as a Confectioner. By 1964 the time came to sell the cream caravan for a move to 21 Ardley Crecent, Mrs Margaret Perry helped them move by using her and Sandra’s prams to transport their possessions. The proceeds from the sale of the caravan enabled Mick and Sandra to buy linoleum, curtaining and rugs. The luxury of having electricity was appreciated. The Stag Pub's darts team played regular competitions. Sandra fondly remembers standing in as a 'reserve'. One night in 1959 there was a match final. All the team, bar one, travelled to Hatfield Broad Oak (Bert Manning was ill) and Sandra was asked to play. It was getting tense because on reaching the last game they thought all was lost! Mr. Revel from HH threw his darts for the game but unfortunately he missed! Sandra stepped up to the oche and with her eagle eye threw an amazing 104 to win the match and the cup. Well done Sandra. They were all incredibly happy and no doubt celebrated in style.. The Royal British Legion plays a big part in their lives, and on that note it is hoped another article will appear featuring their many memories and involvement with that marvellous organisation. Sent in by Hilary Allen

7 7 Friday 2nd February. 8 p.m. A talk on the butterflies of Hatfield Forest, past, present and future by Geoff Vowles. Hatfield Forest Meetings Room - location is TL 547210. CM22 6NF. W3W games. explained. nozzle. Parking adjacent to the building. The room will be open from 7.30 for an 8 PM start. Wednesday 14th February. 10 a.m. Nature Walk to Hunsdon Meads and river for birds on wet floodplain. 3 miles. Park in free car park at top of High Street. TL 40973. W3W. Swim.limit.lovely. Friday 16th February. 8 p.m. Nature Reporter On Zoom Friday 1st March. 8 p.m. A talk on Turner's Spring by Warden, Alice Whitaker. On Zoom. 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. UPDATE FROM THE MEN’S SHED Christmas proved a busy time for the Men’s Shed. A commission from Holy Trinity church to create some stylish wooden Christmas Trees and candles led to an industrious few weeks for members. The trees, made from wood reclaimed from pallets, caught the attention of villagers through the group’s Facebook page and soon they were taking orders for homes all over the village. Now they are turning their attention to Spring and looking at making planters, bird boxes, hedgehog homes and bird tables. They’re also happy to fix and repair things for local people. The Shed is coming up to its first anniversary. It started with a meeting in January last year to gauge interest. A working group was set up to transform a dank, cobwebby storeroom in the Institute into a workshop. Walls were painted, benches built, and tools begged, borrowed and donated by local businesses, turning it into a fully functioning workshop. The Men’s Shed, which is affiliated to the Essex Shed Network opened to members in June. There are currently 25 members who attend sessions on Wednesday evenings (6.30 – 9) Fridays (10-3) and the first Saturday of the month (10-1). Not everyone who attends is skilled in crafts, some just come for tea and chatter. Connection, conversation and creation – that’s what joining a Men’s Shed is all about. To find out more email [email protected] or call Mike on 07968 066015 or Simon 07966 382839, or pop in when they’re open.

88 LEISURE HOUR – URC Hall 2pm On January 3rd a large group of us met up at the Hunters Meet for a New Year Lunch which was lovely and we enjoyed catching up with each other again after the Christmas holidays. Memories of our Village - February 7th We are having an informal afternoon where members and friends can share any memories of living in the village. This coincides with the History Societyʼs photographic publication of “Hatfield Heath Then and Now” and we hope to have these photos projected on the screen. You may know people who have left the village but who might have stories to share, please do let them know, the more the merrier! If you have any photos that you would like to share, please bring them along too. We will be having a raffle on the 7th so please bring any unwanted gifts along. GARDEN CLUB The Garden Club resume their meetings on Wednesday 28th February. Our speaker this month will be Nick Dobson whose talk is entitled, “A funny thing happened on the way to the potting shed.” Refreshments and a raffle will be held at the end of the meeting. Members and visitors welcomed. NEWS FROM THE GARDENS OF EASTON LODGE News for February 2024 I am writing this as volunteers work to clear the Gardens of fallen trees and boughs brought down by the torrential rains and winds at the beginning of January. Hopefully February will be seasonal with some cold weather, of course, but also with some of those lovely bright winter days on which it is a joy to be outside, seeing the early flowers emerge. Of course for us that means snowdrops, and with luck some aconites too. The snowdrops have spread hugely through the Gardens in recent years – partly because we have planted extra, but also because we have been careful to leave grass cutting till after the bulbs have replenished themselves and divided, producing extra bulbs; and after they have formed seeds, which apparently are planted unwittingly by ants carrying them into their nests! We donʼt have as many aconites as we would like. Their bright yellow flowers make for such a cheery sight, often coming a bit before the snowdrops. They are native to Italy, Bulgaria, the Balkans, Turkey and Iraq. I have read they were introduced to Britain in 1596 and were first recorded as being naturalised in the wild in 1838. We have some longstanding clumps – I wonder when they were planted? But we have found it difficult to establish more. We keep trying though!! Our open days for snowdrops are on Sunday 18, Thursday 22, Sunday 25 and Thursday 29 February and we have our fingers crossed that the snowdrops will be at their best then. Gates open at 11.00 and tickets will be purchasable in advance through our website or direct through www.Trybooking.com . Snowdrops in the green will be on sale. Please note that the gardens of Warwick House are not open to visitors on the Thursdays. For more information go to our website www.eastonlodge.co.uk Jill Goldsmith Hatfield Heath Village Magazine AGM To be held on Wed 13th March at 3pm at Hunters Meet If you would like to attend, please contact: [email protected] The Close Christmas and Boxing Day Lunch A big thank you to the Parish Council. Brendan (Hunters Meet) and the Co op for their very generous donations to the Close Christmas and Boxing Day lunches. Also a big thank you to the people who cooked and served on those days. The Residents of The Close

9 9 Hatfield Regis Local History Society Patron: William Gosling - Lord of the Manor President: Patrick Streeter For our last meeting of the year, we had a sudden change of speaker due to covid concerns and were delighted that at short notice Tony Tuckwell was able to come and give his postponed talk from November on ʻThe only way is Essexʼ. We were entertained with facts and experiences of his walk along the Essex coastline back in 2011, done in 30 separate walks during the year using car, train and bus to get to his starting points. Essex can claim the longest coastline in England of 330 miles due to the four major rivers having long estuaries before meeting a bridging point: River Stour at Manningtree, River Colne to Colchester, River Blackwater to Maldon, River Crouch to Battlesbridge and River Thames to Tower Bridge. You also need to check on the countyʼs 17 islands that may require major deviations away from the sea. For all of Essexʼs built-up areas, out on the coast you are frequently on your own with only the sound of the wind on the water or rustling marsh plants and the birds. In fact, the stretch from Bradwell on Sea round to Burnham on Crouch, there is a 15 mile gap between settlements, a record breaking distance. The marks of history are more subtle. In the marshes there are rotting jetties left over from old smuggling days in many creeks. Parish churches on the coast have large towers and tall spires, all due to Trinity House supporting visible landmarks for the coastal trade bringing coal from Newcastle down to London. At Bradwell you have the modern Nuclear power station building dominating the landscape views for miles but just round the coast is the Saxon chapel of St Peters on the wall, dating from 654. Tony is as at ease chatting to us of his experiences on the walks as he is talking to the locals he met, picking up local knowledge of the path ahead or history of the location. His only rebuttal was at Frinton, far too posh for talking to strangers. Having talked about his walk we then had a selection of slides to set the mood of the scenery of mudflats, coastal colours and the use of brick on the parish churches. Having done all the hard work, Tony gave us a very enjoyable talk of his experiences. We have no meeting in February 2024 but will reconvene with our AGM and talk on 19 March 2024. Details to follow next month. Quentin Spear Price: £8

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1111 THE HUNDRED PARISHES SOCIETY www.hundredparishes.org.uk Chilly conditions often greet us as we step outside in the early months of the year. The old saying - “When the wind is out of the East, tis never good for man nor beast” - certainly rings true. Before the advent of broadcast weather forecasts, people had to rely on checking nearby weathervanes for the wind direction. These were usually found on tall buildings such as church spires, while Audley End House has gilded weathervanes mounted on eight corner turrets. Today, a variety of designs can be seen. Robert McFarlane’s books of old words include about fifty that describe winds, storms or clouds. One Essex term he mentions is aigrish, used to describe a sharp cutting wind. The East Anglian word for a strong sudden gust is gussock, or twitchy for an unsteady wind. Forecasting the weather for those who till the soil is helpful as weeks of westerly winds can bring relentless rain causing waterlogging of the ground, while cold easterly winds dry out the soil and retard growth. Currently, the UK Meteorological Office operates over 200 official automated sites, each recording accurate measurements of temperature, wind speed and direction, and the amount of precipitation. These readings are processed by powerful computers and the results enable forecasters to make predictions about future weather conditions. Local recording sites include the Cambridge Botanic Gardens and Stansted Airport. By searching the Met Office website https://www.metoffice.gov.uk you can check the local weather forecast to help plan your day. Many individuals or schools are interested in operating a personal weather station and the Met Office is keen to enhance the weather observations network; it asks those who have a personal weather station, manual or automatic, to send data to its Weather Observations Website, WOW, at https://wow.metoffice.gov.uk. Tricia Moxey, Trustee Thought for the day…. In Life, you will realise there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you & some will teach you. But, the ones that are important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it's worth it Sent in by Kim Butler The town of Hatfield Upon first hearing the place name ʻHatfield Heathʼ, people sometimes assume that our village is in some way linked to the town of Hatfield. So here are a few short facts about our villageʼs namesake: • Hatfield is a town located in the centre of Hertfordshire • It is close to Welwyn Garden City and Hertford • It has a population of roughly 41,000 • It is around a 22 mile drive from Hatfield Heath • Film director Guy Ritchie was born there by Amar Heath Players - our next show Tickets (£12/£10) on sale from 1 February Drinking Habits by Tom Smith Hatfield Heath Village Hall 20-22 March at 8pm and 23 March at 2.30pm (NOTE: SATURDAY IS A MATINEE PERFORMANCE) Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent's doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancees, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves. Tickets available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ heathplayers or from Footprint on the Heath

1212 Present: Cllr N Champion (NC) Chair Cllr N Robley (NR) Cllr S Saban (SS) Cllr C Overton (CO) Cllr H Allen (HA) Cllr S King (SK) 2 members of the public In attendance: R Bowran – Parish Clerk Welcome by the Chair who opened the meeting with wishes to all for the New Year. 23/163 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Received from Cllr Bissell, prior engagement; Cllr Lemon, unwell and Cllr Brown, on holiday. 23/164 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST There were no Declarations of Pecuniary Interest by Members. 23/165 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 addressed the council on the subject of inconsiderate parking over dropped curbs and water stop cock access in The Shaw area. Members suggested liaison with the management company. Clerk agreed to contact the local PCSO for advice and action. 23/166 MINUTES OF MEETING Resolved: To approve the minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 06 December 2023 (M08). • Festival committee are meeting towards the end of January and MB will ask them to attend the February meeting of the council. 23/167 PLANNING COMMITTEE Noted: The draft minutes of the Planning Committee held on 18 December 2023 and in particular the Refusal of Application UTT/22/1261/FUL. Relating to land west of Mill Lane, by UDC. (P13) APPLICATIONS RECEIVED Erection of 1 no. detached dwelling Land Rear of High Pastures Stortford Road Hatfield Heath CM22 7DL Ref. No: UTT/23/2939/FUL | Status: HHPC Comment Objection. 1. This is a backfill not a continuation of frontage as claimed. 2. Over development of area. 3. Impinges on the area designated with a CoL 4.Previous approval for area limited height of structure. 5. Transport statement is misleading. Proposed change of use agricultural land to dog walking field Friars Farm Friars Lane Hatfield Heath Essex CM22 7AP Ref. No: UTT/23/3063/FUL | Status: HHPC Comment No objection Demolition of garage, erection of replacement Erection of 2no. detached dwellings, associated parking, residential curtilage, landscaping and creation of new vehicular access. Serena Chelmsford Road Hatfield Heath Essex CM22 7BD Ref. No: UTT/23/3040/FUL | Status: HHPC comment Objection. No significant difference to previous application which was refused on appeal. Erection of new two storey side extension and replacement door with new entrance portico. Laurels The Heath Hatfield Heath CM22 7AB Ref No: UTT/23/3118/HHF | Status: HHPC Comment No Objection DECISONS MADE BY THE LPA Basement and first floor Stonebridge Farm Hatfield Heath CM22 7BD Ref No: UTT/23/2631/CLE | Status Allowed. Proposed single storey extension 2 Rosemary Cottages Stortford Road Hatfield Heath CM22 7DU Ref No: UTT/23/2447/HHF | Status: Refused. Pelham Structures planning application UTT/22/1261/FUL for the site in Mill Lane. Decision at UDC Planning Committee on 13 December 2023 was Refused. HATFIELD HEATH PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held at URC Hall, Hatfield Heath at 19:30 on Wednesday 10th January 2024

1313 23/167 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS To receive and note reports from County and District Councillors. • Cty Cllr Susan Barker reported: o Essex CC had responded to UDC Local Plan consultation and Hatfield Heath was not mentioned. Pointed out many shortfalls and inconsistencies in the plan. o Will pursue Cllr Tom Cunningham for a meeting to create an action plan for village issues. o Escalation for action to mend COOP potholes which are now a Health and Safety issue. o Some funds available from London Marathon Events (Ride London) to make parishioners more active. o She will contact UDC housing about lack of response to damp housing in Broomfields. • Dist Cllr Mark Lemon in absentia: o Reported on lack of bin collections o Clerk to make contact with CEO of UDC. 23/168 FINANCIAL REPORT 1. Approval of Expenditure. Noted: Items of expenditure in December 2023 as approved by the Finance committee 2. Management Accounts Noted: Management accounts for the nine months to December 2023. 23/169 CLERK’S REPORT & CORRESPONDENCE Received and noted: The Clerk’s report and correspondence received. • Grant thank you from Essex Air Ambulance 23/170 KEY TASK MONITOR The Key Task Monitor has been revised and simplified to create a better working document. Report from Forum held on 16 December 2023, key items were: • Overhanging trees on Sawbridgeworth Road. • Thanks to CO for Christmas lunches. • Extension of Church Road car park (NR). • Footway clearing on Sheering Road. Suggestion that parish council should employ a contractor re to do this! • Parking issues outside Hunters Meet, especially by coaches. • Parking issues on Pond Lane. • Need for a First Responder for the village. • Defibrillator active, clerk to register. • Resurrection of Lunch Club at URC Hall (NR). 23/171 HIGHWAYS MATTERS To consider any matters relating to Highways • Continue to seek arrangements for meeting with Cllr Tom Cunningham, Highways Portfolio Holder Essex CC. • Installation of new VAR cameras, action (SK/MB) • Since no pedestrian crossing is possible, investigate provision of a “Lollypop” person. • Establish a meeting between Parish Council; Village Hall; the School and Holy Trinty church to examine school parking issues. 23/172 HIGHWAYS AND SPEEDING COMMITTEE Resolved: To create a Highways and Speeding Committee to address current issues. [prop Cllr King; secd Cllr Robley, all in favour] Prospective members are the Champions agreed on 10 May 2023: Cllrs Robley, Saban, Champion, King and Lemon. Clerk to prepare Terms of Reference. 23/173 PARKING MANAGEMENT AND CAR PARKS To consider matters relating to parking management. • CCTV survey in village car park of regular offenders to be set up (Clerk) 23/174 PLAYGROUND To receive a report from the Playground Committee. • Meeting arranged for 19 January for the committee to meet, together with interested parents of users of the playground. 23/175 VILLAGE GREEN To consider any matters relating to the village green • Tree survey by Lord of the Manor awaited • NR and Clerk to review Tenders for grass cutting 2024-26, three potential contractors identified an invited to render. • Proposal to light village beacon to celebrate anniversary of the D-Day landings in June. 23/176 ALLOTMENTS There were no matters relating to Allotments (CONTINUED ON PAGE !4)

1414 Update on the Neighbourhood Plan The Steering Committee met on January 4th and went through a number of issues. 1. The notice board outside the Village Hall was in process of erection which has now been finished. We will start to load it with data shortly 2. The questionnaire needed to be changed to Excell to allow people to fill it in on line. This has now been done 3. Th questionnaire will now be sent to the chosen designer/ publisher for completion, the chosen printers for quotes and UDC for validation prior to printing and distribution. 4. In parallel we are developing questionnaires for the businesses within the village and also the social institutions/ clubs etc to make sure we get their opinions. Any questions? Please contact me at [email protected]. Nigel Robley PARISH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - CONTINUED 23/177 STANSTED AIRPORT WATCH There was no current report on activities of Stansted Airport Watch. 23/178 WILDLIFE AREA To agree a Wildlife Area action plan. Area to be split into up to 10 parcels and quotes for work to be carried out. Working party to meet regularly to review. 23/179 NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Received; a report on the latest meeting of the Steering Committee held on 04 January 2023. Noted some reservations on the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Plans by Great Chesterford NP Committee. Clerk to speak with Little Hallingbury NP team to share funding experiences. 23/180 REPORTS FROM MEMBERS ON MEETINGS ATTENDED NR reported attending the UDC planning committee on 13 December, together with the Clerk and other members of the community. The presentations to the committee concerning Mill Lane development met with success. 23/181 AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING To note items for the agenda of the next meeting. • Meeting with the Festival Committee • Discuss D-Day anniversary commemoration in June 2024. 23/182 DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS The next meeting of the Council will be on Wednesday 07 February 2024. HHPC Parish Council Forum Dear all, Thanks to those who attended our January 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 February 17th, 2024 from 1000 to 1200 in the Institute. Please join us to discuss your issues more fully. 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. UPDATE FROM CLLR SUSAN BARKER Dear Hatfield Heath Residents. A belated Happy New Year. Concerns were raised with me last month about the condition of the slip road outside the Co-op. I escalated this and some temporary repairs were made on January 12th. Essex Highways will be back to do further work. This will cause some disruption for drivers and pedestrians but is very much needed. February is Budget time at Councils and Essex is looking to increase Council Tax by 2.99% and also the Social Care precept by 2%, so an overall increase of 4.99%. The main factors behind this are increases in the cost of placements for Children in Care, increased costs for school transport; wage inflation; the cost of materials for Highways works and the increase in the National Living wage. I have not seen the figures as yet but imagine that the District Council and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner will also be raising their precepts. The good news is that inflation is currently on a downwards trend. I have arranged for a meeting between your Parish Council and the Essex County Councillor responsible for Highways to discuss other Highways issues in the Village. These include the footpath on the Sheering Road and road safety outside the school. If there are any issues that I can help then please do get in touch. Susan Barker [email protected] 01245 231250 County Councillor for Great Dunmow division District Councillor High Easter and the Rodings Chairman Essex Pension Fund

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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] Above: A Winter’s night from Broomfields. Sent in by Ian Bartram. Right: Beautiful Amaryllis which was won at the Christmas Leisure Club. Sent in by Susan Harthill. Below right: Holy Trinity under the spotlights. Sent in by Mark Homer. Below left: Christmas at Hatfield Heath. Sent in by Susan Harthill. Left: The URC stained glass window was beautifully lit throughout Christmas. Sent in by John Jackson. Above: Olivia Tilley, 7, spent 2 days litter picking before Christmas with her nanny, (Sue Goodacre). We are so proud of our little eco warrior! Sent in by Hayley Knowler. Above: Tiger enjoyed visiting Hatfield Heath, (and his new hobby of bird watching), for the Christmas Holidays. Sent in by Jenny Bridger.