CHRISTMAS TREE YARD @ Abridge Rd Theydon Bois

FIND YOUR PERFECT TREE

£5 OFF VOUCHER When spending £45 or more

See page 9 for details

For the biggest selection

of real trees in the area

December & January 2014

The lively FREE magazine for Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton & Buckhurst Hill

FREE LOCAL DELIVEY

Christmas Tree Yard / Mediterranean Plants

Abridge Road Theydon Bois CM16 7NW

AMPLE PARKING

Mon to Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 10-4

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Contents

6 Sue de Nime … Find out what our resident grump thinks about Christmas?

8 Music for Youth Prom is ‘Out of Essex’ experience

8 Hot Pink owner faces the Dragons

9 Christmas trees from our front cover stars- £5 off voucher!

10 Eyes on the Prize—win for Aves’ Polly

14 Puzzle Cellar Christmas kids’ page

16 7 tip for your ‘new beginnings’ - Heather Waring

18 V Norris reviews latest DVDs from Micky Flanagan and Andy Parsons

22 YES Partnership helping young people into emloyment

25 Buckhurst Hill Community Association– behind the doors

28 Mindfulness Meditation by V Norris

29 Hannah’s Dream

30 Upcycling by Chris Keys

37-39 Clubs, Societies and What’s On

February & March 2014 edition The deadline for advertisement bookings and submitting club or event listings is January 16. For details call 01992 814621 or 07738 383299 or email jane@magascene.net for a media pack.

We also publish quarterly in Waltham Abbey, going to 5,000 homens. The ext Magascene Waltham Abbey is out in March (booking deadline February 14)

Visit our website @ www.magascene.net

Well here we are again. Lovely for you to pop in and see what is going on. This is a very busy edition with some inspiring stories from those wanting to help charities. We hear from Vanessa, a local mother whose 7 year-old son Jayden passed away last December, who is asking us all to help support Haven Hospice children’s home. We also report on 9 year-old Hannah, who shaved her head to raise money for Cancer Research UK, as her teacher fights against the disease in hospital. What an inspiring young girl. There are also quite a few ways you can help support St Clare Hospice, so have a good look through the magazine and see if there anything you can sign up for.

We hope you enjoy reading our two comedy DVD reviews, courtesy of V Norris, who had the pleasure of previewing Micky Flanagan and Andy Parsons’ latest offerings. She was amused.

Have a great Christmas and remember, you can use the £5 off voucher on page 9 when you get your real tree from the Christmas Tree Yard, home to Mediterranean Plants, on Abridge Road, Theydon Bois (when spending £45 or more). They also offer free local directly and a pick now and collect at a later date service. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! Jane

@eppingmagascene

© S

tep

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ove

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Editor / Publisher Jane Smith

Contributors Sue de Nime V Norris Stephanie Smith Heather Waring

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

Magascene is published bi-monthly and distributed to 7,000 homes in Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill. Whilst every care has been

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

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Read our DVD reviews of new comedy releases—page 18

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Ahhh, you can tell it's almost Christmas because none of your clothes have sun-cream stains on them and you spend a good twenty minutes frantically wondering where on earth you put your gloves last February. But mostly, you can tell it's almost Christmas because there you are, not thinking about Christmas in the slightest, and your eyeballs are suddenly assailed by a Christmas advert on your television from one of our esteemed retailing giants, who have spent an inordinate amount of cash on less than two minutes of air time in an attempt to hypnotise you into wandering into one of their venerable establishments and emptying your purse or wallet into their tills. Christmas adverts. I do love a Christmas advert. And when I say love, I mean despise enough to want to run down to my local supermarket and buy a family-size pack of mince pies just so I can hurl them at the TV the next time one appears. In turns mawkish, overly-cheery or just downright desperate, the Christmas ad is just one more thing to endure before we reach December the 25th, breathless, sobbing quietly to ourselves and ever-so-slightly deranged. First up is John Lewis. In essence, an animated story of The Bear and the Hare, a couple of old muckers from Forestville. It opens with Hare - a mange-free and ridiculously cute, long-eared specimen - looking sad, because Bear is about to naff off for several months to hibernate, leaving Billy-No-Bear Hare looking like the last one left at a swingers party after all the car keys have been taken. But, this is where it gets interesting. Hare, obviously miffed about being stood up every flipping year as all the other forest residents are getting into the Yuletide groove, plots his revenge. He skitters over to Bear's cave to drop off a present with an evil glint in his eye. We then see Bear lumbering over the hill, not full of the joys of Spring (mainly due to the fact that it is still bloody December) to hunt down Hare. Cut to the cave, where the discarded present lies: an alarm clock. Now there is a snarky present worthy of giving to a truculent teenager who refuses to get out of bed before noon. Hare, the evil little lepus, has awoken Bear with the aforementioned alarm clock, and Bear is now forlornly staring at a whopping great Christmas tree with an expression that clearly says: "Really? You woke me up for this?" Actually, I am beginning to quite like these Christmas ads, you know. Next up is good old Marks and Spencer. They seem to

have finally found an answer to the tricky question of which celebrities they should feature in their ads to really appeal to their target audience. In previous years, they obviously did not have a clue, instead opting to cram as many of the blighters into ninety seconds as they possibly could, resulting in some weird celebs-dressed-in-High-Street-clothes-they-would-never-been-seen-dead-in-usually-fest. This year, they have gone for an easy-on-the-eye bloke and two birds, one of whom was the mad haired one from Harry Potter (you may have noticed 'celebrities' is not my specialist subject). It is a curious affair, this ad. The rather attractive protagonist, let's call her Alice, chasing her wayward puppy (to clarify: that is not a euphemism), falls down an open drain. Really, she should immediately sit down and pen a stiffly worded letter to the local council, but instead, embarks on a surreal adventure. She sits at a Christmas dinner table, an affair hosted by a Mad Hatter with chiselled chin and smouldering eyes (someone should really throw a damp tea towel over them, they could be a fire hazard), surrounded by pinched-faced older women with way too much make up on. Not dissimilar to most people's Christmas dinner experience, give or take a male model. Then suddenly she is running though a forest until: 'Ooh, whoopsie daisy, most of my clothes seem to have fallen off. Never mind, I shall soldier bravely on in just my knickers and bra'. To save you from all the guff in between, the upshot is she is reunited with her puppy. Hurrah. Christmas is saved. Pass the sick bucket. And finally, the Cooperative. Let's leave aside the fact that the woman in their ad, having left the Co-op, meanders like a rambler on a warm sunny Sunday after-noon back to her abode. No one, repeat no one, walks that slowly in the run up to Christmas. Their strap-line? Christmas is just around the corner. Which just conjures images of Christmas, waiting to pounce, in a black, tinsel-trimmed cape, wielding a sparkly silver scythe with a flashing Santa on the top, laughing manically, just round the corner. You have been warned.

And another

Thing……...

Sue de Nime

Sue de Nime, aka Jodie Newman, also writes a blog. Check out www.motheringfrights.wordpress.com or follow for non-parenting advice @MotherFright

‘Womb With a View’ by Jodie Newman is available from www.jodienewman.co.uk. A Kindle edition is also available at www.amazon.co.uk

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Tickled pink to reach Dragons’ Den Theydon Bois entrepreneur, Manu Bhardwaj, engineered his way into Dragons’ Den to pitch for £100,000 investment in Hot Pink, his bespoke jewellery design service that allows customers to design their rings from scratch using the latest 3D technology. Manu appeared on screen for a few minutes in a programme that went out in September but was grilled by the Dragons for close to 90 minutes (and who can blame them for

wanting to make people sweat for their money). Although he did not secure any investment from the fearsome five, the small screen exposure has resulted in plenty of interest and commissions. He told Magascene, “Appearing on the show was a great experience. The public’s reception of our different approach to buying jewelry has been unbelievable.”

Hot Pink has offices in Theydon Bois and London, but clients come from all over the world, often using screen sharing technology or webcam. Eagle-eyed readers may remember our Febru-ary edition feature on Hot Pink, The Rules of Engagement. The article is available to read in full at www.issuu.com (search Magascene).

You can watch Manu’s Dragons’ Den experience on You Tube or at www.hotpink.co.uk, where you can also view Manu’s animated take on how he felt his Dragons’ Den experience went.

Debden Park High School took part in the ‘Out of Essex’ Massed Ensemble for the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall on 11th November 2013. The event was organised by the national music education charity, ‘Music For Youth’, with the aim of bringing a new generation of musical talent on the world’s most famous stage.

Xanthe Bearman, whose daughter Scarlett took part, said “It was a fantastic event. The two hour concert included a Youth Concert Band, a Jazz Band, an incredible act from the Kent Percussion School and of course we all joined in with Land Of Hope And Glory at the end played beautifully by the Greater Gwent Youth Orchestra. But the best, and I’m sure I’m not in any way biased, was our own Essex choir who had rehearsed the specially written piece by Karl Jenkins for weeks. “

Over 600 students took part from all over the county, with 75 from Debden Park High School.

Scarlett, who is in Year 7 at the school said ,“It was so awesome. I was really nervous when I saw how big the Albert Hall was and especially when the audience started coming in. But the show was really good fun. Next time I’d like to play my saxophone in one of the Or-chestras.”

Music for Youth provides free access to performance and audience opportunities for young musicians across the UK and through its annual season of festivals and concerts.

www.mfy.org.uk

An ‘Out of Essex’ experience at Royal Albert Hall

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Whether you want to get your tree the minute the clock strikes midnight on December 1st or would prefer to wait until the week before, The Christmas Tree Yard on Abridge Road, Theydon Bois (just before the M11 bridge), has something for you. You can even go along and reserve your tree and pick it up at a later date. They also offer free local delivery and as for looking after your tree...well, here are some great tips from the ex-perts from The Christmas Tree Yard.

CHOOSING A TREE New varieties of Christmas trees are more suited to life indoors for several weeks, which means you can create a heart-warming festive feel to your home for a longer period. The likes of Noble Fir, Nordmann, Frazer and Scots Pine tend to hold onto their needles longer—and look very pretty too! And remember, you can’t fit a pint in a quart pot! If you want to avoid sheepishly shaving a couple of feet off your tree because you forgot about your low ceiling height, then make sure you consider room dimensions before buying your tree. It is not just the height, you will also need to consider the width too, as you don’t want Aunt Gladys being poked in the eye by a branch as she sits down to sip her sweet sherry.

GETTING YOUR TREE HOME If you drive something rather compact and bijou and don’t have a roof rack, be rest-assured that Mediterranean Plants offers free local delivery once you have come along to select your perfect tree. To find out if you fall within the delivery area, please call 07956 397365.

PREPARING YOUR TREE Once you have bought your tree, you can keep it outside in a cool, dry place away from the wind until you are ready to bring it indoors. (Or you could take advantage of Mediterranean Plant’s ‘choose now and collect later’ option). Before you bring your tree indoors, cut off around 2cm from the trunk, as this will encourage your tree to drink more water and stay fresher longer. Do not place your tree in sand or soil, however, as this will block the pores and prevent it from drinking water.

TREES LIKE A DRINK TOO! While you down your eggnog and brandy, spare a thought for your poor tree this Christmas which also needs a drink. Your tree may drink around 2-3 pints a day (or more, depending on its size and your central heating settings). Remember to water your tree regularly, which is easy to do if you choose a stand with a water holding facility. Keep the water level topped up at all times; once your water level drops below the tree’s trunk, sap will reseal the bark, meaning the tree won’t be able to drink any further water.

5 KEEP AWAY FROM RADIATORS It may be cold outside and you are warm and toasty inside with the heating on full pelt, but your tree will not thank you for it. Trees do not like the heat, so make sure you do not place yours next to a radiator (or fire for that matter!). If you have under floor heating, you will need to water more often.

£5 OFF On purchases of £45 and over

On production of this advert Subject to availability

Reader promotion: MAGASCENE

Valid during 2013 only

The Christmas Tree Yard / Mediterranean Plants

Christmas Tree YardChristmas Tree YardChristmas Tree YardChristmas Tree Yard Mediterranean PlantsMediterranean PlantsMediterranean PlantsMediterranean Plants Abridge Road, Theydon Bois CM16 7NW (Opposite the cemetery) Located before the M11 bridge on the left, when driving from Theydon Bois towards Abridge AMPLE PARKINGAMPLE PARKINGAMPLE PARKINGAMPLE PARKING

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Eyes on the Prize Epping Optometrist scoops national award

Polly Dulley, Practice Owner of Aves Optometrists in Epping, has been announced the winner of a prestigious national award in recognition of her services to optics. Run by the Association of Optometrists (AOP), the awards recognise the highest levels of achievement in UK optics.

Polly was named the winner in the ‘Optometrist of the Year’ category during an awards dinner held in Birmingham on November 10th. This award recognises the optometrist who has gone above and beyond the sight test routine in order to deliver excellent patient care, combining clinical expertise with outstanding people skills.

Polly was the driving force behind the Association’s ‘back to school’ campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of children’s eye health. Commenting on the accolade, Mrs Dulley said: “I feel totally overwhelmed to win this award. To be nominated by my peers and voted for, by both my fellow professionals and my own patients, feels just amaz-ing.”

Recounting a recent patient experience, Polly said: “I had a

patient who needed to be seen urgently by an ophthalmologist because I had found papilloe-dema (optic disc swelling) and suspected that it was due to raised intra-cranial pressure. I managed to get him an appoint-ment to see a consultant that afternoon, but he was unable to get there due to the lack of public transport, so I drove him there myself. It turned out that he did have raised intra-cranial pressure. He had a shunt put in, to reduce the pressure, which in turn saved his life. Our local hospital doesn't have a surgical neurology department, so he was transferred to Adden-brookes in Cambridge for his shunt. The NHS at its most impressive.”

www.avesonline.co.uk 221 High Street, Epping. Telephone 01992 572302.

Are you a small business owner? Or as a consumer, do you love your local shops and businesses and wonder what you can do to help them further? December 7th has been designated as ‘Small Business Saturday’, selected to run on the first Saturday in December, typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The aim of the day is to ‘support, celebrate and champion the UK’s 5 million small businesses’. Small Business Saturday started in the States in 2010 and is held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. Last year’s was particularly successful and so it seems the concept has now moved across the pond, which is being welcomed by many. Small Business Saturday is endorsed by the government with support from all political parties. The Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock MP is also involved, to help promote the first Small Business

Saturday in the UK. Twitter users may already have seen lots of activity on the subject, with plenty of entrepreneurial celebrities doing their bit for getting the word out there. Small businesses can sign up via the website at www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com to receive a Small Business Saturday pack including posters, stickers etc. What are waiting for? Twitter @SmallBizSatUK Facebook www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturdayUK

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Jina Denise Chloe

Why not start 2014 by taking advantage of 2 fantastic offers from Tikadi Theydon Bois when you book in with our stylists

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During January & February 2014 (Monday to Friday only) with one of the following stylists at Tikadi Theydon Bois:

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When Santa Fell to Earth is a charming family film that tells a big-hearted story of two children’s adventures to save

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7 Tips to help you ensure your new beginning is impactful Heather Waring

I love that opportunity to start again, to wipe the slate clean, to take on board that which can be improved on and then make it happen. So as we embrace a new year whether before it hits or just after it has begun, join with me in bringing about our own new start or restart. To me, it’s all about working with that clean canvas and the new opportunity that brings. It’s about excitement, possibilities, energy and expectation and with a positive intention I tend to believe that I can be invincible. But hold on a minute, let’s inject a little reality.... there are likely to be some obstacles, people who perhaps don’t share our vision, some things that don’t go to plan but it’s about seeing and coping with what turns up along the way and how we react. Sabotage is possible at any stage, it may even be self-sabotage but if we can keep focused then we can really make a difference. So whatever situation you find yourself in, adopt a positive approach and follow what’s below, at least that way you’ll ensure some success and you may just surprise yourself.

1. Check in with reality Put your life under the microscope and ask yourself a couple of questions. How satisfied are you with it? Are you who you really want to be? Are you living the life you want and when I talk about life, I mean all aspects of it.

2. Bring about change Take into consideration your family, friends, finances, career, love life, environment, leisure time, and write down how you’d like it to be. Take some time to de-scribe it and then write down three things you can do under each heading to make that happen. Ask yourself every day, what can I do today to get closer to my goal? Are you excited about the possibilities? Ask yourself what it would mean to you to have the life you want? This will make it feel more real. Now, rather than try to do it all at once, draw up a plan and tackle these things bit by bit. As a great Chinese philosopher once said, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”. Take a little action every day to move you one step closer to your goal.

3. Create the space To help your focus and get clarity, start by making space both physically and mentally by clearing that clutter. Go through your home and your workplace/desk and get rid of the stuff that’s holding you back and stopping you achieving and don’t forget the files on your computer. Streamlining and making things simple will help keep your eyes on the way ahead. Delegate, deal with or dump.

4. Be Positive The main thing likely to stop you achieving is ‘you’ and the fact that you don’t think you deserve what you want or that you are unable to do it. You might need some help here but first try to change things your-self by being positive, try changing I ‘can’t’ to I ‘can’ and listen to your thoughts and your language. When you hear negativity creep in, change it round to positivity. And ensure that you surround yourself with like minded people who energise you and help you grow. In fact regularly review your connections and weed out those who drain your energy and keep you stuck.

5. Focus ‘Your thoughts become your reality’ so make sure you focus on the positive. Life means that obstacles will get in your way so expect this but also see this as a way to exercise your creativity as you look at a range of options to overcome these setbacks. It won’t all be plain sailing but there will always be a way if you want there to be.

6. Have a vision Where do you want to be in a year from now? Once you know, what then do you need to do to get there? How are you going to make sure you succeed? You may be very good at being accountable to yourself but rather than leave it like that, find a way that you can also be accountable to others. It’s so much harder to justify to others why you didn’t do something and in fact you won’t want to go there so you will make sure it’s done. You could do this by working with a buddy, a small group of like-minded people or a coach. Having sorted all this, what about the bigger picture? Where do you want to be in 3 years? Five years? Ten years? Write down your plans, thoughts and hopes. Use a vision board, a dream book or any other tool you can to make sure you do all you can to make this vision happen.

7. Mark your Achievements Small steps mean you can mark each one when you complete it therefore many reasons to celebrate your success. Ensure you don’t forget about this bit as mark-ing achievements will boost your spirits and leave you feeling good about yourself and more inclined to continue.

I wish you great success but also fun, learning and growth along your path.

Heather Waring www.waringwell.com

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Fay Lana Nikki

Why not start 2014 by taking advantage of 2 fantastic offers from Tikadi Ongar when you book in with our stylists

Fay, Lana or Nikki during January and February

ONGAR 01277 366775 THEYDON BOIS 01992 815700 www.tikadi.co.uk

£25£25 £60£60 Cut & blow dry Full head of

highlights with cut &

blow dry

T & Cs Cannot be used with an other offer or discounts and is valid between 02/01/2014 and 28/02/2014 Monday to Friday only. Present voucher to validate the offer. MAGA/2014

T & Cs Cannot be used with an other offer or discounts and is valid between 02/01/2014 and 28/02/2014 Monday to Friday only. Present voucher to validate the offer. MAGA/2014

During January & February 2014 (Monday to Friday only) with one of the following stylists at Tikadi Ongar:

Fay, Lana or Nikki

During January & February 2014 (Monday to Friday only) with one of the following stylists at Tikadi Ongar:

Fay, Lana or Nikki

SPECIAL OFFER SPECIAL OFFER

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MICKY FLANAGAN Back in the Game 15 Cert

Following on from his success with his now infamous “Out Out” show, and thanks to his television appearances on “Live at the Apollo” and now a regular guest on the Was It Something I Said show, Flanagan has risen through the

ranks to become the most popular act on the stand up comedy circuit currently. And deservedly so, this cheeky cockney hailing from London’s East End knows how to tell a good story. In fact he is so good that his reputation now precedes him. His sold out nationwide tour this year had to be repeatedly extended due to public demand – everyone wants to see this guy. But if you missed the chance to see him then you catch him on this forthcoming DVD. And what a great show this is.

Filmed close to Flanagan’s roots, Back In The Game is a live show where he appeared at the Hackney Empire. This demonstrates how down to earth and likeable our Micky is. Surely his mega stardom could have justified a more famous venue, but no, our working class Micky likes to keep it real as you will see in his act. No airs and graces here, he tells it like it is, and for that Micky we love you.

Drawing on the shock factor, Micky shares his stories and reflections on life. I particularly enjoy his believable impressions and ingenious insight. He cleverly imparts the inner workings of the dog’s mind (quite believable) and reflects on the social escalation of the animal’s position in our modern culture “have you brought enough bags – that Winnelot’s gone right through me!” He packs a punch with his riskier material. His cheeky delivery smoothes what could otherwise be a rocky path. Be warned, some of his material is politically incorrect but hilarious nonetheless. For example, it wasn’t long before the comedy circuit picked up on the storm which has been brewing surrounding recent scandals involving disgraced 70s entertainers. Micky’s impression of Jimmy Savile’s laugh was spot on. Like he said: how did we not realise this guy was a “nonce”! You won’t believe your ears when he reveals his own (but thankfully slightly more acceptable) naughtiness – yes it’s all “a bit tasty” as far as the laughs are concerned. Then, as if to test your blushes even further, he really goes for the kill sharing details of a provocative conversation which you wouldn’t dare have in real life. Just please do not ask me what tea bagging

is! Something to do with making a cuppa? Micky is a decent chap and if he roasts anyone, it’s usually himself; look out for his candid fantasies involving custard tarts! Another self-deprecating moment which was wickedly funny involved him imaging himself as an elderly stroke victim trying to engage in a marital disagreement. You know it’s wrong to laugh but with his cheeky delivery, his amazing impressions and philosophical insight, Micky will get you going.

Oh yes Micky, you really are Back In The Game, and we hope you won’t be leaving for a long time yet. If you are not going “out out” then get yourself this DVD for a cracking night in. ANDY PARSONS The Slacktivist Cert 18

The Slacktivist is the latest DVD from a recent recording of Parsons’ live stand up comedy show. A regular guest on Live at the Apollo, he has never been one of my favourites but I’m not sure why. That aside, he did tell some good jokes at this show. Brutal honesty delivered the right way can shock and entertain simultaneously. It would seem that today’s comedian has learned to profit from this by mastering the art of inducing a chuckle by sharing those aspects of life that we usually don’t confess to. Laziness isn’t exactly a virtue we would boast about but I did find Parson’s admission of his preference for living the life of a sloth funny. No doubt this was the inspiration for the DVD’s title. I always wondered if this was why comedi-ans took up their craft – facilitating their escape from the 9-5 so that they can luxuriate in laziness. In general, throughout the show Parsons played it safe mostly, and didn’t take many risks for example by being politically incorrect, a tactic common with his colleagues. But I did enjoy it when he related his material to current life. In this sense, I loved Parsons joke about the onesie – after all who wears these ridiculous things? Certainly not out in public I hope. Irony also seems to be a commonly used trick in the comedian’s toolkit which Parsons put to good use here in another reflection of current modern day life, sharing his views on recession reviled Rolex watches, and commenting on their lack of features despite their breathtaking price tags. If you are already an Andy Parsons fan you will love this show: it’s probably his best work yet. V Norris

DVD Christmas Special Reviews

Comedy DVDs to be won! Go to our website now for your chance to win www.magascene.net

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07801 429668

E: caroline@hbhm.co.uk

Web: hbhm.co.uk

ϒ TRX

ϒ Boxercise

ϒ Circuits

ϒ Nutrition

ϒ Weight Loss

ϒ CV training

ϒ Muscular strength

ϒ Endurance

20

Generally people come to me when they are in pain or have had an injury they cannot shake off. They have done all the right things – taken time off, iced and stretched muscles, even taking pain killers. But nothing seems to make things right.

I always tell them not to give up and talk to them about their fascia. Most look at me in surprise as they've have never heard of it before. However, it is an important and much overlooked part of our body.

Just under our skin, covering our body like a leotard, is a net of fascia. Densely packed collagen fibres that wrap and divide our muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs in their own slippery, protective envelopes keeping our body in the human shape we come to expect. It forms a net around our body connecting us from top to toe transmitting forces. And, just like a leotard, a pull on one end will snag and pull across the entire network.

Fascia is Mother Nature’s engineering marvel connect-ing our organs and muscles to our bones, keeping them together creating a mobile, flexible and resilient body

unit. But it's our bones that keep our structure I hear you saying. In part this is true but it's the fascia that helps keep our body supple allowing us to move. It wraps around our internal parts, keeping them in their own separate compartments. It is strong, slippery and wet allowing our body parts to slide easily when we move.

Think about squeezing the juice and flesh out of an orange. You're left with the structure and compart-ments of what is left of the fruit. If we removed all our internal parts the fascia would preserve the shape that was once your body.

When fascia is healthy and undamaged it is smooth and supple. It slides and contracts easily so you can move and stretch to your full length in any direction, always returning to its normal state. But stretch fascia quickly and it will tear. It responds to stress without you consciously knowing about it. Chronic stress causes it to thicken to protect our muscles. Poor posture, lack of flexibility and repetitive movements slowly stretch it into ingrained patterns that compress muscles and nerves. Think of slowly stretching a plastic carrier bag. Once you let go, the bag will retain that stretched shape. Once formed it’s hard to get rid of.

However, it's not all bad news. Fascia does self-heal so the damage that's been caused can be repaired.

For a quick, short term remedy a good old fashioned soak in a warm Epsom salt bath can work wonders. It will help loosen your fascia, releasing muscles from their stranglehold.

However, for a long-term solution, the Alexander Technique can help re-educate the way you coordinate your muscles gradually freeing your fascia and prevent tightening. Using verbal cues, light touch and simple procedures it is invaluable for changing the stress loads on your fascia. Stephanie Smith is a Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (MSTAT). She has been teaching the Alexander Technique for 19 years and has a practice in Theydon Bois. She can be contacted on 01992 812189, by email at info@thealexanderpractice.co.uk or through her website www.thealexanderpractice.co.uk

Fascia - the hidden wonder Stephanie Smith MSTAT

21

Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Your pets looked after in the safety & comfort of their own home

Going away? We will come in to feed, water, walk, clean, cuddle and play with your pets giving house security too

Call Sue 01992 523098 / 07961 168183 Email: petchums@aol.com www.petchums.co.uk

Fully insured and member of NARP (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters)

Merry Christmas to all our customers

Check out our website www.petchums.co.uk

22

The Waltham Abbey Town Partnership youth employ-ment subcommittee held a Breakfast for Business meeting in November at Gilwell Park, to spread the word about YES, their Youth Employment Strategy partnership.

There were brief talks from several members of the YES Partnership committee, as introduced by Loughton Youth Project’s Nick Robinson, who all share the common goal of working towards helping 13-24 year-olds find work experience and jobs. Guests also heard from a very inspiring 19 year-old, Chris Crichlow (pictured top right), former Debden Park High School pupil who benefited greatly from a youth employment initiative that gave him valuable work experience in event management at the 02. Chris now runs his own event management business and is a great example how opportunities given to young people can bring about results.

The YES Partnership is a voluntary organisation and community group established to help support young people into employment. Arguably, it is the only one of its kind in Essex and has a dedicated committee of members, whose ages range between 20 and 80, each with their own particular skill to offer. The need for a group is vast, as the numbers of NNET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in Epping Forest have increased. Previously the district was the best in Essex, but lamentably, is now average.

Representatives from Debden Park High School and King Harold Academy attended the breakfast meeting and were delighted with the number of business men and women who volunteered to help, either by offering their services for mock interviews within the schools,

work experience placements or offer mentoring support.

The Partnership committee is chaired by Norma Green, (a former mayor) and is based in Waltham Abbey and has representatives from local businesses, school, colleges, youth groups as well as local government officers.

Quite simply, the role of the group is to yelp young people get a job. To achieve this, they look at what it is that drives and sustains high levels of youth unemploy-ment locally. Their other goals include raising funds and putting together bids to support local innovative projects and of then to deliver and review local projects. They certainly have their work cut out, but the enthusiasm emanating from the committee, coupled with local businesses willing to help, means that they are on track to make a difference.

YES is also instrumental in organising events, such as the Motivation Conference (which was inspired by a ‘Festive Youth Market’ held last November) - a day long programme of exciting and innovative motivational games to encourage students to consider future Employment. The 2014 Motivation Conference will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Waltham Abbey on March 21st, when pupils from Debden Park High School will join those from King Harold Academy for a day of receiving career guidance and how to gain skills and training to secure the right job. Recently, YES received a grant from Youth Futures via Epping Forest District Council and to supplement the funding, they are organising a golf day at West Essex Golf Club in the late spring of 2014. The YES team is also organising a musical event for the 2014 summer term to showcase musical talent within local schools.

If you are an employer and would like to get involved, please contact Norma Green on any aspect of the YES partnership on normaleagreen@gmail.com Photos: John Price

Say YES Youth Enterprise Scheme

Breakfast for Business

YES committee member Lauren Sullivan joined by Chris Crichlow and Robert Bell

Debden Park High School’s Graham Tongate, Monica Angell and King Harold Academy’s Jaci Hammond with Paul Violet

23

REFLEXOLOGYREFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a treatment given

to the feet but benefits the whole body.

Most people find it very relaxing

Relaxation is a valuable gift to give

ourselves and others

If you would like to

give the generous gift

of relaxation and

well being,

contact Jacqueline

Pover on

07855 322547 for a

reflexology gift

voucher.

Business Services Recruitment Contracts of Employment Staff Handbook Performance Management Business Audits HR Legal Services Staff Induction Bespoke services for high profile clients

Legal Services for Employees Disciplinary Procedures Grievance Procedures Redundancy Whistle-blowing Capability Procedures Disability at Work TUPE Transfer (Terms and conditions) Employment Tribunal

We are the first emergency service for expert employment advice

Tel: 01992 712 578

Mob: 07901 876 669 (emergencies)

Email: office@visionassociatesgroup.co.uk

Website: www.visionassociatesgroup.co.uk

24

Local mother asks for our

support this Christmas

A local mother whose son Jayden passed away last December aged 7, is asking us to give the best gift this Christmas by way of donations and support for Haven House children’s hospice.

Vanessa’s son Jayden was born prematurely and diagnosed with Lissencephaly, a rare neurological disorder. He suffered from seizures and visual impairment and needed round-the-clock care. As a single parent, Vanessa needed help and that was when Jayden’s Palliative Care Nurse introduced her to Haven House, when he was 18 months old.

During his last few days, he was transferred to the Butterfly Suite at Haven House where he was read stories and played soft music. Friends and family were able to say their goodbyes in a calm, peaceful environ-ment. Since his passing, Haven House has given Vanessa lots of advice and support, particularly during the very difficult first few months. Vanessa says, “I have also attended the Haven House memory day and their

10th birthday party in the hospice grounds. The latter was incredibly emotional as I was one of the few mums there without a child. This magnified the fact that Jayden was really gone. But that’s the thing about Haven House; I feel being there validates me as being a mum. I am Jayden’s mum, not just Vanessa and for that feeling I am grateful.”

Vanessa continues, “Their work is so important as it changes and enriches lives. There are going to be other families who need their care and it would be awful for them not to have the same experience of Haven House as I did due to lack of funding.”

You can donate by visiting justgiving.com/jaydensappeal

To find out more please go to havenhouse.org.uk/jaydensappeal

25

“

“

BUCKHURST HILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Release your creativity at Bedford House

For several years, the Buckhurst Hill Community Association (BHCA) has been advertising their courses to the readers of Magascene. Located within Bedford House in Westbury Road, BHCA– a registered charity—has been providing courses in the arts, leisure and crafts since 1946

The Association is certainly held in high regard. One of their teachers, Stephanie Smith, who runs the Alexander Practice course had this to say, “BHCA is a lovely creative venue to hold or attend workshops. The teachers are knowledgeable enthusiasts and attendees are interested and willing to engage. It’s a great venue to meet people and to learn something new in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”

We spoke to course co-ordinator, Ian Purser, who very generously gave us a fascinating insight into how it all started and what they can offer today’s students. Ian has been with BHCA for 25 years and is jointly responsible for devising and administering the education programme.

When it was founded in 1946, the spirit was definitely one of combining wartime ‘pulling together’ with post-war reconstruction and hope for the future; austerity and Buckhurst Hills’s relative isolation from sources of entertainment and education produced the feeling that in these areas the community should get together and provide for itself. As one of the founders was Walter Spradbery, the noted local artist and designer of London Transport posters (and a great believer in community cultural activities) it was probably inevitable that arts and crafts should play a large part in the Association’s activities. They’ve remained the mainstay of the education programme, along with physical / well being classes such as fitness and yoga, joined nowadays by aerobics and Zumba! As well as these two continuing strands there have been many classes that had their day but which modern life seems to have relegated, classes like car maintenance, old-time dancing, dressmaking and cookery. Some seem to go in and out of fashion, like flower arranging, which we would like to bring back in our next year’s programme.

We’ve always believed in the importance of what some call disparagingly ‘leisure education’ and

fortunately the Association’s independence means that it has never had to try and force its classes into the vocational straightjacket that many other such institutions have had to do in recent years in order to receive continued funding. Despite the continuing importance of art, crafts and fitness classes, we are always looking to offer new and relevant classes, our current programme having included workshops on digital photography and an introductory course on laptop computing.

The bulk of our students come from Buckhurst Hill, Woodford, Loughton and Chingford, although there has never been a ‘locals only’ attitude. Students have been known to come from as far afield as Waltham Abbey, Harlow, Barnet and Enfield.

We are anxious to keep our fees at a reasonable level, to prevent classes from becoming solely the preserve of the well-off. Having to be self-sufficient, we hire out Bedford Hall and Bedford House rooms for meetings and functions, and we raise funds through craft fairs, raffles, quizzes and various stalls (bric-a-brac, books, plants) at our summer exhibition, where we also receive a small commission from the sale of students’ artworks.

We always welcome approaches from potential tutors with possible new classes, who can contact me at BHCA— and we’re willing to consider any-thing!

We strongly believe that the kind of courses we offer have a vital part to play in the physical, emotional and intellectual health of not just our community, but the nation as a whole, and are particularly important in the lives of those who, by virtue of age and/or circumstances, can feel them-selves somewhat cut off from the larger society. Several years ago, a local politician described BHCA as ‘the best-kept secret in Buckhurst Hill’ and whilst we would not deny what a great gem we have on our doorstep, we feel that what goes on within the walls of Bedford House deserves to be shared. For further details, please see advert on opposite page. New courses start from January 6th, 2014.

26

The Woodford Singers will be performing their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday 15th December 2013 at 2pm at Church of the Holy Innocents in High Beach.

As well as Britten’s atmospheric ,‘A Ceremony of Carols’, the concert will also include ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘The Holly and the Ivy’, plus favourite carols for everyone to join in with. Adding to the Christmas sound will be accompaniment by the hugely talented harpist, Olivia Ter-Berg. Olivia is currently studying Classical Harp and Triple Harp at the Trinity College of Music, where

she won a scholarship two years ago. Mince pies and warming refreshments will be provided by the Holy Innocents parish team following the concert. Tickets are not required in advance, but there will be a retiring collection.

For more information on the Woodford Singers, please contact Musical Director Kathleen Savage on kathleensav-age@me.com or Anna Knight on 07958 795824. The Woodford Singers rehearse in the Methodist Church in Derby Road, South Woodford every Wednesday evening and welcome new members.

Have yourself a very

Merry Christmas with

the Woodford Singers

Dance Day raises funds for

Children in Need

Congratulations to the Stadium Theatre School who held a Dance Day on November 9th to raise money for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

They raised over £400 from fancy dress, cake sales as well as parent and guardian classes, so very well done to everyone involved. Micheal Downing from Stadium Theatre School would like to extend his thanks to everyone. www.thestadiumtheatreschool.co.uk

27

FGS Accountancy & Taxation Ltd 39 Woodland Way, Theydon Bois CM16 7DY

T: 01992 812328 W: fgsaccountancy.co.uk

New Accountant for the new year?

It’s not too early to make your new year’s resolutions now and if finding a new accountant is

one of yours, look no further. We can assist with handling your tax return and other financial

matters, so you can concentrate on running your business.

For friendly, uncomplicated and professional advice that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, call

Fiona Sagoo, your local Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

SELF-ASSESSMENT ● PAYROLL ● BOOKKEEPING

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION ● VAT RETURNS

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28

We have all experienced “being in the moment” - the good news is that it is possible to recreate this specific state through meditation. A common misconception is to associate this practise with Buddhist monks, but it not necessary to be associated with any religious or-der to practise this technique. Lots of non religious people do it. According to Davidji (2012), celebrities including the Beatles, Tiger Woods, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Russell Brand, Richard Gere, Madonna, Susan Sarandon, Sting, Tina Turner are among the many who have publicly acknowledged the impor-tance of meditation in their lives. But what is it? How do you do it? How does it work? While meditation can be traced back to the Hindu tradition 2000-3000 BC (Barnes, 2004), it is currently enjoying a renaissance, growing in popularity to the extent where even the NHS has adopted it formally (e.g. the South London & Maudsley Trust). You do not necessarily need to be ill to reap its benefits however. According to Dillard Wright and Jerath (2011), meditation is a tool for coordinating and harmonising the body, mind and spirit. As noted by Professors Williams and Penman (2011) regular meditators are happier and more contented – factors associated with longer and healthier lives. There are significant health benefits too. Meditation can help to control anger and depression, deal with fear, anxiety, OCD, assist with facing grief, manage chronic pain, fight depression, improve immune system function, reduce hypertension and deal with stress. Given that as noted by Hall (2005), prolonged stress is linked with muscle tension, joint pain, head-aches, digestive problems, poor sleep, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular problems, allergies, fatigue, exhaustion and immunity problems, it's important to fight it. Constant stress puts us on high alert physio-logically and psychologically, but meditation has the power to create lasting change to how we respond to this. No wonder it is prescribed for trauma victims by organisations such as the Iris Trust (a charity which helps domestic violence victims). Even healthy people can benefit from meditation, bringing about improvements in cognitive functioning, enhancing concentration and memory and reducing exam anxiety. These benefits are unsurprising given the physiological effects noted by Dillard Wright such

as heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol reduction and reduced stress hormone production are produced by regular practice. So how does it work? Meditation produces biochemi-cal changes within the body which initiate the relaxation response (Barnes, 2004). The word relax originates from the Latin, to loosen. In this state, the body and mind are still, resulting in the physiological changes noted previously, which consequently benefits our health. Medical science has started to wake up to this, with cardiologists such as Dr Ornish incorporating meditation into their patients' rehabilitation programmes. Search on Google and you will find thousands of scientific papers which evidence the benefits of regular practise. In 2011, Psychiatry Research reported a clinical study using MRI which demonstrated structural brain changes following an 8 week programme of daily mindfulness meditation practise. Specifically the hippocampus, responsible for learning, spatial orientation and memory) enlarged, while the amygdala (linked with fear, anxiety and stress responses) reduced. The ultimate goal of mindfulness meditation is aware-ness. During meditation, you will find that thoughts pop into your mind. In this type of meditation, the idea is to simply observe these thoughts without getting involved in them, not getting caught up in them like we usually do. You will soon learn that we have the choice about whether to act on our thoughts or not. Just observe them taking place and let them drift away, which they will. It is practising this way of dealing with your thoughts which will train your mind. Too often in life we dwell too much on the negative. But by practising mindfulness, you become more aware of your thinking and, in time, you can learn to identify especially negative thought patterns, catch them and literally send them away before they slide you into a sea of despair. Mindfulness meditation creates awareness of how we create our own distress. So with practise, you will soon feel a sense of regaining control of your life. You will notice changes in your mood and wellbeing and ultimately the health benefits mentioned previously. Like any skill however, meditation is challenging and takes a while to get into. If you are new to this, you might benefit from finding a teacher or a class to facilitate your practise to start with.

Mindful Meditation V Norris

29

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9 year-old shaves head for Cancer Research

A 9 year-old pupil from White Bridge Junior School has raised over £3,000 for Cancer Research UK so that she can help people like her teacher.

‘Hannah’s Dream’ began two months ago, when Hannah became aware of one of her teacher’s fight with cancer in recent years and that she was now extremely ill in hospital.

She came up with the idea of shaving her head to raise money and along with her mother set up the fundraising appeal. And so on November 16th at Stylers hair salon in Valley Hill, Loughton, the hair came off!

Supporters gathered to watch the great shave which took place after her hair had first been plaited by her friends. The little plaits were then sent off to a wig making company to raise further funds. Everyone has been overwhelmed by such a big gesture from a young girl. Her mother Nicola describes her as a very selfless

child, ‘always putting the needs of others before her own.

Hannah’s Dream will also be auctioning a copy of ‘Frankie’s Magic Football’, as signed by Frank Lampard.

For further details of this and other updates, and to make a donation, please go to justgiv-ing.com/Hannahs-Dream

You can also join the Facebook page and follow on Twitter:

www.facebook.co.uk/pages/HannahsDream

Twitter @HannahsHair

30

Upcycling – the buzzword of the day. In these

austere times, it can often be daunting to start a new hobby which could turn out to be a waste of money if you feel that the things you make may not be as good as you’d like them to be. So ‘upcycling’, which means making something new from some-thing old and no longer wanted, is a great place to start.

The table runner and decorative, woven mat all started life as a simple tab–top unlined curtain. The tabs were simply cut off, pressed, and then laid together in a weave. They were then bordered with a double layer of the fabric which was cut from the top of the curtain. The stitching on the tabs them-selves was already done, so the only machining necessary was to attach the border, thus keeping the tabs in place.

To make the table runner, all that needed to be done was to cut a strip twice as wide as the required width from the length of the curtain. This was then folded over along the length, with the right sides of the fabric together and machined along the cut edges. Once the seam was pressed open, the runner was pulled through itself so that the right side of the fabric was now on the outside, and pressed again with the seam running along the edge. By this time, the two cut edges at each end of the runner were fraying badly, so all that was required here was to continue the fraying by pulling out more of the threads until a fringe was formed. (Those of you who were teenagers in the hippy era will probably remember doing this to the bottom of your jeans!).

There was still enough fabric left to make further items; perhaps a padded, quilted placemat, or

maybe a little cushion for a young girl who would like something pretty in her bedroom. A few beads or maybe some fancy buttons to add more detail. All manner of fabric and haberdashery items can be found in such places as charity shops or car boot sales. The only limit is your imagination, which is always fired when you’re with like-minded people, so try to get a few friends together or perhaps enrol on one of Chris’s Sewing School’s courses. But, whatever you decide to do, have fun with it! For further details about Chris’s Sewing School, please call 07944 768262 or visit the website www.chris-sewiingschool.co.uk Classes are held at Warlies Park House, Upshire.

Upcycling By Chris Key

31

Dressmaking Soft Furnishings

Crafts

We offer small, informal classes located in the

beautiful renovated Georgian wing of

Warlies Park House, Upshire. Ideal for absolute

beginners and improvers alike...

• Fully qualified tutor, experienced in dress making and soft furnishings • Small, friendly classes, work at your own pace • Individual teaching—make what you want to

make • Up-to-date machines and overlockers available

for your use • Ample, free parking

Come and join us

Please call Chris on 07944 768262 or visit our website at

www.chris-

sewingschool.co.uk

Warlies Park House, Horseshoe Hill, Upshire, Essex EN9 3SL

Call Richard on tel. 07836 765004 info@keyboardconfidence.co.uk www.keyboardconfidence.co.uk

• Develop your computer skills • Keep in touch with family & friends • Organise your photos and music • Help with Windows, Mac or iPad • Get back in control • Make the most of your devices • Manage files and folders • Learn how to change settings

Affordable rates per session. CRB/DBS verified and approved

keyboard confidence one-to-one home coaching computer skills for casual users

Computer coaching for 50+ and senior surfers

Are you just getting started with a computer, or perhaps a senior surfer, or merely a beginner want-ing to get the most from your device? keyboard confidence offers 1-to-1 coaching in your own home, or residence. Learn at your own speed, tak-ing things one step at a time, we specialise in help-ing beginners and seniors increase their confidence.

32

Mob: 0777 2296239 Tel: 01992 762 242

Tap into plumbers is a local plumbing service in Essex/London covering all small plumbing repair work but with a difference.

• We only charge a maximum of £35 labour

plus parts for all repair jobs listed on our site

• You can request a full quote inclusive of parts if needed via email or phone

• We work until 8pm at no extra cost so no need to book holiday or time off if you are working

Please see website for all repairs we cover.

www.tapintoplumbers.co.uk

Professional & reliable

FREE collection & delivery Please call Faith Please call Faith Please call Faith Please call Faith

01992 522044 or or or or 07974 025381

Let the

Steam Queen

do it for

you

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TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERSTO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

Tired of Ironing?

Professional & reliable

FREE collection & delivery Please call Faith Please call Faith Please call Faith Please call Faith

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Steam Queen

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you

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33

020 8504 4334

34

PAINTING & DECORATING Reliable and experienced service

Peterman Services Interior Decorator

• Painting and decorative finishes

• Wallpaper hanging

• Wood staining

• Free estimates

• References available

Contact Peter Aldam

01992 814163

07850 389432

SmartNet Essex www.smartnetessex.co.uk

Net some business the smart way SmartNet Essex business networking lunches provide lively

debate and support to business owners in their first few years of business. What’s more, the meetings are Pay As You Go, so there are no nasty membership fees to pay.

FIND OUT MORE NOW Call Julie on 07843 260186 or email

info@smartnetessex.co.uk. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the

Blue Boar, Abridge

Next two meetings January 9 ǀ February 13

Your doorbell in your pocket

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Keep safe and secure with MO-BELL - the doorbell that rings

your mobile

Contact 01992 711395 for details

35

36

WOOD & FAMILY ◊ MOT ◊ Servicing ◊ Motor body repairs ◊ Welding ◊ Panel beating ◊ Cellulose spraying ◊ Mechanical repairs

Fiddler’s Hamlet, Epping CM16 7PG

The word is out… Epping’s best kept secret

Call 01992 573785 or 07889 659169

Robert Phillips mobile 07949 082367 tel 0845 257 0254

Email: bob.phillips@rplandscaping.co.uk

See website for examples of our work

www.rplandscaping.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

“T” Gardens How does your garden grow?

All aspects of gardening

undertaken Call Trevor 07960 713573

01992 573628

♦ Seasonal maintenance ♦ Turfing ♦ Soft landscaping inc. ponds ♦ Patio & drive cleaning ♦ Tree work ♦ Garden clearance

We also publish quarterly in Waltham Abbey—Call 01992 814621 for details

Commercial Industrial Domestic

All electrical work undertaken

FREE ESTIMATES

Please call Simon on Tel: 01277 365898 Mobile: 07768 841124

• P.A.T. testing • N.I.C. & E.I.C. certifications

• Fault finding

• Rewires • Outside lighting

• No job too small EXCELLENT RATES / FIRST CLASS SERVICE

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CONTACT DAVID ON: 07961 454512 / 020 8504 3927

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37

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

Alpine Garden SocietyAlpine Garden SocietyAlpine Garden SocietyAlpine Garden Society————Epping Forest GroupEpping Forest GroupEpping Forest GroupEpping Forest Group. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Theydon Bois Village Hall CM16 7ER at 8pm. www.alpinegardensociety.net/groups/Epping-Forest.

The Avenue Lawn Tennis ClubThe Avenue Lawn Tennis ClubThe Avenue Lawn Tennis ClubThe Avenue Lawn Tennis Club—18 The Avenue, Loughton IG10 4PT. Club sessions: Men—Thursday 5.30pm and Sunday morn-ings; Ladies—Tuesdays at 5.30pm; Mixed—Thursdays 11am to 1pm, Fridays 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm. The club has teams in both the South West Essex (men’s, ladies and mixed) and Essex leagues (men). Contact Lynda Wyles on 0208 505 4704 or email c.wyles@btinternet.com

Badminton Club Call for Players Badminton Club Call for Players Badminton Club Call for Players Badminton Club Call for Players We are looking for (mature) players to join our badminton club. We meet on Monday evenings at 8pm at Debden Park High School’s Sports Hall. Please contact Alan on 020 8508 6306.

BodyworksBodyworksBodyworksBodyworks exercise classes for everyone Loughton Tues 10.30am, Buckhurst Hill Mon 8-9pm and Thurs 9.30-10.30am. Call Jan Hall on 020 8508 3346.

Book ClubBook ClubBook ClubBook Club————meet locally once a month. meet locally once a month. meet locally once a month. meet locally once a month. Call Linda on 01992 571178.

Breatheasy in Harlow & Epping Forest Breatheasy in Harlow & Epping Forest Breatheasy in Harlow & Epping Forest Breatheasy in Harlow & Epping Forest Meet the first Monday of the month at Jack Silley Pavilion in Epping between 1pm and 3pm. Contact branch secretary Mrs C Carr on 01992 573387 01992 573387 01992 573387 01992 573387 for more details. Breatheasy is the support group of The British Lung Foundation www.blf-uk.org

Buckhurst Hill Bowls ClubBuckhurst Hill Bowls ClubBuckhurst Hill Bowls ClubBuckhurst Hill Bowls Club, 72 Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hill IG9 5TX. If you are looking for a local, friendly bowls club, please call the Secretary Malcolm Lord on 0208 502 1285. www.bhbltc.co.uk. Open 7 days a week.

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

Craniosacral Therapy ClinicCraniosacral Therapy ClinicCraniosacral Therapy ClinicCraniosacral Therapy Clinic, The Limes Medical Centre, The Plain, Epping. Contact Liam Hurley on 07941 621887

Drum TuitionDrum TuitionDrum TuitionDrum Tuition—All styles; pop, rock, jazz, Latin, blues...Beginners to advanced. All ages welcome. Call 07803 893722.

Epping Art SocietyEpping Art SocietyEpping Art SocietyEpping Art Society—Art Appreciation evenings, 2nd Wednesday of the month at Pelly Court, Hemnall Street, Epping. Call Robin 01992 572077. Members £2, non-members £3. Practical eve-nings are run the first Friday evening of the month, at 7.30 for 2 hours at the Methodist Church Hall, Epping

Epping Bowls Club, Lower Bury Lane. Epping Bowls Club, Lower Bury Lane. Epping Bowls Club, Lower Bury Lane. Epping Bowls Club, Lower Bury Lane. New members welcome to join our friendly, local club. Regular tuition sessions take place for beginners. Contact Anne Munro: 01992 561164.

Epping Cricket ClubEpping Cricket ClubEpping Cricket ClubEpping Cricket Club—Three Saturday sides and a Sunday team and colts cricket for boys and girls. Contact Matthew Barrett 07877 923151 or email:matthewbarrett86@gmail.com www.eppingcc.hitscricket.com

EppingEppingEppingEpping----Eppingen Twin Town AssociationEppingen Twin Town AssociationEppingen Twin Town AssociationEppingen Twin Town Association. Exciting cultural, school, musical and personal exchanges with our active and friendly twinned town in southern Germany. Contact Uschi Jesson 01992 577603 or Tony Church 07725 608368.

Epping Football Club, Stonards Hill, Epping Epping Football Club, Stonards Hill, Epping Epping Football Club, Stonards Hill, Epping Epping Football Club, Stonards Hill, Epping If you are interested in joining the club, contact Steve Allen on 07932 532694, Graham Sly on 07973 530148 or Tracy Wilkinson 07738 089251 Email:eppingfootball@aol.com eppingfootball@aol.com eppingfootball@aol.com eppingfootball@aol.com or visit www.eppingfc.co.ukwww.eppingfc.co.ukwww.eppingfc.co.ukwww.eppingfc.co.uk

Epping Forest District Badger GroupEpping Forest District Badger GroupEpping Forest District Badger GroupEpping Forest District Badger Group—meet on the 3rd Monday of the month at Hemnall Street Social club, Epping at 8pm. Find out more about the existence and secret life of badgers, and

their preservation. Contact 01992 756038. www.eppingforestbg.org.uk

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

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

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

Epping Forest HP (Walking) GroupEpping Forest HP (Walking) GroupEpping Forest HP (Walking) GroupEpping Forest HP (Walking) Group. We are a walking group who walk in Epping, Redbridge and sometimes London each week. Walks start at 10.30am. There is no charge to join walks, optional membership at £4. Social evenings, coach trips and holidays. www.efhfg.org.ukwww.efhfg.org.ukwww.efhfg.org.ukwww.efhfg.org.uk. Email info2009@efhfg.org.ukinfo2009@efhfg.org.ukinfo2009@efhfg.org.ukinfo2009@efhfg.org.uk

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

Epping Forest Rotary ClubEpping Forest Rotary ClubEpping Forest Rotary ClubEpping Forest Rotary Club—Meet Garnon Bushes, Coopersale on Tuesday evenings for meal and regular speaker. If you want to join other business and community minded men and women please contact mrharvey@btinternet.com Telephone 01992 814105 www.RIBI.org

The Epping Horticultural Society The Epping Horticultural Society The Epping Horticultural Society The Epping Horticultural Society Share gardening tips and enjoy our social events throughout the year. Annual member-ship £1 and discounts available at the trading hut on the Meadow Road allotment site (Sunday mornings10am to 12pm). Contact Christine Burgess 01992 577020.

Epping Tennis Club Lower Bury Lane Epping Tennis Club Lower Bury Lane Epping Tennis Club Lower Bury Lane Epping Tennis Club Lower Bury Lane Four all weather courts (3 floodlit). New members welcome—Lessons and coaching available. Visit www.eppingtennisclub.co.uk or call 01992 572230 or 07940 183596 for membership/general enquiries. To contact Matt Smith (LTA Senior Club Coach), call 07743 378055 or visit www.mattsmithtennis.com

Exercise with me: Exercise with me: Exercise with me: Exercise with me: Exercise for Free!!! Power walking group in Buckhurst Hill, weekday evenings, meet outside The Toby Carvery, 5k distance approx. Call/text 07706 700 666 or go to www.exercisewithme.co.uk for further details

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

Forest Creative Writers 12.45pmForest Creative Writers 12.45pmForest Creative Writers 12.45pmForest Creative Writers 12.45pm----2.45pm, Thurs2.45pm, Thurs2.45pm, Thurs2.45pm, Thurs Loughton Library. Intending new members invited to first free taster session. Contact Pete Relph on 0208 508 6313.0208 508 6313.0208 508 6313.0208 508 6313.

Friends of Swaines Green. Friends of Swaines Green. Friends of Swaines Green. Friends of Swaines Green. Regular conservation days on Swaines Green, Epping. See our website for details www.swainesgreen.org.uk or contact Carol on 01992 575366.

Guitar LessonsGuitar LessonsGuitar LessonsGuitar Lessons————Learn to play guitar. Learn to play guitar. Learn to play guitar. Learn to play guitar. All ages, abilities and styles. Experienced local teacher. Christian Karlsson 07958 471083. Email: chris@stunningmusic.com Herts & Essex Architectural Research SocietyHerts & Essex Architectural Research SocietyHerts & Essex Architectural Research SocietyHerts & Essex Architectural Research Society. Meet on the fourth Friday of the month at 8pm, Church Hall, Loughton Methodist Church, 260 Loughton High Road. Call 020 8508 2512 for more details or visit www.westessex.net/hears_info.php

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Jo Jingles Jo Jingles Jo Jingles Jo Jingles Monday Epping 10:00am Over 2s and 11:00am babies from 3months to 2 years. Monday Theydon Bois 3:15pm Mixed ages (babies-5years old); Tuesday Harlow 9:30am Over 2s and 10:30am Walking-2years . For more information on classes or to book a place please call Lucy on 01279 868410 or email us: lucyjojingles@hotmail.com. www.jojingles.com/bishopsstortford

Karate Karate Karate Karate Classes for adults and children in Epping, Loughton, Theydon Bois and Nazeing. Contact Sensei Andy Major 07941 164544, email andymajor999@hotmail.co.uk. More details at www.teashido.co.uk

LAUGHTER WORKOUT (LAUGHTER YOGA)LAUGHTER WORKOUT (LAUGHTER YOGA)LAUGHTER WORKOUT (LAUGHTER YOGA)LAUGHTER WORKOUT (LAUGHTER YOGA). Laughter is a great stress buster and has many scientifically proven health benefits. The body does not know the difference between real and pretend laughter, you still get the same benefits. We have a Loughton Group and please note the December Laughter and Relaxation session on December 8th, 11.45-12.45pm. www.laughterworkout.co.uk for more information. Come and join us.

Lee Valley Friends Rambling Association GroupLee Valley Friends Rambling Association GroupLee Valley Friends Rambling Association GroupLee Valley Friends Rambling Association Group Specialising in short weekend walks—mainly in West Essex and some London walks. Call for details 020 8529 1602 or visit www.leavalleyfriends.org.uk.

Loughton Astronomical Society (LAS). Loughton Astronomical Society (LAS). Loughton Astronomical Society (LAS). Loughton Astronomical Society (LAS). New members welcome. Meets Thurs 8pm at Scout Hut, Theydon Bois. Tel. 01992 815804. www.las-astro.org.uk. Also, junior section, Theydon Bois Theydon Bois Theydon Bois Theydon Bois AstroKyds AstroKyds AstroKyds AstroKyds for 6-14 year-olds meet 2nd Friday of month (term time), 6.30pm to 8pm at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Theydon Bois. Same contact details as above.

Loughton Bridge ClubLoughton Bridge ClubLoughton Bridge ClubLoughton Bridge Club meets Monday and Wednesday at Oak View School, Whitehills Road, Loughton IG10 1TS. 7.15 for 7.30pm start. Guests welcome. We run a host system so you can come without a partner. Further details at www.bridgewebs.com/Loughton/

Loughton Camera ClubLoughton Camera ClubLoughton Camera ClubLoughton Camera Club, Lopping Hall, Loughton. Meet every Wednesday 8-10pm. New members welcome. Contact John Banks 020 8508 4199.

Loughton Folk Club Loughton Folk Club Loughton Folk Club Loughton Folk Club meets every Thursday from 8pm at Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton, IG10 4NX. Parking front and rear. Email loughtonfolkclub@gogglemail.com or call Jill Coombes 0776 214 6623

Messy DaysMessy DaysMessy DaysMessy Days————Mother and Toddler Group, Monday and Fridays Mother and Toddler Group, Monday and Fridays Mother and Toddler Group, Monday and Fridays Mother and Toddler Group, Monday and Fridays 10am to 11am. St Mary’s Church Hall, 10am to 11am. St Mary’s Church Hall, 10am to 11am. St Mary’s Church Hall, 10am to 11am. St Mary’s Church Hall, Theydon Bois. Come along for some messy fun. £4.50 per session. Discount for second child. Pre-school Learning accreditation. Ring Lindsay on 01992 814487.

Musical MinisMusical MinisMusical MinisMusical Minis————PrePrePrePre----school fun time music group. school fun time music group. school fun time music group. school fun time music group. Classes in Epping and Buckhurst Hill. Call Claire on 01992 787793

OsteopathOsteopathOsteopathOsteopath—Epping Osteopathic & Sports Injuries Clinic, The Limes Medical Centre, Theydon Bois 01992 815 166

Parkinson’s UKParkinson’s UKParkinson’s UKParkinson’s UK————Harlow & District Branch. Harlow & District Branch. Harlow & District Branch. Harlow & District Branch. Meet at the David Livingstone Club, 11 Potter Street, CM17 9AE every Wednesday 11am-3pm. On the first Wednesday of each month there is a speaker from 1 to 3pm. For more information contact Secretary Corinne—Branch mobile 07982 094194 or email corinne.hall@sky.com. All welcome.

Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer (mobile & gym based) / Nordic Walking Nordic Walking Nordic Walking Nordic Walking Instructor—Tanya Hurley 07941 233880 www.tanyahurleyfitness.com Petanque (Boules). Epping Horizons Petanque Club Petanque (Boules). Epping Horizons Petanque Club Petanque (Boules). Epping Horizons Petanque Club Petanque (Boules). Epping Horizons Petanque Club meets on Saturdays and Mondays at 1.30pm on Stonards Hill Recreation Ground. New members always welcome. To arrange a taster session call Peter Lumb on 01992 571744 or visit www.ehpetanque.co.uk

Physiotherapist. Physiotherapist. Physiotherapist. Physiotherapist. Appointments available at Theydon Bois Pharmacy, 10 Forest Drive, Theydon Bois CM16 7EY. Contact Jayne Gould Chartered Physiotherapist on 07963 349754 www.jg-physio.co.uk

Piano ClubPiano ClubPiano ClubPiano Club————Loughton Methodist Church. Wednesdays Loughton Methodist Church. Wednesdays Loughton Methodist Church. Wednesdays Loughton Methodist Church. Wednesdays 10101010----12noon. 12noon. 12noon. 12noon. Contact Rea Camus on 01992 571773. We are a group of keen amateur pianists who enjoy making music together and having fun. All standards welcome.

PROBUSPROBUSPROBUSPROBUS. FOREST Probus Club is actively seeking new membersnew membersnew membersnew members. Monthly meetings on second Friday 12.30pm & lunch at County Hotel, Oak Hill Woodford Green. Please contact the Secretary mjvh01@virginmedia.com or 020 8529 6500

Rotary Club of Loughton and Buckhurst HillRotary Club of Loughton and Buckhurst HillRotary Club of Loughton and Buckhurst HillRotary Club of Loughton and Buckhurst Hill—meet at The Blue Boar, Abridge, RM4 1UA. On Thursdays at 1pm (1st and 3rd Thursdays) and 6.30pm (2nd and 4th Thursdays). For further details call A Harvey on 01992 572867 or visit www.loughtonrotary.org.uk

South West Essex Choir welcomes new members. South West Essex Choir welcomes new members. South West Essex Choir welcomes new members. South West Essex Choir welcomes new members. We meet at Loughton Methodist Church, High Road, Loughton IG10 1RB on Tuesdays 7.45-10pm. No audition is necessary. Please contact Mary McElarney on 01992 812606 or m.mcelarney@tiscali.co.uk More information at www.southwestessexchoir.org.uk

Station Road Wellness Centre, Station Road Wellness Centre, Station Road Wellness Centre, Station Road Wellness Centre, Osteopathy, Chiropody, massage, reflexology, Reiki. 12 Station Road, Epping. Tel. 01992 570003.

St John AmbulanceSt John AmbulanceSt John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance————Epping Community First Epping Community First Epping Community First Epping Community First Responders Responders Responders Responders help to save lives. Full training given. Please contact Sandra Newman on 01992 572545 for more details.

St Thomas Moore Dancing ClubSt Thomas Moore Dancing ClubSt Thomas Moore Dancing ClubSt Thomas Moore Dancing Club—Ballroom and sequence for the over 60s. Wednesdays 2-4pm at Thomas Moore Church, Willingale Rd, Loughton. Tel. 020 8504 0998. £2 including tea and biscuits.

Tappy ToesTappy ToesTappy ToesTappy Toes—Fun and creative dance and movement classes for girls and boys aged 20 months to 4 and a half years. Epping classes start in September. Call Claire on 01992 732 800.

WEA Loughton & Epping Branch WEA Loughton & Epping Branch WEA Loughton & Epping Branch WEA Loughton & Epping Branch Details from www.wea-essex.org.uk, leaflets in the libraries. Phone Bettie Bock, 020 8508 4919 or e-mail: mrspdale@googlemail.com

West Essex Flower Club, West Essex Flower Club, West Essex Flower Club, West Essex Flower Club, Thornwood Village Hall, Weald Lane. Meet 2nd Monday of each month (except January and August) From 1.45pm. Visitors and new members always welcome. Contact the Club Secretary for further details on 01992 57703601992 57703601992 57703601992 577036

West Essex Ramblers. West Essex Ramblers. West Essex Ramblers. West Essex Ramblers. Walk every Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun. Most walks countryside, some London. About 10 coach rambles Apr-Oct. Each yr have a British & foreign walking holiday. For a sample programme, call 020 8502 1628.

Woodford and District Floral Arrangement GroupWoodford and District Floral Arrangement GroupWoodford and District Floral Arrangement GroupWoodford and District Floral Arrangement Group. We meet every third Monday of the month in the Churchill Room at Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road E11. Doors open at 6.45pm for a prompt 7.30pm start. Guest floral demonstrator every month, raffle and refreshments. Visitors always welcome to join for a small fee of £4.

The Woodford Singers meet The Woodford Singers meet The Woodford Singers meet The Woodford Singers meet every Wednesday evening in the Methodist Church, South Woodford. Wide range of musical styles from classical and folk songs to musical theatre and madri-gals. Contact musical director Kathleen Savage at kathleensav-age@me.com or Anna Knight on 07958 795824.

Yoga Yoga Yoga Yoga – Private or semi private yoga classes in your home or work, in and around the Epping area. Please call/text Louise on 07771 995533 or visit www.shreyayoga.co.uk for more informa-tion.

Yoga for beginnersYoga for beginnersYoga for beginnersYoga for beginners. Drop in classes Mondays and Fridays 9:30 - 10:45 at High Street, Epping. Private classes also available for beginners and intermediates. Please contact Louise on 07771 995533 or visit www.shreyayoga.co.uk.

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Yoga classes and workshops Yoga classes and workshops Yoga classes and workshops Yoga classes and workshops for all levels in Epping and North Weald, Tues/Weds/Thurs/Sat. Contact Amy on 07841 378364 or visit www.amybrambleyoga.blogspot.com for more details.

(Iyengar) Yoga(Iyengar) Yoga(Iyengar) Yoga(Iyengar) Yoga, Lindsey Street, Epping. Monday evenings from 6pm. Please contact Dorothy on 01992 574623.

YogaYogaYogaYoga————’Fitness Yoga’.’Fitness Yoga’.’Fitness Yoga’.’Fitness Yoga’. Mondays 7pm—8pm at Theydon Bois Primary School, Orchard Drive. A revitalising and relaxing workout including a blend of Yoga based postures, traditional stretching, core exercises from Pilates, balance work and a final relaxation section. Taught to relaxing music. First class FREE, then £25 per month. Contact Lucilla on 07956 695077 Email lucilla@onestopfitness.co.uk, www.onestopfitness.co.uk

Yoga (Vinyasa & Hatha), Yoga (Vinyasa & Hatha), Yoga (Vinyasa & Hatha), Yoga (Vinyasa & Hatha), Private classes in Epping & Buckhurst Hill 07725 653682.

(Aqua) Zumba(Aqua) Zumba(Aqua) Zumba(Aqua) Zumba—Loughton Leisure Centre. Splash your way into shape. Tuesdays 8pm. Just call Linda on 07909 962901.

Zumba FitnessZumba FitnessZumba FitnessZumba Fitness—Mondays St Michael’s Church, Loughton 8-9pm; Tuesdays Theydon Bois Primary School 7-8pm; Fridays Loughton Club 10-11am. Email laura_zumba@hotmail.co.uk or call Laura 07581 673998 or Lisa 07775 553722.

Zumba Gold/Dance Workouts for Older Active AdultsZumba Gold/Dance Workouts for Older Active AdultsZumba Gold/Dance Workouts for Older Active AdultsZumba Gold/Dance Workouts for Older Active Adults—Dance workouts to Latin music, taken at a gentle easy to follow pace. Classes at St John’s Church Rooms, Epping on Wednesdays at 3pm and St Mary’s Church Hall, Theydon Bois on Thursdays at 11.45am. Classes run for 45 mins, £5. Contact Alison, an experi-enced, qualified dance teacher of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing on 07790 701723.

Doctors SurgeriesDoctors SurgeriesDoctors SurgeriesDoctors Surgeries The Limes Medical Centre, The Plain, EppingThe Limes Medical Centre, The Plain, EppingThe Limes Medical Centre, The Plain, EppingThe Limes Medical Centre, The Plain, Epping Appointments/Emergencies/Cancellations 01992 573 838 Theydon Bois BranchTheydon Bois BranchTheydon Bois BranchTheydon Bois Branch, Thrifts Mead 01992 812 450 Dr Lowry & PartnersDr Lowry & PartnersDr Lowry & PartnersDr Lowry & Partners, High Street, Epping 0844 5769797

HospitalsHospitalsHospitalsHospitals St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping 01992 561 666 Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow 01279 444 455 NHS Direct 111NHS Direct 111NHS Direct 111NHS Direct 111

Sports Centres & Fitness StudiosSports Centres & Fitness StudiosSports Centres & Fitness StudiosSports Centres & Fitness Studios Epping Sports Centre Epping Sports Centre Epping Sports Centre Epping Sports Centre 25 Hemnall Street 01992 564 564 Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool Roundhills 01992 716 733 Loughton Leisure CentreLoughton Leisure CentreLoughton Leisure CentreLoughton Leisure Centre Traps Hill, Loughton 01992 564 574 Concept Fitness UK Concept Fitness UK Concept Fitness UK Concept Fitness UK 224b High Street, Epping 01992 579050 www.conceptfitnessuk.com

Buckhurst Hill openBuckhurst Hill openBuckhurst Hill openBuckhurst Hill open----mic Jazz Jam Session. mic Jazz Jam Session. mic Jazz Jam Session. mic Jazz Jam Session. Every Sunday at the Sports & Social Club, 50 Queens Road IG9 5BY 8pm start. Admission £3. Visit jazzjam.co.uk to check dates.

Farmers’ Market Farmers’ Market Farmers’ Market Farmers’ Market organised by the Loughton Residents Loughton Residents Loughton Residents Loughton Residents AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociation on the first Sunday of the month. Centric Parade, High Road, Loughton. 9am-2pm.

FABFABFABFAB————Fabulous and BeautifulFabulous and BeautifulFabulous and BeautifulFabulous and Beautiful. If you are undergoing chemo-therapy or have recently finished treatment, charity FAB, which runs a three hour session on the first Monday of the month at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Epping (11am to 2pm) may be just the tonic. Please call Laura Jones on 01279 827396.

SmartNet Essex SmartNet Essex SmartNet Essex SmartNet Essex ———— Meet monthly lunch meetings for informal Meet monthly lunch meetings for informal Meet monthly lunch meetings for informal Meet monthly lunch meetings for informal business networking business networking business networking business networking at the Blue Boar, Abridge. Meet on the second Thursday of the month. Pay-as-you-go. Call Julie to book on 07843 260 186 or email info@smartnetessex.co.uk. Twitter @SmartNetEssex W: smartnetessex.co.uk

EppNetEppNetEppNetEppNet————Business Networking. Meet every Wednesday Business Networking. Meet every Wednesday Business Networking. Meet every Wednesday Business Networking. Meet every Wednesday morning for breakfast, 7.15 to 9am at The Bell Hotel, Epping. morning for breakfast, 7.15 to 9am at The Bell Hotel, Epping. morning for breakfast, 7.15 to 9am at The Bell Hotel, Epping. morning for breakfast, 7.15 to 9am at The Bell Hotel, Epping. For more details email info@eppnet.co.uk or call Vincent Goode on 07931 580031.

Music at Marigolds Jazz ClubMusic at Marigolds Jazz ClubMusic at Marigolds Jazz ClubMusic at Marigolds Jazz Club, Harlow Cricket Club, Chipping-field, Old Harlow, CM17 0DJ. Enquiries 01279 414174/421763. Doors open 7.30pm. Price guide £7-£8. www.musicatmarigolds.co.uk Dec 13 Spikedrivers Jan 10 Gentleman Tim and the Contenders Jan 31 The Ted Beament Quintet

Forest Philharmonic Orchestra Forest Philharmonic Orchestra Forest Philharmonic Orchestra Forest Philharmonic Orchestra Sunday 1 December 6.30pm Walthamstow Assembly Hall DEBUSSY DEBUSSY DEBUSSY DEBUSSY Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune ELGAR ELGAR ELGAR ELGAR Sea Pictures STRAUSS STRAUSS STRAUSS STRAUSS Sinfonia Domestica Mark Shanahan conductor Leah-Marian Jones mezzo This concert features descriptions of nature in various forms. Opening with a solo flute, Debussy’s work is a musical impression of a hazy summer afternoon, while Elgar’s depicts the sea in states from lapping against the shore to a stormy frenzy. Sinfonia Domestica is a lyrical and humorous portrayal of a day in the life of the Strauss family. Before going freelance, Leah-Marian Jones was a company principal at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for eight years where she sang over 30 roles, and we are delighted she is joining us to sing in the Elgar. For any more information, you could check our website www.forestphilharmonic.org.uk The Woodford Singers Christmas ConcertThe Woodford Singers Christmas ConcertThe Woodford Singers Christmas ConcertThe Woodford Singers Christmas Concert————Sunday December Sunday December Sunday December Sunday December 15th at 2pm 15th at 2pm 15th at 2pm 15th at 2pm at the Holy Innocents High Beach. Mince pies and warming refreshments available. Tickets are not required in advance but there will be a retiring collection. See feature on page 26 for more details. Epping Forest and District Stamp Club STAMP AUCTIONEpping Forest and District Stamp Club STAMP AUCTIONEpping Forest and District Stamp Club STAMP AUCTIONEpping Forest and District Stamp Club STAMP AUCTION————Saturday January 18th, 2014 Saturday January 18th, 2014 Saturday January 18th, 2014 Saturday January 18th, 2014 at Roding Alley High School, Alderton Hill, Loughton (Brook Road entrance). Viewing starts 1.45pm, auction starts 2.15pm. For further details please con-tact Keith Smith 0208 505 5620.

Woodford Pantomime presents Sleeping Beauty. January 2ndWoodford Pantomime presents Sleeping Beauty. January 2ndWoodford Pantomime presents Sleeping Beauty. January 2ndWoodford Pantomime presents Sleeping Beauty. January 2nd----12th 201412th 201412th 201412th 2014. Tiered seating. Tickets £8 - £12.50 Available online at www.woodfordpantomime.co.uk or Box Office 01992-524462 Waltham Abbey Wool ShowWaltham Abbey Wool ShowWaltham Abbey Wool ShowWaltham Abbey Wool Show————January 19th, 2014 January 19th, 2014 January 19th, 2014 January 19th, 2014 at Marriott Hotel, Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey EN9 3LX. 10am-4pm. Tickets £3 in advance from The Crochet Chain or www.walthamabbeywoolshow.co.uk St Clare Hospice Winter WalkiesSt Clare Hospice Winter WalkiesSt Clare Hospice Winter WalkiesSt Clare Hospice Winter Walkies————February 9th at 10.30am. February 9th at 10.30am. February 9th at 10.30am. February 9th at 10.30am. Join in (either with or without a dog!) for a 5km sponsored country walk. There will be competitions and medals for dogs and treats. Free soup and refreshments. Everyone welcome. To register, please call 01279 773750 or visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk Please submit your February & March event listings by January 16th to jane@magascene.net.

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tel 01992 566 719 email epping@furnitureclinic.co.uk web www.furnitureclinic.co.uk

Furniture Clinic Epping, Unit 15, Hobbs Cross Business Centre, Theydon Garnon, Epping CM16 7NY