Essex Society for Family History

Let’s face it, most of us have thought about or are already looking into our family histories. Spurred on by programmes such as “Who Do You Think You are?” we all hanker after a rich history and possibly a connection to royalty...

John Young, secretary for the West Essex Branch of the Essex Society for Family History (ESFH) recently got in touch. Here’s what he had to say about the group that meets at St John’s ARC in Old Harlow and how perhaps they could help you in your quest.

May is one of the busiest months in the allotment calendar. Warmer weather has brought on all of the seeds we planted last month and the seedlings now need our help (through thinning and weeding) to avoid the strangulation of those plants we wish to keep. I use some of the thinnings to fill in gaps while the remainder find their way into salads or the compost bin. May and early June should be warm but BEWARE, we can still have damaging frosts! Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and have fleece or other fabric ready to put over vulnerable plants and buds on fruit trees. Can you remember the snowfall we had in CM17 in the first week of June some years ago?

Churchgate Street's Jubilee celebrations will kick off on Saturday June 2 when we'll be decorating the street with bunting made by a team of local volunteers. The main celebration will take place on Monday June 4 - starting at 2pm with a picnic in the Glebe field attached to St Mary's church. All residents will be encouraged to bring a picnic along and enjoy family friendly entertainment provided by local performers including members of the Harlow Chorus. In and around the church there will be stalls (craft, sweets, afternoon tea, cakes, books, art), demonstrations (wood turning, brass rubbing) and bouncy castles, the pub is putting on a hog roast and an outdoor bar and in the field behind the pub will be a Jubilee themed car boot sale with a prize for the best decorated car.

Old Harlow & Newhall PCSO Chrisie Goodman

I have just returned to full duty again after having injured my back but would like to reassure you that I will be back patrolling Old Harlow, including when possible, the outside of our local schools.

On that note, unfortunately there continues to be problems during school drop-off and pick-ups, particularly outside of Harlowbury School. Parents are continuing to park their vehicles in the Feryngs car park, even though there is a new sign which clearly says that the car park is for residents only. I would ask that any parents that are parking in this car park please find another more suitable place to park.