Thursday 29th June 2017 when addressing Redbridge Council's Planning Committee

The following is the text I used on Thursday 29th June 2017 when addressing Redbridge Council's Planning Committee in my two minute slot. I then took questions for about ten minutes - although I cannot recall what they were! The planning application was approved - clearly it was a done deal before we even started! But we are not done yet!

The application was by Brett Tarmac to extract sand and gravel from an area close to St. Peter's Church on Aldborough Hatch Farm and also on Hainault Farm close to the farmhouse and cottages. 

Chairman I speak for the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association - and the 140 or so residents whose objections are reduced to meaningless summaries in the papers before you. There is anger, despair and horror among residents - who fear further years of noise, dust, pollution and the spread of cancer.

Why has the Environment Agency’s strong recommendation that the haul road is constructed of concrete or asphalt been ignored? A dirt road will throw up dust onto riders at the Equestrian Centre and walkers. Why is there no controlled crossing of the permissive footpath used by school children?

Why have objections of two highly qualified NHS cancer specialists been totally ignored? 

In their objections dated 7th June 2016, Dr Anup Vinayan and Dr Archana Ambily state that: “Health Hazards associated with increase in particulate matter is well documented with the World Health Organisation detailing the risks of PM10 and PM25 resulting in aggravation of asthma, respiratory symptoms and increase in hospital admissions. There will also be increase in mortality from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer”. Dr Vinayan is here this evening 

The 76-page document before you omits to mention the word ‘cancer – referring just to ‘health risks’ - and fails to rebut the substantial research evidence of 14 recent studies over eight European countries which demonstrate that risks are significantly associated with the incidence of lung cancer. 

We can only assume that this omission is an intentional and deliberate cover-up to mislead Councillors on the Planning Committee and as such is shameful in the extreme and must be exposed. 

The objections on health grounds are nowhere mentioned, nor is the evidence submitted rebutted. I call upon the Planning Committee to refuse the planning application as Officers have failed to take into account the overwhelming evidence of the dangers of an increase in lung cancer and other respiratory diseases among both children and adults.

I understand that the Revd Lovesey is not being permitted to address you regarding the almost certain damage to the 155-year-old St. Peter’s Church. I appeal to you to allow her to speak.
The ‘stand-off’ of 100 metres from the Grade II listed St Peter’s and Aldborough Hatch Chapel is totally unacceptable. I have proof from the Planning Department for a precedent for 150 metres if you wish to see it. We urge you to insist on 200 metres minimum. If the church is damaged who will pay – not Brett Tarmac but your Council.

Noisy pumps vibrating 24/7 within yards of St Peter’s Church – will disturb services and multi-cultural community groups using the halls.

We appeal to you – do the decent thing and reject this application

Chairman, Aldborough Hatch has cried out: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
No more gravel! No more cancer!

Priest-in-Charge of 155-year-old Church banned from defending the Grade II Listed Building as gravel extractions come within 100 metres

Priest-in-Charge of 155-year-old Church banned from defending the Grade II Listed Building as gravel extractions come within 100 metres

The Revd Kate Lovesey, Priest-in-Charge, St. Peter’s Aldborough Hatch in the Diocese of Chelmsford, was banned from addressing the Lond0n Borough of Redbridge Planning Committee on the dangers to her church from gravel extraction amidst uproar in the public gallery when church members and residents tried to persuade the chairman to allow her to speak.

Gravel extraction has taken place on Fairlop Plain over the past 50 years. When workings moved closer to St. Peter’s, the water table changed, allowing the headstones on many graves in the churchyard to topple over. Worse still was the fact that some 20 years ago the walls of the church began to move outwards and had to be secured by metal tie bars across the roof area.

Said the Revd Lovesey: “Built in 1862 with bricks with a facing using stones from the first Westminster Bridge, the church is fragile with no foundations, as was the custom in Victorian times, nor an effective damp course.

“The Parochial Church Council submitted its written objections but I was not allowed to explain the very real danger to the structure as the workings will be within 100 metres and a water filled ditch with pumps going 24/7 will be even closer within a few yards.

“There was uproar in the public gallery when the chairman allowed only two objectors to speak. Church members and residents were appalled at the lack of democracy demonstrated by Councillors who were urged by Council Officers to deny me the chance to speak.

“In addition to concerns for the building, clinical and research evidence presented by an NHS cancer consultant was omitted from papers before the committee. This was a deliberate cover-up to mislead Councillors who were not advised that the inevitable dust from the workings will increase mortality from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

“I feel ashamed of Redbridge Council. But we will monitor the building and if there is the slightest hint of damage, we will insist that the Council and the contractors pay for any work that needs to be done. We will protect this building – loved not only by members of the church but by so many residents in our multi-cultural community.”

Revd. Kate Lovesey
Aldborough Hatch Vicarage, Oaks Lane, Ilford, Essex IG2 7QN

Telephone: 020 8599 5413 Email: RevdKate@StPetersAH.org.uk

An afternoon in London

On Tuesday 27th June I realised I had not been out of Aldborough Hatch for six days. And so I decided to put that right and have an afternoon in London. After visiting the bank, collecting my replacement reading glasses from The Mall and dropping into Boots for some vitamins (Berocca and Vitamin D in case you are interested!), I journeyed to St. Paul's Cathedral for Sung Evensong with the full Cathedral Choir.

Sitting under the Dome in the front row on the side opposite to the pulpit, I waited to see if the first sixty to get to the gate would be invited to sit in the choir stalls. Beside me was a young man who was soaking in the atmosphere and wanted to talk. He told me he was from the USA and was not in the least happy about Donald Trump as President. When I mentioned that I had been on a protest against Trump's visit, he shook me firmly by the hand and we became from friends from that moment onwards. We chatted - about St. Paul's ands the 1939/45 war, the blitz and what it was like to be a child at that time (I was six in 1939).

When the gate opened, my friend was off like a shot - and was probably first to get a seat right next to the choir! I wandered through, finding a seat next to the one reserved for the Lord Mayor. Sitting next to me was a man who introduced himself as Peter from Canada. Again, he wanted to know all about St. Paul's - when it was built and was Christopher Wren the architect and what happened during the war and how old was I. We had about twenty minutes to spare so covered a lot of ground with which I will not bore you.

Sung Evensong was superb, setting me up for a few days. Something different this time found boy choristers singing solos in the psalms and canticles, and I spotted three lady choristers who must have recently joined to one new lady chorister announced in the press earlier this year.

Peter walked with me as we left. I stopped to introduce Peter to Canon Michael Hempal, Precentor at the Cathedral, who said that a number of Canadians work at the Cathedral. On the steps, Peter asked a lady to take a photograph of us both on his mobile. He then sent it that moment to my home by email! And here it is! I promised to send Peter some photographs of the Cathedral.

Perhaps the fact that I live alone means that when I am out I tend to talk to anyone who will listen

Cover-up by Redbridge Council to mislead Planning Committee Councillors of cancer health hazards of mineral workings near pre-school day nursery and homes

The following is the text of a News Release I sent to national and local newspapers, TV and Radio yesterday. So far no takers! But the ILFORD RECORDER will cover.

If you are free on Thursday evening at 6.45pm please join us at Ilford Town Hall for the Planning Committee when there will be fireworks! It is the culmination of ten years of fighting.

Aldborough Hatch Defence Association

News Release

Release Immediate Monday 26th June 2017

Cover-up by Redbridge Council to mislead Planning Committee Councillors of cancer health hazards of mineral workings near pre-school day nursery and homes

A 76-page document produced by Redbridge Council Officers for Councillor members of the Planning Committee totally ignores objections to a planning application submitted by a qualified NHS consultant and a clinical scientist who works in cancer research of the risk of an increase in deaths from lung cancer.

Planning application 2089/16 to extract sand and gravel from Aldborough Hatch and Hainault Farms in the London Borough of Redbridge will be considered by the Planning Committee on Thursday next, 29th June, at Ilford Town Hall at 7.15pm.

On 7th June 2016, Dr Anup Vinayan and Dr Archana Ambily submitted their objections as attached. They state that: “Health Hazards associated with increase in particulate matter is well documented with the World Health Organisation detailing the risks of PM10 and PM25 resulting in aggravation of asthma, respiratory symptoms and increase in hospital admissions. There will also be increase in mortality from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer”.

The specialists, who are both residents living in Aldborough Hatch, the area of the London Borough of Redbridge immediately affected by the gravel workings, refer to 14 recent studies over eight European countries which demonstrate that risks are significantly associated with the incidence of lung cancer.

Said Ron Jeffries, Chairman of the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association, whose members are vehemently opposed to any further sand and gravel workings within 75 metres of their homes: “Clearly Council Officers who prepared the 76-page document for the committee’s consideration have failed to consider the objections on health grounds of two qualified specialists.

“It is a cover-up to seriously mislead Councillors. The objections on health grounds are nowhere mentioned, nor is the evidence submitted rebutted. We therefore call upon the Planning Committee to refuse the planning application on the grounds that Officers have failed to take into account the overwhelming evidence of the dangers of an increase in lung cancer and other respiratory diseases among both children and adults.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact

Ron Jeffries, Chairman. 37 Spearpoint Gardens, Aldborough Road North, Aldborough Hatch, ILFORD, Essex IG2 7SX

TEL: 020 8599 7250; Mobile: 0797488 2724; email: ronjeffries@live.co.uk

Friday at the Flower Festival

Just two shots from Friday’s full work day preparing for the weekend’s St. Peter’s 37th Flower Festival with the theme TELL US A STORY - Favourite Childfren’s Books. 

The first shows part of the small window in the Chancel depicting Alice in Wonderland by Pat Borrott - who is a first time flower arranger! Some of the displays are just massive! Having worked at many festivals over the years Pat has never had a window - until this year! 

The second shot shows the many folk working inside the church - and there were about 30 others all over the place! All I would say is that in my view this will be the best display ever - and I have seen all 37! Come to see for yourself!

We are open from 10am to 6pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

All I would say is that the folk who worked this week would be grateful for any help in setting up on Saturday and Sunday mornings early - and in taking down the craft market on Sunday at 5pm. Some of them are on their knees with tiredness - but never say so!

6am in the garden on the longest day - 21st June 2017

A few shots from the garden at just after 6am today! It is cool with a slight breeze. Magic! Tomatoes in flower - I have some green ones too. The second from last shot is Big Black Mama - the bulb came from Barcelona - I think - Graham and Danielle brought it home for me last year! I dried the bulb in the greenhouse over winter, The last shot of African Sky - a Salvia. I bought the plant at the RHS Hampton Court Show at this time last year - and have some good cuttings coming into flower too. I have a red and white one in the front garden - common name is Hot Lips! The original plant in the ground was cut back by my gardener friend last year - and I thought it had died - but a week or so ago I spotted a flower and a green shoot. Good job I also have a fine cutting in flower in a pot.

Giving thanks among terrible events

Having watched the devastating news from last night, I have just walked into my front garden. I give thanks to God for the fact that I am safe amongst good friends in the multi-cultural community of Aldborough Hatch. Four terrorist attacks and one disastrous tower block fire have shattered life here in England. I have a wonderfully supportive family who are there for me when I am down and out - which happens from time to time as you grow older. For reasons which I will not dwell on here, the past week has been a worrying time for me - but nothing compared to those hundreds who have been killed, maimed or have lost loved ones. May peace return to our streets and hate and greed be cast side, and may we reach out in love.

Borough Market in action again!

Today I went to Borough Market which reopened a day or so ago after the tragic events on London Bridge and in the Market itself. It is my favourite London Market and one I try to visit a number of times each year. At Christmas I splash out - with tangerines in white wooden boxes for without these my sons say it is not Christmas! But today I went to see Mrs King on the Melton Mowbray stand and bought a pork pie which I will have with salad for a few days now. Mrs King told me that she sold all her stock on the fateful Saturday, went home and found out about the attack next morning. But she has lost over a week's sales since then. Other traders were not so lucky, with goods rotting on their stalls till they were allowed back. I bought a piece of Sussex Brie - another favourite - and a baguette for I love the smell of fresh bread! The last shot is of the Chegworth Farm stall where I bought two boxes of strawberries which the young man told me had been picked the day before on their farm in Kent.

After some shopping in Ilford (Including buying two packs of double cream) I took the strawberries to Heather and Rob's home in Chigwell. Heather bought Rob a barbecue stand for Father's Day so tomorrow we will have a barbecue lunch followed by strawberries and cream - what else!

Front garden in bloom for the summer

The front garden at 37 Spearpoint is coming into bloom. I sometimes stand out there to enjoy the lavenders, Yvonne's rose, the cyclamen, the verbena and the rest - some folk look and smile, some walk by chatting into their mobiles and ignoring everything around them, some stop to chat - the latter are often young people (some from Oaks Park HIgh who know me from invigilating!).

The first shot is in the churchyard at St. Peter's where I have planted up a tub for the summer for Yvonne.