Christmas market

Entertainment at Epping Town Council's Christmas Market was provided by children from Coopersale Hall School Choir, Coopersale and Theydon Garnon School, Epping Primary School Choir, the Ivy Chimneys Primary School Choir as well as Sorelle London Academy, Rock Choir and local musicians 'Hanna and Music' and Matthew Shepherd.

There were also visits from Elf on the Shelf, and two reindeer while there was a Santa's Grotto and craft stalls at Epping Fire Station.

Epping Library joined in with a festive event with a visit from two therapy dogs, Ronnie and Scrumpy, where the children could read to them as well as storytelling and a crafts session.

St John’s Church hosted the annual Christmas Tree Festival with craft stalls and some 60 decorated trees on display.

The town council's festive window competition was won by Cole's outfitters in Epping High Street with Piccola and SO Studios, local photographers, commended for their Christmas shop displays. The retail shop display was picked by local school children for the town council.

The atmosphere was wonderful, and the weather was great. Local families came along to enjoy the day, buy some Christmas presents and enjoy some mulled wine and food.

Having heard the sad news of the passing of Tony Taylor, his stepson Russel asked me to share this with readers. It is with great sadness we have to share with you the news that our dad, Tony Taylor of Art Nursery, North Weald, recently passed away. Tony left school & began work at Sopers Farm (part of which is now Newhall, Harlow). Ploughing fields with horses was regular work for him & he went on to study, then lecture in horticulture. In the 1970’s Tony began growing roses (creating hybrids & naming some himself). He then bought the farmland at Vicarage lane & started Art Nursery. Receiving a medal at the Chelsea flower show from the Queens mother was a notable achievement in his career. Over the years he built the nursery & business up to become a garden centre & was very well known & had many friends in the area. Any friends of Tony which would like to attend the funeral would be most welcome. It will be held at Greenacres Cemetery and Ceremonial Park, Kiln Rd North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6AD 1pm, Friday 20th of this month.