Talk About Epping Autumn 2022

TALK ABOUT EPPING

The Mayor’s view

community when I presented them with their Queen’s Platinum Medals and medals of commendation.

Lower Swaines recreation ground playground project

It was a great honour to be elected Mayor of Epping at the May Town Council meeting and one of my first tasks was the unveiling of a Blue Plaque commemorating Epping’s market, granted by Royal Charter in 1253. The Plaque can be seen on the building currently owned by Mr & Mrs Dully of Aves Optometrists.

Epping Town Council contributed to the Town’s celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by making sure the Town was suitably decked out with bunting and I had the pleasure of carrying out a number of ceremonial functions and attending local community activities, including a concert on the Town Green and attending residents tea parties. We were fortunate to have Hugh Pegrum, a fellow Town Councillor and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex to light the Beacon.

Once again the Town Show was a great success which is organised by Geraldine in the office and Town Supervisor Bill and his grounds team. We were treated to a splendid RAF flypast. We are very aware of how lucky we are to have such a good fire service and here in Epping our on-call firefighters are very much appreciated.

I had the opportunity to thank them on behalf of the

Derek Whitbread is Essex’s longest serving on-call firefighter and was awarded the British Empire Medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. A huge congratulations to Derek.

Many of you will have read about the fundraising for the new Lower Swaines playground and I am delighted to report that the equipment has been ordered and I would hope to help open it towards the end of October.

I received an invitation from The Mayor of Eppingen to visit their Gardens Show and Heimmattage

(Translated Heritage day). My husband Roy and I had a wonderful weekend being shown around the Garden Show and Epping in Bloom’s Chairman Victoria Robertson joined us and did a demonstraton of table decorations using vegetables, fruit and fresh flowers.

Members of the Twinning Association took part in a parade and we were entertained throughout a wonderful weekend. In October, Epping will be celebrating 40 years of twinning with Eppingen. We look forward to the return of the football season when Epping Youth resume play at Stonards Hill.

I hope to meet many of you over the coming year as we enjoy everything Epping has to offer.

Barbara Scruton

Following Epping Playground Association’s successful fundraising campaign for Lower Swaines recreation ground playground, where a staggering £170,000 has been raised, work will commence on the new playground in September 2022. The exciting new designs will include a toddler area to replace the existing site and a junior area where the current wooden trim trail area is now.

Fundraising for the project has taken three years and Epping Town Council would like to thank everyone who has supported the project and particularly Epping Playground Association for all their hard work. The top picture shows the original design tender. The bottom picture shows some amendments, as the trustees managed to raise £50,000 more than they dreamed of, so enhancements were able to be made.

The playground will offer a variety of different equipment from 0 to teenagers and will offer greatly improved accessible equipment. There will be an official launch event when the playground is complete and we hope this will take place at the end of October. The new playground is designed to bring the community together to share the wonderful green space at Lower Swaines recreation ground.

The recreation ground is next to the Forest, which is looked after by the City of London Corporation and both spaces offer something different outdoors.

Thank you to David Jackman, Everything Epping Forest for his pictures and media support.

www.everythingeppingforest.co.uk

Epping Ongar Railway: Our tenth anniversary year

Your local Railway celebrated its tenth operating anniversary in early June, showcasing a variety of visiting steam locomotives. The picture (left) shows the Railway’s owner, Roger Wright, along with Wendy Fisher and railway historian and presenter, Tim Dunn celebrating in company with volunteers and friends at North Weald Station. The Railway has produced a 44-page book, entitled ‘The First Ten Years’, covering the line’s progress since closure by London Transport in 1994. Copies are available from EOR shops at North Weald and Ongar, priced at just £3.50. You can also obtain a copy by post at £5.00 (to include postage and packing), cheques should be made payable to EORVS and sent together with your postal address to: Rodger Green, EORVS, Ongar Station, Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, CM5 9BN. Please mark the envelope:

‘The First Ten Years’.

We have an exciting programme, for both enthusiasts and children, arranged for the rest of the year and full details can be obtained on-line at www.eorailway.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to your local Railway, it’s part of your heritage!

By Robert Good, Epping Ongar Railway

Ashlar House: decorations fit for the Queen

Ashlar House celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style with a whole host of fun-filled activities, live music entertainment and lots of fizz. In recognition of the special occasion, the Ashlar House team organised a royal street party and welcomed family, friends and members of our local community, who enjoyed a variety of delicious cakes and tea, a barbecue and an ice cream van.

Ahead of the celebration, our residents and team worked hard to decorate the home with themed flags, colourful banners, and flower displays fit for the longest reigning monarch and not forgetting our royal mascots.

Epping Hall and the Jack Silley Pavilion

Epping Hall in St Johns Road and the Jack Silley Pavilion at Stonards Hill recreation ground are both available to hire for multi-purpose events, including meetings, classes and parties.

Please contact Epping Town Council on email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or telephone: 01992 579444. Details including charges and pictures are available on Epping Town Council’s website: www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

Epping Hall, St Johns Road (main offices of Epping Town Council (top) Jack Silley Pavilion (bottom, Julies café side)

Epping Primary School: Governors wanted

Epping Town Council would like to thank Epping in Bloom’s volunteers for all their hard work looking after the market garden terrace community garden at the side of Marks & Spencer. The volunteers meet in the garden on a Friday morning and enjoy different seasonal tasks in the garden. Why not join Epping in Bloom as a volunteer? They also look after Tower Road green plants and various other areas in Epping Parish.

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Epping Town Council look after many of the green spaces in Epping Parish. These include Stonards Hill recreation ground, Lower Swaines recreation ground, Ivy Chimneys recreation ground, Frampton Road, Parklands Coopersale and Brook Road. All except Brook Road have a playground. The recreation grounds get very well used and take a lot of maintenance behind the scenes.

This year, it has been extremely hot and dry, making the maintenance of these vital green spaces extra challenging. Please be respectful when using the grounds and follow the guidance given, such as no motorised vehicles of any kind and certainly no fires. We have lots of bins for litter and dog waste, so please use them and help us keep the grounds nice for everyone’s pleasure. Epping Town Council also look after Lovelocks Meadow, Bury Lane cemetery and the two allotment sites at Lower Bury Lane and Meadow Road. We hope you enjoy our lovely green spaces.

The Rotary Club of Epping has had a busy Summer, beginning in early May with the Service Above Self award to Roger Lowry. A well-known figure in the Town, Roger has assisted Rotary in many ways, as well as The Epping Foodbank, St John’s Church and other charities and groups. The annual St Clare Golf Day was, once again, a resounding success, raising the sum of £15,675 for St Clare Hospice. CEO Sarah Thompson said: “the amount raised helps ensure that we are able to be there for people who are facing one of the most difficult times of their life”. St Clare representative Ellie Gale attended a Rotary Meeting to receive a cheque from the Rotary team (see left). Having already raised over £5,500 for the Ukraine Appeal with the generous help of the Hellmers family of Latham’s Home in Epping High Street, Rotarians attended Ivy Chimneys Primary School Jubilee Fete, a fantastic event for children, where a further £100 was raised. This event was swiftly followed by the ‘Kids Out’ project, following Epping Forest District Council’s Inclusivity Programme, the siblings and families of disabled children were taken for a day out at Paradise Park. A parent commented: “The Rotary Club have been brilliant in supporting this sibling day out. It allows us to have special time with our children and ensures they don’t feel left out”.

June saw the return of Youth Makes Art, a fantastic exhibition of our young people’s art from across the Epping Forest District, which will be repeated in 2023. The summer outing to Southend for Dementia sufferers and their carers came next – a lovely break for everyone. A litter-pick on Bell Common by Rotarians has kept the area tidy for the time being, but sadly it’s an ongoing task. We could do with more help. At the Epping Town Show, Rotary played a dual role, stewarding the St Margaret’s car park, where the public were generous enough to donate £154.00 to the bucket collection for The Friends of St Margaret’s Hospital. At the show itself, Rotary brought The Treekly Project to Epping folks’ attention. Backed by the Eden Project and supported by well-known, sustainable brand names, the Treekly Challenge is to maintain a daily walking habit of 5,000 steps. Hit the target on 5 days in a week and in return one Mangrove Tree is planted on your behalf in Madagascar (the first project). The App is FREE from the AppStore or the Treekly website. Download it to your mobile ‘phone and once registered, click on ‘Join a Group’ and enter the code T-EPPTS. You’ll be able to track your steps and see how many trees you and everyone else is planting.

Classic Car Show Stonards Hill

Rotary Club of Epping

The Classic Car Show in July was a new departure for The Epping Rotary Club – a great day which will be repeated in 2023, so watch out for that next summer.

A date for your diary, 25th September

Epping Rotary Club are looking forward to the ‘BBC Children in Need Ramble and Fun Dog Show’ which will start from Stonards Hill and visit various areas around the park and in the Forest before coming back to Stonards Hill, a ramble of approximately three miles, dogs and children welcome. Contact Rotary for more details.

Email: eppingrotary@outlook.com

Save the Date: Epping Christmas Market. Epping Town Council will be holding its annual Christmas Market on Epping High Street on Saturday 3rd December from 10am to 4pm. Event includes craft and gift stalls, festive food/drinks stalls, a visit from Santa’s Reindeers and entertainment. Free entry. Further details in the next Talk About Epping.

Swaines Green May Fayre 2022

The weather was fantastic for the return of the Swaines Green May Fayre after its forced absence due to Covid and the largest number of visitors yet were out in force having a wonderful time.

There was a good selection of stalls selling food and drink, handicrafts and plants, as well as the popular attractions by animal charities, the beautiful Copped Hall Rolls Royce and chances to win coconuts and sweets; so plenty of interest for visitors of all ages.

In the arena, the ever-popular Punch and Judy show wowed the children and the ferret racing got the crowd excited as usual. The various tug of war matches were hugely popular and very competitive in a fun and friendly way. The Anwaar Belly Dancers, as always, put on a wonderful and colourful show; it was lovely to have them back. The Maypole dancing was fantastic, well done to the children from Coopersale and Theydon Garnon CE Primary School and a huge thank you to their teacher Mrs Lara Gardiner for teaching the children the dances, she also put in some nifty dancing herself. Events concluded with some four-legged excitement with the ever-enthusiastic fun dog show. The Nature Walk led by our bird expert, Roger Emmens, was also a great success with everyone enjoying seeing the rest of Swaines Green and learning about the area and what they could expect to see throughout the seasons.

A big thanks to all who attended and spent money with us, benefiting not just the shows and stalls, but also of course the Friends of Swaines Green Conservation Charity enabling the continued upkeep of the land. Thanks to last Civic Year’s Epping Town Mayor, Councillor Michael Wright, for opening the Fayre and judging the dog show. Thanks too to those who helped set up, helped run the event and cleared away at the end, including the very hard-working 1st Theydon Garnon Scouts, 3rd North Weald Scout leaders and too many people to mention. Well done and thanks to Richard Mortimer for being an excellent compere and Morag and Jeremy Batchelor and team for running the beer tent all day. And finally, thank you to Ahmet at the Thatch Cottage, who allowed us to use his land for our arena and surrounding stalls. Please do visit our website at: www.swainesgreen.org.uk or on Facebook ‘The Friends of Swaines Green’ to learn more about what we do, what you can find (animals, birds, wildlife, etc) at Swaines Green, how you can volunteer (volunteers are always needed), future events and photos from the Fayre.

Save the Date!

Next year’s May Fayre will be on Saturday 29th April (it’s always on the Saturday prior to May Day), we hope to see you all again then.

Be part of Epping’s Monday Market

Epping Monday Market established since 1253, open 52 weeks of the year including bank holidays, trading from 9am till 4pm. We are open come rain or shine and there is something for everyone, from glasses to plants from pet supplies to clothes, from bespoke gifts and bags to pickles and bread. We are always looking for new traders, especially ice cream vendors. Whether you are an established trader looking for another market to try or have always dreamt of having a career change with a new business, maybe with the next Dragons’ Den idea, why not come along and join the wide variety of stalls on offer to showcase your business or service and become part of the friendly Epping Market family.

To discuss opportunities, call the Epping Town Council office on: 01992 579444 or email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

Epping Town Council grants: next deadline 1 Sept 2022

Grants are available for local organisations and community groups that benefit residents of Epping Parish. Application forms and guidance are on Epping Town Council’s website under Services/Grants. www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

Epping Bowls Club celebrates in style

Epping Bowls Club celebrated the launch of the 2022 season on Saturday 23rd April with special guests Councillor Michael Wright, last Civic Year’s Mayor of Epping and his wife Lorna. Together they declared the club’s 111th season open.

After a glass of fizz, the ribbon was cut for the official opening. The Mayor fired bowls across the green and managed to hit the bell target giving great pleasure. Club President Peter Bates, and Club Captains Ron Perryman and Margaret Hopkinson welcomed members who then enjoyed their first roll up of the season.

Councillor Michael Wright said “It’s a delight to be back at the Club as I played here some years ago. So friendly and the help you gave me ignited my enthusiasm for the game. I play indoors and still have a great love for the game. I wish you a happy and successful season.”

Epping Bowls Club, established in 1911, is based in Lower Bury Lane, opposite Epping St John’s School’s back entrance. The Club is keen to recruit new members for this season.

Club President Peter Bates said: “We are delighted to welcome the Mayor and his wife to help us promote the joy of playing bowls to a wider audience.” Anyone retired, semi-retired, or younger, or working from home is welcome to try bowls. It is a fun and friendly activity and good for health and well-being. Just wear flat soled trainer type shoes.

The Club held free to attend ‘Come & Try’ sessions on Saturday 7th May and Tuesday 31st May. The Club also celebrated Bowls England’s Big Bowls Weekend with a fun event on Sunday 29th May. Details are on the Club website. Visit: www.eppingbowlsclub.co.uk

St Clare Hospice: First palliative care conference

St Clare Hospice is holding its first Palliative Care Conference on 14th September at the Manor of Groves Hotel in Hertfordshire.

Dr Qamar Abbas, Medical Director at St Clare Hospice (pictured) said: “We are delighted to be holding this event and look forward to welcoming a broad range of healthcare and social care professionals from across the country.”

“At the St Clare Palliative Care Conference, participants will have an opportunity to learn from experts across many disciplines and healthcare settings including hospitals, community, care homes and hospices. The conference is suitable for you if you have an interest in palliative care and want to learn more as well as if you are currently working in palliative care, at any level.”

“We have secured an excellent panel of speakers including Dr Libby Sallnow and Dr Sarah Russell who are the author and co-author of the Lancet Commission report on the Value of Death, Professor Julia Riley, a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Dr Eva Lew a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Farleigh Hospice. They will talk on how to achieve good end of life care, dying at home and patient centred end of life care, all topics relevant to so many healthcare professionals today.”

“The conference will provide delegates with the latest evidence and experiences to overcome barriers and challenges the sector is facing, with thought-provoking discussions and innovative viewpoints. The conference includes networking and learning opportunities.”

Dr Qamar Abbas added: “Priced at £95 we believe the earlybird ticket is excellent value for money. Our aspiration here at St Clare is to reach as wide an audience as possible and we have applied for Continuing Personal Development (CPD) accreditation for attendees.”

“Our goal is to build awareness and to offer solutions based on current evidence. This conference, with a wide range of topics and talks will be a great addition to our knowledge pool. We believe participation will be a critical step to improve knowledge base, partnership work and ultimately patient care.”

You can purchase your ticket or see the full conference agenda, click here: https://stclarehospice.org.uk/professionals/learning-resources/st-clare-hospice-palliative-careconference-2022/

Please email: conference@stclarehospice.org.uk with any other questions or queries.

Telephone enquiries: Sam Haythorpe, 01279 773700 ext 422

For more information on St Clare Hospice in general, visit: www.stclarehospice.org.uk

Telephone: 01279 773770 or email: info@stclarehospice.org.uk

Epping Open Gardens raise a record £10,000 for charities

On a bright, but breezy Saturday in May, our Epping open gardeners looked forward to a busy day displaying their gardens to the public. Shortly after the 10am start, visitors were flowing through the gates, where they were rewarded with a diverse collection of gardens and allotments, including the Epping Community Garden. Refreshments were available at many of the locations including the United Reformed Church. There were also opportunities to sit down for a break and buy plants, books and artwork.

Classic cars, a rock choir and belly dancing were to be seen at Shaftesbury Farm. Diane and Hugh Pegrum kindly hosted the venue and parking facilities.

Organiser Susan Axford said: “A massive thank you to all our gardeners, raffle ticket sellers, classic car owners and supporters for contributing to a wonderful day. The event raised an amazing £10,000 for charity with a substantial proportion coming from local business sponsorship”.

The funds raised have been shared between St Clare Hospice and the provision of a programme of free days out on the Epping Ongar Railway, for local people living with dementia, accompanied by their carers. The hugely successful first Railway event was held on July 6th which departed from North Weald station. The enthusiastic support of the event by Epping Ongar Railway and Epping Forest District Council was deeply appreciated.

Livewire Rock Academy

Livewire Rock Academy is Epping’s very own school of rock and is open to children and adults. Established in 2008 and with outlets also in Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden, the chain of rock schools has taught thousands of eager students in it’s 14 year history.

The lessons are an hour long, on a 2:1 basis and always end with a “rock jam” where all the students and tutors plug in and play songs together. It’s a huge amount of fun and a great way to learn to play electric guitar, bass or drums. Professional musician Simon Baker owns and manages the schools.

“Music lessons can be a bit boring, especially when you’re learning on your own. We wanted to change that approach with Livewire and give our students a more rounded experience with our lessons” he explained. “Playing songs together at the end of every lesson is like a fast-track way to learn to play. It puts the lesson into perspective and gives the students a great incentive to practise so they can play along.”

The rock school has been invited to play at many events over the years, including repeat bookings at the Stortford Music Festival and many carnivals, fetes and fayres. They also host their own charity concert twice a year which is always a sell out.

The Epping rock school takes place on a Thursday evening and is based in the school hall at Coopersale Hall School on Flux’s Lane, Epping. There are three sessions available, one for 6-9 year olds, one for 10-12 years and one for teens and adults.

Free taster lessons are available by contacting Simon Baker on 07941 670575 or emailing: simon@livewirerockacademy.co.uk More information is on the website: www.livewirerockacademy.co.uk

1st Theydon Garnon Scouts helping to make Epping a cleaner town

The Scouts decided to do another litter pick in Epping and intend to make this a yearly event. Last time they concentrated on Bell Common and this year they chose the estates behind St John’s Church. They collected over 20 bags of rubbish in an hour and a half, their Scout leader, Jacqui Mortimer, said they worked really hard and were very happy to have helped to make the estates a lot cleaner. This was only achievable by the assistance of the District Council who lent the Scouts the equipment needed to do this.

Epping Town Show Sunday 3rd July 2022

The annual Epping Town Show was held at Stonards Hill recreation ground on Sunday 3rd July. There were over 70 stalls including traders, community groups and charities taking part. Side shows included a bubble workshop, Circus skills, donkey rides, a photo booth caravan, facepainting, Punch & Judy and a dog agility area outside while there were model railways, tarot reading and an art display in the Jack Silley Pavilion. The entertainment programme included the local pipe and silver bands, local theatre, dance groups, a karate demonstration and finished off with a local band, Sahara.

Town Mayor Councillor Barbara Scruton said: “We had a lovely day. The weather was great and lots of people came and enjoyed the day.” Having car parks at St Margaret’s Hospital helped and thank you to them for giving the Town Council permission. Thank you to the volunteers who supported the Town Council including Rotary Club of Epping who looked after the hospital car parks. Many thanks to Mullucks estate agents who have loaned letting boards and supplied promotional leaflets. Thank you to the RAF for the Hurricane flypast which took place just after 1pm. Thank you to everyone who was involved. Look out for next year’s date and information. We start planning early, so do make an enquiry if you are interested in taking part.

Email gvallis@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

The Town Show is held in July each year.

Epping Forest District Council Youth Council election results

This year 34 young candidates aged between 12 and 17, contested 25 seats on the Youth Council. In March 4,560 students across the district’s secondary schools voted for who they felt would best represent youth issues. Epping Forest Youth Council is made up of 25 young people aged between 12 and 17 years, elected by their peers to give young people a voice in the district. Youth Councillors have an important role in saying how local services are run. Their views are important and they also represent other young people and their views, even if they don’t always agree with them. They meet with adult councillors from the district, town and parish councils, to ensure that young people’s voices are heard locally.

Keep up to date: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/efyc

Find us on: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • @eppingyc

Construction works in Epping

Residents may notice current and future building works taking place at the former St John’s School site in St Johns Road, at Cottis Lane car park, at Bakers Lane car park, the Condor Building (rear of Epping Forest District Council offices) and Hemnall Street (Leisure Centre site). These developments are being undertaken by Qualis Commercial. For any queries, please contact Qualis on email: info@qualiscommercial.co.uk or telephone 0333 230 0461.

(Epping Town Council look after the items listed on page 12).

Climate Action Funding work

Epping Town Council aims to pursue a project with three inter-related sections located at Stonards Hill recreation ground. The idea is that the more improvements we make to this area, the more we can inspire the community to get outdoors into nature and make use of the green space and the facilities it has to offer, while also lowering the area’s carbon footprint as locals are less likely to drive to non-local areas for recreational activities. Firstly, we plan to expand the central path from one metre to two metres wide, which will allow more walking space and be far more accessible for pushchair and wheelchair users. Additionally, we want to install LED lighting for the Jack Silley Pavilion located at the heart of the recreation ground. This will provide good luminosity for the building while emitting fewer greenhouse gases, compared to the current lighting system. Lastly, we plan to install more street lighting to keep the area well-lit and encourage further use of the facilities in the evenings. If you would like to give us some feedback on these projects please type in the link below into your browser and fill out the survey questions.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YQN7ZXF

The Music Den, Epping

Based in Hemnall Social Club, The Music Den continues to provide live music monthly. May saw the return to The Den of the Cadillac Kings who never fail to impress with their own style of rock ‘n’ roll. In June, it was the first appearance to The Den of The Feelgood Band, endorsed by the members of the original Dr Feelgood. Also in June, a Music Den Special saw the appearance of Kara Grainger from Nashville; Kara was on a 17-gig tour of the UK comprising of a number of festivals and it was pleasing that a near capacity audience attended to enjoy her music. The schedule for 2023 is slowly being put together.

Events for the rest of 2022 are as follows:

Tuesday 12th July

Tuesday 2nd August

Tuesday 13th September

Tuesday 11th October

Tuesday 8th November

Blue Touch

The Fran McGillivray Band

Captain America

Among the Willows

Fat Penguins

Tuesday 13th December The Spikedrivers

Please continue to support live music in Epping. Information: Hemnall Social Club website. Facebook: Hemnall Social Club & The Music Den, Epping. Tickets: wegottickets.com or direct from the Club.

Contact: Dennis Timbers

Mobile: 07768 811706 email: dennistimbers@msn.com

Epping Neighbourhood Plan

Epping Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan has been following closely behind Epping Forest District Council’s Local Plan. The Neighbourhood Plan needs to be in broad conformity with the Local Plan, but with its area-specific information and local knowledge.

The Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Committee last met on 25th November 2021 and our Neighbourhood Planning expert was provided with amendments to be made to the Neighbourhood Plan, in addition to vital information to protect our green spaces. These changes have been made and we are awaiting the finalising of Epping Forest District Council’s Local Plan, which has taken some years. If the Neighbourhood Plan proceeds without following the broad format of the Local Plan (with the local detailed knowledge), then there are possibilities for examination issues and further delays.

Epping Town Council will follow the progress of EFDC’s Draft Local Plan and once this has been finalised (hopefully in Autumn 2022), the Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Committee will meet again and finalise the details of the Neighbourhood Plan, ready to submit to Epping Forest District Council for examination.

Tuesday 11th OCTOBER 2022

Epping Horticultural Society Show 27th August

Epping Horticultural Society is holding their annual show on Saturday August 27th 2022 in St John’s Church, Epping. Come and join the fun and see just what the local community has been growing, making, baking (and cooking up) –wonderful preserves.

There is plenty to see, including various stalls from local societies and some craft stalls, a tea room serving refreshments, plant sales and a raffle.

The competitions are open to everyone, for details see our website: www.eppinghorticultural.org.uk or contact David Buckle on 01992 890591.

It’s not too late to enter the competitions yourselves, with plenty of categories and specific categories for children.

Exhibits accepted from 8am-10am.

Doors open to the public at 12.30pm.

Christine Burgess, Chair, Epping Horticultural Society

(Christine is also an Epping Town Councillor and Deputy Town Mayor 2022-2023)

THE DAFFODIL

By Louise Knight

To Mum on Mother’s Day (27th March 2022)

Hello to you! At last you come With a wave and a smile and a bob of your head, Bright as the sun, with a crown of glory, You appear from the depths of your muddy bed.

Gone are the long and wintry days, Gone is that heaviness in my soul: A murky, sullen and rainy place –Time after time it takes its toll.

Now, as I throw my gaze before me, I see you have not come alone: Crowds and crowds of yellow gems Adorn the barren space once known.

And how my heart leaps and bounds! –Like an eager lamb with springs in its knees, And how my soul lifts and soars, Like a candy-floss cloud blown by the breeze.

And as I hear the birds singing, And as I feel the sun on my face, I thank our God for the hope you are bringing, With joy and wonder and beauty and grace!

(Written when I was poorly with Covid).

Cover photograph: courtesy of Dreamstime

Epping Town Mayor & Deputy Mayor 2022-23

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Epping are elected each year by their fellow Town Councillors. This takes place at the Annual Council meeting in May each year. Councillor Barbara Scruton (pictured right) was elected as Epping Town Mayor 2022-23 (she previously held this honour in 2014-15).

Councillor Christine Burgess (pictured left) was elected as Deputy Town Mayor 2022-23. The Town Mayor with the support of their Deputy chairs Town Council meetings and is available to attend events to support our community.

Please contact them through Epping Town Council (details on page 12 of this magazine).

Epping Town Council information

COUNCILLORS

2019-2023

Members - Hemnall Ward

Cllr N Avey nigel.avey@btinternet.com

Cllr C Burgess christine_burgess@hotmail.com

Cllr C McCredie 07831 501598

Cllr B Scruton 01992 572333

Cllr M-L Whitbread mlwhitbread1@gmail.com

Cllr J Whitehouse 01992 561875 jon@jonwhitehouse.org.uk

Members - St John’s Ward

Cllr S Baker 07948 767959 Simonbaker348@btinternet.com

Cllr J Duffell 07847 357493 johnduffell@live.co.uk

Cllr R Griffiths 07917 841823 griffiths74@gmail.com

Cllr H Pegrum 01992 572173

Cllr G Scruton grscruton@gmail.com

Cllr M Wright 07926 516097

Cllr N Avey, Cllr C McCredie and Cllr Jon Whitehouse are also District Councillors. Other Local Representatives

EFDC & ECC Cllr Chris Whitbread (01992 573557) Cllr.Christopher.Whitbread@essex.gov.uk

EFDC Cllr Les Burrows (01992 572003) cllr.lburrows@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

EFDC & ECC Cllr Holly Whitbread (07508 180426) holly.whitbread@btinternet.com

EFDC Cllr Janet Whitehouse (01992 812503) cllrjanetwhitehouse@gmail.com

MP: Dame Eleanor Laing MP (020 8508 6608) eleanor.laing.mp@parliament.uk

invitations for the m ayor

If you are organising an event which you would like the Mayor or a representative of the Town Council to attend, please email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk marked Invitation for the Mayor or tel: 01992 579444

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor attend many different events over the year to support our local groups, businesses and organisations.

talk about epping deadlines

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS

Please note: meetings are currently in-person meetings and will be held at Epping Hall unless otherwise stated.

FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING, SEE EPPING TOWN COUNCIL’S WEBSITE FOR MEETINGS

Epping Town Council responsibilities

Bury Lane Cemetery Halls:

Monday Charter Market Epping Hall, St Johns Rd

Bakers Lane Toilets Jack Silley Pavilion, Recreation Grounds: Stonards Hill

Stonards Hill

Allotments: Ivy Chimneys Lower Bury Lane

Lower Swaines Meadow Road

Frampton Road Town Show

Parklands, Coopersale Christmas Market Brook Road

Christmas Lights

Talk About Epping (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)

Consultee on Planning

Epping Town Council’s Planning Committee consider every planning & TPO (tree protection order) application in Epping and give their views to Epping Forest District Council, who are the local planning authority.

Articles for the next edition of Talk About Epping must be submitted before 10 October 2022 (Winter issue) and 9 January 2023 (Spring issue). Submissions should be sent to Epping Town Council via email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk clearly marked ‘Talk About Epping’. Please send in copy on a word document (200-300 words max). Please attach pictures as separate jpegs (not inserted into the word document) The editor may amend copy appropriately.

For more information, visit our new website: www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

Follow us on twitter: @eppingtown

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/epping.towncouncil