Epping’s War Memorial is 100

Epping War Memorial was 100 years old on 8th May 2021. The War Memorial will be cleaned in June 2021, subject to dry weather and we hope to hold a rededication service and commemorative events. It is a Grade II listed monument to protect it for future generations.

John Duffell, secretary of the Royal British Legion, Epping & District branch (and a Town Councillor), has an extensive collection of wartime historical information and we hope to hold an exhibtion to showcase this.

Further details will be provided once the current health restrictions ease. Keep an eye out for posters and information on Epping Town Council’s website at: www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

Lower Swaines playground refurbishment

Could you be an Epping Superhero? We need you! Having agreed on plans for a major upgrade of the playground at Lower Swaines Recreation ground, Trustees of registered charity, The Epping Playground Association need your help. With a fundraising target of £120,000 set to cover equipment and installation costs, the parent volunteer Trustees have already raised over £10,000 in grants, pledges and generous donations. Playground plans will regenerate the area in keeping with the natural landscape, providing play spaces for children and encouraging activity for all residents in Epping.

“We’ve already received some offers of support from local residents and businesses,” says Trustee Habibah Wise, “but it feels like a big amount of money to raise and we’d really like to get things moving.”

Covid restrictions have definitely slowed down fundraising opportunities which is why the team is appealing to the people of Epping to help out. The community project is being backed by local buisnesses and recent successful grant applications include £1500 from Epping Town Council, £2000 from County Councillor Chris Whitbread and a further £500 from an Epping Community projects micro grant. Once Covid restrictions ease, the team plan to put on fundraising events to help raise awareness of the charity and create fun, active, community events for the people of Epping. How can you help?

1. The easiest and quickest way to help is to donate via our GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/EppingPlayground), where you can also view the plans.

2. Are you a business who would consider sponsoring an item of playground equipment or help support a fundraising event?

3. Does your employer have a benevolent fund which would support a local charity?

4. Could your school/organisation help support this local charity through a fundraising event?

5. Volunteer time/talents to help with fundraising events.

6. Share our fundraising efforts with your friends/family.

7. Donate at www.paypal.me/Epping Playground.

Other ways to help: Nominate Epping Playground Association at smile.amazon.co.uk

Follow us on: Instagram: epping_playground_association

Facebook: EppingPlaygrou1

Get in touch at: eppingplaygroundassociation@gmail.com

Our Trading Hut opens on Sundays, 10am - midday, at the Meadow Road allotments, offering the lowest prices on all the provisions you need to maintain your garden, as well as friendly advice from experienced gardeners. We sell everything from bamboo canes to bonemeal, potting compost to potash, rooting powder and so much more. You can take advantage of our amazing low prices just by becoming a member of the society for just £2 a year!

Support our Mini Flower Show at the Town Show on Sunday 4th July 2021 at Stonard’s Hill recreation ground, which we are hosting during the day.

Please check out our website for more details on the flowers you could enter by visiting our website: www.eppinghorticultural.org.uk

During the day we will be selling lots of goodies and plants; please visit our stall and take away a bargain too! We are not holding our annual Horticultural Show this year. Instead, we will host a virtual show in August. More details of submission dates for pictures to be sent to us for the different classes will be shared on our website sometime in May. On behalf of all the Epping Horticultural Society committee members, we would like to wish you a happy growing season ahead filled with much joy.

By Victoria Robertson

Many people have found their allotments such a great place to be over the past year in particular. Do get in touch if you are an Epping Parish resident and want to be placed on our waiting list for Meadow Road or Lower Bury allotment sites in Epping.