Talk About Epping Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

TALK ABOUT EPPING

QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

The Mayor’s view Tree planting commemorates

this road race going through the town and there will be stalls and activities over the weekend.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this town as Mayor and Chairman of Epping Town Council for a second term and though we are still suffering the effects of Covid restrictions, we are starting to return to normal, which has meant it has been a very busy time for both myself and my wife Lorna.

Being a top green bowler myself, it was great fun opening Epping Bowling Club for the coming season on the 23rd April. £134,000 has now been raised by Epping Playground Association for the refurbishment of Lower Swaines playground and it is expected work will commence shortly. This will provide the town with a fantastic new playground. Thank you to all those involved for their monumental effort.

It was wonderful to be able to plant three oak trees at Stonards Hill recreation ground to commemorate The Queen’s Green Canopy for the Jubilee. Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Hugh Pegrum planted the first one, followed by myself as Town Mayor and then John Batchelor as a Freeman of Epping. RideLondon Essex will be going through Epping on the weekend of 28th and 29th May.

Epping can expect about 25,000 riders in

I enjoyed meeting residents at the Annual Town Meeting in April, where residents address their questions to the Town Council about matters relating to the Town and which the Town Council has some influence over.

It is always a great pleasure to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the town at the Mayor’s Civic Reception, which is the first time we have been able to hold this for two years. There have been lots of other events including opening the refurbished wing of Ashlar House Care Home, an Epping/Eppingen supper evening and opening a pergola in the Market Garden terrace community garden, plus many more, which Lorna and I have greatly enjoyed.

A huge thanks to the Town Clerk Beverley Rumsey and her excellent team at the Town Council.

To my fellow councillors, thank you for making my job easy and such a pleasure and to my wife Lorna for not stabbing me too often when helping me put on the Mayor’s chain and for her support throughout.

I look forward to meeting many more of you at the Platinum Jubilee events in June. Do look out for details on the town noticeboards and the Town Council’s website.

Michael Wright

Epping Town Council has planted three oak trees on Stonards Hill recreation ground to mark the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to commemorate Her Royal Highness’s Platinum Jubilee. The trees were planted in separate locations around the recreation ground by Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Hugh Pegrum, Town Mayor councillor Michael Wright and Freeman of Epping John Batchelor. At each planting a speech was made.

“On behalf of the people of Epping, I plant this tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne. This tree will be marked on the commemorative map which will be sent to Buckingham Palace and a plaque will be placed to mark its planting. May this tree grow strong and healthy in her Majesty’s honour.”

Representatives from Ivy Chimneys Primary School helped plant the trees with the event also attended by local residents and representatives from the Rotary Club of Epping, St John’s Church, the Epping Society, along with Epping town councillors and Epping Forest District councillors.

Epping’s Monday Market is open every Monday in Epping High Street. Don’t forget to ‘Shop Local’ and support our Market and High Street. Epping Town Council are pleased to be erecting a special blue plaque to commemorate the market’s historic and current importance, the market having been granted by Royal Charter in 1253.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: 2nd-5th June 2022

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Epping Town Council are delighted to be leading the celebrations to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, marking the Queen’s 70 years of service to the country. Epping’s weekly Monday Market will be themed for the Jubilee on 30th May and the High Street will be decorated in red, white and blue bunting. The Royal British Legion are encouraging Epping residents and businesses to decorate their homes or businesses in red, white and blue from the date of the Jubilee-themed Monday market until Sunday June 5th, which will officially mark the end of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. On Thursday, June 2nd from 8pm we will be taking part in the nationwide beacon lighting programme at Frampton Road Recreation Ground in partnership with the Lindsey Street Community Association, where an array of performances will be held throughout the evening. To start off the night, at 8pm a local band Sahara will be performing a setlist of cover songs until 9.15pm. After this a Piper will play various traditional pieces including ‘Diu Regnare’. From 9.40pm a bugle/cornet player will play ‘Majesty’. To accompany the display of the beacon lighting which will begin at 9.45pm, a Choir will sing ‘Song for the Commonwealth’. A licensed bar and food will be provided. On Friday 3rd June, St John’s Church hope to stream St Paul’s Cathedral’s service of thanksgiving and later in the day, Hemnall Social Club will be hosting entertainment with band Scraping the Barrel. On Sunday 5th June, Epping Forest Band will be hosting a free concert on the Town Green by the War Memorial. Aside from the events Epping Town Council has organised, many residents have advised us that they are holding street parties to celebrate in their own roads. We hope to provide a map of the parties. Look out for more information as plans develop.

The Queen’s representatives

Each county has a Lord Lieutenant to represent them in official duties and who is appointed by the Queen. Lord Lieutenants are chosen because of their important contribution to public life; the Lord-Lieutenant for Essex is Jennifer Tolhurst. The Lord Lieutenant appoints deputies to assist them, subject to the Queen’s approval. Once appointed, they are holders of public office.

The role of the Deputy Lieutenant is to deputise for the Lord-Lieutenant or Vice-Lord-Lieutenant when necessary, advise on nominations and honours, including the New Year’s Honours and the Queen’s Birthday Honours, help identify companies, enterprises and charities which might be considered for Queen’s Awards, helping with important awards and ceremonies and visiting voluntary organisations and compiling assessments for nominations for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Epping Town Council were delighted to learn that in 2021, one of our Town Councillors, Hugh Pegrum, was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Essex.

Hugh Pegrum DL is an arable farmer from Epping where he has lived and farmed all his life. He studied Agriculture at Writtle College and was a member of Ongar Young Farmers which culminated in him serving as County Chairman of Essex Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. He has been a member of Epping Town Council since 1999 and served as Epping Town Mayor in 2002. Hugh is Treasurer of the Epping Theydon Trust, a local housing charity, and a trustee of The Epping & Theydon Garnon Joint Charities which owns alms houses, a small farm and gives educational grants to local students. Hugh is married to Diane and has two daughters.

It seems fitting that as Hugh was Town Mayor in 2002 and representing Epping in The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, he is now representing the Queen and assisting the Town Council in the development of the plans for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Hugh planted the first of the oak trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy at Stonards Hill recreation ground in February and will be lighting the beacon on 2nd June at Frampton Road recreation ground, as part of the national beacon lighting programme.

On behalf of everyone at Epping Town Council, congratulations to Hugh.

Queen’s Coronation Day 1953

by John Duffell

On 2nd June 1953, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated in Epping, as it was across the country. Local people had been making plans for weeks. There was to be a procession through the town, a fair at Stonards Hill and in the evening a torchlight procession and music and dancing. The one thing that couldn’t be planned was of course the weather. The day itself was unseasonably cold, with what was described at the time as an icy wind. The festivities were due to start in the afternoon and eventually people started to leave the warmth of their homes and gathered in the High Street, huddling together in shop doorways in an effort to keep warm. Slowly the crowd grew, and a police car signalled the start of the procession.

The procession was led by local people on horseback dressed in royal costumes. They were followed by four men dressed in tricorn hats carrying a sedan chair containing 15 year-old schoolgirl Susan Greenwood. Then came a coach and horses belonging to the Pelly family, and a collection on bicycles of all shapes and sizes, including a penny-farthing. The Pearly King and Queen of Ongar came past, accompanied by their 7 year-old daughter. Behind them came a couple of veteran cars, one of which had broken down earlier, and was only able to take part after some last-minute roadside repairs. A contingent from 414 Squadron of the Air Training Corps pulled a somewhat squeaky carriage upon which was mounted a large crown. Unfortunately this lost a wheel and also had to be hurriedly repaired. After this came a succession of floats, mostly on lorries supplied by W J Keen. The Cottis entry was a thatched cottage on wheels, which won the first prize in the traders section. British Matthews took second prize, with coal merchants Hayden’s coming third. The Hayden entry featured a couple in easy chairs next to a glowing fire, They must have wished that the fire was real as they sat huddled in their overcoats in the back of the lorry.

Among the other entries were Epping Floral Society, who had a fully-planted garden on their lorry, Theydon Garnon Sunday School, portraying children of all races, and the British Legion, whose Elizabethan tableau won a prize for the most imaginative float. The complete list of prize-winners was as follows. Representative Class: 1 British Red Cross,

2 Epping Secondary School, 3 Epping Scouts. Traders: 1 Cottis, 2 British Matthews, 3 Hayden’s Coal. Imaginative:

1 British Legion, 2 Pyne’s Stores, 3 Epping Roman Catholic Church. Decorative: 1 Epping Women’s Institute, 2 Theydon Garnon Sunday School, 3 Epping Floral Society.

After the procession many people made their way up to the fair at Stonards Hill. None stayed very long, however, as it was far too cold, Others were determined to carry on regardless of the weather, Ben Hiscott conducted the Epping Silver Band dressed in an overcoat and a trilby hat.

Following the prizegiving there was an impromptu meeting of the Celebration Committee. The Chairman, Councillor C Corti Woodcock, announced that the planned evening entertainment would be postponed to the following day, which was a Saturday. Despite the bad weather, Epping still managed to celebrate the Coronation in some style.

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee: 1897

Articles by John Duffell, Secretary of the Royal British Legion, Epping & District Branch and Epping Town councillor

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee: 1897

On 22nd June 1897, Epping joined the rest of the country in celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee following an Epping Urban District Council meeting on 5th March. A large committee of 48 people was set up to make the arrangements, split into five sub-committees. An appeal was made to the people of Epping for donations and over £250 was raised. When the day of celebration dawned, the High Street was a blaze of colour from end to end. Flags and streamers hung from every window, and red, white and blue bunting was stretched from tree to tree and post to post. The tree supports were decorated with paper flowers, paper chains and bunting, and Japanese lanterns were placed in the foliage. The water fountain, which had been erected ten years previously to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, was adorned with brightly-coloured paper flowers and pale green leaves. Every shopfront was decorated with either flags or bunting in red, white and blue, and many had coloured lamps and illuminated hanging lanterns. William Cottis & Sons shop was transformed into a miniature forest, enhanced at night by hundreds of coloured lights hung between the boughs and the leaves. The foundry office and Squiers (the Cottis family residence) displayed the letters “VR”, flanked with coloured stars. Other shop displays were put on by A B Davis, Joseph Hills, Messrs Pyne, Thurlow, Butcher, Blows, Williams, Joe Stace, George Hummerston, Blyth, Voss, Church, Trussell, Field, Newland, Prentice, Green, Co-Operative Stores, Cornwell & Son, Scruby, Bovingdon, Foster, Rowell, Flack, Barnard, Whitlow, Fuller, Roe, Teece, Nokes, Saward and Dearlove. A huge sign saying “God Save The Queen” was suspended between two masts above the railings in the Market Place. The decorations were in the charge of Mr G J Creed. The trees on the north side of the High Street were decorated by Mr F W Moore. Mrs P Savill made a donation of £1 for this. Those on the south side were decorated and paid for by Mrs Penrose. A large Union flag flew from the flagstaff on top of the Cock Hotel, and the Royal Standard was flown from the roof of Northlands, the home of Dr T Fowler. The Police Station was covered in flowers and coloured flags. All the public houses, from the Bell up to the Royal Oak on the Plain, were covered in decorations. Even the Union Workhouse (now St Margaret’s Hospital) joined in. The Epping Monthly Record reported that “the poor Jacks and Jills within the house were not forgotten”. At 7am men of the Epping Detachment of G Company, 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment marched through the town to the green under the command of Lieutenant Windus. There the Royal Salute was given, with the Town Band playing the National Anthem. Three volleys were fired. Led by Major Trotter, the assembled company gave three rousing cheers to Her Majesty, and then marched back to the drill hall in St Johns Road. At 11am a special thanksgiving service took place in St John’s Church, conducted by Revd E Buckmaster. He was assisted by two other members of the clergy in Epping, Revd J Smith Spencer from the Wesleyan Chapel (now the Methodist Church) and Revd Chas Wright from the Congregational Church (now the United Reform Church). A collection taken at the service raised £6 12s 9d (£6.64) for the Essex Cottage Nursing Association. A contingent of cyclists riding decorated bikes paraded before judges outside the Cock Hotel. While this was taking place, children lined up on the green in front of the Wesleyan Chapel and were presented with a jubilee medal supplied by Epping Brewery manager Harry Yerburgh. The cyclists and the children then joined a procession through the town. Harry Yerburgh was the Chief Marshall, dressed in a scarlet tunic and a white helmet and riding a spirited horse. The parade was led by the Fire Brigade, with Engineer Whiting in command. They were followed by twenty members of the Town Band. The Fire Brigade led the parade past the top of Station Road on their way to The Plain, the parade passing through the High Street. Next came the Friendly Societies of Epping, of which there were many. They included members of the Loyal Temple of Peace, Court “Robin Hood” of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Friendly Brothers, Patriots and Hearts of Oak. A number of cars representing traders were entered into the procession, and prizes were awarded for the best of these. First prize went to Gazette proprietor Alfred Davis. His entry, named “Caxton Press”, had on it a printing press which turned out copies of the National Anthem as it went along. These were distributed to the crowds along the route. Second prize went to High Street Grocer Joseph Hills, and the third was shared equally between the Epping Brewery Company and builders James Whiffin & Sons. Others who took part included Hayden & Sons (coal merchant), J Nunn, F Whitlow, G Pegrum (dairymen), N S Lawrence, J Blows (bakers), T Williams (wine merchant), G Roe (horse dealer), W Cable & Sons (builders), R Sheridan (chimney sweep) and the Co-Operative Stores. The next event was a sports competition, which included an egg & spoon race, a needle & thread race, a three-legged and an obstacle race. There was also a “tub race” and a greasy pole. Following the sports competition around 800 children enjoyed tea provided by Revd Buckmaster, including buns, nuts and sweetmeats. At 10pm a huge bonfire (30ft tall) was lit on The Plain. The Town Band played the National Anthem beside it. The event at The Plain came to an end with a firework display. The final event was a torchlight procession along the High Street, just before midnight. Throughout the day the weather had been good. It later transpired that the people of Epping were very fortunate. The following day one of the worst storms in living memory struck the area, wreaking havoc with the Jubilee celebrations in North Weald and other local villages.

Lower Swaines playground refurbishment

Epping Town Council are delighted to announce that the playground at Lower Swaines recreation ground will be refurbished in the coming months.

Epping Playground Association are a registered charity, consisting of local residents, who have given up their time as trustees to fundraise tirelessly for the refurbishment of the playground over the last three years. Many of you may have attended HappyFest in 2021 (pictures left). The Association had raised a staggering £84,000 for the project, with the support of Epping Town Council who maintain the land and playground. This is now £134,000.

Epping Playground Association created a wish list back in 2019 and this was formalised into an exciting accessible and inclusive playground design, approved by Epping Town Council, who will manage and maintain the playground moving forwards.

The design includes something for all ages and abilities, from 0 to upper teens and has been informed by consultation with residents and children, to ensure what is delivered is what the community wants. The total cost of the project is £120,000, with approximately a further £14,000 needed for an accessible path/entrance to the new equipment.

Epping Playground Association had a shortfall which has been made up by Qualis Commercial (£50,000). Qualis Commercial are developing five sites in Epping Town, including the former school site at St John’s and this generous contribution has enabled the project to be delivered in full. Epping Playground Association will continue to work with Epping Town Council on delivering this exciting new community facility over the coming months.

The Playground Association have been supported by local residents, businesses, Epping Town Council, District and County Councillors and now Qualis. Qualis’ contribution has been made via a Section 106 agreement relating to their new developments and in this case, is designed to support the delivery of community facilities for residents and in particular, the enhancement of green spaces. Epping Town Council would like to thank Epping Playground Association for all their hard work in fundraising for this great facility. A big thank you also to all the local residents, businesses and councillors who have supported the charity’s aim. Qualis’ contribution has been vital to the final delivery of the project and will mean that nothing has to be omitted from the wish list. Epping Town Council look forward to working with Epping Playground Association on delivering the new facilities.

Time to get walking again

At this time of year we start to think about the mud drying up and getting out to walk in the beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?

Walking in Essex: https://www.walkingin england.co.uk/essex has hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place. John Harris (the custodian of the website) said: “There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Essex (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you.”

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy. So home or away, check out the websites and get walking.

SUPPORT SURVIVALJOURNEY

FOR YOUR

NEW support group for survivors of domestic abuse, starting in April for those in Epping and surrounding areas

A safe space, offering you: Trauma-aware trained facilitators

Group peer support Signposting and referral services Mindfulness tools Refreshments

For more info email: thrivegroupepping@gmail.com

Epping Town Show, Sunday 3rd July 2022, 12 noon to 5pm. Stonards Hill recreation ground. Stalls, arena events, funfair, refreshments, Lots of fun for all the family.

The Epping Forest District is hosting the RideLondon Classique women’s tour Race on Saturday 28 May and the RideLondon-Essex 100 mass participation ride on Sunday 29 May. Epping Forest District Council are arranging a number of community activities over the RideLondon weekend. On the Saturday there will be community stalls from 9am-2pm, which will be set up on the green opposite the Civic offices. There will be various cycling demonstrations from local clubs and bike maintenance advice/practical demonstrations from local shops on the left-hand side of the Civic Offices. The Community, Culture and Wellbeing team at Epping Forest District Council will be encouraging interactive community pavement art at each end of the High Street.

Businesses are being encouraged to decorate their shop fronts in red, white and blue and with a cycling theme. With the mass ride on the Sunday we are encouraging local musicians to be part of the fan zones along the route. If anyone is interested in taking part or volunteering, it’s not too late. This is a fantastic opportunity for our district so please come along and have some fun. Please contact Wendy or Patrick: wcockbill@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or parnold@eppingforestdc.gov.uk for more information.

Epping Town Council and Epping Forest District Council are working closely together to ensure the residents of Epping are informed on what to expect on the weekend of RideLondon-Essex, as well as the planning and organisation of various entertainment, activities, merchandise and displays. Epping Town Council organised an exhibition at Epping Hall, presented by London Marathon Events to inform businesses and residents who may be affected by the road closures which will run through Epping High Street.

If you would like to ask London Marathon Events (the organisers of the actual RideLondon-Essex races) any questions, please email: helpdesk@londonmarathonevents.co.uk

Theydon Grove (Esso Island) tree planting

Epping Town Council have planted some trees on ‘Esso Island’ at Theydon Grove in Epping at the request of the neighbouring residents. The Town Council purchased the land formerly owned by the oil company (once it had all been made safe) in order to protect it from development. The trees were chosen by representatives of the Theydon Grove Residents Association and will be a welcome addition to the green site, complementing the existing trees. The new trees are an Amelanchier Robin Hill, a Pyrus cal Chanticleer and a Prunus Kanzan. Cllr Christine Burgess, Cllr Cherry McCredie, Christine Burt and Charlie Geddes assisted Town Supervisor Bill Towers and groundsman Martin Patience with the planting of the trees. We hope they will be a welcome addition for residents and the whole area, supporting Epping Town Council’s aims to protect and enhance the trees in our Town, Parish and ownership.

EPPING OPEN GARDENS AND CLASSIC CAR SHOW SATURDAY 28TH MAY, 10AM-5PM.

Epping Open Gardens are back again after cancelling our 2020 date due to Covid 19. The new date is now Saturday 28th May from 10am-5pm. We have 14 gardens plus the market garden alongside M&S and some allotments open. A few of the gardens will be providing refreshments. We will be supporting St Clare Hospice and providing funds for Historic Epping Ongar Railway to run a trip for people with memory loss. Programmes are available in advance at £5 per person by contacting Sue Axford on 01992 561588 or by email: susanaxford100@gmail.com. Parking will be available at Shaftesbury Farm, Lindsey Street, Epping, CM16 6RE, where programmes can also be purchased on the day at £6 per person. Alongside the gardens we will have our Classic Car Show, some will be at Shaftesbury Farm whilst others parked at some open gardens. We also have Sally Creedon and the Rock Choir of Harlow, Cheshunt and Epping singing in the field at the farm from 12 noon. There will be lots to do and see, so please come along and support us.

St Clare Hospice: Epping news

Epping bereavement café

St Clare Hospice is running a weekly Bereavement Café on Monday mornings in Epping, from 10am – 11.30am. The drop-in café events give people to a chance to meet and share their experiences of loss with each other.

“Our Bereavement Café project aims to connect local people together, to support each other throughout grief,” explains Fiona Venus, Bereavement Support Services Manager at St Clare Hospice.

“We feel that connecting with others who’ve had similar experiences can provide some of the most meaningful support when you are grieving. Our Café events offer a safe space to meet others; speak about our experiences; ask questions; share resources; and make new friends.” No need to book, just drop in!

For more information, visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/bereavementcafé, Hemnall Street Social Club, Epping, 50 Hemnall Street, Epping, CM16 4LS. Every Monday 10am-11.30am (From March)

Open Gardens 2022

Open Gardens will take place on weekends throughout June and July, giving green-fingered fans a chance to explore some of the best-kept green spaces in our catchment area, all in aid of the Hospice. Explore more than 20 gardens from the villages of Thornwood to Hastingwood, Harlow, Epping and Loughton. Entry is paid at the gate and starts at just £5 – enough to pay for a handheld fan, a key piece of kit for a patient attending one of our Breathlessness Management courses.

Tea, cakes and lunches are available in many of the gardens. Pick up your FREE brochure in any of our shops, or visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/open-gardens-2022

For more details call: Ellie Gale on 01279 773734 or email: ellie.gale@stclarehospice.org.uk

Volunteering at St Clare Hospice

St Clare Hospice is looking for anyone with an interest or experience in retail – either in our shops or virtually: volunteering for St Clare Hospice’s e-commerce team. One area of volunteering that has grown over the last year is in our e-Commerce team – eBay, Depop and Vinted. Jacqui and Anne have volunteered in e-Commerce for 6 and 8 years. They are part of the life cycle of a donation, from the time it arrives in eBay to the time it is packed and ready for its new home.

At the start of their shift, they sort through donations, checking for unusual or valuable items, research them and check things like Lego sets or jigsaws are complete. They photograph the items, write the wording for the listings, and when sold, pack the items carefully, so they are ready to be posted to the buyers. Anne said she liked the social aspect of volunteering and feeling that you’re contributing. Jacqui added “You feel as though we are doing some good.” Volunteer Shop Assistants Needed.

Volunteering in St Clare Hospice’s charity shops is a great way to make new friends, do something for your local town and learn new, or brush up old skills. Would you like to join our shop volunteering team? Your role could include:

• Operating a till

• Sorting stock

• Helping customers

• Filling shelves

Go to stclarehospice.org.uk/volunteer to find out more or ring 01279 773729

Epping Mayor helps care home celebrate start of a new era

Ashlar House in Epping held an Open Day to celebrate the start of a new era, following significant investment to the home in the form of a complete refurbishment and creation of a brand new eight-bed residential unit. Visitors including residents’ families, local business owners and the Mayor of Epping, Cllr Michael Wright, were welcomed to view the home’s stylish new interior and take a tour at the Open Day on 5th March 2022. The home’s hospitality team provided complimentary refreshments. Live entertainment was provided by local musicians, whilst volunteers from Epping Air Cadets assisted hospitality staff to hand out drinks and event goodie-bags to visitors. The Mayor officially opened the new look home by cutting the ribbon before enjoying a tour with General Manager Sharon Osborne. Staff and visitors chatted with him about the stunning new interior, many commenting that the home resembles a luxury spa retreat as much as a care home.

Local business owner Arhon Ankhkara commented: “I was extremely impressed during my visit to Ashlar House today. The whole premises has had a beautiful makeover and provides very impressive facilities. Ashlar House has succeeded in making one of the toughest decisions we would need to make in our lives a whole lot easier. Suffice to say, I would highly recommend.”

The home’s General Manager was available to answer any questions guests had about finding the right home and about the services offered at Ashlar House. Sharon, General Manager at Ashlar House said: “The home is looking incredible after the recent investment and it was a pleasure to showcase the stunning new interior at the Open Day. Our Interior Design team have done a wonderful job. My door is always open and anyone who couldn’t make the Open Day is very welcome to drop by for a cup of tea any other day instead.” Ashlar House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.

Ashlar House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for up to 44 residents from respite care to long term stays. For more information contact: Kieran Baines on 07741 147078 or Kieran@Baines@Barchester.com

Epping Society: Epping’s green & pleasant land (part 2)

Following on from our last article, we now turn to the grass area, the Town Green, just to the North of the centre, next to Church Hill. In particular, the narrow stretch of roadway near Epping War Memorial. The road is far too narrow for two vehicles to pass and certainly not enough for articulated lorries to swing around. A similar situation applies to the stretch of Church Field, further down the Green. Recently, several vehicles have driven off the tarmac and onto the grass, where damage is immediate and obvious. This damage even reached the attention of Dame Eleanor Laing MP, before Remembrance last November. The damage was repaired, and an iron “mine” obstacle installed. However the mis-use continues. Solutions possible would include closing off the short stretch, or making it one-way, 6’6” width restriction, raising the kerb height, or installing bollards or posts (as has been done successfully in nearby Tidy’s Lane). As before, we have consulted with the various bodies involved and a meeting took place, but immediate action seems unlikely. So if you share our concern, please take a photo of any vehicle you see driving or stopped on the grass. Please do not get into a confrontation and do not snap the number plate. Then email it to your local councillors or send them to us at: info@ eppingsociety.org.uk PS thank you to an encouragingly large number of residents who have sent us photos of misparking on other green strips, from our last article. These have been passed on; it is good to know that our concerns are shared.

Community litter pick in Coopersale

The cold wind and drizzle didn’t stop a band of volunteers getting out on a Saturday morning in March to tidy up the streets and verges of Coopersale. Cllr Cherry McCredie joined the group of village-proud residents to clean up and have a natter along the way. Litter-picks only take up an hour of your time and they happen quite regularly now.

Organised by the Coopersale Community Group, this one had an added bonus: at the end of the ‘pick’ was a wonderful cup of homemade soup and a cheese roll for lunch, served in the church.

Old Jubilee Guides

Many of you will remember the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and some of you may have lived in Epping at that time. A few of you may even remember this celebration on 6th May 1935. It is interesting to see how times and fashions have moved on. What is also interesting to see is how later generations still enjoy coming together to celebrate the achievements of The Queen, which grow ever longer as the years pass. We hope that the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Epping will involve as many of our community as possible and give us some memories and information to put in publications in the future. After the Platinum Jubilee, please share the stories and pictures of your Jubilee celebrations so we can share them in our next edition of Talk About Epping for future generations to look back on.

Epping Forest Community Hub

Since the Civic Offices reopened in July 2021, Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has provided additional ways to access services that offer support and guidance. We are delighted to be working in partnership with so many great organisations to bring our services together and give easier access to residents. Services you can access in the Epping Community Hub are:

• Adult Social Care – an Essex County Council service

• Alzheimer’s Society

• Changing Pathways

• Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

• Epping Forest Foodbank

• CHESS Homeless

• Epping Forest Citizens Advice

• NHS Mental Health Services

• Family Solutions – an Essex County Council service

• Papworth Trust

• Phoenix Futures

• Peabody Outreach Support

• Voluntary Action Epping Forest

Each partner organisation is in the hub on different days. This is to ensure there is a range of services available; still allow for responsible distancing whilst in the building; booking of confidential meeting space and staff allocation across other sites. We’ve received some fantastic feedback from residents who have already visited The Hub and received the support, guidance and help needed.

We have already had success stories, such as a resident who was soon to be made homeless. By visiting the Epping Community Hub they were able to see and work with Peabody and EFDC Homelessness Team in one place. Over the course of a few weeks they continued to visit The Hub and were eventually provided with somewhere to live and the appropriate follow up support was put in place. In the coming months, look out for awareness campaigns such as Mental Health Awareness Week in May that EFDC Services and the Epping Community Hub partners will be promoting and actively supporting.

For more details, please visit: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/eppingcommunityhub, or scan the barcode, which will take you to the Epping Community Hub page.

Epping Chorus: 50th Anniversary Concert

This year, Epping Chorus celebrates its 50th anniversary with a summer concert at St John’s Church on Saturday 9th July. The choir, which originated in 1972 as the ‘Epping Church Choirs Association’, quickly gained a strong reputation and sings a wide variety of music, both sacred and secular. During that time, it has been providing choral music in Epping with a variety of concerts and this summer will mount a celebratory concert at St John’s, Epping to mark the occasion. A short programme of well-loved pieces including Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel and Rutter will be followed by a reception. Despite its 50 years, the choir is still as ambitious as ever, with plans for more concerts and an expanded repertoire. They welcome new members and anyone interested in choral singing should contact them on www.eppingchorus.org where you can also see full details of the programme. Rehearsals are on Friday evenings.

Taekwondo martial arts

Epping Taekwondo Martial Arts club has recently moved into Thornwood Village hall. With classes running on Tuesday evenings 7-8pm and 8-9pm. As part of the TAGB we have an all-inclusive training programme to enable everyone to train side by side regardless of age and ability. Ages start from 8+ and we have a number of joint family member training together. It’s a fun safe place to build self-confidence, self-control and increase your fitness at the same time.

Thornwood Village Hall, CM16 6NR, Tuesdays 7-8 & 8-9pm

www.epping-tkd.co.uk 07802 661154

tkdepping@gmail.com

The Rotary Club of Epping

The Rotary Club of Epping together with their families and friends have come together to try to do what they can to help families in Ukraine as the war rages on. The Rotary Club of Epping Ukraine Appeal raised almost £3,000 and the family of one member have agreed to double that amount with a further 25% added to that sum by the Government’s GiftAid scheme. You may have noticed swathes of purple crocuses blooming in the southern verges of the town, in Theydon Grove, and the Epping Community Garden. As part of a global campaign to eradicate Polio, Epping Rotary has been planting purple crocuses to raise awareness and funds for ‘End Polio Now’. When a child receives their life-saving drops on mass polio immunisation days, their little finger is painted with a purple dye so it is clear they have received their polio vaccine. In conjunction with the World Health Organisation, Rotary has been eliminating Polio since 1988 and 99.9% of polio cases have been eliminated, this has prevented hundreds of thousands of children being paralysed and we will not stop until we reach zero.

Peter Helmers supported by fellow Rotarians recently raised £3000 doing a 30 mile charity walk from Harlow Mill to Canary Wharf in aid of the Alzheimers Society. The cheque was presented to Mark Neville, an Essex Dementia Friendly Communities Co-ordinator for the Alzheimer’s Society who gave a very interesting talk during a Rotary lunchtime meeting. To find out more about Rotary activities and forthcoming events, visit our website: www.eppingrotary.org.uk

The Music Den, Epping

Hemnall Social Club provides an intimate sized venue to enable The Music

Den – Epping to provide varied live music events in Epping currently every second Tuesday of the month. The first three events of 2022 were extremely successful with the return of Mike Hatchard in February, followed by two new quite different bands, The Nigel Bagge Band in March, and The Jigantics in April.

Scheduled forthcoming events:

Tuesday 10th May: Cadillac Kings return to The Den

Tuesday 14th June: The Feelgood Band

Tuesday 28th June: A DEN SPECIAL; Kara Grainger

Australian singer, songwriter, currently based in Nashville on UK tour (one of only 10 UK dates)

Tuesday 12th July: Blue Touch – return to The Den

Tuesday 2nd August: The Fran McGillivray Band – return to The Den (NB First Tuesday in August due to holiday break)

Tuesday 13th September: Captain Americana

Tuesday 11th October: Among The Willows

Please spread the word; support live music in Epping Details; Hemnall Social Club; website & FB; The Music Den Epping; FB Tickets: wegottickets.com or direct from the Club

Contact Dennis Timbers

Mobile: 07768 811706 email: dennistimbers@msn.com

KARA GRAINGER Live in Epping!

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.

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

Ivy Chimneys

Allotments:

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 26 July 2022 (Autumn issue) and 10 October 2022 (Winter 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