TAE Summer 2025 (original).qxp PRINTER

TALK ABOUT EPPING TOWN MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025

2 TALK ABOUT EPPING

The Mayor’s view to finance a trip to Scotland for a competition. I look forward to hearing the results.

Many residents have experienced speeding and dangerous driving in and around Epping.

Ivy Chimneys Primary School held a day of As I write this, my final action where pupils ‘Mayor’s View’, it is had made posters and with some sadness banners to highlight that my term of office the concerns. Our is drawing to a close. local Speedwatch But I can reflect on the coordinator attended wonderful people and and showed how the groups that I have met; speed gun works and people, mostly advised that the Police volunteers, who work are made aware. so hard for our town.

The Tower School held It is with much sadness an excellent event that we shared the loss organised by two of of a former member of their BTEC students. our grounds team It was extremely well Martin, who had only done, showcasing the retired last spring. school’s musical His funeral was so talent. I look forward well attended by to seeing the school’s those sharing fond allotment in the near memories, which only future. goes to show how It was a beautiful loved he was and how sunny day for the much he will be missed opening of the 2025 by us all. season of the Epping My husband and I Bowls Club; its 115th attended a Burns Night year. How wonderful themed lunch at Ace to see this historic club Activities. A superb flourishing at a time meal was prepared by of so many changes. the clients and enjoyed By the time you read by all. this edition, we will The ‘Uniquely Me’ have held the beacon talent show was held lighting in the Fire once again at Epping Station yard to Hall, raising money for commemorate the the selective mutism 80th anniversary of charity and the air VE Day, with ambulance. A variety entertainment in the of talent was on Hemnall Social Club. display; singing, Also, Epping Fire dancing, instrumental Station’s Open Day and even acrobatics. raising funds for the Well done to all.

Firemen’s Charity and It was an honour to also my chosen charity attend the Civic for this Civic Year, Service at Chelmsford CanalAbility – and the Cathedral with my Swaines Green May husband John and the Fayre.

Mayor’s Cadet, Flight Finally, a big thanks to Sgt Holly Edwards. all those that I haven’t An enthusiastic group mentioned individually. of young gymnasts, Thank you for your who train at the Epping input into Epping’s Sports Centre, held a wonderful community. fundraising litter pick on the High Street

Cherry McCredie

VE Day 80th anniversary Thursday 8th May 2025 Epping Town Council held a beacon lighting event on 8th May 2025 in conjunction with Epping Fire Station and the Hemnall Social Club to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This was a national event where communities could recognise and remember the effects on their towns, parishes and people, alongside others in different areas doing the same thing at the same time.

There will be more information on this event in the next issue.

Work at Stonards Hill recreation ground

You may notice some works at Stonards Hill recreation ground over the coming months. This will be marked out with temporary fencing.

Epping Town Council have granted permission for the NHS Trust to lay cables under Stonards Hill recreation ground to assist with the building of the new diagnostic centre at St Margaret’s Hospital. The NHS Trust will reinstate the grounds and relay a wider path for the recreation ground to help all users. There should be minimal disruption to the recreation ground and facilities. For any more information, please contact Epping Town Council by email on: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk We understand the Hospital’s new diagnostic centre is due to open in January 2026.

Did you do something for VE Day 80? We’d love to hear about it. We are always looking for cover pictures for Talk About Epping. (Epping Parish, portrait style, no people in them and high resolution.) We also want to hear from residents about items of interest for others in the Town. Deadline dates on the back page. Email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

TALK ABOUT EPPING 3

Protecting Mill Mound Fields

!

Asset of Community Value Evidence Form

Epping Town Council is considering applying to Epping Forest District Council to designate the open space behind Theydon Grove and Kendal Avenue an Asset of Community Value given the extensive recreational use and value this affords to residents. If you are a user of this area of land, the Town Council would be grateful if you could complete a short questionnaire in support. This can be provided free of charge on application to the Town Council by phone, post or email. The questionnaire can also be downloaded from Epping Town Council’s website. In order to make a strong application, a wide evidence base is required, to show that the land is widely used by the community and is of real benefit. Please help us to save and protect this lovely green space.

Land on the south west side of Stonards Hill, Epping Epping Town Council is considering applying to Epping Forest District Council to designate an area of land to the south-west of Stonards Hill, shown edged in red, as an asset of community value.

To qualify for this designation the asset must have been used for the purposes of furthering the social well-being or the social interests of the local community.

This can take the form of cultural, recreational or sporting interests.

If you have made use of this area of land for any activities which might fall within these categories, we would invite you to complete and return the evidence form.

Town Mayor’s Civic Reception 2025 Epping Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie held the Annual Mayor’s Civic Reception on Friday 25th April 2025. This is an evening to thank individuals and groups who have helped to make Epping such a great community.

Cllr McCredie presented a number of awards on the evening.

Epping resident Peter Murray received the Townsperson of the Year 2024 award for his work on Safer Epping and Speedwatch which play such a vital role in the wellbeing of the area. Epping Forest Youth Councillor Alexander Amoateng received the Young Townsperson of the Year 2024 award for his extensive volunteering and youth work for the benefit of others.

The Epping Society received the Community Award 2025 for their work conserving, improving and campaigning for the protection of Epping and its environment.

Those gathered heard a speech on behalf of Cllr McCredie’s chosen charity CanalAbility and one on the work of Barnardo’s.

Three of the Town’s Freemen (the highest of the Town Council’s awards) Above: Local Police representatives, Townsperson Peter Murray, were also in Young Townsperson Alexander Amoateng and Eric. Right: attendance Christine Burt on behalf of The Epping Society and Town to show their Freemen John Batchelor, Barbara Scruton and Humphrey support.

Wheeler, all with Epping’s Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie.

4 TALK ABOUT EPPING

Epping Bowls Club opens the doors for the 115th year

On the 12th April 2025, Epping Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie cut the ribbon to announce “The Green is Open for Play”.

Members can now hone their skills in readiness for a packed season of Friendly & League Matches. Internal Club Competitions and Fun Days are arranged throughout the season. In addition, a programme of social events are organised bringing into use our well equipped bar.

The Mayor said: “It seems an enjoyable game played in a friendly atmosphere which would be good for younger and older people alike. I wish you every success in the coming season.”

Epping Bowls Club is always looking for new members to join and support our sport.

We are holding a series of free ‘Come and Try Days’.

Come and Try Days are: Sunday 4th May, 10:30-3:30. Friday 16th May, 6:00-7:30. Saturday 24th May 10.30am and 3.30pm. Just turn up with flat shoes. We supply all equipment needed. All Come and Try days are free of charge and there is no obligation to join.

More information can be found on our website and various media posts. www.eppingbowlsclub.com www.facebook.com/EppingBowlsclubessex https://www.x.com/Epping_Bowls

Epping Town Show

Epping Weather Station Epping Town Council operates a Weather Station from the Council Depot at Stonard’s Hill.

The station sends live information to the Met Office, and measures the temperature, rainfall and wind speed among other factors.

There is also a weather website, that needs updating monthly with a ‘weather of the month’ style report.

We are looking for a volunteer to manage the reporting side of the Weather Station.

This would be a great project for schools, combining multiple areas of the Curriculum into one, or an individual who is interested in keeping an eye on Epping’s Weather.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Weather Station, please contact Epping Town Council on either 01992 579444, or email; info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

The popular Epping Town Show will be taking place on Sunday 6th July from 12 noon to 5pm. This free entry event on the Town Council’s Stonards Hill recreation ground in Epping will again have the funfair, entertainment, lots of craft and charity stalls from local businesses, food and drinks vendors along with side shows, mascot characters and entertainment for all the family. So come along and bring your family, pets and friends for a fun packed day. Look out for more information over the coming months.

TALK ABOUT EPPING 5

Epping in Bloom scarecrow festival weekend: 14 & 15 June Why not take part in Epping in Bloom’s fantastic annual Scarecrow Weekend over the weekend of the 14th & 15th June?

This is a great opportunity to showcase your handiwork by making and displaying a scarecrow outside your home or business. You may wish to follow the trail and vote for your favourite scarecrow.

However you’d like to be involved, please contact our local community gardening group by email on: eppinginbloom@gmail.com This is such a fun and friendly event. Please show your support and get involved.

Volunteering Why not join Epping in Bloom as a volunteer? This is a great local group who are always looking for people to help with the community garden beside the side entrance to Marks & Spencer, Epping. They also have their own community allotment plot at Meadow Road, where events are held.

Please contact them by email as above.

The Kingswood Balancing Pond When St Margaret’s Hospital sold off the land where its wards once stood some years ago, the Kingswood estate was built. A small stream flows down from this area into the meadow of Old Pastures and the balancing pond was constructed by the developers to ensure both correct drainage and an environmentally important oasis in the buffer land adjacent to a popular public footpath. Alas, after an initial flurry of interest in this lovely little spot, as is so often the way in such matters, the balancing pond’s upkeep was neglected. It began to deteriorate over the space of a decade into something of an eyesore.

In early 2023, local residents Nick and Ali began to take an interest and give it some time and tender loving care. The result has been transformative. Their first task was to clear the pond of rubbish.

This included part of a motorcycle, old furniture including a metal bed frame and chair and the inevitable shopping trolley.

Five trips to the tip later, they were finally able to start clearing the plants which were choking the water. A haven for wildlife and birds then emerged. They built insect friendly “hotels”, installed bird feeders and introduced plants and shrubs to encourage a diverse range of fauna and flora. They have logged more than 51 species of bird, including tawny owls, whose quartering of the meadows is a joy to behold. Toads, dragonflies, moorhens and coots have taken up residence. Furthermore, Nick and Ali have ensured the necessary building of an emergency drain, which really should have been done initially, to prevent overflow flooding in heavy rain. The water level is now safe and steady. Charming rustic signs now indicate the changing nature of the flora and fauna through the seasons. These have been hand-crafted by the couple and provide information and education throughout the year.

Neighbours chip in to provide seed and nuts for the bird feeders. The footpath alongside the pond links Coopersale to Epping via Stonards Park way. It is well used by dog walkers, school children, shoppers and commuters, who can now appreciate an unexpected local attraction.

The Kingswood pond is a significant asset to both the Kingswood estate and local residents.

You can check out what’s going on by logging in to the Kingswood Park Balancing Pond Facebook page. Nick and Ali have volunteered their time and money without any bidding.

They are to be commended for the total transformation they have achieved. Epping residents are thankful for their work and enrichment of the local environment.

Hellen Blackwell, Epping Society

6 TALK ABOUT EPPING !

! ! ! ! ! !

Community toilet scheme

"#$%$!&'$()%$%!*'$!&*'+!,-! +#$!.,((/0)+1!",)2$+!

34#$($5!

Epping Town Council have launched a community toilet scheme to expand the facilities available in the Town. Cafe Nero, Carpino Lounge and Epping Forest District Council’s Civic Offices have kindly agreed to allow people to use their toilet facilities, during their normal opening hours. People are not required to buy anything and the facilities are free of charge.

!

!"#$%$&$'()"*')"+"$%",%')-.*)/(')0$&1./&) &1')2*'32/*#1"(').-)"45)$&'6() ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

!"##$%&'()*"&+,')-./,#,)

Epping Town Council would like to thank the 3 providers concerned for allowing use of their facilities to support the vitality of the High Street.

!"##$%&'()*"&+,')-./,#,)

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

!"#$%$&"'('%#$%$)*+$*,'-%./%0))#+1% !*2+%3*4+&#56% 75'8$'%&*+98&9%4$%*+%:;<<=%>?<@@@A% *,%'(8#5% #+B*C'))#+19*2+&*4+&#561*D64E%B*,% (*,'%#+B*,(89#*+6%

Bakers Lane public toilets are open at the current time, but the additional facilities support residents and visitors using the High Street should they be closer to those in the High Street itself or if there is a problem with those in the public block (which suffer from drainage and vandalism issues periodically).

Noddy’s new home Epping Town Council are still looking for a suitable home for Noddy.

The Town Council purchased Noddy from Piccola when the shop closed in December 2024 to ensure it was safeguarded and would remain the town.

Noddy needs a central home where he can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. He is quite an attraction to have, having been on the BBC and Jeremy Vine radio show.

Noddy needs power and to be wheeled inside overnight. His insurance and maintenance would be looked after by the Town Council.

If anyone is interested in hosting Noddy, please contact: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk to discuss how it might work.

Local Government Reorganisation Discussions are currently underway regarding devolution and the reorganisation of local government. Devolution will affect the District and County Councils, which will be replaced by unitary authorities and a Mayor. It is currently unclear how local government reorganisation will affect Town and Parish Councils.

Epping Town Council will be taking part in discussions and keeping abreast of developments in order to be able to inform residents what the changes will mean.

The last major reorganisation of local government affecting Town and Parish Councils was in 1973/74. Look out for information as it becomes available.

Annual Town Meeting Thursday 1st May 2025 At the Annual Town Meeting on 1st May 2025, Chairman and Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie recognised the two allotment award winners for 2024.

The winners were: George Hobin for Plot 30A at Lower Bury Lane and David Thorneycroft for Plot 43 B at Meadow Road. Both winners receive a certificate and a cheque for £25 towards their work.

Did you know allotments even have their own legislation to protect their rights and rules?

Job Vacancy with Epping Town Council We are looking for an Assistant Groundsperson to join our small team.

Please see www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk/Council information/Vacancies for details. Email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk for an application pack.

Closing date: Friday 23rd May 2025.

TALK ABOUT EPPING 7

Epping Gymnastics Club litter pick Members of Epping Gymnastics Club collected £276.95 during a litter pick through Epping High Street to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Scotland, where they will compete in the Scottish Gymfest 2025.

The girls will be showcasing their hard work with a new routine at the two-day Scottish Gymfest 2025 in Motherwell. They will be flying to Glasgow on 2nd May to represent the club.

Victoria Lodge, speaking on behalf of the club, mentioned that the coach suggested fundraising for the event and several girls took the initiative to raise money for their costumes, entry fees and travel expenses. So far, they have raised £637 by holding a Valentine's stall at Epping Sports Centre, selling cakes, biscuits, sweets and popcorn.

On Sunday 6th March, the girls litter picked along Epping High Street from 9am to noon, equipped with recycling bags, litter pickers, gloves and hi-vis jackets provided by the council.

Our Town Mayor arrived before the girls headed off to show support and gratitude for what the girls were doing for the local community. The girls also planned a raffle for a Mother’s Day hamper and decided to take turns to ride/row the equivalent distance from Epping to Scotland - about 380 miles - on a spin bike and rowing machine at Epping Sports Centre gym.

For more information and to support their fundraising efforts, please visit their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/eppinggymnastics

Julie’s café celebrates its 6 year anniversary Julie Turrell was 19 years old when she decided to start her first business and now, six years later, Julie’s café on Stonards Hill recreation ground is seen as an important community facility in the heart of Epping. It is a popular place to meet friends for a chat surrounded by nature. Julie said: “Looking back, it has been incredibly hard work and I have had to meet a few challenges such as Covid, but I have been supported by a great team, including family, to make the café the success it is today. Customer service is at the heart of our success and I am grateful to our many customers who continue to support us. Even when we are busy, we make a concerted effort to engage and chat with everyone, including our many four-legged friends.

In recent years, Epping Town Council has refurbished the tennis courts, installed a table tennis table, installed an outdoor Gym and put in a new skate park. The café provides meals and snacks for those using the facilities in the park and the activities going on in the Jack Silley Pavilion. Ice creams are very popular in the summer, whereas spectators of football matches appreciate hot drinks. Do come along and visit us; we have a menu that caters for a wide variety of tastes.

Where is this?

Do you recognise this popular Epping landmark?

Clue: It is a very useful building with more than one function.

Answer next issue.

8 TALK ABOUT EPPING

The Music Den, Epping: What a great start to 2025 Stompin’ Dave and Earl Jackson performed their mixture of Bluegrass, Stompin’ and Rock n’ Roll to an appreciative capacity audience to kick off the year with a bang. This continued with the return to The Den of The Guy Tortora Band who never fail to entertain.

The John Doe Trio gave the audience a sample of their very successful newly released album JD111 released in February. Finally, both The Cadillac Kings and The Fat Penguins ended their sets to a standing ovation from a delighted audience. Thanks to everybody who attended and supported live music in Epping.

For up-to-date information, please follow on FACEBOOK (The Music Den Epping); Instagram (The Music Den Epping 1) and Lemonrock. You can also look at the website of the Hemnall Social Club.

Please continue to support live music in Epping.

Forthcoming Events: Tuesday 13th May -presentsHollie B & The RICHARD TOWNEND and Rocketeers The Mighty Bosscats Tuesday 27th May The Mustangs Tuesday 8th July Live in Epping!

Richard Tuesday 8th July 2025 Townend Doors Open 7.00pm - Music 8.00pm Tickets £15.00 (Members £12.50) and The Mighty themusicdenepping1 The Music Den - Epping Bosscats Hemnall Social Club 50 Hemnall Street Epping, Essex CM16 4LS

Available direct: Hemnall Social Club, e-mail: dennistimbers@msn.com text: 07768811706, WeGotTickets.Com, OR at the door on the night Instagram

St Clare Hospice St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Essex CM17 9JX Could you offer comfort and connection to someone with dementia?

St Clare Hospice is urgently recruiting more volunteers to meet the demand for its Dementia Support Service; a free, personalised, one-to-one programme that supports the wellbeing of people living with advanced dementia in their own homes.

The service is delivered by specially trained volunteers who engage people with the condition in meaningful, sensory activities designed to enhance their quality of life.

But due to an increase in referrals, the charity needs extra volunteers so it can reach more people and their relatives and carers.

As a Dementia Support volunteer for St Clare Hospice, you would lead therapeutic activities designed to spark a person’s senses through sound, touch, smell, taste and sight during weekly visits to their home, with their relative or carer present. These could include giving a gentle hand massage, listening to their favourite music, reading their favourite book, or using materials and other resources to encourage them to reminisce about their life. All of which help a person to remain connected to others by focusing on their emotional as well as physical needs. No previous experience is necessary as full training and ongoing support is provided by the St Clare team.

Fiona Venus, St Clare’s Compassionate Communities programme manager, said: “Every day, families in our community are navigating the challenges of living with dementia, often with little or no support. No one should have to face this alone, which is why we need extra volunteers to meet the rising number of referrals that we are receiving for our much-needed Dementia Support Service. Diane Smith (pictured) is a Dementia Support Volunteer who joined following her own caring responsibilities. For full details, or to apply to become one of our dementia volunteers, visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/volunteervacancies/dementia-support-volunteer Alternatively, you can call St Clare’s volunteering team on 01279 773704 or email them at: volunteer@stclarehospice.org.uk for more information.

Bakers Lane public toilets are currently open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Please note: the toilets are cleaned daily, but sometimes issues occur between times.

If there are any problems, please email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk Please also see details of the Community Toilet Scheme on Page 6.

TALK ABOUT EPPING 9

Epping-Eppingen Association Plans for 2025 The Epping-Eppingen Association has been busy planning the 2025 programme.

We began the year in February with a quiz for members and friends.

We are currently organising an English language course for an Eppingen group who will be arriving in May. Each day their morning will begin with an English lesson focusing on a particular topic. We try to plan a cultural outing in the afternoon which complements that topic.

For example, a lesson about Shakespeare could be followed by a visit to the Globe.

The week is always a wonderful success and also gives our guests an opportunity to meet new and old members of the association.

Next year, a group from Epping will travel to Germany for a German course.

In June, we plan to have a Kaffee and Kuchen afternoon. This is an opportunity to sample some German cakes and spend a pleasant afternoon.

You will also find us at the Epping Town Show so come along and have a chat with us.

September is our opportunity to travel to Germany for a long weekend visit.

There we will be treated to German hospitality. For many it will be a time to renew old friendships. For some it will be their first visit and a chance to marvel at the medieval town centre with many timber framed buildings and the beautiful surrounding rolling countryside covered with vineyards and woodland. Eppingen lies between Stuttgart and Heidelberg in Baden-Wurttemberg; a wonderful part of southern Germany.

We will also be meeting up at our regular Stammtisch. A German expression meaning a regular table. We meet at The Bull in Theydon Bois lunch times in winter and more often evenings in summer.

We are also keen to welcome new members. There is no need to speak German. Our main aim is to promote friendship both here in the UK and with our friends in Germany. Interested; find out more from our website: http://epping-eppingen-twinning/info or if you wish to speak to someone, phone Joy on 07944 570917.

Please scan our QR code for more information.

Classic Car Show: Stonards Hill recreation ground Epping Rotary will once again be running the Annual Classic Car Show on Stonards Hill recreation ground on Sunday 20th July from 12 noon.

This year, we are expecting many more cars and the Town Council have agreed to let us use both fields. Vehicles can be registered by calling Vince on 01992 677906/07958 526786 and if you would like a trade stall, call Barbara on 07710 249229.

We are very grateful to Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head for sponsoring the event, Stevenette & Company for sponsoring the programme and to Funky Monk for sponsoring the PA system.

Civic Award: change of procedure Epping Town Council’s Civic Award is designed to recognise a new building or refurbishment project that is well designed, uses appropriate materials and is sensitive to its setting in our historic market town.

Previously, these have been awarded annually in April/May of each year. This is now an ongoing process and buildings worthy of merit can be nominated throughout the year by emailing: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.

Play in the Park 2025 Stonards Hill recreation ground Wednesday 6th August & Wednesday 20th August 2025, 10am to 12 noon.

Help keep children entertained during the school holidays. Just turn up and join in the fun. Free of charge to participants. Organised by Epping Forest District Council and sponsored by Epping Town Council.

10 TALK ABOUT EPPING

Safer Epping The next Safer Epping meeting is on Monday 22nd September 2025, 7.15pm, in the Conference Room at Epping Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend and raise (and hopefully resolve) local safety issues.

If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please email Cllr Cherry McCredie on: mccrediecherry@gmail.com We have a Facebook Page and a WhatsApp group where useful information can be shared.

Thank you to Epping Town Council for complimentary use of the conference room.

!""#$%&'()$& *(+$*#, !

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

Planning meetings Epping Town Council’s Planning & General Purposes Committee meets in the Conference Room at Epping Hall in St Johns Road on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Residents are welcome to attend and speak about any planning applications or objections they may have that are on the agenda for the meeting. If you have an objection you wish the Committee to look at, it is helpful if you email it in at least one day before the meeting. (Meeting dates on the back page of this magazine.)

Please note: Epping Town Council are a consultee on planning, tree works and licensing applications in Epping Town and Parish. The Committee feedback to Epping Forest District Council who are the local planning authority and who will determine planning applications. Any comments must be sent in writing by email or post.

St Margaret’s Hospital fundraiser The Captain of Theydon Bois Golf Club for 2025 is Ray Doherty.

His chosen charity for his year is The Breast Unit at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping.

Ray sadly lost his wife Nicky in November 2023 to Breast Cancer. She had been treated so lovingly by The Breast Unit.

Ray wants to raise as much money as possible for the benefit of The Breast Unit allowing them to continue with their purchases or research to continue the fight against this dreadful disease.

Ray and a close friend are playing ‘101 Holes of Non-stop Golf’ on Thursday 17th July 2025, teeing off at 6.00am and finishing about 12 hours later at 6.00pm. There are to be no rest breaks or refreshment breaks, just a continuous playing of Theydon Bois Golf Club. There is a ‘justgiving’ page that can easily be found by searching Ray Doherty, The Breast Unit at St Margaret’s or by using the QR code opposite.

Halls for hire Don’t forget you can hire Epping Hall in St Johns Road and the Jack Silley Pavilion at Stonards Hill recreation ground for meetings, classes and parties.

Please telephone: 01992 579444 or email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk for more details.

TALK ABOUT EPPING 11

Epping Neighbourhood Plan Epping Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan is currently being looked at by a Planning Inspector. The Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Committee, made up of local residents and Town Councillors, has spent 11 years working on the Plan, which will be subject to an examination and referendum. If adopted, or ‘made’ it will form one of the key planning documents against which planning applications in Epping Town and Parish are assessed by Epping Forest District Council as the Local Planning Authority.

The Plan has many policies which are designed to protect the character of our historic market town and the things that are precious to our community, such as our green spaces. More information will be available as the Plan progresses over the coming months.

Epping Monday Market Don’t forget to come and shop local at Epping’s famous Monday Market.

You can buy so many different things on Epping Market, including clothes, food, pet food, gifts, plants, bedding, cards, hardware, jewellery, eggs, bric a brac, glasses, dried fruit and nuts, fruit and vegetables, bread, handbags and shoes. The market has its own website at: eppingmarket.co.uk

Musical play panel at Lower Swaines There will soon be a new musical play panel at Lower Swaines recreation ground. Epping Playground Association had some funding left over from the major playground replacement and this has been used to finance a new play panel to encourage our young music lovers and performers.

Don’t forget Epping Town Council look after five playgrounds in Epping Parish at the following locations: 1) Lower Swaines recreation ground 2) Stonards Hill recreation ground 3) Ivy Chimneys recreation ground 4) Frampton Road recreation ground 5) Parklands, Coopersale Fancy growing some plants and vegetables alongside like-minded members of the community? Why not put your name down for an allotment plot at one of Epping Town Council’s two allotment sites at Meadow Road and Lower Bury Lane in Epping? You must be a resident of Epping Parish to be considered for these sites.

Thank you to David Jackman for any pictures and media input in this issue. Everything Epping Forest local news and information service. Check out all the local news at: https://bit.ly/m/EverythingEppingForest

Epping Town Council information TOWN COUNCILLORS

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS

2023-2027 Members - Hemnall Ward

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

Cllr N Avey Cllr C Burgess Cllr C McCredie Cllr R Sharif Cllr Janet Whitehouse Cllr Jon Whitehouse

nigel.avey@btinternet.com christine_burgess@hotmail.com 07831 501598 razsharif@icloud.com 01992 560289 cllrjanetwhitehouse@gmail.com 01992 561875 jon@jonwhitehouse.org.uk

May 2025

13 Planning 7.15pm 13 ANNUAL COUNCIL 8.00pm 27 Planning 7.15pm

June 2025

10 Planning 10 COUNCIL 24 Planning

7.15pm 8.00pm 7.15pm

July 2025

8 Planning 8 COUNCIL 22 Planning

7.15pm 8.00pm 7.15pm

August 2025

12 Planning 12 COUNCIL 26 Planning

7.15pm 8.00pm 7.15pm

Members - St John’s Ward Cllr L Burrows Cllr J Duffell Cllr H Pegrum Cllr G Scruton Cllr H Whitbread Cllr M Wright

01992 572003 07847 357493 johnduffell@live.co.uk 01992 572173 grscruton@gmail.com 07508 180426 holly.whitbread@btinternet.com 07926 516097

Cllr L Burrows, Cllr R Sharif, Cllr H Whitbread, Cllr Janet Whitehouse and Cllr Jon Whitehouse are also Epping Forest District Councillors.

Cllr H Whitbread is also an Essex County Councillor.

MP: Dr Neil Hudson neil.hudson.mp@parliament.uk

invitations for the mayor 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.

ARTICLES AND PICTURES We are always looking for Epping-related articles and pictures (high resolution) for Talk About Epping.

Please send them to the email address below.

www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk/meeting_dates

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 Playgrounds (not Brook Rd): Allotments: Stonards Hill Lower Bury Lane Ivy Chimneys Meadow Road Lower Swaines 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.

talk about epping deadlines Articles for the next edition of Talk About Epping must be submitted before 21 July 2025 (Autumn issue) and 6 October 2025 (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 website:

www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk Follow us on twitter: @eppingtown Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/epping.towncouncil