Talk About Epping Winter 2024

TALK ABOUT EPPING TOWN MAGAZINE

WINTER 2024

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The Mayor’s view their lives or were wounded. It was a privilege to lay the wreath.

I’m sure that there are many more that I should thank but thank you anyway even if I have not mentioned you. You are very much appreciated and My short time as the needed.

Mayor of Epping has The Remembrance been full of meeting Day parade and so many people, commemorations will groups and charities. be taking place as I thank you so much usual this year and I for what you do for would like to thank our community. my fellow Town Looking through my Councillor, John Duffell diary, I’d like to in his capacity as mention the ACE secretary of the British activities who do so Legion, for all his work much good work for for this very important those with learning weekend. I hope you difficulties. They held will attend and take a fantastic barbecue in part in this historic September to thank occasion, where we the volunteers and give especially recognise out certificates. the impact on our Burgers made by the Town, people and clients and the most families. wonderful lemon Looking forward, as curd ice cream. the days become At the Swaines Green shorter and the nights Annual General become longer, let us Meeting, we had a look forward to the most informative talk St John’s Church from Robin Hellier Christmas Tree from Epping Forest Festival, the Town District Council, about Council’s Christmas tree protection.

Market on December There was the Funky 7th, Carols on the Monk coffee morning Green and the many for Macmillan cancer other festive events support. I believe that that will be held. there were several So many of us are venues that hosted really excited about this event to raise Christmas, but let us money for Macmillan. also remember those The new skate park at for whom Christmas Stonards Hill recreation is not so joyous. ground is making fast The late summer and progress and you can autumn has been read more about this particularly challenging on page 5. I was for our Monday market pleased to present the traders as they have Epping in Bloom Rose had to navigate quite Bowl to Iain Moran at long periods of very the Theydon Oak for wet weather. Do go their wonderful floral along and show them display for a business your support. Look out premises. for posters and details The Battle of Britain of all the wonderful wreath laying things that go on in ceremony was a our great town. moving reminder of those who either lost

Cherry McCredie

The Theydon Oak receives the Epping Rosebowl Epping Town Council has presented its Rosebowl award, presented each year to the business premises in Epping Parish judged to have the best floral displays, to The Theydon Oak. Epping Town Mayor councillor Cherry McCredie visited the Coopersale Street pub in September to present the Rosebowl.

It is the sixth time in the last ten years that the pub has received the award.

Town Mayor councillor Cherry McCredie said: “On behalf of Epping Town Council, it was an honour to present the Epping Rosebowl for the floral display at The Theydon Oak to proprietor Iain Moran.

Thank you to Iain and his team for their continued hard work preparing and maintaining such beautiful displays.

Safer Epping Our next meeting is on Monday 11th November 2024 which may have taken place by the time you read this article. We look forward to a presentation from the Youth Council on their views of safety in Epping.

Please note our new venue. Many thanks to Link-WorkSpace for generously hosting us for the past year, but the group has increased in size and we needed a larger space. We will now meet at Epping Hall, St Johns Road, CM16 5JU, at 7.15pm.

Thinking ahead, Monday 10th February will be the following meeting, where I hope to have a presentation from Essex Police regarding business crime. This is yet to be finalised. Again meeting at Epping Hall at 7.15 pm. Any comments or concerns please email: mccrediecherry@gmail.com Cllr Cherry McCredie (Town Mayor, 2024/25)

Hiring our halls Don’t forget you can hire Epping Hall in St Johns Road and the Jack Silley Pavilion at Stonards Hill recreation ground for your events. We hold wedding receptions, parties, meetings, classes and events. We have various rooms of different sizes and several time slots available. Do get in touch to see if they would be suitable for you. Contact details at the bottom of this page.

The next Epping at the Movies event will take place on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th November 2024 at Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU. Film details to follow. www.eppingatthemovies.com We are always looking for cover pictures for Talk About Epping. They need to be of Epping Parish, portrait style and high resolution. We also want to hear from residents about items of interest for others in the Town.

Email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk Deadline dates on the back page of this magazine.

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Perform — children’s classes Boost your child’s confidence with a free Perform class. Now that autumn term is in full swing, would you like to enrich your child’s after-school routine with something truly special?

Perform’s dynamic classes are crafted to enhance your child’s confidence, concentration, communication and coordination, skills that complement their academic journey beautifully.

Sessions are packed with drama-based games and activities which allow reserved children to come out of their shell whilst energetic children have the perfect outlet to express themselves.

Parents talk about the transformative experiences their children have had with Perform: “My son is extremely shy, socially anxious and self-conscious, but he LOVES Perform.

I’m so grateful to the teacher for making my little boy feel so happy and valued!”

“The teaching team have had such a positive impact on my children’s confidence levels.”

This term, 4-7 year olds are off to Outer Space on an intergalactic adventure with the Sparkly Spaceman and the Man on the Moon! Meanwhile, 7-12 year olds enjoy a groovy Greek extravaganza in The Hercules Beat, where Hercules gets everyone dancing to stay fit.

Classes for 4-7s (4-5pm) and 7-12s (5.05-6.05pm) are held every Monday at Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU. To book a FREE class, visit www.perform.org.uk/try The office team at Epping Town Council commented: “It is clear from the children’s reactions as they come and go and the music and singing that comes from the Hall, that they are having a lot of fun at Perform.”

Epping Town Council’s playgrounds Epping Town Council are currently responsible for five play areas in Epping Parish. These include Lower Swaines, Stonards Hill, Frampton Road, Ivy Chimneys and Parklands, Coopersale. Each of our play areas has a range of equipment designed to suit children of all ages.

At Lower Swaines, we have a section for toddlers, teenagers and older users, including a zip wire, space net, basketball goal, multi-age swings and interactive play boards. The park was refurbished in 2023 following a partnership between Epping Town Council and Epping Playground Association, who led the fundraising.

Our largest playground and recreation ground, Stonards Hill, has the facilities for a multitude of games and activities for all ages. Including the newly refurbished skate park, the park includes five football pitches, two tennis courts, a pétanque piste, outdoor gym equipment, outdoor table tennis table and chess table. Frampton Road also has outdoor gym equipment and at Ivy Chimneys, you will also find a zip wire.

If you would like more information on any of our playgrounds, please contact: Epping Town Council on 01992 579444 or email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk Unfortunately, playgrounds are often the target of vandalism. If you see anyone misusing our grounds, please do let us know on the contact information above.

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

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Epping Town Council’s allotments It has been a busy few months at the allotments.

Our tenants have been tidying and clearing their plots for the winter months, ensuring that they are maintained in good condition throughout the cold weather that will soon be upon us. Thank you to all of the tenants who have brightened up our sites over the summer with their beautiful plants, flowers and fruits. Epping Town Council has two allotment sites; Lower Bury Lane and Meadow Road. Our Lower Bury Lane site is full at the moment, however there are a few single plots at Meadow Road available for rent.

If you would like to rent an allotment, or be put on a waiting list for either site, please email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01992 579444.

Former footballer opens baby ballers Epping Harlow born Christian Wheeler who previously played for Harlow Town and several other Essex clubs after a football career that took off in the UK, Australia and America, is opening Baby Ballers in Epping, coming in November 2024.

Baby Ballers offers football and child development sporting activities for girls and boys. They focus on an age range from 16 months all the way through to 5 years old. Baby Ballers believe in learning through play and know their courses can help your children get ready for their future lives at school and beyond.

Father of two Christian, whose 11 year old son was at Leyton Orient Academy from pre academy to U12s is taking his love for football and coaching and bringing it to Epping.

Christian has great experience in this field having run his own soccer school and coached at various American camps as well as academies in Australia.

After retiring from non-league football he has stayed heavily involved in the football world from scouting to coaching and talent identification. He contributes to the ‘Orient Hour’ on Phoenix FM and hosts his own podcast called ‘Turn it round the corner’.

Christian said: “I am massively excited to get started in Epping and help children enjoy their early interactions with a ball and help shape their experiences and enjoy the global gift of football.”

Baby Ballers Epping will launch in Epping on Wednesdays in Epping Sports Centre, Fridays at Epping Town Council (Epping Hall) & Saturdays at Epping Primary School.

Sign up via https://babyballers-epping.classforkids.io/ Get in touch via email: epping@babyballers.com Facebook @BabyBallers Epping Instagram @babyballersepping

Former Mayor awards money to charity Last year’s Epping Town Mayor councillor Christine Burgess raised £2,240 for charity during her year in office.

Councillor Burgess recently presented £1,120 to Angela Taylor from Marie Curie, the money having been raised at an event which featured a raffle and auction.

The other half of the money has been donated to Voluntary Action Epping Forest - ACE Activities.

Councillor Burgess presented the ACE Activities cheque during a visit to Woodland Grove Care Home in Loughton when she attended an event with members of the Hands Up To Music group and Pearly Queen Teresa Watts, who performed a Cockney Knees-Up for residents.

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Epping Horticultural Society Show The Epping Horticultural Society Show was held at St John’s Church on Saturday 24th August and it was a resounding success despite the inclement weather.

Participants and visitors braved the rain to celebrate a vibrant display of horticultural talent. The show featured an impressive array of entries across various categories, showcasing an abundance of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Among the highlights were a massive sunflower head, enormous pumpkins and a stunning selection of preserves and baked goods. The children’s classes were particularly popular, with young competitors displaying their creativity through amazing tray gardens and imaginative vegetable sculptures. Epping Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie, officially opened the show and graciously presented trophies to the winners, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The event also featured refreshments, numerous stalls offering a variety of local products and crafts, adding to the lively atmosphere. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the organisers and volunteers whose efforts made the day a memorable one. Their dedication and passion were key to the show’s success. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding entries and contributions. Well done to everyone involved for making this year’s Epping Horticultural Show a truly wonderful event.

The Treasurer’s Cup: Sue Purkiss. Awarded for overall Best in Show The Banksian Medal: Victoria Robertson.

Epping Rose Bowl Victoria Robertson. Leisure Shield Dorothy Telfer. Shirley Lewis Trophy John Cobb.

Crowther Cup Dorothy Telfer.

Best Pot Plant Silver Bowl Dorothy Telfer.

Anniversary Shield Victoria Robertson. Gooday Cup Julia Stone. NVS Medal Julia Stone. Fruit Trophy Victoria Robertson. Best Fruit in Show Coronation Trophy Victoria Robertson. Best Vegetable in Show Letitia Berry Salver Heather Howland.

Most points in Cookery Classes Cake Tier Teresa Sayers. Best Baked Entry Preserves Trophy Lisa Bazzoni Best Jam, Curd, Preserve or Chutney.

Stonards Hill recreation ground: new skate park It has been a long time coming, but our skate park project build is finally there. Led by Betongpark, Stonards Hill is having a brand new skate park installed after three years of planning. The park will be suited to all ages and abilities and will include equipment favoured by skateboarders and cyclists across the country.

This project has taken a long time to come to fruition.

It began at the request of local skate park user Arry and thanks to the support of Epping Town Councillors, some lengthy funding application work and the vision of our funders, Epping Town Council are able to provide a great new skate park for a variety of age groups, who want to use the facility for boards and biking.

Town Clerk, Beverley Rumsey, said: “On behalf of Epping Town Council, I would like to thank Qualis for the £30,000 in Section 106 money for green spaces, that demonstrated a commitment to such a facility and helped the Town Council

acheive the balance of £115,000 from the National Lottery.”

The build was completed at the end of October and the skate park was formally opened on Saturday 2nd November by Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie.

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Sing and Sign baby classes Sing and Sign’s award-winning program consists of three age-appropriate courses specially tailored to your baby’s stage of development. It teaches you signs you can use at home with your baby using the magic ingredient, music.

A normal part of baby’s development before speech is to use signs, gestures, facial expression, body language, eye contact and sound to make themselves understood. At Sing and Sign, we simplify and build on baby’s natural instinctive means of communicating to make the communication more effective and to alleviate any misunderstanding. This in turn reduces the level of frustration typically experienced by infants when they are unable to communicate their needs and wants and so reducing the amount of cortisone in the brain which can inhibit cognitive development. By using signs and gestures we put spoken key words into context for our little ones supporting their learning and understanding of spoken language. Now is the perfect time to begin introducing some simple signs to help you and your little one communicate more effectively about the things that matter most as they discover the world around them.

This is what some of the families say about Sing and Sign Epping, Ongar and Harlow: “These are fantastic baby classes teaching communication for babies before they can talk. My little one loves going along and singing and playing and learning. Rebecca who leads the classes is friendly and enthusiastic” says Katherine and mum Olivia says: “Loved Sing and Sign! We enjoyed the course for just over a year journeying through the stages and I really valued the opportunity to learn a new skill for myself. Because you sing and sign along with Rebecca, classes don’t get boring. They also teach little ones vital skills in a fun way. It’s great for their development.”

One eye on the past and one on the future: Epping Society Our town has a significant and interesting past. The Epping Society likes to celebrate this by taking part in the Town Council’s blue plaque scheme – to mark places, people or events of historical note. This is to give us pride in our community and maybe a focus for visitors (even tourists?).

The last few years have seen plaques for Jill Barklem (of Brambly Hedge fame), Jack Silley, the Town Charter Monday market and St Margaret’s Hospital. We are now trying for a plaque for our oldest butcher and their world-famous sausages. If anyone has other suggestions, please get in touch. We think that a house in Kendal Avenue was rented by a number of well-known actors in the 1950s and 1960s; again any information would be useful. Looking ahead, we would urge everyone to have a look at the recently produced Epping Town Council Neighbourhood Plan and make your views known. This will shape details of how our town will develop. www.eppingtowncouncil/neighbourhood planning2024 Meanwhile we still wait for the results of the public consultation on the South Epping Masterplan.

This was due in August; it is understood that this will be soon (as of early October). The Epping Society (along with others) has asked to see the raw data, just to ensure we get a full picture of the Community’s views about the intended development. Meanwhile our planning group are looking the Latton Priory development (South of Harlow) with concern about increased traffic heading southwards, including to the tube station. Please see: www.eppingsociety.org

Petanque in the park A great afternoon was spent at Epping Petanque Club on Saturday 3rd August when the club held their summer singles competition as well as hosting Epping Town Council and Epping District Council for their annual doubles Petanque match. Despite a great effort by the District team, Epping Town beat them to retain the trophy for another year. Town Mayor Cherry McCredie and other members of the councils and community came along to offer their support and joined the teams afterwards for a well earned afternoon tea in the Jack Silley Pavilion.

Epping Petanque Club is based at Stonards Hill recreation ground next to the tennis courts, playing every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon at 1.30pm throughout the year.

New players are always welcome, so why not come along and try it out. Contact secretary@ehpetanque.co.uk (Jane) for more details about the club and the game.

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Ceremony of unveiling a monument to pilot Sgt Feliks Gmur For our freedom and yours (ZA NASZĄ I WASZĄ WOLNOŚĆ) - Jadwiga Kunicka On Sunday 1 September, a ceremony was held in Epping dedicated to the Polish pilot Sgt Feliks Gmur, who served in English Squadron 151 and died in the Battle of Britain after his plane was shot down on 30th August 1940 and crashed at Epping Green field (Jack’s Hatch, Epping Green).

The monument, which was made of red brick, has the shape of a cuboid with a tilted upper surface and a granite graphite plaque mounted on it with the inscription Sgt Feliks Gmur of 151 Squadron RAF shot down and killed on 30 August 1940 in Hawker Hurricane I R4213 which crashed at Epping Green “ZA NASZĄ I WASZĄ WOLNOŚĆ” WE WILL REMEMBER. At the front, on one of the walls of the monument, a 21 cm brass pilot’s symbol “Gapa” was embedded.

The ceremony consisting of three parts, began with a meeting at a churchyard by All Saints Epping Upland Church. The ceremony was initiated, organised and hosted by Polskie Miejsca w Wielkiej Brytanii (PMwWB), Jadwiga i Marcin Kunicki, a Polish family living in Harlow, who for many years have been conducting various volunteer activities in different areas with the main goal (of all these activities) to restore the remembrance of Polish heroes’ heritage.

The ceremony was attended by many special guests, including Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Hugh Pegrum, Attache of the Republic of Poland in London Col Robert Pawlicki and Col Mariusz Piotrowski; Epping Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie; members of pilot Sgt Feliks Gmur family: Maria Gmur-Pierre and Andy Pierre with family; Director of the Archives of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales Jadwiga Kowalska; The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London Wojtek Deluga, representatives of the Royal British Legion, Epping Upland Parish Council, Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council, North Weald Airfield Museum, and the Polish British Social Integration Club Wawel. The ceremony opened with the RAF standards parade led by Jack Bayford, Royal British Legion Parade Marshal.

Standard’s entrance was preceded by trumpet playing.

After welcoming the guests and opening the event, which emphasised the friendship between Poland and Great Britain that had been established before the war, the host Jadwiga Kunicka gave a short talk about the mission of PMwWB. Mrs Maria Gmur-Pierre, performed the ceremonial unveiling of the monument and Pastor Thanos, from the nearby Epping Green Chapel, blessed the plaque. After the standards marched off, guests went to the Epping Green Chapel for an exhibition about the Polish Air Force which was prepared for this event. They watched a film about the Polish Air Force, courtesy of Mr Wojtek Deluga from the Institute and Sikorski Museum in London, who also added his own introduction and commentary to the film. Finally, guests went to Bury Lane Cemetery in Epping which was the last point of the program. After listening to the prayer dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God and Queen of Poland, written by a Polish pilot on active service in the Second World War, read by Mrs Jadwiga Kowalska, wreaths were laid on the Sgt Gmur’s grave and then the song ‘Śpij kolego’, which is a Polish equivalent to the “Last post” was played by the trumpeter. The host thanked guests, hoping there will be more opportunities to meet, because we have many heroes who should be remembered, who should never be forgotten, because they fought for us and our values.

Take care on our roads, especially in Epping Forest Please take extra care on forest roads at this time of year as it is deer rutting season. Please look out for all animals that may be crossing our roads. There will likely be a lot more deer about from October.

Always drive with caution and keep alert.

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The Music Den, Epping Winter is on its way so why not brighten up, forget all your troubles and come and see some live music.

That’s why I started The Music Den Epping and I always appreciate your support.

So why not put some dates in the diary; I know it’s a Tuesday, school day, work day, etc, but it’s a great opportunity to forget all your troubles and enjoy some great musical entertainment.

Forthcoming events: 2024 12th November: Hamilton Loomis returns to The Den on tour in the UK from Texas 26th November: Tim Penn and the Second Line 10th December: The Spikedrivers 2025 28th January: Stompin’ Dave & Earl Jackson return to The Den Forthcoming bookings for 2025 include acts returning and some new acts.

So keep in touch via Facebook, Instagram (themusicdenepping1) & Hemnall Social Club website.

Please support live music in Epping.

The Hemnall Social Club is a great local facility with a warm welcome and a well-stocked bar.

Epping Town Council planning meetings Epping Town Council’s Planning & General Purposes Committee meet fortnightly (second and fourth Tuesday of the month), to discuss planning and tree applications in Epping Parish (Epping, Coopersale and Fiddlers Hamlet). Epping Town Council’s Planning meetings are open to the public and we welcome you joining us as a planning applicant, objector or interested neighbour. Please let us know if you do wish to join us and send us any comments in advance so we can ensure the Planning Committee members have plenty of time to read them. You can just turn up at the meeting, but it is always helpful if you let us know beforehand.

If Epping Town Council object to an application, it will be looked at by an Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Committee. If residents wish to speak at an EFDC Committee, they will need to contact Democratic Services at EFDC by 4pm on the day before the meeting, to register to speak on any application. (01992 564000) For more information on Epping Town Council’s planning committee, email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

Julie’s café at Stonards Hill recreation ground Julies café on Stonards Hill recreation ground is a place to relax and meet friends for a drink and snack or have something more sustaining.

Everyone is guaranteed a friendly welcome, including our four-legged friends. On a nice day, some customers prefer to sit outside.

There is plenty of free parking right next to the café, so make it your destination for breakfast, lunch or tea and cake.

Open 7 days a week, winter opening hours are 9.30am to 4pm.

Facebook: Julie’s at Stonards. Instagram: Julie at Stonards There is lots to do at Stonards Hill recreation ground, so why not enjoy some refreshments while you visit this wonderful green space.

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Epping Christmas Market Epping Town Council’s annual Christmas Market is back again this year on Saturday 7th December with different hours this time around; we will be opening at 12 noon and finishing at 7pm. This year’s festive market will have traders offering all sorts of Christmas arts, crafts, and gifts, from traditional to modern, so something for everyone. There will also be lots of food and drink to buy and try. The Christmas tree light ‘switch on’ is still very much an important part of this event and the magic button will be switched on by our Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie. There will be performances provided by some of our local schools, with added entertainment from featured bands, along with popular Christmas characters and of course Santa will be around to keep an eye on proceedings. Thank you very much to this year’s sponsor: Weald Hall Care Home.

Christmas Gifts —Decorations—Entertainment —Food Festive Spirits—Santa Sleigh parking is available at the multi-storey car park in Co琀is Lane For additional information email info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01992 579444 Sponsored by Weald Hall Care Home Epping

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS TREES 2024 6th - 9th December St. John’s Church Epping

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Over 50 Beautifully Decorated Christmas Trees Craft, Flower & Gift Stalls Lunches, Cakes & Teas Children’s Lucky Dip & Games Also Choirs and the Epping Forest Band Admission: Adults £3, Chilren 0-16 Free, Students 16+ £1

Weald Hall Care Home sponsor Epping Christmas Market 2024 Weald Hall Care Home in Epping has been honoured with the impressive London and South East of England Prestige Award, recognising their exceptional commitment to providing outstanding care for residents.

Catering to a diverse range of needs, including residential nursing, dementia care, and respite and convalescence stays, Weald Hall has established itself as a loving and warm environment that truly improves the lives of its residents. This accolade reflects the dedication of the staff and the positive impact they have on the community, ensuring that every individual feels valued and supported in their care journey.

To book a viewing at any of our Essex Homes, please email: alice@premiumcaregroup.co.uk or call 01277 886 299. Epping Town Council would like to thank Weald Hall Care Home for sponsoring this year’s Christmas Market.

Rotary Club of Epping As Rotarians, we are committed to making a difference, but we like to have fun doing it.

Last month we were treated to a Ritz style afternoon tea in our president’s garden. The sun shone and the homemade scones and cakes were delicious.

In the last issue of this magazine, we featured some of the local charities we support, but Rotary being a Worldwide organisation, also has ongoing international projects.

Thursday 24th October is World Polio Day and you may have seen Epping Rotary in the High Street collecting to eradicate polio. For over 30 years, Rotary has led the global efforts to almost eradicate polio, a disease that can kill or severely disable children. Last year there were only 12 cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan but unfortunately the cases have increased and there are now 33. Currently the race is on to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza as cases of polio in Gaza have now been confirmed, the first for 25 years.

Every year, Epping Rotary purchase 4000 purple crocuses and with the help of Epping in Bloom, we plant them in green spaces around the town to raise awareness of the Eradicate Polio Campaign. The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, with its colour representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child to indicate they have received their life saving oral polio vaccine.

For further information about Epping Rotary, visit our website: www.eppingrotary.org

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Epping Horticultural Society community picnic

On Saturday 14th September, Epping Horticultural Society hosted a community picnic at Meadow Road allotments.

Thank you to our Epping Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie, for welcoming everyone who joined us. We were blessed with beautiful sunshine and it was a wonderful opportunity to share ideas, tips and stories about the growing season. The food was delicious and the sense of community made it all the more special. It’s always inspiring to see everyone come together and exchange knowledge and taste some fresh produce too. We are looking forward to more gatherings like this in the future.

Not only can allotment gardeners grow their own fresh food, it is a great way of spending time outdoors in the fresh air, a good way to keep fit and make friends. See details of how to apply for an allotment plot with Epping Town Council on page 4 of this issue.

Community Garden (by M&S) blooms brightly This summer, our community garden has flourished, showcasing a vibrant display of multi-coloured begonias that have delighted visitors all season long. The continuous collection of blooms has not only enhanced the beauty of our space but has also brought joy to all our visitors.

As we approach the changing seasons, we removed the summer blooms on 18th October to prepare for our winter plants. This transition is crucial for maintaining the garden’s health and ensuring a stunning array of flowers in the colder months.

We have faced a challenge this year; we have struggled with a lack of volunteers, especially with keeping the garden well-watered. We invite anyone interested in gardening, regardless of experience, to join us in our volunteering efforts. We meet every Friday to tackle various tasks, from planting to maintenance and every helping hand regardless of how small makes a significant difference.

Join us on this blooming journey, make new friends and help keep our community garden thriving. For more information or to volunteer, please contact our head volunteer gardener, Victoria Robertson: eppinginbloom@gmail.com Together, we can continue to cultivate a beautiful community space for all to enjoy.

Epping’s Royal Charter Monday Market In 1253, a Charter was granted to hold a weekly market at Epping. During its 800-year history there have been many changes and today the market, held on Mondays (including Bank Holidays), runs the whole length of the high street. Our current market is home to around 35 stalls, with some traders having been with us over 30 years (some second generation). There is always a very good stall selection with little duplication where possible. This leads to a pleasant, friendly atmosphere enjoyed by traders and customers alike. Casual traders are welcome, if there is space available, but please check with the Town Council first by calling 01992 579444 by Friday of the preceding week to avoid disappointment on the following Monday. The current charge for a single pitch is £35 for casual traders (including VAT). To enquire about becoming a regular trader, please contact Epping Town Council for more details.

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EPPING FOREST

OF THE YEAR Do you know a young person who has made a real difference in their community? Have they helped others? Have they volunteered their time?

Nominees must be aged 11-18 years and they must live in the Epping Forest district.

The winner of the Young Citizen of the Year Award will be invited to attend the Civic Awards Ceremony in March 2025 to receive a certificate and a cheque for £100.

Make your nomination online scan the via:

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/youngcitizen Nominations close Friday 29 November 2024 Please note we cannot accept nominations for previous winners of this award

If you would like further information please contact: Diane Gilson-Butler, Young Person's Officer Email: dbutler@eppingforestdc.gov.uk Phone: 01992 564365

Through volunteering as a befriender you can meet new people... ...increase your social opportunities

...while empowering others who are lonely and isolated. www.agewelleast.org.uk 0300 37 33 333 Registered Charity Number 1142414

Essex Association of Local Councils Annual General Meeting and conference Epping Town Council are members of the Essex Association of Local Councils.

The Association champions best practice in the Town and Parish Council sector and provides training, support and legal advice to member Councils.

Epping Town Mayor Cllr Cherry McCredie (right), Deputy Mayor Cllr Janet Whitehouse (centre) and last year’s Town Mayor Cllr Christine Burgess (left) attended the Association’s AGM and Conference with the Town Clerk, Beverley Rumsey, to help keep abreast of new information and advice for the sector to support the Town Council in its position as a Quality Gold Status Council.

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

November 2024

12 Planning 12 COUNCIL 26 Planning

7.15pm 8.00pm 7.15pm

December 2024

10 Planning 10 COUNCIL

7.15pm 8.00pm

January 2025

14 Planning 14 COUNCIL 28 Planning

7.15pm 8.00pm 7.15pm

February 2025

11 Planning 11 COUNCIL 25 Planning 25 Corp Gov

7.15pm 8.00pm 7.15pm 8.00pm

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 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.

talk about epping deadlines Articles for the next edition of Talk About Epping must be submitted before 10 January 2025 (Spring issue) and 18 April 2025 (Summer 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