Village News No. 89 - Theydon Bois Village Web Site

Transcription

Village News Issue 89
March 2015
Page 2
Last Post for Lorna Farrell
Lorna Farrell has finally
decided to retire after 29 years
in the Post Office and will leave
the Post Office in March.
Village News recently talked to
her about her time as Theydon’s
Postmistress and the future for
the Post Office.
How did you start? - By
chance really. We lived in
Dukes Avenue, my son James
was 6 years old then and one
day when we were in the school
playground I was asked if I
would like a part time job
working in the sub post office
which was then in Forest Drive
and I decided to give it a go. I
am now the Post Mistress and my son now works as one of the village postmen.
What store was it part of then?- When I star ted it was in the Newsagents in For est Dr ive, but a
Post Office has been in many different village locations over the years. On the site of Tidd’s garage
and also where the Flower Yard is now. We took over the Newsagents in 1990 and ran the two
together until 1993, but the very early morning starts for newspaper deliveries and the paper rounds
as well especially if the boys didn’t turn up became too much, so I made the arrangements and
moved the Post Office to its present location. This site had been previously known as International
Stores, but in 1993 was a general store called M & W. Finally Tesco took over the ownership, but it
was agreed that we would keep the Post Office here.
When we last interviewed you in 2009. Ann, Marilyn and Charlette were your trusty
companions are they still here? - Ann and Mar ilyn both wor ked with me for 20 year s, but left
a couple of years a go. Charlette has also left now as she wanted to move from a part time to a full
time job. I still have a staff of three, two live in the village and one lives in Chingford. Really we are
all friends working together. I think all my staff would agree that we have never had a boss and
employer relationship. We work together as friends and our arrangements over hours have been
quite flexible to fit all our needs, we meet socially and sometimes we go out to the theatre together.
Who has the Post Office business been transferred to? - A number of people wer e inter ested,
but Tesco wanted to take it on and run it themselves. They do have a number of other sites that
include a Post Office within the store and they have a ‘Head Postmaster’ responsible for all their instore post offices.
In 2009 there seemed to be some danger of closure - is there any chance of this? - Well Tesco
say they intend to keep the store running and make some improvements. Tippy Cornish who works
with me, and has a lot of experience, has agreed to manage it for them. I think the Post Office
generates a lot of trade for the store. When people come to the post office they very often end up
buying things from the store as well. Tesco must realise this. As long as people continue to use the
Post Office as much as they do now it should be safe.
March 2015
Page 3
Last Post for Lorna Farrell (continued)
Are any changes planned by
Tesco? - Well the Post Office
organisation require all there new
operators to meet their revised
standards. Tesco will have to meet
these within 9 months from take
over. They intend to expand the
size of the Post Office and make it
more ‘open plan’. Tesco are
saying they will start this within 6
– 9 months. The Post Office will
close for the renovation, but as
when the store closed for
refurbishments there will be
alternative arrangements. We are
not sure of these yet, but perhaps a
free bus to Epping as before or
possibly a trailer in the car park?
The hours of opening are being
extended. We open from 9.00am
to 5.30pm for 5 days a week now, Future Manager Tippy Cornish & retiring Postmistress Lorna
no Wednesday closure and still open Saturday mornings. It is hoped that all the services that we give
at present will still be provided.
What are the biggest changes that have happened in your 29 years? - Well the biggest change
was when computerisation came in. We were only given one day and a half training and then left to
get on with it. Before computers I kept everything manually in a massive account book. I still keep
some written accounts as the computers do go down fairly often. The advent of E-Bay was a big
change for us. There are quite a few ‘sellers’ in the village and some days they queue with bags of
parcels of all shapes, weights and sizes that need to be delivered.
What are the funniest things that have happened in your time here? - One of the funniest was
E-Bay related. A man broke his car down into all its component parts and then sold them on the site.
He kept coming in for weeks with different size parcels, tiny to enormous. He said he made much
more money doing this than selling the car in one piece!
On a more serious note about ten years ago we were once held up and robbed at gun point. A
pensioner in her nineties who was at the counter also had the gun held to her head and her pension
that she had just withdrawn was also stolen. I set off the alarm and the robber, who was believed to
be a drug addict, fled the store. He got away but was eventually caught and we had to go and
identify him. This was from photographs and not in a ‘line up’ as seen on TV. It was all very scary
though and it took quite a while to get over the shock. The Post Office gave as a lot of support
including the pensioner whose money they also refunded. Still I suppose only one incident like this
in 29 years is not too bad.
Where are you living now, what will you miss? - I’m r eally going to miss all my customer s and
staff, but I will try to keep in touch. After living in Dukes Avenue for 21 years, we now live in
Roydon. I suppose I’m going to try to lead a much more relaxed life. Lorna thanks very much. I’m
sure all your customers and friends in the village wish you a very happy retirement.
March 2015
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Parish Council Chairman’s Report
Let me start this column by wishing you all a Happy New Year. I would like to thank all of
you who came out and enjoyed the Christmas Market and contributed to our collection for St
Clare Hospice. As you will have seen in the last Village News, between the Friday and the
collections that the Councillors did on the Saturday morning, we raised over £680, which is a
superb result.
I want to spend most of this column talking about our budget for next year. We approved our
budget at our January meeting; however we had been discussing the details within the
Finance and General Purposes committee since early November. There are a number of
changes that we have put in place that are driven from our experience over the past years and
which allow us to be well positioned. The first item to highlight is that we have budgeted
£5000 as our contribution towards traffic regulations on the Green. You will remember that
this is one factor that has made this scheme the top scoring one for EFDC this year.
We have also identified two other areas that we need to set aside funds for. We are aware
that in the next Council year the next phase of EFDC’s Local Plan process will take place
and we recognise that this may necessitate the procurement of professional planning advice.
As a result, we have set aside £10,000 to cover this potential spend. As I have previously
pointed out, we applied for and received designation as a Neighbourhood Plan Area. This
money will cover the start of work on this activity and cover any other planning advice that
we need to take. We have seen a number of planning applications and issues around the
village over the recent months and realise that we need to be in a position to take
professional guidance at the right time, to help protect the village from inappropriate
changes.
Many of you will have seen that there is significant Highways work going on in the Village.
The work currently ongoing in Woodland Way is part funded by the Parish Council and
thanks go to Cllr Purkiss for his work on this. We have recognised that the cost of Highways
work is increasing, so we have provided £10,000 for matched funding work in the village for
next year.
In addition to the new costs above, we have also had a reduction in funding from EFDC,
which has led us to look at the level of precept that we set. We have decided to take a
balance between raising the tax level and making use of our reserves. The budget does run at
a deficit for next year; this is not an issue, as we have sufficient reserves to cover this, but we
have also taken the decision to increase the amount that you pay next year. The rise is
limited to 5 pence per property per week. This will take effect from April, but
we believe that this is a necessary step to maintain the things that we need to do
for the Village.
We will continue to work through the end of the Council year to get all the
things that we need to do completed. We look forward to seeing you at the
Annual Council Meeting on the 20th of May where we will have our Annual
Parish Meeting as well, presenting a review of the past year.
JOHN PHILIP
March 2015
Page 5
Theydon Bois Parish Council Notices
HIGHWAYS & ENVIRONMENT REPORT
imperative as many Villagers
send their comments to NEPP
and nearer the time an e-mail
address will be posted on the
Parish
web
site.
The
consultation and subsequent
Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) will
determine what restriction will be put on the
road.
The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) is
due to hear our case which is being put forward
by EFDC in early March to restrict parking
along the carriageway by the top part of The
Green. This has been “re-scored” with 35
points. The commuter parking continues to
cause danger to oncoming traffic and
pedestrians irrespective of the congestion it
causes. Should our application be accepted we Otherwise we have had major footway rethen go into a period of consultation where it is surfacing works carried out, in addition to
new edging and deeper section kerb being
installed in Woodland Way. This has been
achieved through our match-funding scheme
with Essex Highways which over the years
has been a huge success story for the
Village. We continue to resolve the making
good of the sunken carriageway outside
Theydon Mews and are pleased new safety
barriers have been installed by the zebra
crossing.
CLLR ANTHONY PURKISS
Theydon Bois Parish Council
An invitation to our Easter
Theydon Seniors
Afternoon Tea, Cakes &
Sandwiches
Time for good old-fashioned Chat!
With a Quiz and game or two of
Bingo (various prizes)
THEYDON BOIS VILLAGE HALL
FRIDAY 20th March 2015,
FROM 2 - 4 pm
To book a place, and to let us know if
you require transport to the Village
Hall, please call the
Parish Office on 01992 813442
Cllrs Purkiss, Gooch & Hannibal outside the
station after planting daffodils in TFL
flower beds for Spring.
March 2015
Become a Sponsor of
Village News
You could advertise HERE and
reach every home and business in
Theydon Bois on a regular basis in a
publication that EVERYONE reads
In addition you will included on the
Village website with all your
business & contact details
For full details
email the editor at
[email protected]
Page 6
March 2015
Page 7
Bob Day’s - A Theydon Boy’s Memories (Part 5)
Bob Day was born in Theydon and is still a very active 85 year old member of
our community. He recalled some of his early life in Theydon at the 2013 Rural
Preservation Society AGM talk. This is the concluding chapter of his Memories.
See previous issues: Part 1 Sept. 2013, 2 March 2014, 3 June 2014, 4 Sept.
2014 all available on the Village Website.
St Mary’s Roof - I had a telephone call late one evening on the garage
telephone line at my house. The breakdown man was away
and I was requested to help with a car stuck in the forest near
St Mary’s Church that is just opposite where Barry Turner now lives. I went
to the garage to get the truck, and met two young men in Coppice Row. The
car was some way off the road, the Plain was very dark, muddy and wet, and
when I asked them what they were doing they informed me that they had a
couple of girls who had now gone off on the train, so I paid out a long winch
rope attaching it to the car and pulled it out onto the roadway, they paid the
fee and were ready to go. I noted the make, colour and registration of the
vehicle as they drove off. Next morning the police came to my office in the
garage. Did we remove a car from the forest last night? I told them the story
and they told me the lads had stripped the lead from the church roof. I was able to give the
vehicle details. They were able to trace that it had been hired in Ilford which lead to their arrest.
At the weekend the local paper gave me front page position, saying garage manager assists lead
thieves that stripped St Mary’s Church – bit of a blusher!
Buildings around the village - The Rural Preservation
Society has over the years tried hard to conserve a number
of the older buildings around the village. The Cottage in
Poplar Row which was a pair at one time, numbers 4 and 6
Theydon Park Road (pictured right) and Trail, Poplar Row.
However, we have in my lifetime lost many others, where
the playground and entrance to Green Glade now is, were
four more cottages and in Cross Green, now called Green
Glade, four more in two pairs, and where the three
bungalows have been built at the bottom of Blackacre
Road, there were two more all of timber construction. We also lost the cabin which at one time
was the gatehouse to the forest, then a police house, then a sweet shop and tea room and part of
the motor works.
We still have the almshouses in Coppice Row, although the image has been drastically changed.
There were two further cottages adjacent to the Bull Inn
which was removed to build the bridge, and of course
the Barns Bakers and Gusin shop removed to make way
for Tesco. Yes the village has changed. Theydon Bois
eventually gained its own village hall purchased from
Mr Stratchey the MP for Lambourne for £500 in 1949.
After 17 years this served us well until 1966 when a new
hall (pictured left) was erected in Coppice Row costing
March 2015
Page 8
£20,000. In the year 2000 we were planning another new hall this time after 35 years costing
£900,000. As the representative from the Rural Preservation Society on the Village
Association and now the treasurer for the VA I was selected for the development committee,
and we spent many long hours around John Padfield’s dining table. I now feel that we can all
look back with some pride and satisfaction at what was achieved.
Men of the Village
Rev Ames - The Vicar fr om 1920-1946, he was the vicar of St Mary’s Theydon Bois and the
Ivy Chimneys mission hall. He was also the scout master and later commissioner for scouting,
he was also chairman for the Parish Council from 1937 to 1946, played the banjo and drove an
old Morris Oxford car, and he had annual garden parties at the vicarage. One year opened by
Mrs Clementine Churchill.
Mr Gulley - He lived at Theydon Hall, dr ove an old Essex Amer ican car . He was taken ill
and then unable to drive, so he acquired a funeral hearse he made up a bed in the rear and
employed a driver to take him around for shopping & getting around the village.
Mr Stan Gooch - He lived in Blackacr e Road and he gr ew his own tobacco, smoking it in a
pipe. It gave off a lovely scent.
Mr Bruce Goodchild - Was the founder of the Theydon Bois Rur al Pr eser vation Society
in 1943. Involved in many other things in the village, he lived with his wife and daughter
Betty, who schooled with me, at the shop that is now Lauren Louise the hairdresser. Mrs
Goodchild ran it selling everything for knitting and sewing.
Mr Keith De Maus - He lived at the end of Hill Road. He was the dir ector of Acmeseal of
Leyton, making lead seals for all sorts of businesses. He would telephone me or call in the
garage. Come round tonight “I have one coming out”. This was a cacti, he had a wonderful
collection; the flower would last just the one night. Then in my later working life I found
myself going to his office at Acmeseal negotiating the purchase of a seal for my department.
It’s a small world.
Mr B J Allison - He told me off for not
dismounting to open his gate. He became a good
friend and customer. He owned a 1934 Hudson
Straight Eight American car. This was a big open
car, two doors, folding roof. He would bring it in
for servicing, and when he collected it in the
evening he would put on white gloves, wiping round
the steering wheel and controls to see if any greasy
hands had made their mark. In later years about 1965 he decided he was no longer safe on the
road. He could not bear to sell his precious car so I would have personally accepted it as a gift,
but having no place to store it and having to be garaged I had to decline, this hurt me a lot.
Mr Burchel - Birch Hall - Living in the stable building in Bir ch Hall was a Mr Bur chel.
He had a wonderful hobby, and employed a full time helper mechanic he would scout this
March 2015
Page 9
country and America for any T-type Ford vehicle or parts, all dating from about 1910 and from
these items he would construct a brand new looking car. He would call to see me at the garage
quite regularly with many items for help in reconstructing and this gave me much satisfaction.
When I married the love of my life he insisted he would use one of his specially fashioned cars
to and from the church and this was much appreciated.
Event at the Cabin - Returning to
Wood & Krailing on a Saturday
afternoon, this was the time I made
contact with locals wishing to buy new
cars. Walking down to my office I met
a man coming out from the rear of our
cabin or our showroom. I asked if I
could help him, he just dismissed me
and walked on. I followed him out to
Forest Drive, he jumped into a car with
a driver and sped off up Coppice Row.
Seconds later Jack Cufworth came
from the Cabin saying someone had
stolen all his money. However I had
recorded the registration of the car and
the make and the colour. I telephoned the police expecting them to intercept them at the Wake
Arms, but no they came after me for a statement first.
Then they went off to the Wake Arms finding cheques and other papers that had been thrown
out of the car window and into the forest. They checked on the registration number and found
the owner, who claimed he was at home with his girlfriend all day. The girlfriend confirmed
this. The police arrested him, taking him to Harlow police station. They telephoned me on
Sunday morning “could I attend an identity parade Sunday morning?” I said “yes”, “OK we
will be there to pick you up”. Minutes later a police car pulls up outside my house. I get into
the back seat daring not to think what the neighbours are thinking. At the parade I picked him
out without any problem although he was now very smartly dressed with a suit, collar and tie.
He then came before Epping magistrates court and subsequently
came clean. They then read out his previous convictions, this took
some time to go through. Jack Cufworth said he had to delay his
retirement by 12 months to make up the loss.
Edward the First Charter - In 1980 I had a call from a friend to
say that a friend of his had found a charter in a closed legal office in
London. Knowing his friend lived in Theydon Bois he was
contacted to see if there was any interest locally. With him knowing
my interest with the Rural Preservation Society he promptly told me.
I had words with other committee members and from this we soon
acquired the charter for the Rural Preservation Society. It is the
Theydon Garnon charter that is now held at the Essex Record Office
but has remained in the Society’s ownership ever since.
March 2015
Page 10
March 2015
Page 11
News from County Hall
By the time you read this all our local councils will have set their budgets and council tax for
2015/16. Essex County Council, like Epping Forest District Council, took advantage of the
government’s council tax freeze grant and decided not to increase council tax this year. This is
something I supported.
Unfortunately proposals my group put forward to increase the money spent on highways next
year, especially pavements, and reverse some of the cuts to youth services were not supported by
the majority. The county council has made an effort this year to improve repairs on the busiest
roads in Essex (at some cost to side roads and residential roads). It also needs prioritise to the
busiest pavements too. Falls and trips cost the NHS and social services millions of pounds each
year so there is a financial case for investing in prevention.
The council tax we pay is divided between the county council, district council, parish council and
police commissioner but the largest proportion by far goes to the county council. The biggest
areas of pressure include adult social care: there is a growing number of frail elderly people to
look after and social services needs to work closely with the NHS to avoid delays and problems.
There is also an increasing number of young children needing school places in Essex. Next year
the county council needs to ensure there is space for the equivalent of seven more primary school
classes and three more secondary school classes in the Epping Forest district.
Highways update - Woodland Way was identified by the county council last year as one of the
50 worst roads in Epping Forest. Work on the road is well underway, with additional financial
support from the parish council. I have been particularly pleased to see the kerbstones are set
well into the ground and should be secure, unlike so many of the kerbstones in the village which
simply rest on the road surface and therefore come loose easily.
There is no shortage of other roads and pavements in the village that need attention and I have
highlighted a number of locations to the county council to be considered for inclusion in next
year’s programme of works.
Bus strategy consultation - Local bus services are very important for local residents who do
not have a car. I therefore hope many people will respond to the bus strategy consultation
recently launched by the county council.
The results of the consultation will affect how the council decides which bus services it should
support (currently 200 of them). It also covers areas like providing better information and coordinating different forms of transport more effectively.
Copies of the strategy are available at local libraries or from me (01992 561875) or call 01245
430430 or email [email protected]. You can read it and respond online at
www.essex.gov.uk/busreview. Alternatively, contact Healthwatch on 01376
572829 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday to complete the survey over
the telephone. The consultation runs until March 31st.
Councillor Jon Whitehouse
County member for Epping & Theydon Bois
Telephone 01992 561875
Email: [email protected]
March 2015
Page 12
March 2015
Page 13
District Councillors Column
As is often the case, the District Council has been just working its way through standard
business. The major item that we have been considering is the budget for next year. To put
things into context, the grant to EFDC from central government has reduced by around 60%
over the past 5 years. That we have managed to preserve all our major services and levels over
that period without having to raise Council Tax, is a major achievement.
Moving to the coming year, at the time of writing we have not yet had our budget-setting
Council meeting, but the plan is not to have to raise the level of Council tax. The indications
are that most of the components of the Tax will remain the same. The result is, therefore, that
any change in the overall total tax is likely to be small. As a District Council, we have looked
across the board at all areas, not only seeking to reduce costs, but also where we can bring
further income into the Council. We are not on the path of only reducing spending, but we are
looking to make any of your money that we spend bring real value to the Council.
Two examples of this, at completely different levels of scale, are The Epping Forest Shopping
Park and The Individual Elector Registration. With the former, the Council is investing in
developing a new Shopping park near Debden station. This will bring new jobs and
opportunities, as well as additional business rate revenue and rents as income to the Council.
The latter, which is a new approach to registration, is all about ensuring that as many people are
in a position to vote as possible. We invested a small amount of money into writing to all
properties to check that what we had by December was correct. As I write this column, we have
had almost 5,000 changes since the letter was sent out. To follow this up, it is still not too late
to register to vote in this year’s General Election. Do contact the Council if you are not
registered or have not had a notification of your registration.
Finally, a quick update on the Local Plan - the Council is still working towards the next step of
publication. We still expect to have a Preferred Options consultation to come out to the public
later on this year. We know that delay is not always helpful, but what we are working on are
items to ensure that we maximise our chances of being found sound at the Inspection in Public
with the lowest level of acceptable housing. The Council is deeply scrutinising all the pieces of
evidence that we are required to capture and working to ensure that the result is the best for the
District. We are committed to protecting the Green Belt and making sure that we develop in
those areas where there is the greatest demand and the lowest impact to the environment that we
all value.
We do still run our monthly surgery on the first Saturday of each
month in the Queen Victoria, from 11 until noon. However, as it is
closed for refurbishment we will move to The Bull for March and
April. We look forward to seeing you there for any questions or
simply to have a chat.
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
JOHN PHILIP - 812473
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
SUE JONES - 814548
[email protected]
[email protected]
March 2015
Page 14
Pubs Present & Past in Theydon Bois
With last orders called at the Railway Arms and more recently, the Sixteen String Jack we are
down to just two village Pubs. This reflects the national trend as according to the Campaign for
Real Ale, Pubs in the UK are closing at a rate of 29 per week. Last year 1,722 pubs closed with
nearly a third of the closures in London and the South East. Weak Planning Laws have not
helped and Pubs have become attractive to developers who can make big profits converting
them into luxury apartments. The Government has acknowledged the problem and there is a
new proposal to give greater protection to Pubs which have been listed as Assets of Community
Value by the local community. Some 600 Pubs have now been listed to date. Against this
backdrop of the decline of the Village Pub, the time seems right to look at the history of our
“locals”. At one time there were five Pubs in the village: The Queen Victoria, The Bull, The
Railway Arms, The Wheatsheaf (later the Sixteen String Jack) and The Live and Let Live.
The Bull Inn dates back to the 17th Centur y.
The building was originally a private residence
called 'The Tile House' but was later extended and
became an inn known as 'The Bull's Head' before
settling on the name we know today. In his book
“Theydon Bois as I knew it”, Jack Farmer
mentions that there used to be a gate across the
road between the Toll House and the Bull and tolls
were collected from travellers there. The Bull is
now in the Charles Wells Pub Group.
The Queen Victoria dates back to the 16th
Century or earlier and has been with brewery
McMullen since 1898. It gained popularity after
World War II becoming a popular destination
for the increasing population of car owners on
their days out to Epping Forest.
The Wheatsheaf later r enamed The Sixteen
String Jack was also a McMullens Pub and
did a roaring trade in the summer months while
the Retreats were in being. The Sixteen String
Jack was thought to be named after the
notorious Highwayman "Jack" Rann (1750 1774) whose distinguishing “trademark” was that
he liked to stand out from the crowd by wearing
eight brightly coloured ribbons tied around each
knee – hence his moniker of “Sixteen String Jack”.
The Live and Let Live was situated about 50 yar ds higher up the hill fr om the Wheatsheaf
and was demolished quite a few years ago.
March 2015
Page 15
Pubs Present & Past in Theydon Bois
The Railway Arms - The Railway Ar ms closed
its doors as a Pub and quickly re-opened as a
Restaurant (Theydons) and (Carriages in 2009)
both of which also ceased trading. The site was
sold to the Anderson Group and redeveloped into
10 flats in 2013/14.
Three other local pubs gain a mention here.
The Forest Gate Inn, situated on the edge of the
village
and by
Epping Forest is a 17th Century locally listed
building with low ceilings and flag floors. This
Pub derives its name from the late 18th century
when the High Road was a toll road. The southern
toll gate stood at the junction of Theydon Road and
High Road and where it still survives today as
Bellevue Cottage. Apparently the Forest Gate
was a noted place for so called Bean Feasts and
Pleasure Parties (an excursion to the Country with
a picnic).
Also on the edge of the village with an interesting history was The Wake Arms (now
demolished but roughly on the site of the Miller & Carter restaurant). Under the name
“Groovesville” the Wake Arms became a notable rock music venue from 1968-1973, hosting
bands such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Genesis, Thin Lizzy, Status Quo and Uriah Heep.
The music side stopped in 1973 when the pub was designated to be demolished to make way for
the M25.
The Spotted Dog was situated at 2 Ivy
Chimneys Road. This pub closed down in the
middle of 2010 and eight town houses have been
built on the site.
Thankfully, the Queen Victoria and the Bull
have been designated as buildings of ‘special
architectural or historic interest.' and so the
buildings have the protection afforded by their
Grade II Listing.
Credits
Epping Forest District Museum
Loughton Historical Society
Theydon Bois and District Rural Preservation Society
Bell Common Character Appraisal by Epping Forest District Council
Theydon As I Knew It by Jack Farmer - Theydon Bois Village Design Statement
March 2015
Page 16
Pubs Present & Past in Theydon Bois - Historical Pictures
Live & Let Live c 1900
Wake Arms c 1900
Wake Arms c 1960s
Wheatsheaf/Sixteen String Jack
c1920
Railway Arms c 1900
The Bull c 1960s
March 2015
Page 17
Winston Churchill - MP for Epping
One of my earliest childhood memories is of
watching Sir Winston Churchill's State Funeral on
our small, black and white television. I never had
a chance to meet the great man but I have always
enjoyed hearing the stories of his time as the
Member of Parliament for Epping from John
Redfern and Tony Woodhead and others who
worked on his campaigns when they were young
political activists!
I was honoured to be invited, as the present
representative of the seat he held for most of his
time in parliament, to take part in the
commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the
State Funeral in the House of Commons. It was
very moving to stand in the Members' Lobby, in
front of the big stone arch that still bears the scars
of the damage done to the Palace of Westminster
in 1940, as the leaders of the main political
parties, Mr Speaker and members of the Churchill
family laid wreaths in front of his magnificent
statue.
Winston became an international statesman but he
was first and foremost a parliamentarian. It was
because he believed passionately in democracy,
freedom and the rule of law that he had the
conviction to lead Britain to victory when our
country stood alone against the evil forces of
tyranny. We still have a lot to learn from him
today.
On his 80th Birthday, in 1954, while he was Prime Minister for
the second time, Parliament paid tribute to Winston. As part of
the 50th anniversary celebrations, the wonderful Robert Hardy
who has played him many times on television and who is a
renowned expert on all things Churchillian, delivered the speech
that Winston made in reply to those tributes.
It was quite mesmerising to sit with Winston's grandson,
Nicholas Soames and his great-grandson, Randolph Churchill,
watching Robert Hardy reproduce Churchill's rhetoric. I almost
felt that I had realised my impossible ambition - meeting Winston
Churchill!
ELEANOR LAING MP
March 2015
Page 18
Days Out From Theydon - Maritime Greenwich
Greenwich is an UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in Maritime and Tudor history just over
an hour away from Theydon Bois. You can take the Central from Theydon Bois station to
Stratford and change to the docklands light railway (DLR) to Cutty Sark for Maritime
Greenwich Station. Impressive views of the city
skyline can be seen along the way. Turning left
out of the station arcade the first sight is the Cutty
Sark protected by a glass bubble. To the left of
the ship is the dome of the Greenwich foot tunnel
that goes under the Thames to Island Gardens and
this has a very good echo. You could also take a
short boat trip from Greenwich pier to the
Millennium Dome or further along the Thames.
Nearby, to the right is the Old Royal Naval
College’s (ORNC) ‘Discover Greenwich Visitors
centre’ and Greenwich tourist information, entry is free. The north view from the Watergate
in the college grounds takes in the Painted Hall and Chapel, Queen’s house, National Maritime
Museum and the red ball of the Royal Observatory at the top of the hill. Designed by
March 2015
Page 19
Days Out From Theydon - Maritime Greenwich (continued)
Christopher Wren and built by
Nicholas Hawksmoor, the classical
buildings are home to Greenwich
University and Trinity Laban
Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
During college terms visitors to the
ORNC Chapel can listen to a lunch
time concert or students practising.
Admiral Nelson’s body lay in State
under the decorative ceiling and
walls of the Painted Hall. Painted by
James Thornhill, the hall ceiling is
undergoing a conservation project
recently highlighted on BBC News.
Greenwich is a popular film set location and the ORNC has been used in a number of
blockbusters including Skyfall, Les Misérables and Thor: The Dark World. Cross Romney road
from the ORNC to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich Park, great for a family picnic.
The Museum’s fine
art collection is
housed in the Queens
House with some
large oil paintings of
marine
scenes.
Twenty minute walk
up the hill stands the
Royal Observatory, Flamstead House, built by Christopher Wren. Stand astride the prime
meridian of the world at Longitude 00 and you will have a foot in both East and West
hemispheres. From General Wolfe’s Statue in the park look down south to the river with views
of Maritime Greenwich, Canary Wharf, the Millennium Dome and far across London.
It’s worth heading back to the station via the Rangers
House down Crooms Hill stopping at the Fan Museum
to enjoy afternoon tea in the Orangery Cafe. A spot of
shopping can be bought from the craft market stalls
and general shops. To round off the day you can take
in a play at the Greenwich Theatre or go see a film at
the Picture House. There are plenty of places to eat and
drink from takeaway stalls in the market square to
historic pubs such as the Lord Nelson or the Gipsy
Moth by the Cutty Shark. Fish and chips can be bought
and ate by the river, a perfect end to the day.
More information of exhibitions and opening times can be found from the following websites.
www.rmg.co.uk - www.ornc.org - www.thefanmuseum.org.uk
March 2015
Page 20
The Past Winter in Theydon Bois
The Past Winter in Theydon Bois, as described below, covers only a short period from early
December 2014 to early February 2015. But much has happened during that time, not least
during the Christmas Season, the New Year celebrations and the very cold winter weather.
Two sad occasions during this period were the cremations of Robin Llewellyn-Jones, a former
Parish Councillor and local farmer, who died on the 18 November 2014 aged eighty one, and
Roger Badcock, a former Assistant Manager and Key holder of the Village Hall who died on 10
December 2014 aged 74.
The weather remained cold but dry over the holiday period with Villagers travelling to London
for entertainment or to the sales, especially at the Westfield Shopping Mall at Stratford, and in
London’s West End. Traders were hoping for a good trading week despite being undercut by the
“on line” shopping facilities now available in many homes. Kings Cross Station in London was
closed due to continuing rail maintenance work; and trains were not running from Paddington to
Reading thus dislocating Christmas traffic to the West. These disruptions of the London rail
systems and the news that the Directors of Network Rail had received honours in the New Years
Honours List did not please many, especially rail travellers. But true to form, UK retail trading
surged ahead during the long holiday break which lasted until 5th January 2015.
Those villagers watching on TV saw the New Year arrival
celebrated as Big Ben struck midnight which preceded a
magnificent fireworks display exploding into the sky before
an audience of some of tens of thousands in Central London.
12,000 fireworks from three moored barges on the Thames
complimented the centre piece of the London Eye in a
glorious 10 minutes display. Celebration parties in the
Village joined in with their own displays to the
accompaniment of Auld Lang Sine as the year 2014 faded
into history.
New Year's Day had an economic bite for rail users with an
immediate annual increase in rail fares. The rail unions complained that the annual increases
were invariably ahead of cost of living increases. This annual increase meant that season tickets
were 2.5% ahead and the average price of the rail fares in the Bristol area was up by 2.2%. The
government’s response was that fare increases were crucial to funding for rail modernisation.
Although the Festive season brought pleasure to many, others succumbed to illness which
needed hospital treatment. The result was that at least 14 NHS Accident and Emergency Units
in the UK were unable to cope with the unprecedented demand for services and, lacking
hospital bed backup, had to close. Others took emergency measures with marquees in hospital
car parks’ and appeals for additional staff. Those still functioning had queues of ambulances
with patients, and were therefore out of service; four - hour delays were experienced at the local
Princess Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department in Harlow. Various reasons were given for
this crisis; an aging population, closure of GP surgeries at weekends, and the downgrading of
999 calls by the ambulance service. A significant reason was that patients, unable to obtain
medical advice from GPs went direct to the local A & E often with trivial conditions eg. seeking
late flu vaccinations!
March 2015
Page 21
The Past Winter in Theydon Bois (continued)
At the end of January, the life of Sir Winston
Churchill was celebrated on the 50th anniversary of
his death with a partial re-enactment of his funeral
procession along the Thames in London. The PLA
Launch Havengore, which had borne his coffin, once
again proceeded along the Thames but this time with
members of the Churchill family. They left from St
Katherine’s Pier for Remembrance Services at the
Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and
the departure was marked with a band playing Rule
Britannia, a four gun salute from HMS Belfast and
the raising of Tower Bridge. En route the Launch was accompanied by a flotilla of vessels but,
sadly, there was no repeat of the famous dipping salute given by dockside cranes as these had
now gone with the redevelopment of London’s docks. Nevertheless, this gesture was replaced
by a strong public representation with the thousand who thronged the river banks to pay their
respects in recognition of the great debt which the country owed to its wartime leader. This
recognition was endorsed by the Prime Minister who laid a wreath at Churchill’s memorial
statue in the House of Commons.
Motoring at night in the forested and rural areas around Theydon Bois had become more
hazardous due to the increase of motor vehicles with faulty driving lights. This is partly due to
modern vehicular design not including means for the easy replacement of defective light bulbs;
an expensive visit to a garage is usually required – hence no remedial action. Another reason is
a 23% reduction in traffic police in England and Wales over a 4 year period, possibly due to the
reduction in police numbers generally. Only Warwickshire and Suffolk police have not been
affected. The RAC commented that this reduction in traffic police is allowing law breakers to
avoid being apprehended.
Air traffic delays in the crowded air space over South East England, and Theydon Bois, should
be reduced in future by the introduction of a new air traffic control system where aircraft
separation is based on time intervals, and not distance as at present. The new system will be first
introduced at London Heathrow and eventually worldwide. However the number of air
movements over the Village may increase in the future following the announcement of a
planned expansion in the size of London City Airport in East London.
In mid January the night time temperature dropped to minus 6 degrees C., the
lowest in a period of fluctuating temperatures nationwide due to movements of
warm and cold air under the influence of an atmospheric jet stream. The north
and midlands were suffering heavy snowfalls but the Village only saw a light
dusting with sharp frosts. But now in late February the year was already
advancing with snowdrops and daffodils appearing, Spring was on its way!
TREVOR ROBERTS
LOCAL HISTORY RECORDER
Ed - Trevor lodges a comprehensive Annual Village Report with the Essex Record Office, extracts are submitted monthly for
the village website and quarterly for village news. To avoid repetition, especially where news and information has been
submitted by the club, society or entity directly to Village News, then it has been removed from Trevor’s Column in this issue.
March 2015
Page 22
Theydon Bois Action Group
Theydon Bois Action Group (TBAG) was disappointed that new Permitted Development
legislation, which the Government brought into effect in April 2014, did not exempt the Green
Belt in spite of strong views which were expressed in responses to the Government's
Consultation Document. We were, however, pleased to see a press release and Ministerial
Statement in October 2014 from the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles MP, urging Councils to
'Protect our precious Green Belt land'. We hope that Epping Forest District Council (EFDC)
will take this on board in developing the new Local Plan which will determine where, and how
many, dwellings are required for the next 20 years. This Ministerial Statement is of particular
importance as our District comprises of some 92.4% Green Belt land. We note with interest
that Guildford Borough Council in Surrey has announced that it will reassess its Draft Local
Plan in the light of the new Government Planning Practice Guidance on the Green Belt.
EFDC's Consultation on the "Preferred Options", where development could potentially take
place, has slipped further and is now scheduled for June to September 2015.
The most serious threat to our Green Belt, and which also has far reaching implications for the
future protection of the Green Belt to the east of the village, has been gaining momentum
throughout 2014. The first indications of this threat took place back in March 2014 when
contractors for Transport for London (TfL) cleared the former allotment site to the east of the
tube line of all vegetation. The whole site was effectively razed to the ground, including the
destruction of old apple trees which remained from the allotment days. This action on behalf of
TfL took place with no warning and no consultation with the Parish Council or villagers.
Various spurious explanations were given by TfL before TBAG finally learned that the
construction of an 80 space car park was proposed for the site, which TfL claimed they could
carry out without planning permission.
TfL claim that they can exercise Permitted Development rights, based on old Victorian railway
acts going back to 1845, which they have supported with Advice from their Counsel. TBAG
are not convinced of this and engaged our own barrister who has advised that the proposed
development of a car park does not constitute Permitted Development and that a full planning
application should be requested by Epping Forest District Council as a matter of law. Only
with a normal planning application can a full and proper consultation with all interested third
parties take place. Under Permitted Development, only limited comments can be made.
Matters such as important Local and Government Green Belt Policies and traffic safety/
Highways issues cannot be taken into account. Theydon Bois Action Group, our Parish
Council and Rural Preservation Society are committed to doing all they can to ensure that TfL
should submit a proper planning application. TBAG are currently considering taking further
legal action in the form of a Judicial Review should this be necessary.
The Chairpersons of TBAG, Theydon Bois & District Rural Preservation Society and CPRE Epping Forest Branch met with Eleanor Laing MP recently to discuss the situation and seek her
support. Villagers may not be aware that, in 2009, TfL put forward Theydon Bois station car
park as a potential site for development as part of the new Local Plan. The existing car
park site is brownfield land and we do not know what plans TfL may have in store for this
site in the future!
Theydon Bois Action Group www.theydonbois-actiongroup.co.uk
Protecting the Village of Theydon Bois - Follow @TBActionGroup on Twitter
March 2015
Page 23
St. Mary’s Church Link
A
number of special services were held at St Mary’s
over the Advent and Christmas period. The Festival
of Nine Lessons and Carols was held on the Sunday 21st
December and a collection was taken for the work of
Shelter raising £310. The carols were ably led by St
Mary’s Choir who also performed a number of anthems
and Nine Lessons told the story of Christ’s coming into
the world, from the perspectives of both the Old and New
Testaments.. And on Christmas Eve the two Christingle
services were exceptionally well attended with over 400
children and adults filling the church, singing a selection
of Christmas Carols in worship and hearing again of the
coming of Jesus as light of the world over 2000 years
ago. £676 was raised for the Children’s Society.
J
unior Church Posada figures once again travelled
around Theydon in December staying one night in
over 90 homes and schools & arriving back to St Mary’s
during the Christingle service on Christmas Eve. This
year we raised £160 for the Church Army.
S
pice Event - On Saturday 7th
February St. Mary’s Church
held a “Spice” event featuring
traditional Indian cook Kalpna
Kadri.
Kalpna usually cooks for small
dinner parties and functions but had
agreed to take on our challenge of
catering for 60 people.
The church hall was extremely
full! She first gave a fun yet
informative demonstration of how
to cook her recipes: coconut
chicken, chickpea curry and onion
bhajees.
We then got to eat her efforts in a
shared meal. The food smelled and
tasted delicious – a really enjoyable
experience.
£500 was raised for church funds –
a fantastic result. A big thank you
to all those involved.
March 2015
Page 24
Theydon Bois Pre-School
2015 marks 50 years of the PreSchool in Theydon Bois. It began
as an idea back in 1965 and has
grown and developed since then. As present day
Chair I can't imagine the amount of commitment
and dedication, not to mention paperwork, that
must have gone into starting it up from scratch
but I am very grateful to those that dared to
dream, as it is a valuable part of our Village
Community.
As a celebration we are planning to hold a 5k Forest Fun Run, starting on Theydon Plain, on
Saturday 18th April. We hope many of you will come along and take part – running, jogging
or walking. The route will be suitable for all-terrain pushchairs, and dogs will be able to run too.
There will be a Children's Run before the start of the main run, 500m for Pre-School children
and 1k for Primary School children. Entry forms are available on our website –
www.theydonboispreschool.weebly.com The children took part in a competition to create a
forest picture to be used in our advertising for the event. Congratulations to Phoebe Whelan,
whose winning picture is below.
If any villagers have memories of the Pre-School in years past –
maybe of Mrs Berry or Mrs Duggett, or of how it felt to be very young
and put into the Pre-School for the first time – we would love to make
a collection of them, perhaps to share some with the children and build
a resource book of the Pre-School's history. I'm guessing the activities
undertaken by the children, or the feelings involved, may not have
changed all that much over the years. Please email any snippet you
might have, however small, to me at the address below. There is an
article on our website, written by Robert Levene in December 2012,
that describes the history as we know it so far. Other topics this term
have included The Arctic – the children have been looking at polar bears, igloos and keeping
warm. They've enjoyed science experiments with ice blocks and ice cubes. This has now moved
on to Disney movies, starting with Frozen and wonderful marshmallow snowmen.
We've welcomed two new members of staff this term, after sadly saying goodbye to Tracey at
Christmas. Hannah and Andrea have been settling in and getting to know the staff and children.
Our next Nearly New Sale will be held on Saturday March 14th at 10am in the Scout Hut. Come
along, there's always a great variety of bargains to be had, so much baby stuff is only used
briefly before being outgrown or becoming redundant.
Please can I ask any prospective parents hoping for places in 2015-16 to try and get an
application form to us by April 30th as we start our place allocation process in May. The
admissions email address is on our website.
SARAH BOLTON
THEYDON BOIS PRE-SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR
March 2015
Page 25
Theydon Jazz Club
AT THEYDON BOIS GOLF CLUB
EVERY MONDAY EVENING
March 2015:
2 Dave Ware’s Dixie Hotshots
9 Dave Grant & Carlton Jazz
16 The Colin Bray Quintet
23 Jackie Free’s Chicagoans
30 Carol Braithwaite’s Jazz Crew
April 2015:
6 George Kid Tidiman’s All Stars
13 Richard Exall’s Shooting Stars (+£1.50)
20 Digby Fairweather’s Premier Cru (+£1.50)
27 Len Baldwin’s Farewell Tour Band
May 2015:
4 The Sean Moyses Quartet
11 Rex Odell’s Nicest People
18 Hugh Rainey’s Jazz Band with Lyn Falvey (+£1.50)
25 Tony Pitt’s All Stars
Y
OUR MONDAY JAZZ DATE!
I’m delighted to report that the
winter season, far from seeing a
dropping off in attendances, has been a
time when we’ve welcomed many new
members, all cottoning on to the fact
that a regular weekly dose of top class
jazz is very therapeutic.
The baker’s dozen fine bands listed will
be in Theydon to entertain over the next
three months. And there’s still a place
for you to come along and enjoy great
jazz – and maybe try out the dance floor
too?
H
UGH RAINEY’S JAZZ BAND
at Theydon Jazz Club on 18th
May is pictured below. In the 1950’s
and 1960’s Hugh played banjo with
ALL are welcome, Members £6.50,
Bob Wallis, Terry Lightfoot, Monty
ENJOY
Visitors, £7.50
Sunshine and Cy Laurie, winning a
Bar food - free car park
Melody Makers poll. The Hugh Rainey
Jazz Band was formed in 1970, when
dance floor
Hugh took up the trumpet. The band
8-10.30 pm (Open from 6.30 for meals)
has played continually since then,
mainly in Essex and Greater London at clubs, concerts, festivals, functions etc, and in recent
years to enthusiastic acclaim at several major jazz festivals. Local celebrity Digby
Fairweather’s band (Digby, founder of the National Jazz Archive in Loughton is pictured right),
are returning to the club with Lyn Falvey on 20th April.
March 2015
Page 26
Theydon Bois Village Association
Further to our article in the last Village News, we are waiting for
the Charity Commission to respond to some issues concerning
the transfer of the land to the newly created Charitable
Incorporated Organisation. We continue to encourage
membership of the CIO and details of how to apply are included again below.
In the meantime we continue to operate as the current Village Association and the Annual
General Meeting will be held in the village hall on Wednesday 29th April at 8pm. With
regard to maintenance of the hall, the second phase of our redecoration schedule has been
completed, heating issues have been investigated and resolved, a large number of stained chairs
have been steam cleaned, and most recently a project has been initiated to look into updating the
kitchen. As part of the Village Tree Donation scheme, the Association donated a tree which was
planted on the Village Green in December. The Trustees agreed to leave the hire charges for the
hall unchanged for 2015 and Dave King has joined the staff team as Deputy Keyholder.
While talking staff, we were sad to hear of the death of Roger Badcock just before Christmas.
Roger had been a stalwart, conscientious and thoroughly professional keyholder since the
opening of the new hall.
M
embership of the New Village Association - Under the old constitution
membership was automatic for residents of Theydon Bois. However, this will
no longer be the case as, under the new CIO structure, the Charity Commission
requires the new TBVA to maintain a register of members. In order that we can
establish such a register, we encourage all interested residents to obtain a
Membership Application Form. These may be obtained from the foyer in the village
hall or by contacting the TBVA Secretary on 01992 812250 who will send you a
copy. Please return your completed form to the Village Hall addressed to the
Secretary.
I
f you would like to view or download the new constitution of TBVA go to the
village hall page at www.theydon.org.uk, where there is also a copy of this
article and the Membership Application Form.
March 2015
Page 27
Village Association - Associated Societies & Clubs - as at February 2015
Below is a list of the Societies associated
with the Hall especially for any new
residents or those wishing to take on
a new activity.
SOCIETY
CONTACT
TELEPHONE
MEETS
Art Group
Mr Barry Turner
01992 812652
Friday eve (irregular)
Badminton
Mr Steve Golding
01992 813697
Monday evening
Baptist Church
Mr. Jeremy Walling
01992 571153
Bowls (shortmat)
Mr Don Seabourne
01992 815311
Buxton Trust
Mr Peter Gooch
01992 812908
Conservative Association
Mrs Carole Risdon
01992 813724
Copped Hall Trust
Mr Duncan Lowther
0208 508 0874
Drama Society
Mr Simon Gilbert
0208 559 1924
Horticultural Society
Ms Lee Anderson
01992 814998
Imp Cancer Res - Friends of
Mrs Jean Terry
01992 813480
Keep Fit
Mrs Lynn Atalar
0796 1402941
Friday morning
Lace Club
Mrs Loes King
01992 812058
Tuesday afternoon
Rural Preservation Society
Mr Peter Newton
01992 813708
Railway Circle (Epping)
Mr John Woods
0208 508 1764
Singers
Mrs Hilary Hedderick
01279 433098
Tennis Club
Mrs Pat Walter
01992 813485
U3A-Epping Forest
Mrs Sandra Rosen
0208 504 3911
1st Monday of month
U3A-Roding Valley
Mr Robert Ward
0208 281 1702
3rd Monday of month
W. Essex NADFAS
Mrs Valerie Locks
0208 502 3998
1st Wed of month
Women's Institute
Mrs Jackie Robertson
01992 812580
3rd Wed of month
Yoga
Mrs Rosemary Stone
01277 890256
Tuesday morning
Wed eve & Thurs am & pm
Friday eve (irregular)
Monday evening
March 2015
Page 28
Theydon Bois Cricket Club
N
EW FACILITIES FOR SPORTS FIELD - The construction of new changing room
facilities is underway at the Buxton Trust Playing Field off Loughton Lane. The new selfcontained building will replace existing facilities which are old and no longer fit for purpose.
The Buxton Trust has been providing a sporting facility in the Village since the 1950’s and has
received many awards over the years for the way it is cared for and maintained. However, the
one element that has let the ground down has been the changing room facilities. They date back
to the 1960’s and no longer meet current guidelines and best practice. The new changing rooms
are therefore long overdue and when finished will enhance a sports ground that will be the envy
of many.
Funding for the project has been assisted by grants from the Grange Farm Centre Trust, Epping
Forest District Council and Theydon Bois Parish Council. The Parish Council’s contribution
coming from monies received from a Section 106 Agreement with the Developers of the former
Railway Arms Public House.
One of the beneficiaries of the new facilities will be the Cricket Club who have launched a
recruitment drive for new players. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. The Club has
two Saturday league sides playing in the Hertfordshire and Essex Cricket League and one social
side on a Sunday.
P
RE-SEASON NETS ARE UNDERWAY at Forest School, Snaresbrook and take place on
Sunday afternoons until mid-April. From 4pm the Club welcomes Juniors from 8 to 13 and
then from 5pm Seniors and older Juniors. On the 17th April the Junior section will be holding
its registration evening for children aged 7-15 from 6.30pm at the club. Coaching star ts the
following Friday for 13 consecutive weeks. So, if you are considering giving Cricket a try this
summer, please contact Warren at [email protected]
Senior players, whether you are an established player or beginner, should contact Club Captain
Iain Martin at [email protected] . Further information on the Cricket Club can be
found via the Club’s website: www.tbcc.co.uk
March 2015
Page 29
Theydon Bois Golf Club
S
UPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES - Raising money for local or national
charities is an integral part of most clubs activities, and that is certainly the case
at Theydon Bois Golf Club. The people directing this years fund raising are our
Captains’ Steve Muller and Linda Ames. The money raised during the year will help support the
St. Joseph Hospice, and people suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
The first fund raising event of the year is the “Captain’s Drive In”. This is not a test on how well
you can manoeuvre your car into the designated parking space, as suggested by a friend… but a
tee shot from the 1st tee to a fairly narrow fairway. Now, this may sound pretty straight forward,
however, the club that has to be used dates back to around the 1940’s, possibly the most
difficult and unforgiving club you can imagine, none of todays modern technology that has
made the game so enjoyable. Money is collected from the sale of ball markers, these are then
placed in the ground where you think the Captain’s drive will finish, and the person with the
closest marker wins a suitable prize. You can imagine, not everyone places the marker in the
middle of the fairway, and it’s really not that surprising. In the past, we have seen some very
accomplished players hit some very average shots, but not this year. Our new Captain launched
the ball down the centre of the fairway to the appreciation of everyone watching, and several
yards past even the most optimistic of predictions – well done Steve!
A similar event was held for the new Ladies Captain,
Linda Ames, her drive didn’t travel quite as far as
Steve’s, but that’s not the point. Because, after the
“drive in” we all returned to the clubhouse for a
rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas, performed
by the Lady Captain and last years Captain, Jo
Shephard. Now, I’m sure you’ll be familiar with this
well know Christmas melody, you may even know the
version sung by the fans of Manchester United in
honour of their beloved striker “Eric Cantona”. But,
this new version is one of the most amusing, and it can
be viewed on Youtube under the header “ladies
yuletide 12 days” – I highly recommend a viewing.
club you can follow us
www.theydongolf.co.uk.
on
It’s been a very entertaining start to the year and that is
thanks to our new Captains and a number of very
enthusiastic helpers. To keep up with events at the golf
Tweeter @theydonboisgolf or visit our website
A
N INTRODUCTION TO GOLF – BEGINNERS GROUP COACHING
During the spring and summer months, we’ll be running a course of
beginners group golf lessons. These lessons will cover the basic fundamentals of
the game, together with an explanation of the rules and the forms of play. For more
details or to reserve a place please call the Pro Shop Tel. 01992 812460
RICHARD HALL
March 2015
Page 30
Theydon Bois Tennis Club
P
HILIP WALTER, one of our longest-serving
members, has been recognised with a ‘lifetime
service’ award by Essex Tennis. Philip has been
Fixture Secretary for approximately 35 years, and
was previously involved with junior coaching and other roles on
the committee. With 17 senior teams, Philip does a great job of
organising all the matches.
At the time of writing the Club is about to renew the surfaces of
Courts 1-3. The courts have lasted 15 years, but are getting to the
stage of being dangerously worn. We are delighted and grateful
to have secured a grant of £20,000 from the Community
Initiatives Fund run by Essex County Council, which will go a
long way towards the total cost of £60,000. The CIF judging panel particularly noted how the
Club is heavily involved in the local community, with the pre-school and primary school both
regularly using our courts. In addition, we have for many years been involved with the District
Council Sports Development Team’s ‘New Horizons’ programme, where anyone aged over 50
can join in organised sessions.
We are again entering a junior team in the Aegon Mixed 10&U Essex League. Having won
their division last year, the players will be going all out to repeat their success again this year.
W
ITH THE SUMMER SEASON about to begin, the Club is again offering half-price
membership to new adult joiners, with a range of junior coaching, pay and play and
membership options. We run junior coaching camps every school holiday, which are open to
non-members as well as members. Full details are on our website www.theydontennis.co.uk.
Team Captain Simon Terrell with Harry Flynn, Archie Flynn, Katie Lechley,
Toby Terrell, Jacob Hellier and Sean Meyer
March 2015
Page 31
Sponsored Tree Planting on the Village Green
Saturday 13th December was an important Tree Planting Day in connection with the Theydon
Bois Tree Strategy (Village Website TS page at www.theydon.org.uk). Four specimen trees
were planted in various locations around the Green in the hope that these in years to come will
become “Landmark Trees”. The first two trees were planted near the Village Hall and the
further two near the pond. The trees have been planted with the permission of the Conservators
of Epping Forest (the City of London).
The first Tree an OAK was sponsored and planted by Eleanor Laing MP. Also present were
Gordon Haynes Chairman of City of London Open Spaces, Chair of TB Parish Council John
Phillips who was also representing EFDC and Preservation Society Committee member and
Tree Warden Robert Levene.
The 2nd Tree, a Hornbeam was
sponsored by TB Drama Society
- celebrating its 90th year. Jo
Shephard and Aimee Nicholson
& others from their committee
carried out the planting (pictured
right).
The 3rd Tree, a White Willow
was sponsored by The Village
Association. Chairman Martin
Oliver and various committee
members did the planting
watched by Gray Lowman age 4
& Casta Lowman age 2 who
asked if they could be involved as they missed the previous Willow so much.
The 4th Tree an Alder was sponsored by the Levene Family -with the children Mitzy age 7,
Harry age 6 & Robert age 2 helping with the planting.
In all 47 Street trees are being planted during this winter with the help of EFDC. Theydon Bois
Rural Preservation Society has sponsored over 20 of these and other village groups and
individual sponsors have paid for the rest. It is hoped that similar new plantings will take place
in the winter of 2015/2016. If you want to sponsor a tree, sponsorship forms are available from
the Parish Office or the Village Website TS page.
THEYDON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Society has 2 events organised for Spring.
The first is a talk entitled “Copped Hall Walled Kitchen Garden, past and present” which will be
on the 22nd April at 8pm in the Village Hall. The speaker is Victoria Robertson together with
another gardener who is a volunteer at Copped Hall. There will be posters put around the
Village nearer the time. This is free to members or £2 for non-members.
The second is an Outing to Kentwell Hall on the 13th June for one of their costumed events.
£25 members, £27.50 non-members, children £15 available from M. Jones 814797 Meet at the
Telephone Exchange at 9.30am.
March 2015
Page 32
Theydon Bois Primary School - A musical Interlude with Mrs. Lewis
The Fairlop Brass Band (featured in the September 2014 Edition of V illage News issue 87) originated from the Fairlop Junior School in Barkingside 45 years ago
when some of its members were also pupils of the Redbridge Music School. They
gave a lively concert of festive music and carols at the Village Hall in December
last year which they hope will be a regular feature at Christmas time in Theydon. In fact a
Christmas Concert has been booked for Tues 15th December 2015. We strongly suggest that
you make a note in your diary now as it is sure to be a sell-out.
Village News spotted our Primary School Headmistress, Mrs. Lesley Lewis playing the cornet
in the concert (4th from the left above) and we arranged to meet up in February and have a chat
about her obvious enjoyment of brass bands and music in general.
Lesley has lived in Ongar since 1987 with her husband Jeremy and two grown up children,
Matthew and Charlotte. They are a very musical family, with Lesley playing the cornet, Jeremy
playing the trombone as does son Matthew (26) and Charlotte (24) playing the tenor horn.
Both Lesley and Jeremy play for Fairlop Brass with band practise every Monday. Indeed both
children have also played for Fairlop Brass when they were at home and in fact they both play
for brass bands now in their various locations, Matthew in London & Charlotte in Cardiff.
Lesley studied education & music at university and attained a B.Ed (Hons) degree with music
as a specialist subject. She learned to play the cornet when she was nine years old recalling a
Mr. Smith at primary school as her mentor. The cornet is one of those instruments that is
brilliant for kids because small hands can get round the valves easily.
Her first teaching job was in Canning Town as |Jeremy was already employed in that part of the
March 2015
Page 33
Theydon Bois Primary School - A Musical Interlude with Mrs. Lewis
world. She always wanted to be a head teacher. She recalled that when she was in the infants
aged six, Mrs Broderick who was her head teacher at that time, lost her voice and gave Lesley
sixpence to take assembly. In a wonderful touch some five years ago when she got her first
headship at Shelley School her husband Jeremy gave her a little sixpence to remind her of Mrs.
Broderick all those years ago.
We asked her about music in the school? – She told us “the school has a strong musical
tradition and I’m keen that all children who want to participate in things get the opportunity to
do so. For example, last year’s summer concert, any child who had learnt an instrument even if
they were just beginning had an opportunity to take part in the concert. We have a school choir
and took twenty five excited pupils to the Young Voices Concert at the O2 in January where
there were around 7,500 children taking part.”
“One of the things that I tell children is that you never know where your interest will take you.
My cornet playing for example has taken me all over the place. I’ve played in the Royal Albert
Hall, Wembley Conference Centre and
the University of Massachusetts in the
USA where I took part in one of those
American Marching Bands with
somewhat unusual marching routines.”
“The connection that grabs children's
interest here is one of the claims to fame
of Fairlop Brass, the band I play in. A
couple of years ago the first Fairlop
Brass CD (The Fairlop Collection
recorded in 2002 and which sold nearly
500 copies) was taken into Space by the
Astronaut Brother-in-Law (Dr. Piers
Dr. Sellers with “The Fairlop
Sellers) of one of our Bass players
several miles above the earth
(Allison Greenwood), where it was
played twice on the Shuttle’s sound system whilst orbiting the earth.”
Collection” CD
on the shuttle
The Primary School PTA
are holding a Fish and Chip
Quiz Night on March 6th. It will be held in the school hall with the door s opening at 7pm.
Maximum team sizes of six players. Fish and chips will be provided but please bring your drink
For tickets/information contact: [email protected]. .
PTA NEWS - FISH & CHIPS & CHANGING ROOM FUND
The school is trying to raise money to replace the current changing rooms. The school PTA has
been busy this current academic year and held a very successful Christmas Fair in December
which raised approximately £3,400. It has also set up a local giving charity page for people to
donate money to the swimming pool changing room fund. If anyone wants to donate, please go
to: localgiving.com/charity/theydonboisprimarypta
The PTA has also organised for a circus to come to the school in the summer - so please save
the date, Sat June 27th. There will be more details nearer the time about this exciting event.
March 2015
Page 34
Copped Hall Corner
PROGRESS AT THE MANSION -The last phase of the roof
reinstatement is under way. The roof has been given a temporary
profiled sheet covering – painted grey- until the Trust can afford
the Westmorland Slate which roofed the Mansion originally. Any
discrepancies between the different roof phases will be regularised
when the roof is slated. The ground floor room to the left of the
front entrance was the Parlour, originally and this is being repaired and soon ready for use for
the first time since 1917. Steel window shutters are being installed in various window openings,
gradually, in readiness for the arrival of new windows. Upgrading works are also in progress in
the Victorian Wing education rooms.
The next major phase of work will be extensive repairs to the white glazed bricks in the four story Light Well in the Wing. At present this space is open to the sky and a breeding ground for
doves, pigeons and their unpleasant debris. The only way of keeping the Well clean and usable
is the installation of a glass roof, not visible from outside. There will be a decorative cast iron
staircase in the northern recess of the Well - serving all floors. Once completed, this space will
add much to the ambience of Copped Hall.
PROGRESS IN THE GARDENS - The har dy Copped Hall volunteer s have car r ied on
with various tasks in the Gardens during the winter months. King Henry’s Walk, the ancient
path used by Henry VIII, has been cleared of mud and grass. Nearby, work has been ongoing to
the path beside the boundary yew hedge east of this walk – to very good effect. Clearance of
the southern lower terrace adjacent to the Southern Summerhouse has commenced. The plan is
to reinstate the original flower bed beneath the retaining wall to the upper Terrace. Traditional
brick paviours have been purchased to cover the unsightly concrete area to the north west corner
of the Walled Kitchen Garden.
PAST EVENTS IN 2014 - With winter closing in - two late November events, the Wildlife
Study Day and Story Telling for Children, proved popular. But finally, the Copped Hall carol
concerts and the Christmas Party for the working friends all quickly arrived to complete another
successful Copped Hall Year.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS UP TO 30TH JUNE 2015
20 Apr
Easter Egg Hunt
15 May
Night at the Museum
26 Apr
Alan Cox afternoon lecture
- Past year at Copped Hall
3 June
Study Day
– Country Houses during WW1
7 May
Wildlife Study Day
17 June
Drawing Class
11 May Country Dancing Workshop
22 June
Measure for Measure – Greek Theatre Players
SITE AND GARDEN TOURS 2015 - Guided Tours of the Mansion and grounds/walled garden are
held on the 3rd Sun each month (except in Dec). Tours from 10.15, for two hours approx (gates open 10.00
to 11.00 only). Special openings of the Gardens are held on 1st Sunday each month from Mar to Sep between 14.00 and 16.00. Unless otherwise stated, all events are held at the Copped Hall Mansion. Car
parking is always available, as are refreshments. Vehicle access is only possible via the London entrance in
the Upshire Road off the B1393. For further information/tickets please contact :
07749 397932 or E Mail [email protected]. See also www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk.
March 2015
Page 35
Theydon Bois & District Rural Preservation Society
Throughout 2014 the Society continued as usual to monitor and comment on planning
applications that adversely affect Theydon Bois or our Green Belt. The housing market
generally seems to be on an ‘up’ in the Epping Forest District with EFDC receiving nearly
3,000 planning applications during 2014. There were 134 planning applications for Theydon
Bois and this was a 24% increase over the 108 applications in 2013. Last year the Society wrote
26 letters directly to EFDC with regard to Theydon applications, which is a 100% increase on
the 13 in 2013. We also wrote 3 letters to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol, following appeals
to applications refused by EFDC (only 1 in 2013). 15 of our letters dealt with significant threats
to the Green Belt around our village.
The most serious threat to our Green Belt as we go to press is the proposal by Transport for
London (TfL) to build an 80 space car park to the east of the railway station. They intend to
carry out this development using Permitted Development rights, based on old Victorian railway
acts going back to 1845 rather than submitting a full and proper planning application. Only with
a normal planning application can a full and proper consultation take place with the involvement
of villagers. The Society, Theydon Bois Action Group and our Parish Council are committed to
doing all they can to ensure that TfL submit a proper planning application and the Society and
TBAG Chairpersons along with a representative from CPRE met with Eleanor Laing MP
recently at the site of the proposals to seek her support. The Society has also written a number of
letters to the Greater London Assembly Transport Committee including their Scrutiny
Committee.
There will be a full Planning Report in the Society’s Newsletter that will be distributed to
members in the spring when we collect subscriptions. Most households in the village subscribe
to the Society and this year’s subscription will remain at £2 a year for a household or £1 for a
single person, so we hope you will continue your support or consider subscribing. We also need
more help with our subscription collection so if you are able to assist please contact one of our
officers. Contact details are on notice boards around the village.
Also in the Newsletter and on the Society’s page of the Village Website www.theydon.org.uk
are details of the Society’s pattern of walks, talks and exhibitions for 2015. The first countryside
walk is on Sunday 12th April and the second is on Sunday 24th May, which will again
include a visit to the deer sanctuary, so no dogs on that one! Both start and finish at the Village
Hall at 2pm, last about two hours and suitable footwear and clothing is advised. There is no
charge and no need to book – just turn up!
The 20 street trees sponsored by the Society in 2014 were planted in December, together with
another 27 sponsored by individuals and EFDC. Four landmark trees were planted on the
Village Green sponsored by The Village Association, Theydon Bois Drama Society, Eleanor
Laing MP and the Levene family (see page31).
The District Council may produce a draft Local Plan this year and the Society will as usual
carefully consider any proposals liable to affect Theydon Bois and our Green Belt. We hope
everyone will take the trouble to read it and respond as, when finally approved, it will form the
basis on which the future development of our village will depend.
March 2015
Page 36
Theydon Bois Drama Society
Trevor Roberts writes - The last night of the current production of “Up Pompeii” by Miles
Tredinnick and staged in the TBVH by the Theydon Bois Drama Society was the usual sell out.
This hilarious romp through ancient Rome, with characters devised by Talbot Rothwell and Sid
Colin for the BBC comedy series, was almost faithfully replicated by the cast even though
lacking a Frankie Howerd in all his ribald dominance. Such was the standard of the performance
that the Society had taken the wise precaution of warning in advance that “the production
contains adult humour and is not suitable for children”, in other words it was almost on a par
with typical Saturday night TV! Angie Becket - Franks was the producer of this enjoyable
production.
March 2015
Page 37
News, Comments & Notices
THEYDON BOIS FRIENDS
OF CANCER RESEARCH
THEYDON
ART GROUP
54th Annual
Exhibition
Friday 15th & Sat 16th May 2015
Theydon Bois Village Hall
FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2015
at THEYDON BOIS VILLAGE HALL
7.30 for 8.00pm prompt start
Fish/Chicken & Chips Supper
Bring your own drinks and glasses
Tickets £13 from 01992 614008
or 07908 227476
Friday 15th May 7 – 9 pm
Saturday 16th May 10 – 5 pm
(Private preview 6 - 7pm Friday 15th May)
Large number of paintings in a variety of
mediums and styles by members of TAG.
Free parking, refreshments available.
Entry £1
Info; Derek Springham
020 8508 0584
March 2015
Page 38
FLOWER YARD TO CLOSE WITH FINAL SALE
Theydon is to lose another business with the closure
of the Flower Yard in Loughton Lane. The lease on
the business expires at the end of March and the site
is in the process of being sold for development, but
details remain to be finalised. EFDC have already
registered a planning application for two 5 bedroom
two storey houses on the site.
The Flower Yard business has been on the former
Post Office site and Elm Stores site since 2005 and
since 2008 has been run by Andy Goodwin. He
started with a very short lease, but this was extended and Andy then improved the site and built the
business up. Andy always has a smile on his face and he and his business has proved very popular
with customers from the village and further afield. He would like to continue here, but his lease has
come to an end with only the vaguest possibility of a few weeks extension while the sale of the site is
concluded. He has tried to find an alternative site in the area for the business but this has not been
possible – “these site types are very attractive to developers for housing and they are quickly
snapped up”. Andy has been self employed in the ‘plants’ business since he was 23 and is not quite
sure yet what he will do next.
He said “I will be having a sale of all my remaining stock throughout March to help clear the yard
and everything will be at least 50% off. I will certainly miss Theydon and all the good customers and
friends I have made over the years”.
You can find more about Andy and the Flower Yard in the March 2011 issue of Village News that is
downloadable from the Village Website www.theydon.org.uk
We have vacancies for new members and if you are free
for a couple of hours on the second and fourth Wednesday
of months October to June then why not join us. We meet at Theydon Bois Baptist Church (rear
hall) at about 10.15 am and finish at noon. Our selected and enjoyable talks given by invited
guests take place in a very friendly atmosphere. If you would like to know more about the
Forum telephone David Walling 01992 813133. Our speakers for the next quarter are:THEYDON BOIS MENS FORUM
Date
Subject
Speaker
March 11
An Update on Copped Hall
Sylvia Keith
April 8
Toastmasters
Constance Turner
April 22
The Epping Ongar Railway
Ray Bennett
May 13
East End Policing in the 1970s
Roy Tyzack
May 27
Forty Years of Music at Davenant
John Powell
June 10
Keepers of the Lights
Mike Lewis
June 24
Beautiful Gardens to Visit (at Village Hall)
Henry Brickwood
March 2015
Page 39
THEYDON BOIS
SINGERS
St. Mary’s Theydon Bois
Flower Festival 2015
Spring Concert
The St. Mary’s 2015 Flower Festival
will be taking place over the
August Bank Holiday weekend,
Friday 28th to Monday 31st August
2015.
Mozart 'Coronation Mass'
& Puccini 'Messa di Gloria’
Saturday 28 March 7.45pm
Theydon Bois Village Hall
Bar, light refreshments
Tickets £10 in advance
or £12 on door
We are inviting sponsorship of the
floral displays in memory of a loved
one. If you are interested in
sponsoring an arrangement and for
further information please contact
email: [email protected]
tel: 01279 315682
Summer Concert is Sat 4th July
Amanda
Simmance
01992
813732
The Epping Forest Group is a local group of the national Alpine
Garden Society and is for all those with an interest in alpine and
other small plants, whether in the wild or growing at home in the
garden, frame or greenhouse. The Group meets every month from
September to May usually on the second Tuesday of the month.
Meetings take the form of an illustrated lecture or a demonstration, followed by refreshments.
There is also a plant raffle, sales table and an alpine plant display. We meet at Theydon Bois
Village Hall, Essex, (CM16 7ER), starting at 8.00 pm.
Tues 10 Mar Garden Flowers of Alaska and the Pacific North-west – Chris Chadwell
Tues 14 Apr
Plant Hunting in Europe (Sardinia, Jura & Pyrenees) – Peter & Gillian Regan
Tues 12 May
A Touch of the Blarney – Tim Ingram
Further information is available from Keith Ballard, Tel: 01992 813231
[email protected] www.alpinegardensociety.net/groups/Epping-Forest
The Fritillaria Group of the Alpine Garden Society will be holding its Spr ing Show and
Meeting on Sunday 22nd March at Theydon Bois Village Hall. This is an excellent opportunity
to hear expert speakers including Martyn Rix (on growing Fritillarias in the garden) and Brian
Mathew and to see and buy beautiful Fritillaria plants and bulbs.
Doors open at 10am., with the first speaker at 11am.,the day closes at 4.00 p.m. Admission is £5
or £2 for members of the Fritillaria Group. seee: http://www.fritillaria.org.uk/meetings.html
March 2015
Village Activities
2015
Page 40
This diary is updated continually on the village website - www.theydon.org.uk
6 Mar
PTA “Fish n’ Chips Quiz Night at the School - doors open 7pm - see page 33
12-14 Mar
Drama Society - “The Ladykillers” - Village Hall - see page 37
20 Mar
TB Friends of Cancer Research - Quiz Night Village Hall - see page 37
20 Mar
Theydon Bois Parish Council Seniors Tea & Cakes-Village Hall-2 to 4pm-see page 5
28 Mar
Theydon Bois Singers Spring Concert - Village Hall - see page 39
2 Apr
Toy & Train Fair - Village Hall - 7 to 9pm - enquiries 07866 641215
12 Apr
Rural Preservation Society Walk - also a walk on 24 May - see page 35
18 Apr
Theydon Bois Pre-School Forest Run - see page 24
22 Apr
Horticultural Society talk 8pm Village Hall - see page 31
29 Apr
Village Association AGM 8pm Village Hall
15/16 May
Theydon Art Group 54th Annual Exhibition - Village Hall - see page 37
20 May
Parish Council - Annual Meeting Village Hall
4-6 June
Drama Society - “Diary of Anne Frank” - Village Hall - see page 37
11 June
Toy & Train Fair - Village Hall - 7 to 9pm - enquiries 07866 641215
13 June
Horticultural Society outing to Kentwell Hall - see page 31
27 June
PTA Circus Event - make a note in you diary - details to follow - see page 33
various
Theydon Jazz Club - see page 25
various
Men’s Forum - see page 38
Copped Hall - see page 34
Alpine Garden Society - see page 39
The information, opinions and views presented in Village News and on the Village Website reflect the views of
the authors and contributors of the articles and publication of articles, advertisements or product/services
information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Village News, Village Website or the Parish Council.
Copy for Village News & Website
Send to c/o Parish Clerk, Parish Office
Theydon Bois Village Hall, Phone & Fax 01992 813442
or email the editors - [email protected]
Village News
Village Website www.theydon.org.uk
Edited & Produced by Tony Ames
e-mail
[email protected]
Edited & Produced by Jim Watts
e-mail
[email protected]
NEXT VILLAGE NEWS COPY DEADLINE - 16th May 2015
Thanks to our Sponsors - Hetheringtons, Theydon Bois Pharmacy, Theydon Bois Balti
House, Indian Ocean, Theydon Garage, Martin Shepherd Solicitors,
Theydon Bois Dentists pages 6, 10 & 12.

Village News No. 89 - Theydon Bois Village Web Site

Transcription

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