Theydon Bois - Clubs & Societies Further Details

Theydon Club & Societies Details

Clubs & Societies List

Diary

Below are further details about some of the Clubs and Societies active in Theydon Bois with information on their events and activities. Contact details for membership secretaries and meetings can also be be obtained from the Club or Societies Listing page.

Over 55? We are extending an open invitation to anyone in Theydon Bois to come along and join in our weekly Over 55 Club.
We meet at the Village Hall, Coppice Row every Tuesday at 2.00 pm finishing about 3.45 PM You will get a cup of tea, biscuits and on special event days sandwiches and cake.
Entertainment includes guest bands, singers, magicians, sing along's and bingo. You will receive a warm welcome, meet friends and make new friends.
If you need to know more then give me a call - Wendy Walker 01992 814795

Come and play Badminton at your own pace. Monday evenings in the Village Hall from 8.00pm - 10.00pm.
New members of any standard always welcome. For further information contact: Mr. S. Golding Tel. No. 01992 813697.

This club meets in the Village Hall on Monday afternoons from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Sorry no absolute beginners but otherwise all standards welcome.
Contact: Doreen Snell. Tel. No. 01992 812645.

History of Theydon Bois Short Mat Bowling Club - In 1985 Joy and the late Ken Wainwright decided that a Short Mat Bowls Club in the Village Hall was needed for the folk who were retired from business. Notices were displayed about a possible club and there appeared to be a good response, so Ken & Joy went ahead and organized an inaugural meeting at the Village Hall. Epping Sports Centre were very helpful and were willing to lend a couple of mats for a trial period if we could supply transport .So Ken’s trusty Land Rover was pressed into service, Ken & Joy manhandled the mats back to the Village Hall. After the morning session the mats were returned to the Sports Centre. A committee had been formed and it was decided to hire the mats from Thurstons of Camden Town. So once again the Land Rover was used to transport them. As this was a term loan the mats were stored under the stage when not in use. As the numbers of members increased it was decided to buy our own mats and some bowls so that newcomers could always have a set of bowls to try out their skills. A Wednesday evening club was set up for people still working and Thursday mornings became all day, which continues to this day. New members are always welcome and the only stipulation is that flat shoes must be worn to save the mats which cost over £700 each.

The Current Officers of the Club - Treasurer Bert Taylor, Chairman Joy Wainwright, Secretary John Field, and Competition Secretary John Langford.

I’m Interested, how can I join? Anybody can join and as far as tuition is concerned most members will help and guide novices, the only equipment needed are flat shoes, all other equipment is provided.

The club meets Wednesday Mornings and all day Thursday. Membership is £55 a year.

Give John Field the Secretary a ring on 01992 812684 or email jdfield@talk21.com
Come and join a very happy, friendly club for a few ends of bowls , coffee. biscuits and CHAT.

The Crofton Singers
I have been a keen singer since my school days and so when we moved to Theydon Bois just over 30 years ago I was on the lookout for a chamber choir of a high standard to join. In 1981 I saw that there was a music O level evening class in Loughton and decided it would be fun to do. It was being taught by Bobbie Caldow, who was then deputy conductor of the Crofton Singers, and so I discovered Croftons and have been singing with them ever since.
The Crofton Singers is a friendly chamber choir of about two dozen singers, rehearsing from 8.00 p.m. on Thursday evenings at Bancroft’s School during term times. The choir has a very wide and varied repertoire including sacred, secular, classical and modern music: from Bach to Bernstein, Tallis to Cole Porter, Rachmaninov to Vaughan Williams, eight-part Mediæval Latin Mass to the close harmony of the Barbershop. Although most of our concerts are in local venues we have sung further afield including Chichester Cathedral and Wimpole Hall.
We made two appearances in Theydon Bois in September 2010. As part of the opening event for St. Mary’s Harvest Flower Festival, Songs before Supper included I praise the tender flower by Gerald Finzi, Those sweet delightful lilies by Thomas Bateson, Les chansons des roses by Morten Lauridsen and, to lead us into the food, an arrangement of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Andrew Carter. The previous week a small group from the choir had provided musical entertainment for the Theydon Seniors tea party.
Our next concert, An Evening of Song, is on Thursday 13th October at St. Barnabas Church, Woodford as part of the Woodford Festival. Join us - Quick! We have but a second, so Shall we go dance (Stanford) to The Sound of Music (Rogers) before The Long Day Closes (Sullivan) and Draw on Sweet Night (Wilbye). We can relax in Sleep (Whitacre) and Lux Aeterna (Elgar) with a Stranger in Paradise (Wright & Forrest after Borodin) - and many others!
For further information about this concert, or if you are interested in joining the Crofton Singers, do see our website: www.croftonsingers.org.uk

The Epping Forest Group is a friendly local group of the national Alpine Garden Society and is for all those with an interest in alpine 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 in the Village Hall. Meetings take the form of an illustrated lecture or a demonstration, followed by refreshments.

Meetings of the Epping Forest Group of the Alpine Garden Society, 8.00 pm in Theydon Bois Village Hall. Non-members are welcome. For further information please contact Keith Ballard, 01992 813231 or go to their New Website.

Tuesday 8 March
Plant Hunting in Western China - Ian Butterfield

Tuesday 12 April
Hardy Orchids - Andrew Bannister

Tuesday 10 May
A Spring Woodland Garden - Ben Potterton

June - August: Group visits to be arranged

Tuesday 13 September
The Falklands – Kit Strange

Tuesday 11 October
Alpines in a Dry Garden – Tim Ingram

Tuesday 8 November
Spring in South Africa – Peter Sheasby

Wednesday 14 December
AGS Expedition to Oregon & N. California – Dr Regan

Tuesday 10 January
To be arranged –

Tuesday 14 February
AGM, followed by members’ slides

The Friends are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Copped Hall.

Copped Hall? You will have seen the building from either the M25 or the Epping New Road.

So why not join the Friends of Copped Hall Trust and support this important heritage project.

It is rare to turn the tables on developers but Copped Hall Trust have done this and have saved Copped hall by purchasing it and it's gardens for educational and community use.

Copped Hall is strictly private; access is only possible by arrangement. However, the hall, gardens, stables, conservatory and greenhouses are gradually being restored by the Trust's own efforts and you can, as a Friend, assist in this by joining the working parties and enjoying good companionship, tours, lectures, visits, art shows, home cooked delicacies, theatrical performances, seasonal garden produce and discounts on purchases.

For further information visit the Copped Hall Web Site or e-mail us.
Tel: Membership, 0208 989 0599
Tel: Callminder, 01992 571657

COPPED HALL EVENTS 2011

The tours last about 2 hours 30 min - 3 hours and cover the whole of the gardens, part of the mansion, the cellars and the stables.

Tours start from 10.00am and entry gates close at 11.00am. Cost £7.00.
(We may have to increase these prices - this dependant on what the vat authorities decide)
Third Sunday every month.
The price includes guided tours of the mansion and gardens.
Please note, there will be no guided tours in December.

Dates:
16 January, 20 February, 20 March, 17 April, 15 May, 19 June, 17 July, 21 August, 18 September, 16 October, 20 November 2011

Tea, coffee and home-made cakes are available in the Racquets Court where there is also a shop selling books about Copped Hall and a variety of gift items. There are also second-hand books for sale at Education Room. At certain times of the year, seasonal fruit and vegetables from our Walled Garden are available for sale. There are permanent exhibitions on site.

Sundays: 6 March, 3 April, 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August and 4 September 2011.
Entry is £4.50 per person. The Friends and children under 14 free.

The gates are open between 2.00pm and 4.00pm only. Gardens will close at 5.00pm.
This is an opportunity to visit the gardens in the afternoons, when people can wander around and talk to our gardeners. It was felt that these times may be more convenient and have indeed proved extremely popular. There is no tour but a map with brief descriptions of the gardens is given out on arrival. The mansion is not open on these days. The Racquets Court is open until 4.00pm for tea and coffee, home-made biscuits and cakes, and the shop is open at the same time.

The Loughton Astronomical Society (LAS) meets on Thursday evenings between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. in the Scout Hall, off Loughton Lane, Theydon Bois, Essex (next to the Cricket Club). We welcome anyone interested in astronomy, cosmology, stars, planets or the universe around them. If you are serious about astronomy, want to learn, want someone to talk to your club about astronomy or would just like to look through one of our telescopes then why not come along and see us.

Astrokyds is the junior section of the LAS. It is open to young observers between 6 and 14 years of age. We meet between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.in St. Mary's Church Hall, Theydon Bois on the second Friday of the month, except in April and August when we take a break. Please bring a parent or guardian with you (they may actually enjoy it as well).

President: LDHS Members were very saddened to hear of the death of their President, Rt Hon Lord Murray of Epping Forest, on 20 May 2004. He was an active President, always encouraging members in their research and publications, and chaired the Society's AGM less than a week before his death. He will be much missed.
Chairman: Dr Chris Pond,OBE, Forest Villa, Staples Road, Loughton IG10 1HP (020 8508 2361)
Secretary: Richard Morris,OBE, 6 High Gables, Loughton IG10 4EZ
(020 8508 4974)
Treasurer: Mrs Eve Lockington, 19 Spring Grove, Loughton IG10 4QB
(020 8508 4995)
Membership Secretary: Ian Strugnell, 22 Hatfields, Loughton IG10 1TJ Newsletter Editor: Ted Martin, 34 Hornbeam Road, Theydon Bois CM16 7JX (01992 814445)

PROGRAMME FOR 2011/12 Season
ALL MEETINGS ARE HELD IN THE METHODIST CHURCH, LOUGHTON HIGH ROAD, FROM 8PM ON THE SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2011
September: Thursday 8th
Hornsey – The History of a Middlesex Suburb
JOHN HINSHELWOOD
An illustrated talk showing the transformation from a rural parish in the 19th century, to a London suburb in the 20th.

October: Thursday 13th
THE DAVID WILKINSON MEMORIAL LECTURE
The Technologies of Medieval London
DR SHANA WORTHEN
An overview of technologies in the later Middle Ages, explored primarily through the history of and artefacts from London.

November: Thursday 10th
Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths
LINDA RHODES AND KATHY ABNETT
A journey through local crime and conspiracy, from a Nazi collaborator to the sinking of the Princess Alice paddle steamer in 1878, with the loss of 700 passengers.

December: Thursday 8th
Loughton’s Past
CHRIS POND
A selection of old photographs of local buildings and people, from the Society’s archive of 300 images, which have now been digitised (with the usual free tea, coffee and mince pies).

2012
January: Thursday 12th
The Lost Garden of Wanstead House
TRICIA MOXEY
The evolution of this important historic garden in Wanstead is revealed through the combination of documentary research and cutting-edge technology.

February: Thursday 9th
A Place on the Hill – The Story of ‘Ally Pally’
JIM LEWIS
The world’s first public service broadcasts of television began from Alexandra Palace in November 1936 – but this is only part of the story.

March: Thursday 8th
Sir Frank Baines – Eminent Architect; Man of Mystery
CHRIS POND
Baines, who lived in Loughton, was a most influential architect of the 1919–30 period, but his private life was complex!

April: Thursday 12th
Looking after Essex’s Historic Buildings
DAVID ANDREWS
An illustrated talk on the work of the County Council’s Built Heritage Section.

May: Thursday 10th
Annual General Meeting followed by:
The Landscape of Leyton & Leytonstone in 1830
DAVID BOOTE
A pony and trap ride around Leyton and Leytonstone in 1830 before the area was built over.

GUEST VISITORS ARE WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS ON PAYMENT OF A DONATION OF £1.50

Public transport: Most local buses stop close to the Methodist Church.
Car parking: There is limited car parking behind the Church but as clamping takes place outside of this area, it is advisable to use the Traps Hill car park which is free at the time of our meetings.
Refreshments: Tea and coffee are served at a modest cost at all meetings. Guest visitors: Visitors are welcome at all meetings on payment of a donation of £1.50.

We have vacancies for new members and if you are free for a couple of hours on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of months October to June then why not join us. We meet at the Theydon Bois Baptist Church (Rear Halls), The Green, at about 10.15 am and finish at 12 noon. Our meetings start with a cup of coffee and a chat with other members and we then enjoy a selected and enjoyable talk given by an invited guest and all this takes place in a very friendly atmosphere.

If you would like to know more about the Forum please telephone either Vic Dowsett on 01992 814740 or Harry Memory 01992 812696 and we will send you the programme of our speakers for the forthcoming season.

TAG, (Theydon Art Group) was established in June 1962 with a membership just
10 (7 Messrs. and 3 Mesdames,) under the chairmanship of Charles Rush. The
members enjoyed talks and outings to various art galleries as well as
practical sessions, usually held in their own houses. The first exhibition
was on 10th/11th May 1963 in the village hall, when 22 members exhibited and
the takings, following sales, were the grand sum of £19-12-0.

In 1965 the society became affiliated to the Village association, and
following this humble but enthusiastic start, TAG now has 49 active and
enthusiastic members, with a waiting list for membership. Meetings in the
village hall are usually practical demonstrations by a range of well-known
artists using different mediums. In the summer many members visit selected
local places of interest and paint, sketch or simply photograph their
surrounding with a view to producing pictures for the annual exhibition.

This year is our 50th exhibition, (there were 2 exhibitions in 2002) and
will show the talent of local members who use watercolour, acrylics, pastels
or oils, as well as pencil sketches and pen work. The variety of styles and
subjects makes the exhibition interesting and provides something for
everyone to enjoy. Members also paint 10cms "Charity Squares" which sell at
£5 each, and over the last 8 years have raised an average of £200 each year
for local charities.
This show is one of the best in the area as pictures are displayed well, and
also provides an opportunity to invest and buy works as you can enjoy them
in your own home.

In the winter the Theydon art Group meets regularly in the village hall on the second Friday evening in each month. Usually a visiting professional artist gives a demonstration or gives a critique of members’ pictures. In the summer, coach outings or sketching visits are organised. Membership is limited to forty nine and unfortunately at present there is a waiting list to join.

Friday 13th May 2011 7 - 9 pm.
Saturday 14th May 2011 from 10 am till 5 pm.
Entry 50p
Refreshments are available
Parking is free
Info; Mr Derek Springham 0208 504 0854

Theydon Bois Drama Society was founded in 1925, and although there was a short suspension during the war years, such continuity in a small community is remarkable.

Over the years the Society has presented a wide range of comedies and tragedies, thrillers, music halls, variety shows and revues, pantomimes and musicals and many people, in their time, have played many parts on stage and back-stage. Our venue has progressed from one of the old Retreats, to the old Army Hut in Loughton Lane, to the Village Hall in Coppice Row and now to the magnificent Village Hall of which the village is so proud.

In the early days membership consisted entirely of local people and more particularly of family groups, but now our membership is drawn from a wider area and we are always keen to welcome new members from Theydon Bois and beyond.

At all times and in all circumstances the Society has set itself the highest standards of acting and presentation, and is justifiably proud of the good reputation that it has long enjoyed and strives constantly to preserve. During the last few years the Society has received recognition from the National Operatic & Dramatic Association for a number of productions.

Theydon Bois Drama Society is keen to welcome new members in both an acting and non-acting capacity, be it lighting and sound, costumes, props or scene painting. In articles like this they always say, 'Come and join our friendly Society', but in this case it's true.

If you are interested in joining the Society in any capacity or would like any further information please ring Martin Oliver on 01992 812042 or via email enquiries@theydondrama.org.

Please note that the society's production of Deathtrap in March last year was awarded a coveted National Operatic & Dramatic Association award for drama, as reported in the local press. Directed by Angei Beckett-Franks.

Drama Society Productions for 2011/2012

Shows start at 8.00 p.m. Tickets £6.50 available from Carol & Graham James
Tel: 01992 812250

The Theydon Bois Folk Dance Club latest season starts on 14th September 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall and runs on Tuesdays until Christmas, restarting on 18th January. At the moment the club is flourishing....strictly come dancing has inspired a lot of interest! Also the gentle activity is good for your health.
We've expanded our repertoire as the dancers have become more proficient, but it's easy to learn and new comers would be very welcome. You don't even need a partner, just a sense of humour.

2012 Season Programme Dates:
All Tuesdays, 7.30-9.30
Jan: 17th, 22nd,31st
Feb. 7th,14th,21st,28th
March 6th, 20th.27th
April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
May 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th
June 12th, 19th
we close for the summer until September

For more information please telephone Ann Eastwell 01992 813540

TOP

On 15th May 1899 “it was resolved to form a Horticultural Society for the Parish of Theydon Bois”. Mr Gerald Buxton was elected President (copy of first minutes enclosed)
Initially Subscribers (no fixed amount) to the Society financed the Horticultural Shows and there were donations by local firms. Schedules became booklet form in 1930 in order to bring in advertising to help finance the Shows.
There were two sections in the first show. One for “Cottagers and Allotment Holders” and one for “Professionals, Amateurs and others residing within two miles of Theydon Church”. Prizes for the “Best Kept and cropped Allotment/Cottage Garden, usefulness to be the chief merit” were First 10/-, Second 7/6d, Third 5/- which would have been very valuable in 1899.

The first shows were held at Birch Hall in conjunction with the Donkey Shows when tents were hired, tables, seating and catering equipment were hired or borrowed. For many years bands were engaged and it was thought necessary for four constables to be present. “Copted Hall” loaned palms and ferns for decoration.
For a long time there were two shows a year which included Chrysanthemum and Dahlias, a Floral Section and exhibits from the W.I. The Chrysanthemum and Dahlia and Floral Section became clubs in their own right both unfortunately now discontinued. The Floral Club was one of the earliest and first in this area.

In July 1900 there was scarlet fever in the village. The show wasn’t postponed “but only the exhibitors were allowed in the tent when bringing their exhibits”.
During the First World War there were no shows or recorded meetings; in 1907 the show had low receipts due to wet weather but in 1921 there was no show because of the drought. From 1940 there were no shows until they started again in 1945 although the allotments and gardens were still judged and in 1951 “the Society ceased to function until a new secretary was found” so there was no show that year. This accounts for it being our 110th year but only our 100th Show.

Shows have gone on whatever the weather more recently although dry years have been difficult. Support for the Senior Citizens handicraft and floral entries have lapsed but with the new headmistress at the local Primary school more interest has been shown once again in our efforts to keep the show going as a village event.
Over the years we have organised poster colouring competitions (with the children designing for their age groups), helped with a gardening club – supplying tools, gloves and a hose with trolley, liaised with the headmistress to keep in touch with modern trends in handicraft etc. and sponsored an “Inset Day” at RHS Wisley for a teacher.

Outings are organised two or three times a year and we endeavour to have some interesting talks. Speakers have included Peter Seabrook, Adrian and Jason Bloom, Dr Stefan Buczacki, Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Nigel Colborn – all rather too expensive these days, but in 2011 well known TV personality Christine Walkden will give a talk on Gardens of the UK.

In 1981 Gardeners Question Time was recorded in the Village Hall as was Classic FM Gardening Forum in 1995.

For the Parish Council we judge the Best Front Gardens and also plant up and maintain the planters in the shopping area.

Unfortunately, many horticultural societies in our area have closed or no longer hold shows and although we have to cease trading from our hut (due to lack of demand) we are pleased to see more show entries from an increased number of allotment holders who also enter our Pumpkin Completion held in October (The Society will pay a £1.00 per kilo weight for the heaviest pumpkin).

The Society welcomes all to any of its events, although it it gives priority to members on its coach outings. Membership is open to anyone living within the Parish of Theydon Bois and the membership fee is normally only £1.00 per annum.

Since our AGM in November last year our Society has had 3 outings, 3 talks, held our Annual Show and had the heaviest pumpkin and tallest sunflower competitions.
Members found the outing to Petworth House disappointing but the Parham House and Wisley visits were good days out.
Christine Walkden’s talk was also a little disappointing as she spoke very quickly. However, members were able to talk to her afterwards and buy signed copies of her books.
Our Committee member Liz McGuire gave an interesting talk on the garden at Willow Cottage along with the owner of the property who gave an insight into its history including filming with an elephant!
The third talk ‘Pottage to Peacocks’ (life and food in Tudor times) was very informative and much enjoyed.
Our Show at the end of July was well attended and fortunately, in spite of the peculiar weather conditions this year, we had a good many exhibits with some new prizewinners.
We were disappointed with the support for the pumpkin and sunflower competitions there being only three entries in each!
The Society donated £5,000 towards the new Avenue of Oaks and £500 for a seat at the cemetery.
Committee members, on behalf of the Parish Council, again judged front gardens and the planters in the shopping area were planted and maintained by our members – thanks go to Keith Harris, Liz McGuire (and family), Peter Snelling and Barry Turner. MANY thanks too to Mrs Grant who allows access to her outside tap!
Although we no longer have a trading hut, residents of Theydon may join Epping Horticultural Society, that does have a trading hut.
We hope to have some new committee members join us at our AGM on 17th November but would always like some younger members or offers to help when need arises.

Programme for 2011
Outings: (Outings usually start from outside the Telephone Exchange at 9.00am).
Saturday 16th April: Outing to Petworth House (NT), West Sussex.
Saturday 9th July: Outing to Parham House, West Sussex.
Saturday 10th September: Outing to Wisley (Flower Show).
Talks: (All start at 8.00pm)
Thursday 7th April: Gardens of the UK by Christine Walkden.
Thursday 23rd June: Willow Cottage by Liz McGuire
Thursday 6th October: Potage to Peacocks by Maureen Poole plus Pumpkin Competition Night.
Thursday 18th November: AGM along with a Quiz evening and refreshments.

There is a discount for members going on the outings, so please make sure you pay your
subscription. Our Year Book is usually printed in April and our subscribition collectors will be around in the following month or two.

For further details of all events contact the Secretary: JANE TURNER Tel: 01992 812652

The Theydon Bois Music Society is the society for lovers of good music in the village and surrounding area.

The Theydon Bois Music Society held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, July 7th attended by about 30 members. Refreshments were served and music provided by our treasurer Frank Hill.
Barbara O’Connor, Chairman, spoke of the wonderful eight concerts we had heard, and how lucky we are to hear International Artists in our own Village Hall. Next year there will be only four concerts. Three officers wished to retire but no one came forward to take their place. We therefore decided to halve the work by having four concerts for a £30.00 subscription as we did not wish the Society to close. Tickets at the door will be available for £10.00 for each concert. If you like good music and wish it to continue in our village please subscribe and join us as you will find a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and some wonderful music.

The four concerts will now be:
September 8th 2011   Erato – Violin, Cello, Piano
December 8th 2011   A Christmas Special with Rachel & Ken Bartels & Chorus - Note - 7.30pm start for this concert.
March 8th 2012        Classical Guitar and Flute
June 14th 2012         John Paul Elkins (International Pianist)

All these artists are of the highest standard and we would give you a very warm welcome. This Society has been in your village for over thirty years and we would not like to see it disappear, would you?

Mrs Doreen Argent, together with a group of like-minded friends started the Music Society to enable people locally to listen to classical music. They wished to encourage young students to play before an audience and invited them to visit the society in order to gain this experience. Doreen had a “piano fund” and eventually purchased an upright piano. After many years spent in arranging these events, Doreen retired as president. Mrs Joyce Eynon, formerly secretary to the society, took up the reins and for ten years organised these monthly concerts. The present Chairperson is Barbara O'Conner and each year she and the committee invite a variety of musicians - string quartets, brass ensembles, solo voices, and pianists to perform at these events.

The Music Society meets regularly during the winter and spring usually at 8.00o’clock in the Village Hall, Coppice Row, on the second Thursday of each month. We now hold our meetings in the New Village Hall and the acoustics have proved to be very good and the much improved facilities have proved popular with concert goers and artists alike. This seasons program will see the return of some old friends plus some excellent new young performers.

The Annual Subscription of the Music Society costs £30.00 (All 4 Concerts and other meetings). All are welcome to join; visitors are especially welcome and may pay at the door (£10.00). If you would like further information please contact the Secretary, Doreen Snell.
Tel: 01992 812645.

The Theydon Bois Singers
The Singers began in 1967 as a group of vocalists and instrumentalists within the Theydon Bois Music Society which was formed a year earlier. Performances were limited for the first two years to meetings of TBMS and their minutes record that the first concert was organised by Miss Jean Crome who also played in a trio. Jean is not the only founder member still singing in TBS and who are the most regular attendees. In 1969 the Singers collaborated with The Theydon Bois Art Group to present “Music and Art through the ages.” At Christmas time the same year the Singers sang carols at venues around the village and in 1971 gave their first Christmas Carol Concert in public for the Village Association in the Village Hall, joined by the Davenant School Choir.

By 1974 the need for professional leadership was recognised and the singers began a separation from TBMS, working for a couple of years as an evening class, and emerged with their new identity as The Theydon Bois Singers in 1977. At a committee meeting before the AGM of the TBMS in 1978 the Singers agreed to become an independent organisation.

Ever since 1978, beginning with the Christmas concert, the Singers have presented a spring concert, with a selection of or a major religious work, and a summer concert of a decidedly light hearted nature and now have regular bookings in the Village Hall. Performances have included Mozart’s Coronation and Nelson Masses. Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado, HMS Pinafore and Yeomen of the Guard, and works by modern composers like Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man- a Mass for Peace.”

Today under the direction of Janet Cass there are thirty-eight voices in the TBS providing a balance in all registers, but some might see us as a Silver Band with an average age somewhat higher than we like to admit. Yes, we would love to welcome younger singers to join us because some of us are approaching our “best by” days. We meet in the Village Hall for two hour rehearsals on Monday evenings at 7.45 and our membership subscription is £27 for each of the three seasons, for Christmas, Spring and Summer. As an incentive for new members wishing to join us for our performance of Haydn’s “The Creation” next March they will be exempt from membership subscription for that term. For further details phone Hilary Hedderick on 01279 433098 or John Davis on 01992 812128 or
e-mail: hhedderick@talk21.com
e-mail: davis.1927@btinternet.com

The Society meets on the first Friday of the month from September through to April. The Society meets in the Church Hall and the meetings commence with sherry followed by a four course meal and coffee. The members then take it in turn to present a paper which is then discussed by the members and voted on at the end of the evening.

The subjects debated over the years have been, for example, in 1925 "That Germany in the natural ally of the British Empire". In 1929 "That from the British point of view the construction of the Channel Tunnel is desirable". This was followed in 1975 with a motion "If the French agree to build the Tunnel it is the worst reason for accepting it". The subjects have varied from building battleships in 1921 to vertical take off aircraft in 1987 and more recently "That this house believes in ghosts and modern art".

There are no subjects that the Society will not tackle, but we try to avoid politics and religion.

Membership is by invitation and is (at the current time) a men only society. Initially please make contact with Martin Boyle Tel: 01992 813132

Theydon Bois has a flourishing Women's Institute with a membership of over 90 ladies. 2009 is our 90th Year and we will be having a special Anniversary Tea on 17th June with with many invited guests and songs from Martyn Harrison.The current President is Mrs Kay Rush who was re-elected after a very successful first year in office. During 2008 the institute has progressed from strength to strength with a programme comprising a variety of excellent speakers and subjects. Other activities have included sherry mornings, pancake day events, strawberry teas, outings to places of special interest and entertainment. Proceeds will be in aid of WI funds. The institute has a Bridge section who meet on Friday afternoons in the Village Hall. As part of a national organisation our aims are to improve the quality of life for our members and for society in general. New members are always welcome. Please contact our secretary, Mrs Doreen Snell for further information. Tel: 01992 812645.

Theydon Bois WI meets on the third Wednesday afternoon of the month at 2.00pm in the Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row. New members and visitors are always welcome.
2012 Programme:
January 18th - "London Olympics - History & Future " By Mr. Ian Kirby.
Competition: An award or Trophy.
February 15th - "Faberge" by Mr. David Vroobel
Competition: A Jewelery Box.
March 21st -"The Name Game " by Mrs. Meryl Catty & Ms. Audrey Gillett
Competition: All about Spring.
April 18th -"Life in the 18th Century Essex Workhouse" by Dr. Jane Pearson.
Competition: A photo of Theydon Bois in Days Gone By.
May 16th - Resolutions Meeting
Competition; A Special Moment (a photo or written).
June 20th - "In & Out of the Carte " by Miss Jill Pert.
Competition: A Small flower Arrangement.
July 18th - "All the Queens Horses " by Mr. Kieth Baldwin
Competition: The Queen.
August - No Meeting.
September 19th - "Growing Old Disgracefully " by Mr. Chris Winter.
Competition:Something Purple
October 17th - "19 Years on the Bench " by Mr. Garham Williams.
Competition: Photo of a Private Garden.
November 21st - "The Gun Powder Plot" by Mr. Richard Thomas.
Competition:None. A 5 Line Limerick abou Firework Night.
December 12th - Members Christmas Meeting
Competition; Handmade Christmas Card.

In the last thirty years or so the game of Petanque, or the French game of Boules as some people prefer to call it, has not only crossed the Channel, but become well established in this country – more and more people are taking to this highly sociable game which has an almost universal appeal.

One of the joys of the game is that it is fundamentally very simple and that it does not require expensive equipment or special clothes.

The Victorians Petanque Club was founded in 1995 and meets at the Queen Victoria Public House, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois (at the rear car park) on Saturday mornings from 11.30 am and on Wednesday evenings (summer league matches permitting) from 7.30 pm.

If you are interested in playing Petanque, why not come along and join in a few games with us before deciding whether to become a member - you will be made most welcome!

If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact Brenda Wilmot, Club Secretary, Tel No 020 8508 1987.

As far as we know these are the most up to date details. Please contact us to update or if you want to give further details or a link to your own Web Site.

Please contact us with your Latest Details. E-Mail: Theydon News Desk or send copy to the Village Office. Preferably on floppy disk

Theydon Bois Village Web Site

Theydon Club & Societies Details

The Theydon Bois Music Society is the society for lovers of good music in the village and surrounding area.