Latest Village News

The Month in Theydon (May): Trevor Roberts latest report is on line Click Here.

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Parish Council Minutes: The minutes for the AGM of the Parish Council on 28th May 2009 are now available. Click Here

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June 2009 Village News: The latest quarterly PDF version of Issue 66 of Village News is now available on line. Click Here

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2nd July 2009 Theydon Bois Open Gardens 2009 'Blooming Marvelous':

"Blooming Marvelous" was one visitors comment on this years Open Gardens Day. The rain held off and for the most part the day was sunny, but perhaps a little two warm as some visitors were wilting a bit more visibly than the flowers. Many gardeners supplied various liquid refreshments for their visitors and in one garden you could even enjoy a Pimm's while listening to a jazz band! Numbers attending this years event were very high and all the volunteers working hard in the heat are to be congratulated for making it such a success. A further report will be coming soon when we have more detail on the numbers attending and money raised.

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28th June 2009 Theydon Girls Walk at Midnight (Updated):

The ‘Theydon Girls’ from Theydon Bois did the St Clare Hospice Midnight Walk on Saturday 20th June. The gruelling 10k event was achieved by the Girls in 1hr and 59mins, an improvement on last year’s time of 2hrs and 20mins. It was an amazing evening attended by around 1500 people. The total figure raised for St. Clare's was in excess of £150,000, a massive achievement and one that exceeded last year’s figure of around £106,000.  The Theydon Girls have exceeded their own target of £2000 and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported and sponsored them for this amazing charity serving the people of West Essex, including Theydon Bois.

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22nd June 2009 Theydon Sheep & Goats on Radio 4: The Sheep and Goat farm owned by Carmine Carnevale and managed by Salvatore featured on last Sundays Food program on Radio 4. The sheep and goats milk from this Theydon Bois farm goes to make ricotta cheese in Carmine's factory in Kings Cross and this is used by some of the finest restaurants. Food critics on the program thought the 'Theydon Bois Ricotta' superior to the italian version! If you missed the program You can still catch it on BBC I-Player here.

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20th June 2009 Parish Council Youth Club Site Consultation Meeting:

Parish Council Chairman, Sue Jones opened the debate on the possible purchase of the Youth Club Site off Loughton Lane from Essex County Council for £300,000 with a 'PowerPoint' presentation last night (available here for those with PowerPoint or PP Viewer). This showed the merits of purchasing the site as a resource for the community, preventing proposed development, giving a home for the Theydon Youth Club and ongoing security of tenure for the Scout Hut. The site would be a 'Community Centre' to be used as fully as possible, primarily by Theydon Bois organisations and residents. It would though require a Public Works Loan that would increase the Parish Precept proportion of the rates, because of this the Parish Council is seeking public opinion before preceding further.

Although it was hoped that attendance at the well advertised meeting would have been better Sue and the other Parish Councillors present answered quite a number of questions about the implications of the proposed purchase from the audience. The extra cost on the rates to each household in the village would be a little over £11 per annum (24p a week), but this would not increase in future as the interest would be fixed for the proposed 25 year term and interest rates on Public Works Loans are at present at an all time low. The audience were generally in support of the proposal, no objections were raised, the questions merely seeking clarification on the best way forward and how and for what the site would be used in the future.

The consultation will remain open until 12.00 noon Tuesday 30th June and villagers are requested to put their comments in writing to the Parish Council at the usual address by that date.
The Parish Office
Theydon Bois Village Hall
Coppice Row
Theydon Bois, CM16 7ER

or email your comments to either: consultation or theydonboisclerk@supanet.com

For further information about the site purchase see pages 4 & 5 of the June Village News and also the minutes of Parish Council Business Meetings of 5th & 14th of May. Available here.

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19th June 2009 Parish Council General Business Minutes: The minutes for the 5th & 14th of May meetings are available here. There is much useful background information regarding attempts to purchase the Youth Centre Site relevant to the Consultation Meeting tonight (Friday 19th June).

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19th June 2009 Voluntary Action Quiz Night:

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18th June 2009 Theydon WI Celebrate 90th Year:

The Theydon Bois Branch of the Women’s institute held a 90th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday 17th June in the Village Hall. There was an exhibition of the group's past events with photographs together and a copy of the first minutes from 1919, these taken before the W.I. was officially formed.

Guests attending included Officials from the Essex Federation of W.I.’s, Ann Grigg Vice Chairman of EFDC, the Chairman and Secretary of the Village Association, Councillor Sue Jones (Chairman of the Parish Council) and Parish Councillor Jacq Dodman, , Presidents of local W.I.’s from Buckhurst Hill, Chingford, Loughton and Epping. In total the well over a hundred members present, including past presidents and many members now also in their 90th year, heard Theydon W.I. President Kay Rush give a short welcome speech. Julie Alen (Chairman of the County W.I.) replied noting the changes over the past 90 years with both the Theydon Group and Institute itself moving from the more traditional status to a more modern outlook.

Left to right - Judith Finn (WI Federation), Sue Jones (Parish Council Chairman), Kay Rush (Theydon WI President), Barbara Ball (WI Federation), Anne Grigg, Doreen Snell (Theydon WI Secretary), Julie Alen (Chairman Essex WI Federation), Allen Cox, Cllr. Jacq. Dodman, Mary Leng.

The crowed village hall then sang along with songs reminiscent of the last 90 years performed by Martyn Harrison. The 90th Anniversary cake was cut by Ann Grigg and while sandwiches, the cake, and drinks were enjoyed by all the members they swapped memories and anecdotes about their time in the WI. Every person present received a pen with a  T.B.W.I. logo and also a white carnation that can be worn either on a dress or suit to mark a very memorable occasion.

Epping Forest Guardian also covers this story here.

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15th June 2009 Miriam Kramer & David Slkoff in Concert at Copped Hall:

The delightful sound, on a fine summer evening, of a violin and a piano in perfect harmony resounded throughout the South Room of the Copped Hall Mansion on Saturday (13th June) when Miriam Kramer and David Silkoff returned to give another exhilarating and highly professional recital. Both are musicians of professional standing and concert soloists in their own right, which was reflected in the quality of their music. Their programme included works by Bartok, Mendelssohn, Bloch and Franck and, especially, a much-appreciated performance of Beethoven’s Spring Sonata. But the most popular item, which demanded an encore, was the Gypsy Music portrayed with fire and total expression by Miriam equally matched by the dynamic and expert playing of David. Miriam has given recitals both in America and the UK including at our village hall for the Theydon Bois Music Society and many villagers were to be seen in the audience at this concert. Miriam now has an established discography, much applauded by critics. David has a similar professional background, is highly sought after as an accompanist and will shortly be giving a solo recital in Ilford to celebrate his 60th birthday.

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10th June 2009 Villager of the Year 2009:

Sue Jones presented the Villager of the Year Award to Mr Norman Riley at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council to Mr Norman Riley. Sue said “ Presenting this Award to Norman gives me great pleasure. Norman has over many years done a tremendous amount of work to ensure the village is a more attractive place to live. He is held in great esteem by other residents and his craftsmanship is very much admired. We appreciate all the work he does in the village, committing a great deal of time not only to working on several projects in the village but also to help other residents.” As reported here in Village News last December, Norman has spent his working life in metal fabrication and hand-crafted the planters that you can see in the Forest Drive shopping area. In addition to the planters. Norman also made the metal benches which grace the village green.

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10th June 2009 Theydon Bois Brownie Pack 40th Anniversary:

The Theydon Bois Brownie Pack with Parish Council Chairman Sue Jones & Cllr. John Philip

It was party time for the Theydon Bois Brownies last Monday evening when they celebrated the 40th anniversary of the pack in St. Mary's Church Hall. Guests included Parish and District Councillors, Vicar Colin Travers and many helpers and parents. There were demonstrations of pack activities for guests, games and then tea and cakes were enjoyed by all.

The youngest and oldest Brownies in the pack help cut the 40th Birthday cake.

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10th June 2009 St. Mary's Vicar Retires:

It is with great sadness and regret that St Mary’s Church family learnt of the impending retirement of their Vicar, Colin Travers, who has led the parish for 7 years.  After 37 years as a priest, he is ready for a well-earned rest.  His ministry has seen growth and development at St Mary’s, and his unfailing enthusiasm, energy and vitality, combined with a remarkable gift for communication and an ability to remember people’s names and families has helped to bond the church members into a real family. A warm, caring man, he has always found time to offer support when needed, and his prayer ministry has been greatly appreciated by many. His deep spirituality has led him to introduce opportunities for quiet and meditation, and to develop the ministry of healing and laying on of hands.

Colin ‘s lively sense of humour and excellent organisational skills have seen many occasions of celebration and fun at St Mary’s, from a memorable day at Great Gregories Farm, with the sharing of communion, lunch and entertainment, to shared lunches in the Hall and birthday toasts with bubbly and cake.  He has overseen the completion and commission of the new Parish Centre, the re-cladding of the copper church spire, the re-tiling of the church roof, and the current re-furbishing of the church interior.  A familiar figure at village events, with his boundless enthusiasm and sense of fun, he has reached out to all, and he will be greatly missed in the Theydon community.

He has encouraged church members to develop their gifts and is leaving a strong, supportive and loving congregation who will surely continue to grow in the future, with the arrival of a new priest to build on his achievements in his ministry.  He has been quietly supported by his wife Joy throughout his career.  We are all very sorry to see them leave, and we wish them a very happy retirement in Ely. Colin’s farewell service is a Family Communion at St Mary’s at 10 am on Sunday, 5th July, to which all are welcome.

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2nd June 2009 Farewell to our Parish Clerk:

Madeleine McCarthy who has been our Parish Clerk for the last 7 years has now stood down. At the Parish Council Meeting last Thursday (28th May) Chairman Sue Jones thanked Madeleine for all her service over the past years. She has been a great benefit to both Councillors and villagers.

Both the Village News and Village Web Site Editors would particularly like to add their thanks to Madeleine as without her help coordinating information and passing it on we would not have been able to keep you up to date with news about our village.

With Madeleine stepping down there will be some changes in the Parish Office. Madeleine's former assistant, Sally Crone will now become Acting Parish Clerk and Greville Norman (who lives in the village) will take on the new Responsible Financial Officer role. Sally will be in the Parish Office on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and Greville will man it on Monday and Wednesday.

A further change announced at the Parish Council AGM as part of the 'Election of PC Officers' is that Cllr. John Philip now replaces Cllr. Jacq. Dodman as Vice Chairman of the Parish Council. Sue Jones was re-elected as Chairman and most other posts remain unchanged.

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31st May 2009 Theydon Youth Assailing New Heights:

In April 'Theydon Youth' had a Climbing Wall brought down by the Essex Association of Boys Clubs. Members and volunteers were able to scale the 4mtr high wall and then abseil down. It was a very popular activity with around thirty children taking part. The Village Association kindly lent us their Car Park as a level ground was needed. The week before this event we took some of the members to Benfleet Skating Park where they were able to test their skateboarding and bike skills. The club itself is thriving with around 50 members which continues to grow each week. We continue to open every Tuesday from 7pm till 9pm. Future events are planned. If you are interested in being a volunteer helper, have a child that would like to join or would just like more information please e-mail us at theydonyouth@hotmail.com .

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26th May 2009 Sacks of Fun & Nursery Rhymes at St. Mary's May Fayre:

Well the rain held off and the weather was good making yesterday's St. Mary's May Fayre a great success. People flocked to the Plant Sale as soon as it opened and you were lucky to find anything left if you came later in the day. All the other stalls were doing good business so it is hoped that a health amount has been raised towards church funds.

The Nursery Rhyme Competition had some great characters and costumes and this was followed by Sack Races and and other games for the children and then a display of dancing.

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22nd May 2009 Short Mat Bowls Club Annual  Presentation Lunch:

On May 14th the Short Mat Bowls Club held their Annual  Presentation Lunch at which 55 members and guests sat down to a Buffet  Lunch. The lady members provided the excellent meal under the guidance of Joy Wainwright and Val Matthews.
The competitions had been held during the period from September to April and the Winners were  presented with their awards by the Club Chairman Joy Wainwright assisted by the Competitions Secretary. John Langford.

Competition Results:

Ladies Singles: Marie Hammond Runner Up Pat Pleasant
Ladies Pairs: Barbara Langford & Doreen Simpson Runners Up Penny Page & Sue Barrington Men’s Singles: Matthew Furlong Runner Up Frank Hammond
Men’s Pairs: John Langford & Ken Rae Runners Up Brian Giddens & Brian Parker
Mixed Pairs: Iris May & John Foster Runners Up Joy Wainwright & Frank Hammond

A new Trophy the Ted Norris Cup was awarded to Sue Barrington for winning the session of Target Bowls.
The Short Mat Bowls Club meets at the Village Hall on Thursdays and New Members are welcome and coaching can be given if required, Further information can be obtained from the Secretary John Field on 01992 812684

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22nd May 2009 Local Girl Blooms At Chelsea

Local garden designer Julie Phipps won a Silver-Gilt Medal for her courtyard garden ‘The Cottage’ at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden was a reconstruction of her original garden design which can be found at Capel Manor College in Enfield, where Julie trained and is now a Senior Gardener looking after the National Gardening Centre.

Julie was delighted with her medal win, but stated that without doubt that the highlight of the show was meeting the Queen at Monday’s Gala Preview Evening. Other members of the Royal Family also visited the garden including the Earl and Countess of Wessex who made an unscheduled stop.

The garden proved to be very popular with the public and was the culmination of many months of planning. Julie said ‘this was a team effort and could not be achieved without the support of the Capel Manor Staff and in particular Nicholas Evans, Director of Estates at Capel Manor College’.

Further information and images of the garden can be found on the web at www.thesuncottagegarden.co.uk

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22nd May 2009

A PLEA FROM OUR STREET TREES!

Our wonderful street trees are one of the best features of the village.  We have experienced a very dry spring and as a result the young trees are suffering.  If you have a young street tree in the verge outside your property then please help the trees and our tree wardens by giving them a regular bucket of water.  It is better to water through the watering tubes at the base of the tree if possible.

Theydon Bois Tree Stategy Committee

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22nd May 2009 Sarah Hannibal has been chosen for the British Telemark Team:

Sarah from Theydon, where her parents still live, first began to ski with the Ski Club of Great Britain in Obergurgl ten years ago, and qualified as a Ski Club Rep in 2006.  After leading and Repping in the 2006/07 season, she started looking for something a bit different. "I first got into it because I needed a second discipline. I soon discovered how much more physically challenging it is than alpine skiing, I love to 'feel the burn'!.  You also can't beat powder riding on teles - it's an amazing floaty feeling."

She was eventually asked to coach the British Military at their Championships in Rauris in January, which turned into a chance to trial for the GB team in Kaprun. "I was the fore-runner for the final races and I obviously did ok because they asked me to attend the trials in May."

For people not familar with the sport Telemark skiing is a term used for skiing using the Telemark turn. It is also known as "free heel skiing." Unlike alpine skiing equipment, the skis used for telemarking have a binding that only connects the boot to the ski at the toes, just as in cross-country skiing. Telemark turns are led with the heel flat on the outside ski (the downhill ski at the end of the turn), while the inside (uphill) ski is pulled beneath the skier's body with a flexed knee and raised heel. The skis are staggered but not quite parallel, and 50% to 60% of the body weight is distributed on the outside ski, depending on snow conditions.

The revival in the Telemark technique, after its decline from popularity in the mid-1940s, started in United States in the 1970s. Telemark skiing was a back-to-basics reaction to the high-tech equipment developments of alpine skiing, and the increasing reliance on crowded groomed pistes served by ever larger and faster mechanical ski lifts.

Sarah will be the only woman on an otherwise all male team, and you can keep up with how the team do next season on the British Telemark Team website. 

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20th May 2009 Race for Life:

Back Row: Karen Collins, Helena Bowles, Laurette Robertson, Kate Penegar, Julie Brundell, Eleanor Gooch, Brigette Bradford, Lynn Gooch, Sally Gladman, Diane Revell, Fiona Hobbs, Alex Phillips, Julie Willis. Front Row: Louisa Revell, Francesca Bradford, Amelia Rpbertson, Fiona Bradley, Hannah Hobbs

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning on May 10th some of the ladies and their daughters from Theydon Bois took part in the Harlow Race for Life. The race started at 11am & by 12.30pm we had all completed the course & were collecting our well earned medals. As far as I'm aware, there were over 20 runners and walkers from Theydon. The course was 5km long and took us through Harlow Town Park and the surrounding roads. The first ones to finish from Theydon were Francesca Bradford and Eleanor Gooch closely followed by Brigette Bradford, Kate Penegar, Karen Collins and Lynn Gooch.

 

Even though the weather was glorious and there was a brilliant atmosphere and camaraderie between the racers, we were all taking part for the same reason -  to raise money for Cancer Research. Many proudly wore the names of people whose lives had been touched by cancer and it was poignant and moving to see thousands of these names pinned up on a wall at the finish line. The Theydon team are pleased to say we have currently raised in excess of £1,500 for Cancer Research and the money is still coming in so we expect the final figure to be much higher.

 

Theydon racers were: Amanda Austin, Holly Bacon, Linda Bacon, Helena Bowles, Brigette Bradford, Francesca Bradford, Fiona Bradley, Julie Brundell, Karen Collins, Clare Drew, Maureen Drew, Barbara Houghton, Sally Gladman, Eleanor Gooch, Lynn Gooch, Fiona Hobbs, Hannah Hobbs, Kate Penegar, Alex Philips, Diane Revell, Louisa Revell, Amelia Robertson, Laurette Robertson, Julie Willis. These are the people who contacted me to say they'd taken part - there probably were more but I'm not sure who - maybe you know of more???)

Well done to everyone who took part in the Harlow Race for Life and good luck those racing in other events over the Summer.

Fiona Bradley

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20th May 2009 Volunteer Gardeners Needed:

When gardens and lawns become overgrown, most of us find it troublesome.  People who are physically unable to do their gardens find it distressing, particularly those who are usually housebound.  The aim of the garden service is to provide volunteers to maintain the gardens of people who cannot manage unaided and who have no other family support.

The Mow & Grow Gardening Service enables elderly and disabled people to go on living independently in the Epping Forest community.  Mow & Grow provides a practical service for those who need it and, in addition, both clients and volunteers who benefit from the social contact with a local person.

Mow & Grow volunteers can be of all ages from all different sectors of the community.  You do not need to have any specialist gardening skills as most of the work involves mowing, trimming and pruning ensuring a tidy garden is maintained.
All tools are provided.  Volunteers are always accompanied by a Mow & Grow gardener who are happy to provide the necessary training and guidance in the use of the equipment and manual tools.  We operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you feel you have a little time to spare and would like to be part of a volunteer team please contact Allie Neal Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator on 01992 564256 or email aneal@vaef.org.uk

By volunteering you can really make a difference.

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19th May 2009 All Change at the Shops: The "Noddle" toy business and its neighbour "Theydon Security" ceased trading and vacated their premises in the Forest Drive retail area. Noddle had specialised in upmarket and educational toys for young children and Theydon Security was well known in Theydon Bois through its installation of the Village CCTV Systems, which had helped to reduce local crime.
The premises is now in the process of re-opening as a General Stores to be called Theydon Stores. They will be selling a wide range of household and other goods.

On 3rd April Andy Valentine, opened the door to Esquires Barbers shop in Forest Drive.  Andy, who hails from Waltham Abbey, started his trade as a hairdresser at the age of 16 and now has some 17 years experience in the business.
Esquires is a traditional barbers offering traditional and modern haircuts to all ages and specialises on boys cuts. There are special Senior Citizen rates on Monday to Wednesday and a late night on Tuesday until 8pm with opening to 7pm every other night.

Brothers Amit (28) & Chirag (23) Khetiya have opened Forest Wines in Forest Drive, in the former premises of the Wine Rack. Both Amit and Chirag are well known to Theydon Shoppers as they helped their parents,  Pravin and Champa in the Bookshop in Theydon for 13 years or so until their parents retired  in 2005.
 Opening a wine shop in the village was a family idea and the brothers are keen on developing the business to ensure that the shop stocks wines that are different from “bog standard” supermarket fare. They will be pleased to order any special wines that villagers prefer as well as offering a free glass hire service to customers.
 A Forest Wines website is under development which will have details of the regular wine-tastings that the brothers intend to run at the shop. In addition the wines they offer a special range of chocolates and Cuban cigars for that special gift or occasion.

The former Spa Grocery shop at 13 Forest Drive has now closed and the site has had a planning application (EPF/0261/09) granted for a conversion from A1 (shop) to A3 (restaurant) use.

The Theydon Bois Nursery horticultural centre in Loughton Lane, which had been closed for some time has reopened.. The owners are still Andy Goodwin and Paul Lewis who also have a horticultural wholesale business in the area. They intend to be open from 9am - 6pm, 6 days a week (closed Mondays) and stock a very wide range of plants that should be of interest to all the keen gardeners in Theydon. They also have a new range of garden furniture.

All this has made our shops & services pages seriously out of date so we hope to redesign them with all the new information soon.

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19th May 2009 Village Hall - Parents Please Note:

The Village Association and Parish Council have worked together and tried various schemes over a period to time since the new village hall was built to accommodate local youngsters by allowing them use of the village hall car park.
Unfortunately this has resulted in a number of concerns that need to be recognised:

•  Health and safety legislation
• Insurance issues
• Repetitive damage to steps, gutters, CCTV cameras and roof tiles involving expense
• Regular noise, disturbance and intimidation to neighbours and hall users

As a consequence, regrettably:
SKATEBOARDING, CYCLING, FOOTBALL AND ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL NO LONGER BE TOLERATED IN THE VILLAGE HALL CAR PARK.
This has been done in consultation with the Police and they have indicated they will help to enforce the above.
Parents, please do not send your children to play there, it is private property and is only for use as a car park for hall users.  The VA & Parish Council would appreciate your co-operation in this matter.

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19th May 2009 Theydon Bois Horticultural Society 100th Show -
Saturday 25th July 2009: By now every household in Theydon Bois will have received our bright green schedule for the Horticultural Show on Saturday 25th July. Please, don’t just file this booklet....have a look inside and see if you can find a class to enter for our 100th Show.

The day is not only about flowers, fruit and vegetables but there are sections for cookery, photography and handicraft, as well as something for the younger members of the family.
The children's section has been composed with help from different groups in the village, as well as the village school, to include a variety of skills and crafts the children have covered over the last year......is there an article of handicraft already completed and waiting to be entered?
Don’t forget the grand scarecrow competition! All societies in the village have been invited to make a scarecrow in the theme of their club. Family entries are welcome too.  Information about this competition is on page 3 of the little green book.
Village shows are an important part of the community and it would be wonderful if everyone entered something...even if it was only one item. If you haven’t entered before and are not sure what to do please come along to the special ‘how to do it’ talk on June 18th in the village hall, where one of our judges will be giving hints on staging exhibits.
Be part of the village, go on, have a go.

For more information contact Tricia Haslehurst 812177 or Jane Turner 812652

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Earlier News Items

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Strong Opinions?: Do you have strong opinions (as on any of the above the above subjects) or about what's good or bad in our village? The Web Site is thinking of starting an opinions page where you can have your say. Why not submit a short article of up to about 400 words for everyone to discuss. Either drop it into the Parish Office (preferably on Disk) or E-mail it to us at Opinions Theydon News Desk .

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

Last Updated: 2nd July 2009
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