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THE PAST MONTH IN THEYDON BOIS
September 2005
01 09 05 The fragility of modern life was highlighted on 29 Aug
05 when hurricane “Katrina” hit the southern shores of the United
States, particularly the city of New Orleans. Extensive flooding and damage
was caused resulting in looting, corpses floating the streets and a complete
breakdown of all essential services including law and order. The immensity
of the disaster resulted in the personal involvement of the President
of the United States in the relief efforts. Several residents of the Epping
Forest District were in the city and described their horrifying experiences
on their return to the UK, and expressed their good fortune in surviving
the disaster. The America oil producing facilities, including refineries,
in the Gulf of Mexico were also damaged which immediately reduced the
world output of motor fuels and forced up the price at roadside petrol
stations in the UK. Commenting on the resulting lawlessness in the City
and the terror experienced by its citizens, Eleanor Laing MP, remarked
that this was a stark warning we should all heed. Systems of Government
exist to protect the weak from the wicked - see what happens when such
systems break down!
Following the rejection last July of the planning applications at Parsonage
Golf for a Tennis Academy and an associated car park, a further application
was now made for an extension to the golf course currently being developed.
Once again, there was adverse reaction from many in TB especially Jacqueline
Dodman of Theydon Park Road who commented that there appeared to be no
limit, under the original planning application, to the amount of waste
(spoil) deposited on the golf course site. The granting of further planning
applications would give the developer a further mandate to dump waste
on our green belt land as long as this was profitable. Leslie Jerman of
Coppice Row added his view that we (TB) were already surrounded by golf
courses, which were having to advertise for members. Therefore he thought
that the new scheme seemed to be more about money than golf.
02 09 05 On a pleasant summer’s afternoon, a small group
of family and friends attended St Mary’s church for a Service of
Praise and thanksgiving for the life of villager Florrie Benjamin. She
first moved to Theydon Bois as a child together with her family from Wales
and then lived in Forest Drive, Orchard Drive and the Roberts Daniels
Court before finally moving to a retirement home in Surrey where she ended
her days aged 92 and was cremated. She was of a quiet disposition and
an ardent worshipper at St Mary’s which she attended whenever possible.
In early days she was well known locally as the receptionist at the Village
Surgery of Doctors Scott and Grylls, located at the junction of Buxton
Road Forest Drive. The service was attended by members of her family -
sister in law Rosaline Cole and Michael, John and Geoff Cole - who afterwards
witnessed the burial of her ashes in St Mary’s Churchyard. They then
joined the rest of the congregation in a small social gathering at the
Church kindly organised by the Church Ladies. Canon Colin Travers, the
Vicar of St Mary’s, officiated at the Service and afterwards in the
Churchyard.
08 09 05 The Theydon Bois Music Society commenced its new season
of meetings with a recital given by Laurette Pope – Harpist, and
Lucille Burns – Flute. Their delightful programme included works
by Handel – Flute Sonata in F, and the Gareth Walters composition
- Little Suite for Flute and Harp. The delightful combination of music
by these two fine instrumentalists was especially appreciated by the audience
and most appropriate for a warm summer evening in late summer.
Christopher Breavington from TB married his university sweetheart Michelle
Archard, from Chippenham, at St Peter’s Church in Michelle’s
hometown. The couple held their reception at the Bowood Golf and Country
Club and spent their honeymoon at Zakynthos, Greece. The Bridesmaids were
Deborah, Kate, Amy and Faye; Matthew Breavington was the Best Man.
09 09 05 The EFDC’s decision to revise the refuse and recycling
system in the District, which had resulted in much objection and correspondence
during the previous months, commenced in a welter of confusion. Wheelie
bins collections for domestic waste in TB were now expected to commence
in early 2006. Meantime the usual regular refuse collection day for the
village was changed from Monday to Friday. Domestic (black bag) collections
would continue to be made weekly, but those for recyclable materials would
also take place on the new collection day, but only fortnightly. The EFDC
circulated specific details to all householders but residents were caught
off balance and waste material of all kinds was lying in the village for
some days until the new collection system clicked into place. Further
confusion was caused when the collections for garden waste were also moved
to the new day. The EFDC mounted special collections to cover “collection
gaps” and this appeared to resolve the immediate problems.
15 09 05 The Little Cherubs Toddlers Group which meets at the
Theydon Bois Baptist Church, recently held its summer party which included
a musical puppet show and children’s entertainment. The group, which
is led by Claudia Slater meets regularly on Tuesday afternoons during
school term times and the children regularly enjoy creative activities
which include dressing up, clay modelling and playing with toys.
Members of the Theydon Lodge were present at Freemason’s Hall in
London to see a local Freemason installed as their new Provincial Grand
Master. John Webb of Loughton, a retired director of a building company,
became the leader of 12,000 Freemasons in the Province of Essex, which
is the fourth largest in the country. John has been married to his wife
Diane for 21 years and they have four children and seven grandchildren.
The ancient right of the Commoners of Epping Forest to graze pasture
cattle in the Forest, and to elect Forest Verderers, was once again publicised.
A new Register of Commoners for the election of Verderers was being prepared
by the Epping Forest Conservators and claims for registration were therefore
invited. Those eligible had to be owners or occupiers of at least half
an acre of land not covered by buildings and lying within the ancient
boundary of Epping Forest, as set forth in the perambulation made in the
17th year of the reign of Charles II. The right of Commoners to put cattle
in the Forest has existed for more than 800 years and the Office of Verderer
is of similar antiquity. However, under the Epping Forest Act of 1978,
four Verderers are now elected every seven years, two for the northern
and southern Forest Parishes respectively. Verderers had to live in a
Forest Parish and be members of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee
of the Corporation of London. The next election of Verderers would be
in March 2006.
18 09 05 An underground fault in the electricity supply network
resulted in more the than 800 TB residents being without power from 08.30
onwards for some 36 minutes. This was the latest in a series of disruptions
which began on 09 09 05, due to a fault in the overhead distribution system,
and further disruptions then followed within days. A local resident commented
that it was unbelievable that this situation could occur during the 21st
century and wanted the power company to look at its distribution systems
and provide a proper service; a spokesman for EDF Energy subsequently
apologised to customers for the interruptions. It was pointed out by an
electrical engineer that TB was possibly connected to a “spur”
in the distribution network and so was one of the first areas to be affected
when “load shedding” was necessary, due to a fault or for any
other reason.
22 09 05 The AND Technological Research business of Forest Drive
TB, celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open day to which both industry
and public were invited. Its premises were transformed into themed areas
featuring the different services and skills the business provided. A special
guest was Steven Norris, the previous MP for Epping Forest, who spoke
about the history of the business, and a 25th Anniversary Cake was then
cut to mark the occasion.
29 09 05 The attempt by John Knapman, Leader of the EFDC, to get
lorries taking spoil to the Parsonage Golf site in TB to use the M11 service
slip road instead of the current route through Abridge to TB, was balked
yet again. The Highways Agency was reluctant to agree to the change due
to the nature of the slip road, and now police approval was also necessary;
John Knapman expressed his sympathy to the people of Abridge in this matter.
Others affected by this movement of spoil were all the users of the Abridge
/ TB Road, especially in the vicinity of TB, because of the dangerous
and filthy state of the road due to the lorry movements.
A recent Business Golf Day at the TB Golf Club raised over £5,400
for the appeal fund for the Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs and
the St Clare Hospice, as set up by Brian Sandler, the current chairman
of the EFDC during his year of office. The overall winner of the individual
competition was won by Simon George of PFE Loughton, and the team prize
went to the EFDC team comprising Bill Brooks, Simon Hill, David Clifton
and Trevor Johnson. The event was sponsored by the Loughton based Higgins
Group.
A group of 6 Year pupils from the Theydon Bois County Primary School
joined TBPC Councillors Peter Hammond and Peter Gooch in a demonstration
against the closure of the Village Youth Centre in Loughton Lane, and
the proposed housing development on the site. The development plans were
thrown out in 2004 by the TBPC and the EFDC but the ECC, the proposer,
was appealing against this rejection. The group assembled outside the
School where Peter Hammond told of the TBPC’s wish to open a drop
- in centre where the older children could receive general advice in addition
to socialising. The village had a school which was over subscribed, an
increasing young population and nowhere for young people to socialise.
This new facility could be also used for the community generally as well
as young people. The demonstration also served to remind residents that
the ECC appeal was to be heard on 5-6th October next, and to also rally
local support for the case against the appeal.
The bi monthly meeting of the TBPC was held in the TBVH when the following
matters were dealt with and discussed:
Blunts Farm estates had written to the TBPC seeking discussions regarding
various leisure schemes proposed by the EFDC, and those which could benefit
TB and the local community.
EFDC had also written to the TBPC regarding the problems at parsonage
Golf and giving assurance that the site is regularly monitored and control
exercised.
At a meeting of 26 Sep 05 between representatives of the TBPC and EFDC
Planning to discuss the Blunts farm (Parsonage Golf) Site, Councillor
Gooch stated that lessons had not been learned regarding the lack of conditions
for other similar developments and there was a general lack of confidence
in the EFDC regarding planning matters. Councillor Hammond stated that
the EFDC planners should have been aware that a survey of the site levels
should have been carried out prior to the deposit of soil. He had visited
the site and found no evidence of illegal dumping; it was not in the interests
of the developer to flout the law and the Environment Agency was monitoring
the site. Extremely deep holes had been dug for clay extraction and some
70,000 cubic meters of spoil was needed to fill them. Any one dissatisfied
with the EFDC handling of the situation was free to contact the Local
Government Ombudsman.
Councillor Hammond had visited the successful “ Box” youth
venture facility in Epping, which was run by volunteers. He pointed out
the some 250 youngsters in TB could benefit from a similar facility. Both
the Local Police and the British Transport Police supported the case for
retaining the youth facility in TB; the appeal against its closure would
be heard on 5-6 Oct 05.
Councillor Purkiss reported that pavement /road/kerb barrier improvement
work was due to commence in the pedestrian crossing area.
Councillor Purkiss reported that, at joint meeting between representatives
of the town councils of *Epping and Loughton together with the Parish
Councils of Theydon Bois, Lambourne and Stapleford Abbotts, it was generally
agreed that the ECC and the EFDC were under performing in several areas.
A joint approach, with other local Councils, to the District and County
authorities might have greater impact.
*The Clerks from these five authorities would now meet quarterly.
Councillor Jones read out a letter from the EFDC to all Parish and Town
Councils requesting that they refrain from making spurious objections
to planning applications as this wasted time. Councillor Gooch referred
back to his earlier, comments regarding planning and said that confidence
in the EFDC Planning Department was now “rock bottom”
The following matters were raised "from the floor” during the
open session of he meeting:
1. The TBPC would enter the Calor Gas sponsored ICT competition. Jim
Watts was preparing an entry.
2. An accident had recently occurred involving a lorry leaving the Blunts
Farm site.
3. Piercing Hill was becoming a road accident “black spot”
following another accident.
4. The speed camera in Coppice Row was not working and a speed camera
was needed in Loughton Lane.
During August and September, the following entries were recorded in the
registers of St Margaret’s Church:
Baptisms
28 08 05 Megan Baker
18 09 05 Ophelia and Olivia Gregory
Marriages
24 09 05 Louis Barnes and Barry Slyman
Top
THE PAST MONTH IN THEYDON BOIS
AUGUST 2005
THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE EVENTS, NOT NECESSARILY IN CHRONOLOGICAL
ORDER, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE VILLAGE OF THEYDON BOIS DURING AUGUST 2005
AND WHICH WERE RECORDED BY TREVOR ROBERTS, THE THEYDON BOIS LOCAL HISTORY
RECORDER.
Ivy Rann, 80, a Red Cross volunteer for more than 63 years, received
official recognition of her efforts from the Voluntary Action Epping Forest
Group. Ivy joined the Theydon Bois (TB) Red Cross Youth Unit in 1942,
during WWII when she was 16, and studied basic nursing to help with the
war effort. Her service has been unbroken, except for a brief period due
to illness, and she has spent the last twenty years working at the Red
Cross medical loan department in Loughton.
A Chinese Evening was the main feature at the August meeting of the TB
Wine Circle. The members enjoyed a Chinese Meal, which was followed by
a quiz based on anagrams of Chinese names - the winners were Kathy Lock
and Dick Kent.
EFDC (Epping Forest District Council) Leader, John Knapman, criticised
the Highways Agency for failing to help resolve the current problems caused
by heavy lorries moving through Abridge and TB with soil deposits for
the Parsonage Golf Development. A sensible solution would be for these
vehicles to use the M11 motorway and exit via the spur road leading the
Coopersale Lane, and then directly onto the development site. The Agency
contended that the spur roads were not official slip roads for vehicle
exit, but only access roads to the motorway maintenance unit. Also, significant
engineering work would be necessary for lorry use of this nature.
In a letter to the local press, Mike Emmett of Abridge Road TB pointed
out that the EFDC’s recently published leaflet for the Abridge Conservation
Area refers to the historical and architectural characteristics of this
locale which contains 12 Grade II listed buildings and a road bridge over
the river Roding. How, he asked could the EFDC Planning Department produce
this leaflet and then grant planning permission for the Parsonage Golf
development, so allowing 300 heavy trucks a day to desecrate the village
(Abridge) and stand by while the 200 year old bridge is endangered?
In further letters, Connie Garrett of Forest Drive TB complained of the
constant noise from the site as early as 4 am. in the early morning; one
Saturday, the work continued right through the day when it was supposed
to finish at 1 pm. Commenting on the withdrawal of the proposals to erect
a tennis academy and construct a car park, Jacqueline Dodman of Theydon
Park Road said that we (the village) should stand firm and resist any
development from this developer. We are at the beginning of a battle that
could last for years and will involve a lot of campaigning: we have won
the first point but winning the match is a long way off.
The Three Valleys Water Company apologised for any inconvenience incurred
by the one-week delay in repairing a water leak at the junction of Piercing
Hill and Morgan Crescent TB. The Company attended to 24,000 leaks annually
and prioritised repairs according to the potential hazard, scale of the
leak, residential impact and the type of road. The leak in TB was to a
fire hydrant and liaison with the fire service was necessary before repairs
could be affected.
The second Toy and Train Collectors evening was held in the TBVH (Theydon
Bois Village Hall) and again proved popular. The Hall was packed for the
two-hour event and the impressive amount of items for sale stimulated
considerable business.
The sound of music was again echoing in Piercing Hill TB despite the
closure of Wansfell College. The Theydon Bois Friends of Cancer Research
UK held a celebration of Opera in the Garden at Brocket, 36 Piercing Hill,
in support of this charity. On a pleasant summer evening, Cameo Opera
gave vocal excerpts from a number pf classical operatic works including
Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, Puccini’s Tosca and Gershwin's Porgy
and Bess. The singers were Judith Buckle, Clarissa Stedman, Richard Owen
and Matthew Craven. The pianist was Kenneth Roberts.
A 74 year old woman resident of The Green, TB was reading her newspaper
late in the evening when she heard noises in her kitchen. On investigation,
she found that two men were trying to break into her property. She shouted
at them to leave and used a mop to deter them until they fled empty handed.
The police said she hit one of the men who she described as being white,
about 5ft 7ins tall, handsome with nice brown curly hair and who was using
a “nice smelling” after shave lotion.
On a pleasant summer’s afternoon, a small group of family and friends
attended St Mary’s church for a Service of Praise and thanksgiving
for the life of villager Florrie Benjamin. She first moved to the area
from Wales with her family, and subsequently lived in Forest Drive, Orchard
Drive and then the local Frank Foster Home; her final move was to another
retirement home in Surrey where she ended her days and was cremated. She
was of a quiet disposition and an ardent worshipper at St Mary’s
which she attended whenever possible. In early days she was well known
locally as the receptionist at the Village Surgery of Doctors Scott and
Grylls, located at the junction of Buxton Road and Forest Drive. The service
was attended by members of her family - sister in law Rosaline Cole and
Michael, John and Geoff Cole - who afterwards witnessed the burial of
her ashes in St Mary’s Churchyard. They then joined the rest of the
congregation in a small social gathering at the Church kindly organised
by the Church Ladies. Canon Colin Travers, the Vicar of St Mary’s,
officiated at the Service and afterwards at the burial of ashes.
In 1893, an ornate drinking fountain for the use of the general public,
and animal-drinking trough for livestock, was erected by a Mrs Moss on
the western corner of the green at the junction of Coppice Row and Piercing
Hill. Jack Farmer, in his book “Theydon Bois and All That" describes
the Fountain in detail but, basically, it was a neat, blue grey, granite
structure with two drinking positions with chained metal mugs and an area
at the bottom for small animals to drink. In the mid nineteen thirties,
it was replaced by a small utility model with a vertical drinking jet
it was removed following the general decline of visitors to the village
after WWII (the popular Retreats having been destroyed by bombing), There
has now been a recent resurgence of interest in the Theydon Bois village
scene with the restoration of the “finger" signposts for Coopersale
Lane and Piercing Hill, and the possibility of a fountain on the village
green is being explored. But then who was Mrs Moss, do the original Fountain
and Trough and the subsequent smaller fountain still exist, where are
they, can they be retrieved, restored and replaced? Hopefully, someone
somewhere has answers to these questions. If so, there is a possibility
that an original fountain and trough may once again be seen on the Green
to complement the attractive area of the hoppit, old school house, church
and churchyard. It will also show that Theydon Bois is proud of its history
and cares for the environment. Anthony Purkiss or Trevor Roberts would
welcome any information on this subject, either directly or via the Parish
Clerk (01992 813442).
During June, July and August, the following entries were recorded
in the registers of St Mary’s Church:
Baptisms
06 08 05 Cree Coburn 14 08 05 Freddie and Oscar Davies
Marriages
30 07 05 Elizabeth Martin and Stephen Homes
13 08 05 Jacqueline Bell and Grahame Dowling
Blessing of Marriage
06 08 05 Beverly and Russell Coburn
Funerals
27 06 05 Miles Foster 14 07 05 Mick Harrington
15 07 05 Dorothy Webb
Burial of Ashes
24 07 05 Lewis Bowe 30 07 05 Jean Dicey
Top
THE PAST MONTH IN THEYDON BOIS
JULY 2005
THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE EVENTS, NOT NECESSARILY IN CHRONOLOGICAL
ORDER, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE VILLAGE OF THEYDON BOIS DURING JULY 2005
AND WHICH WERE RECORDED BY TREVOR ROBERTS, THE THEYDON BOIS LOCAL HISTORY
RECORDER.
Villagers continued to express their concern over the work on the Parsonage
Golf Course especially, Mr M Emmett of Abridge Road who saw hundreds of
earth laden lorries passing his front door each day. He contended that
the approval for the Course had allowed the developer to make enormous
profit by importing over a million tons of spoil for its construction;
any further applications from the development group or individuals responsible
should be rejected out of hand. Subsequently, an anonymous letter writer
to the local press complained that lorry movements commenced in the early
hours under the cover of darkness, and asked how long the bridge at Abridge
could withstand the heavy loads to which it was being subjected?
Further criticisms of the work being carried out at Parsonage Golf included
the inadequate monitoring of lorry movements and the lack of restrictions
placed on the development during the planning stage. It was also suggested
that the development could increase the risk of flooding in the village.
Once again the Plain in Epping Forest off Coppice Row resounded to the
laughter of children and the braying of donkeys when the Theydon Bois
Scout Group held its annual Donkey Derby. Peter Simmance had retired as
“Chairman” of the event after 15 successful years, and was succeeded
by Phil Koczan. Seventeen races were held with titles ranging from “Silver
Jubilee Stakes” to “Hire Standard Hurdles”. And the runners
were similarly named eg. "Lost My Way" by Map out of Date, "Getting
Married" by Bachelor out of Excuses, and "Masons" by Tuesday
Meeting out of Scout Hut. The steeds acted true to form with some throwing
their riders, resulting in a few sore bottoms, to balking at the start
and then being partly dragged around the course by their rider. The events
proceeded at a spanking pace under the direction of Philip Simmance, the
Master of Ceremonies and Race Commentator. Popular amusements kept the
children, and therefore their parents, happy; other attractions included
vintage motorcycles, astronomical viewing and the local fire vehicle complete
with firemen and siren. Judging by the size of the printed program and
its supporting adverts, much effort had gone into this year’s event
and all concerned were to be congratulated.
The news that the Olympic Games in 2012 would be held in London was greeted
with considerable interest by villagers. In the final selection ballot
held by the Olympic Committee in Singapore, London beat its closest rival
France by only four votes. The selection ceremony was televised at midday
and there was mass jubilation especially in London, when the result was
announced. This decision meant that finance would be available to rejuvenate
the run down areas of East
London, especially Stratford which would become the Olympic Centre, and
the event would be a major boost to the national economy. It would appear
that London’s winning formula was based on bringing sport to children
worldwide, the redevelopment of a depressed area and the presence of more
than 200 different racial elements in the local population.
In a dreadful contrast to the previous days celebrations in London, the
metropolis was plunged into total horror and disruption when a suspected
Arab terrorist organisation detonated four bombs in Central London at
the height of the morning rush hour; three were placed on trains in the
underground system at Liverpool Street, Kings Cross and Edgware Road and
a fourth in a London Bus in Tavistock Square. Some 50 people were killed
and at least 700 injured. The train and bus systems in the area were shut
down and the capital became traffic grid-locked for a time. The emergency
services were well rehearsed to deal with such an atrocity. Consequently,
rescue teams were quickly in operation with transport, including requisitioned
London Buses, taking the victims to the major London hospitals. Many villagers
work in London and commute via the Central Line and so were involved in
the chaos; others, either late for work or otherwise delayed arrived to
find the Station locked up and the rail tracks deserted. The efficiency
of the emergency services ensured that the incidents were quickly dealt
with and some degree of normality was restored by midday; but many commuters
either stayed in London overnight or had difficult journeys home, which
entailed a lot of walking!
The Sixtieth Anniversary of the VE (Victory in Europe) and VJ (Victory
over Japan) Days concluded in London with a Thanksgiving Service in Westminster
Abbey and a Grand Commemoration Show on Horse Guards Parade, both attended
by the Queen. The Show concluded with a Commemoration Flypast of historic
aircraft including a Lancaster bomber, which dropped a million poppies
along Pall Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace. The Queen also held a
lunch at the Palace for War Veterans and those invited included ex RAF
member Peter Twinn and his wife Marjorie from Dukes Avenue TB (Theydon
Bois). In the evening the village held its own Special United Commemoration
Service in St Mary’s Church at which the Rev Dr Anthea Cannell officiated,
and which was attended by ex-service men and women resident in TB.
The Theydon Bois Branch of the Epping Forest Conservative Association
held its summer garden party at Thrifts Farm TB by kind permission of
the owners Robin and Jean Llewellyn-Jones. In glorious weather some 140
members and guests enjoyed a buffet lunch chased down by champagne and
orangeade (“buck’s fizz”) and ample wines. When not engaged
in extensive conversation, members and guests admired the wonderful view
across the Roding Valley and enjoyed the cool breeze sweeping up the hill.
At the conclusion of the day, those remaining enjoyed the sight of the
historic aircraft flying into London for the Commemoration Flypast.
The Theydon Singers gave a summer’s evening concert in the TBVH
entitled “Turn of the Century”. The programme included a number
of popular vocal items appropriate to the time of year, together with
recitations. During the evening the large audience present enjoyed a supper
provided on a “bring your own drinks” basis.
A picture of a rat attacking wildfowl by the pond on the village green
won local press photographer, Shaun Curry, an award as runner up in the
Regional Press Awards of the National Photographer of the Year competition.
Shaun happened to be present during the incident and took the split second
dramatic shot. Shaun worked for the local Guardian Group of Newspapers
and was fortunate to achieve this honour so early in his career.
The concern expressed by visitors to the village and others regarding
the lack of public toilets was again highlighted by Leslie Jerman of Coppice
Row. He pointed out that local shopkeepers were often approached for the
use of their toilets, not an ideal situation; such facilities were vital
when parties of school children visited TB as part of their educational
programmes. The public toilet on the village green was demolished at the
beginning of the year, possibly because the local authorities could not
ensure its upkeep and maintenance. Leslie asked why an automatic toilet,
as installed by the public library in Loughton, could not be located in
TB?
The TBWI (Theydon Bois Womens’ Institute) held a Strawberries and
Cream Tea afternoon in support of the Fleming Ward (Cardiac Care) at Princess
Alexander’s Hospital in Harlow. More than eighty attended, mostly
ladies but some husbands/partners had reluctantly succumbed to feminist
pressure to also attend and found that the teas were much to their liking.
An extensive plant stall in the foyer, provided by a local horticulturist,
did brisk business and the same gentlemen who had attended the function
were, no doubt, spending the subsequent evening busy planting the shrubs
and plants which had been “bought for them” by the ladies.
During an evening, a 93-year-old resident in Thrifts Mead allowed a man,
claiming to be representing the water company, to enter her home for him
to “check her pipes”. During this time cash amounting to £150
was taken; she had left her front door open through which, it is believed,
a second man also entered. The police are constantly warning about this
type of crime and stressed that the credentials of any caller should always
be checked; moreover, such calls were rarely made in the evening so suspicions
should be aroused.
The Playground by the village green echoed to the laughter and shouts
of delighted children who had come to enjoy a Teddy Bear’s Picnic
in the Playground. For a small fee the children had to find a paper teddy
bear hidden in the Playground and, when successful, were rewarded with
a real teddy bear. Apart from the swings and slides, which were in good
use, other entertainments were provided eg. score a goal (football) and
card and drawing games. The brilliant sunshine ensured that the area was
quite full so that the event raised a considerable sum in support of the
current fund raising project of the Playground at Theydon Charity, which
maintains the Playground. This special project is the replacement of the
floor of the playground with a more modern and resilient rubber based
material, which would be especially suitable for handicapped children.
The TBPC (Theydon Bois Parish Council) subsequently agreed to make a grant
of £5,000 to the Charity to help with meeting the total cost of
£35,000. Grants are also being sought from other organisations,
which, so far, have been reluctant to contribute without an initial commitment
from a local authority; therefore the TBPC grant is especially welcome.
Exactly 14 days after the bomb outrage in Central London, the London
Transport Tube and Bus System was again badly affected by identical incidents,
which occurred at midday. Devices were planted at Shepherds Bush, Oval
and Warren Street Underground stations, and another in a bus in Hackney.
Mercifully, only the detonators of these devices exploded and so the “suicide
bombers”, some possibly injured, had to flee from the massive police
manhunt which ensued. Tragically, a suspected fugitive refused to stop
at Stockwell station when pursued by the police and was consequently shot
dead. However there were only minor injuries and no deaths among the general
public; moreover, the authorities now had substantial forensic evidence
derived from the unexploded material. The transport system was only shut
down briefly and commuters including those from TB were able to return
home, but with some difficulty. Subsequent to the recent bomb outrages
in London, London Underground had shelved plans to reduce staffing levels,
which would have affected Theydon Bois station.
After several years of major success in the annual Calor Essex Village
of the Year/Best Kept Village Competition, this year , Theydon Bois only
managed to gain a “merit award” in the first round of assessment,
and failed to qualify for the second. Areas of the village judged highly
were the Village Hall, Children's Playground, Village Pond, Playing Field,
Bus Shelter and Cemetery; however the telephone kiosk, notice boards,
litter bins, business premises and footpaths only received average marks.
A particular disadvantage was the absence of a public convenience (recently
removed). This result was not a fair reflection on a highly active community
strongly supportive of charitable activities and keen to preserve its
attractive environment. Still there would, hopefully, be an opportunity
next year for Theydon Bois to regain its status as a premier village in
Essex.
The Cabinet of the EFDC (Epping Forest District Council) rubber-stamped
their previous decision to introduce the scheme of alternate weekly collection
of domestic refuse, using wheelie bins, as part, of a major operation
to increase the level of domestic recycling in the District. Landfill
sites were fast becoming unavailable and expensive, and the EFDC (and
therefore council taxpayers) would face a possible £1.75m landfill
tax by 2009-10. Moreover, other financial penalties of £1m annually
would be incurred if the current recycling figures of 21.54% were not
doubled in four years. The new scheme would be introduced in phases commencing
with Chigwell in October – November 2005.
Leading resident Peter Simmance of Coppice Row was presented with an
Edinburgh crystal decanter to mark his 500th platelet donation. Platelets
are important in the treatment for cancer and other illnesses; donations
can only take place in static clinics and are time consuming. Peter began
donating blood at the age of 15, at Loughton, because he liked the idea
of doing something useful and helping others.
The EFDC confirmed without comment that two planning applications for
developments at Blunt’s Farm TB, for a tennis academy and a car park,
had been withdrawn. These proposals were the subject of considerable objections
by the some 150 people who attended the TBPC Planning Committee meeting
of 30 06 05 to protest generally at the disturbance to the village resulting
from massive quantities of soil being deposited to create a golf course
and the extensive lorry movements involved. The applicants, Blunt’s
Farm Estates, had claimed that these proposals would have benefited the
village, particularly the car park that would have reduced parking pressures
in the village.
David Walmsley, the EFDC Enforcement Officer, together with EFDC Councillors
Kay Rush and Janet Whitehouse, the developer’s representative and
the golf course architect had visited the Blunts Farm development. It
was agreed that some areas of soil deposit were too high and others the
subject of disagreement would be surveyed. Checks on the type of soil
entering the site and clay extraction for site capping were discussed.
Lorry movements would continue for another year and the course opened
in 2008. EFDC had contacted the ECC about highway issues concerning the
Abridge Road.
More than 500 visitors attended the annual Theydon Bois Horticultural
Society’s Show and some 50 adults and 110 children entered exhibits.
In 137 categories. G Haslehurst was most successful winning the Banksian
Medal (most successful exhibitor), Frank and Josie Way Memorial Cup (best
fuscia) and the Ted Long Memorial Cup (best cactus). Other winners were
the Gazette Challenge Bowl (best fruit or vegetable) – J Parsons,
Gerald Buxton Cup (best flowers or plants – A Lowe, John Monkhouse
Cup (most successful amateur exhibit) – H Bird, William Way Cup (most
successful amateur exhibit excluding five past winners) – A Hollingbury,
Jubilee Trophy (assorted exhibits) – J Parsons, Elcee Cup (handicrafts)
– A Pollard, Committee Cup (photography) – B Turner, Keswick
Cup (cookery) – J Hollingbury, Silver Spoon – H Bednarek, Gerald
Buxton Cup (home brew) – J Jenkins, Garden News Shield (most successful
junior exhibitor) – B Sowerby.
During June, the following were recorded in the registers of St Mary’s
Church:
Baptism 05 06 05 Barnaby Merritt
Marriages 26 06 05 Sally Timms and Richard Hughes
Blessing of Marriage 04 06 05 Emily Hayes and Andrew Maust
Funerals 09 06 05 Frederick William Jarrold
Burial of Ashes 05 06 05 Lily Denby
Top
Copyright 2005. Trevor Roberts, Local History Recorder.
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