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

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Village News December: The pdf version of the December 2005 issue of Village News (No. 52) is now available to download. Click Here.
Just to let you know we have received a Highly Commended Certificate of Merit Award from the Rural Community Council of Essex for our Village News. We received 43 points out of a possible 50 with some glowing comments. (What you have to do to win it I don’t know!). They offer congratulations to all involved in producing the magazine.

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Parish Council Minutes: The minutes of the November Parish Council Meeting are now on line Click Here.

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Carols were sung around the tree and this year the lights were turned on by Peter Newton, Villager of the Year 2005. The carol singing was led by the Theydon Singers and the choir from Theydon Bois Primary School.
As the tree lit up Santa appeared from across the Green and arrived to distribute sweets to the children.
This year the Parish Council chose to support Epping Forest Home Start as it's charity and £243.11 was raised. The Parish Council would like to thank everyone who helped and those who came and supported the evening.

Pictured above are John Eaton, Sheila Shelbourne (from Epping Home Start) Santa and Peter Newton. More pictures of the evening can be seen Here.

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A Christmas Card for Theydon: Again this year the Parish Council in collabaration with our Primary School ran a competition to design a Christmas Card for our village. The competition was judged on the 29th November and the judges had even more difficulty this year in deciding on a winner. In the end the judges decided that Georgia Edmondson of class 1-2 L showed lots of imagination with a very wintery Christmas scene. The full results and pictures are Here.

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News in Brief: The Parish Council are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Sharon Surridge as Assistant to the Parish Clerk. After a period of training it is intended that Sharon will work in the Parish Office on a Tuesday and a Friday morning. Madeleine Murphy, the Parish Clerk will be in the office during the other week day mornings and attend most of the evening meetings.

The local school would like to thank those residents in the village who have donated their Tesco vouchers to the school.

A green parrot has taken up residence in Theydon Bois and can often be seen in one of the trees on the island of the village pond

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New Trees in the Village:Theydon Bois Tree Strategy Committee has arranged for a further 20 trees to be planted in the village roads for the 2005 winter planting period, some of which may have arrived as we go to print. This work is carried out in co-operation with EFDC Parks Dept. and funded partly by District Council and the remainder from village funds provided by those residents who have very kindly donated for a Memorial Tree, the Parish Council and the Preservation Society.

Our trees are of a type specially selected so they are of a size and species
suitable for planting in the verges ,this year they are, Pyrus, Rowan,
Upright Hornbeam, Cherry(not fruiting!!) and Birch .

Our aim is to help to enhance the Village for the benefit of our residents,
this is the third year we have carried out the planting programme under this scheme and we are grateful for the support we have received to enable this to be achieved.

The Annual Meeting of the T.B. Tree Strategy took place on 6th October 05 in the Village Hall. This was attended by Epping Forest District Council, Corporation of London (Epping Forest), Parish Council representatives from T.B. Rural Preservation and Horticultural Societies also our village Tree Wardens.
Our work during the year was reviewed, this included new trees planted,
maintenance of the Village Green, works carried out to The Avenue of Trees and discussion on further work needed. Our concern was expressed in regard to new pavement cross-overs for cars that have resulted in green verges and trees being removed, also discussed were foot paths, the possibility of planting an oak tree as part of the Trafalgar Day Celebrations and the continuing problems with Parsonage Golf Course.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on our plans for the next year of our 5 year programme.

Wilfred S Shales

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Wilfred S Shales: We were sadened to learn of the death of Wilf's wife at the begining of this month while Wilf was in hospital, where he remains awaiting a heart by pass operation. We wish him a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with him at this sad time.

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Youth Club Planning Fight Continues: Many Theydon residents including the Baptist Church minister and primary School head mistress along with Roy Newland Tim Dolan of The Box and members of the Parish council attended and gave evidence at the public enquiry being held as a result of EFDC decision not to grant planning permission for Essex County Councils outline planning application for 10 Houses on the site of the playing field and Youth Club Site

Support from the people of Theydon Bois was Huge because of the numbers giving evidence the enquiry has been adjourned until the

31st January 2006 and 1st February 2006

Please come along and ask question of the Planning and Education consultants

They will be giving their evidence on the 31st the general public have the rite to question them on the reasoning behind the closure and subsequent loss to the community of this youth FACILITY

We need Pictures of activities that have taken place on the field adjacent to the new Youth Centre over the last 40 years . Also if anyone has tried to hire the Youth Club from Essex at any time , please provide us with a statement and or letters if you have them .

please get in touch with the Parish Clerk with any information.

Essex have stated that our children can use the new facility at Boarders (Borders) Lane Loughton with NO consideration as to the inherent dangers this would cause

We have a purpose built building in the centre of our Village

Theydon Residents raise your voices . OBJECT!!!!!

LET US REOPEN the Youth Centre along the lines of the Box in Epping we need to give our Children a place in our locality . T he BOX in Epping has proved that by giving Children the right choices they attend in force and stay out of trouble

We on the Parish council are determined not only get this planning rejected by the inspector but also to re-open the Youth Centre as a viable Youth Facility

THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE WITH YOUR SUPPORT

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Buxton Trust Awards: Buxton Trust Playing Field entered The Best Kept Playing Fields Competition, organised by Essex Playing Fields.

The awards were made on the 17th November at the County Cricket Club,
Chelmsford and the presentations were made by Lord Petre, Patron of Essex
Playing Fields together with Cllr. Chris Manning-Press, Chairman of Essex
County Council.

There were seven different classes and eighty two entries from all over
Essex.

Buxton Trust entered for three classes and were successful in receiving:
Runner up for Class one. Playing Fields serving a population of 1,500 or
more.
Merit in Class four. Cricket grounds on which a winter game may or may not
be played.
Winner of the trophy in Class seven for exceptional work carried out during
the year. This was for the new roof on the Cricket Club pavilion.
The Buxton Trust have every reason to be pleased with the awards and will
enter the competition next year. Possibly in another two classes.

The President, Capt. D. Gwynne-James announced that for the first time Essex County Council had agreed a grant ( £7000 ) to Essex Playing Fields.
In turn, the money would be used to support and promote Playing Fields in
Essex.
Buxton Trust members are mindful that nothing is achieved without community effort and in this respect they can only register their grateful
appreciation to Matt O' Reilly for all his hard work and time so freely
given, to make the ground a pleasure for everyone.

Ron Smith, Chairman. Buxton Trust

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DO YOU HAVE A CHILD OR GRANDCHILD LIVING IN THEYDON BOIS?

Would you be interested in becoming part of an information forum?

Share your views, issues, queries, concerns with other parents?

Be part of a group created to represent the interests of children, from toddlers to teenagers, in our village?

If the answer to any of the above was 'YES' then you may be interested in the new group that has just started up called THEYDON PARENTS.

We are here to pool opinions and use them to the best affect as well as pass on important information regarding our children.

For more information or to register your e-mail address contact us at

[email protected]

Alternatively you could call Tom or Kerry on 01992-813357.

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Are you interested in being part of a Theydon Parents group?: A number of parents in the Village are considering starting up a Theydon Parents Group to represent the interests of children and young people in the village.

We intend to start a type of organisation, which will create a database of village parents allowing the group to be consulted and informed about issues affecting children and young people. The group will listen to the opinions and views of parents and actively represent the interests of our children and young people at events where they need their voice and views to be heard, such as public meetings, consultations and enquiries and coordinate action should that be required.

It is our intention to try and form the group from parents of children at the village playgroup, village school, local secondary schools and colleges as well seeking the opinions of young people themselves.

The organisation is interested in attracting members for their opinions and will not necessarily require regular attendance at meetings or a large time commitment, allowing individuals to become members and contribute as and when they feel they need to, or have time available.

We are proposing the formation of a small to medium sized Management committee made up of village parents and other interested parties and then opening any meetings to all who wish to attend, including grandparents, guardians and carers, as well as anyone who has an interest in safeguarding the future interests of our children. If members cannot attend in person details of meetings will be circulated by e-mail.

If you are interested in joining this group as either a potential committee member or as a supporter willing to give opinions and views please contact us at the following address:

[email protected]

Alternatively please phone either Tom or Kerry Gregory on 01992 813357

TOP

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ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE: St.Mary’s Parish Church 13th November 2005.

The Church was very full, with many standing at the back, as the village gathered to show their respect for all those who gave their lives in the conflict of wars and to give their support to the Royal British Legion. The service began around the War Memorial where many wreaths were laid, Firstly by Peter Twinn British Legion, followed by our M.P. Eleanor Laing, and then representatives from Epping Forest District Council, Theydon Bois Parish Council, St. Mary’s Church and most of the organisations in the Village. Our youth were well represented by the Guides, Rangers, Brownies and Rainbows, also the Scouts and Cubs. Hannah Amies , a Ranger, acted as standard bearer for the Union Flag.

Following the laying of the wreaths Harry Memory read the names of the 29 men from the village who gave their lives in the first world war ,25 in the second war and then the 30 men from The King’s Own Scottish Borders who were killed by a German parachute- mine that fell on their camp in the village on the 18th November 1940. The Last Post was then sounded, by bugler Louise Brough, the standard of the British Legion was lowered for the two minutes silence and all stood respect.

Following the bugler playing Reveille the Legion’s standard bearer, Alan Hollingbery lead those on parade into the church where the service continued conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. Canon Colin Travers. The sermon was given by the Curate Rev. Dr Anthea Cannell, the Rev David Penegar, Minister of the Baptist Church, lead the prayers for peace and for those who died in the violence of war, including those conflicts since the second world war ended. During the sermon Anthea mentioned a happening from the first war when one Christmas night in the trenches in France the soldiers on both sides called an ‘unofficial truce’, stood up out of the trenches and exchanged greetings of goodwill for Christmas. Now we pray for the end of conflict in this world so all can live in peace and good will.

We have some more photos of Remembrance Sunday and will be posting them in a Gallery on this site soon.

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

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Village News September: The pdf version of the September 2005 issue of Village News (No. 51) is now available to download. Click Here.

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Parish Council Minutes: The minutes of the September Parish Council Meeting are now on line Click Here.

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Christmas is Coming:

Get your presents early and support St. Mary's Church.

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Trafalgar Day: On Saturday, 22nd October we commemorate 200 years since the Battle of Trafalgar which was the scene in 1805 of the naval battle in which the French were defeated by the English under Lord Nelson, who was killed in the action. The day was to celebrate the life of Lord Nelson and his outstanding leadership and victory.
The day commenced at about 10.30am with a treasure hunt round the village designed specifically for the children but many competitive adults seemed to be enjoying themselves as well so this was extended for most of the day. An excellent Hog Roast followed at about 1.30pm in the grounds of the Queen Victoria Public House where in the afternoon there were events for the children and a tug of war competition. It was only scheduled for the Men and the Children at first, but the Women present insisted they ere not going to be left out and a real battle took place between the two rival women's teams.

The Moorhen Model Boat Club from Harlow had an excellent display and were on their members were on hand to give further information.

Wendy Mitchell organised a Hornpipe Dance demonstration with the pupils of Theydon Bois Primary School and she invited villagers to join in as well as press ganging members of the male fraternity to join the dance as well.

This was followed by some community singing of Sea Shanties and other songs fitting for the occasion and culminated in some rousing Choruses of Rule Britannia.

To finish the day's celebrations a beacon was lit on the Village Green at about 6.30pm with a beautiful sunset as the backdrop. A perfect ending to a great day. The village owes a vote of thanks to Peter and Phil Simmance and Wendy Mitchell who organised the events and to all those who lent a helping hand.

For more pictures of the Trafalgar Day events Click Here.

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PUBLIC CONSULTATION - GRAZING AND FUTURE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT IN EPPING FOREST
The Corporation of London, the Conservators of Epping Forest, is seeking the public's views regarding how cattle grazing on Epping Forest should be managed in the future.

Cattle grazing has taken place in Epping Forest for over 1,000 years and has helped to create the unique landscape and wildlife diversity for which the Forest is renowned. Grazing is currently viewed as an important aspect of Forest management as mowing alone cannot provide the complex mosaic of habitats which make up a pasture-woodland like Epping Forest.

Grazing by Commoners' free-ranging cattle continued throughout the 20th century but started to decline in the latter half of the century, with the last free-ranging cattle leaving the Forest in 1996. In 2002 a small conservation of rare English herd of Longhorn cattle were introduced to the Forest in an area between High Beach and Chingford. However, extending much needed grazing safely into other parts of the Forest is a complex challenge. The number of vehicles on the roads has significantly increased over recent years, and traffic would pose significant safety concerns if cattle were allowed to wander freely without extra controls such as road signs, traffic-calming and cattle grids.

The Superintendent of Epping Forest, Jeremy Wisenfeld said: "The Corporation of London is fully committed to protecting the commoners' ancient rights and believe that grazing is of vital importance to preserving the Forest's special character and wildlife diversity. We need to have a robust strategy for the future safe and economic management of grazing and would like the public's views on the issues and possible solutions as outlined in the 'Cattle Grazing in Epping Forest' document."

There are limited options available in managing the areas in which cattle can graze - they include more cattle grids, the use of temporary electric fencing and permanent fencing. Both fencing measures have been used successfully in the Chingford / High Beach areas of the Forest since 2002. Should more fencing be installed there would need to be frequent access points for all Forest users, so that public access to Forest land is not restricted.

In 1874, enclosure of Forest land for private development, which prevented commoners freely grazing their cattle, was declared unlawful. This move was crucial in preventing Forest land from being 'sliced up' and therefore played a key role in preserving London's largest green space for future generations to enjoy freely.

For a copy of the consultation documentation and a questionnaire, please contact the Epping Forest Visitor Centre on 020 8508 0028 or e-mail us at [email protected]. You can visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping to view the information and complete the questionnaire online. The Conservators will also be organising 'drop in' sessions across the Forest area for members of the public - details of these will be advertised on the Epping Forest website and will be available throughout local libraries.

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Council Minutes: The minutes of the September Parish Council Meeting are now on line Click Here.

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Wansfell College Developments: Following reports that contractors were already working on the Wansfell College site that has now been sold by Essex County Council to a Chingford-based development company called Mountcharm Ltd. EFDC enforcement officers were called to the site. Although no planing application has yet been received a council spokesman said the work that was being carried out present did not require planning permission. Enforcement officers discussed what was work being done with the contractors on the site and made sure they were fully aware of the protected trees. Neighbours and villagers were saddened to hear that the rhododendrons were being taken out and part of the gardens flattened. "The Friends of Wansfell College spent a lot of money, care and volunteer time in maintaining the college gardens that were much appreciated by students and were one of the star attractions of Open Gardens Day before the college was closed.

It is believed that it is the intention of the developers to convert the building into 20 flats with car parking. Mountcharm Ltd. were not available to comment on these proposals.

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More Prizes for Theydon: Theydon Bois was sucessful in two more recent competitions. We won a 1st class certificate for the Cultivated Garden display at the station in a competition run by London Underground. Here Anthony Purkiss and other members of the Parish Council planted attractive floral displays throughout the spring and summer.

We also one First Prize for Village News in a competition for Newsletters and Magazines troughout the county. Concratulations to Tony Ames and the rest of the Villge News team that make our magazine such an attractive read.

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Trafalgar Day:

Theydon's celebrations for Trafalgar Day look like being a great success from the program of events for the day. Most of these take place on the village green or in the Queen Victoria Car Park. The lighting of the beacon will take place at 6.00pm.

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Youth Centre Public Inquiry: The appeal by Essex County Council against the rejection of the outline planing permission for the development of the Youth Centre site opened on the 5th October and it soon became clear that it was going to take more than the allotted two days. Even though the inquiry dates were days in the middle of the week it was gratifying to see many Theydon residents turning out for the hearing and about twenty parties interested in saving the Youth Centre wanting to give evidence. This took one and a half of the two allotted days and with the County Council side having only just started giving their evidence the inspector decided that the proceedings would have to be adjourned till the next dates that were convenient for all parties, which will be 31st January and 1st February 2006.

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

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Theydon Bois Drama Society: The Society's next production from 27th to 29th October in the Village Hall will be "The Roses of Eyam" a play by Don Taylor. "The Roses of Eyam" is based on true events in the Derbyshire plague village of Eyam in 1665/6. In 1665 the tailor in the village received a delivery by horse drawn cart of a box of clothing from London which carried the plague. The Derbyshire villagers took the brave decision to isolate themselves so that the disease would not spread beyond the village. It is a tale of suffering and great fortitude, compassion and courage, and as well as the obvious drama in the subject, there is humour and romance too. Theydon Bois Drama Society is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2005 and we hope that this production, the Society's 240th, with a record cast of 39, will be the crowning highlight of the year. Tickets are available from Carol James Tel: 01992 812250

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Action Group Formed: A new action group has been started to cover aspects of protecting the Green Belt, Wildlife and the Environment in the vicinity of Theydon Bois and Abridge

 

 

 

A spokesperson for the group said they would not be attacking as an alternative to the Theydon Bois and District Rural Preservation Society who already do a lot of good work in this respect, but as a group they wanted to add their weight in protesting against the recent attacks on the Green Belt. Recent planning applications such as those for the proposed Tennis Academy and Commuter Car Parking would affect the lives of Abridge and Theydon residents and even further afield. The proposals in the East of England Plan if implemented would also have severe environmental implications for the whole of East Anglia. "The more voices that are raised in protest against the destruction of the Green Belt and our environment the greater will be the chance of preserving a decent quality of life for our children into the future. For further details, please email: [email protected] or telephone: 01992 813304 or 815846.

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