January - December 2018 News

***That Editor unfortunately regrets that due to illness the website is not being updated at the present time. It is hoped to restore normal regular updates as soon as possible.***

Around 30 people attended last nights Theydon Bois & District Rural Preservation Society free talk at Theydon Bois Village Hall when historian Georgina Green regaled her audience with the story of "Epping Forest Through The Ages". For those interested in the history of Epping Forest and who missed the talk you can read Georgina's book, that was first punished in 1983, as a free pdf available on line here.

This was the last TB&DRPS talk of 2018, but more are planned for next year along with a new walks programme. You can keep up to date with the society's activities on their web page and if you would like to join the Society Committee you would be very welcome. Please contact one of the officers listed on their page.

12th October 2018: Epping Forest ReUse Centre Celebrates 5th Year Anniversary:

Epping Forest ReUse Centre celebrated its 5th Anniversary today with an open day with tours of the centre plus tea and cakes for all who attended. This afternoon Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing accompanied by Epping and Loughton Mayors cut the special anniversary cake and praised the centre and its volunteers for their work.

Epping Forest (EFRU) is a charity and not-for-profit social enterprise based in Bower Hill, Epping. It opened its doors for the first time in April 2013 and has quickly established itself as the ‘charity of choice’ when residents are looking to dispose of good quality furniture and other household items to help the local community. The idea came from Janet Whitehouse, Epping Hemnall EFDC Councillor, Theydon Resident and Centre Trustee (3rd from right in above photo) who saw good furniture put out in front gardens to go to the tip when she knew many people were in need of it.

Dame Eleanor Laing MP said: "The ReUse centre is one of my favourite places. The concept is absolutely brilliant. Some people are fortunate enough to have furniture and household goods which they no longer need, other people are in great need of those very items, and the wonderful thing about the ReUse Centre is that it brings everyone together for the good of the whole community."

She added: "It's good for the environment because furniture and electrical items are not thrown away and it's good for those who are having hard times because they can come here to get the necessities to furnish their homes and look after their families".

The Centre pride themselves in providing not just help in a crisis with material items, but help with rebuilding lives, getting people into training and back into work. The work they do is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who are much appreciated. Many of their volunteers have been able to move on to full or part time employment since they opened.

Of those purchasing items from the centre, 52% of the customers were in need (claiming at least one of five ‘state benefits’). The target set by the charity commission is 25%. All of their support goes to people in Epping Forest District and surrounding areas. In 2017/18 they provided £116,009 of goods at a discount to customers in need, which was a 9.3% increase over the previous year. £11,319 of goods were provided free of charge and they give £25 vouchers to charitable agencies who have clients with special needs. Their work in 2017/18 prevented 210 tonnes of goods going as waste to Landfill - equivalent to 4306 2 seater settees!

EFRU has a manager and 5 other staff, most part time, but could not manage without its volunteers. They take the phone calls to book deliveries, assist on the shop floor, do PAT testing and repairs, grant applications and promote EFRU. They have a list of the volunteers they need so please speak to them if you are able to offer help. There are 5 Trustees at present and a 6th will be added soon. EFRU is a charitable Incorporated Organisation, a new legal structure brought in to being in 2013 which means they do not have to register as a company. Their Annual Reports are filed with the Charities Commission. You can contact EFRU at http://www.eppingreuse.org.uk/index.html or by phone at 01992 578222.

Many villagers, all ladies (not all are in photo above)where were the men, gathered in St. Mary's Church Hall one morning last week to prepare and pack shoe boxes for 'Operation Christmas Child'. St. Mary's has been sending shoe boxes full of gifts to to some of the worlds poorest children for over 30 years now. This year it is hoped to send at least 200 boxes again even though the cost of transportation to the receiving country is now £5.00 a box. If you would like to make a contribution to help with transport costs please contact Linda Hammond on 01992 81477.

The search is on for Community Champions
The Community Health and Wellbeing team at Epping Forest District Council have developed a new project called Epping Forest Community Champions. The Epping Forest Community Champions programme aims to build on the skills and knowledge of local people to create, happy, friendly and healthy communities.
The team are currently promoting to recruit volunteer champions in each town/parish within the Epping Forest district to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the community.
*Insert flyer*
Do you know of a local resident who would be interested in joining us and making a real difference in the community?
We are looking for people who are:

Come on board and make a difference
Councillor Helen Kane, Leisure and Community Services Portfolio Holder said: “The Community Champions programme is a great way for local residents to engage with their community, meet new people and develop your skills and knowledge. We would love for you to come on board and make a real difference in your community! ’’
More information and how to apply
For further information on the Epping Forest Community Champions programme and details on how to apply please contact Patrick Arnold, Senior Community Engagement Officer.

7th October 2018: Theydon Bois Community Litter Pick: This was a special event that took place yesterday morning in co-ordination with others taking place across the country to help clear the scourge of litter and plastic waste from our village and the adjacent forest.

Organiser John Eaton said that "it went off OK but we only had three additional volunteers, but a good turn out of the usual faces. There are now about fifteen very full sacks at the back of the Village Hall plus a road sign and plastic chair plus half of a very large sign advertising spectacles!

Apart from the upper and lower greens and pond, the forest edge along Coppice Row, The Hoppit and Piercing Hill were also cleared as was the forest bit of Coppice Row and Piercing Hill to the Golf Club. The only Parish Councillor to support the occasion, Anthony Purkiss, who with one other volunteer, cleared the Abridge road from the top of the hill down to the Motorway bridge whilst two volunteers cleared from the railway bridge up to the top of the hill.

One worrying problem was the amount of discarded fast food packaging waste material on the small green outside the flats opposite Buxton Road and scattered all over the place in the 'high street'. This must emanate from the take away food outlets. I will send an email to the Parish Council to get them to write to the owners. They either need bigger bins or need to clear up outside their shop at the end of the evening".

Many villagers will know Russell Kemmish as his trade is as an Odd Job Man and most of his work is in Theydon, much of it for the VA and Parish Council for whom he has worked for nearly 20 years. Russell is probably even better known among village children as he is usually at the Donkey Derby as ‘Bubble Man’. On the 23rd September Russell was part of a massive attempt to break 2 world records inside Caernarfon Castle.

Russell is a ’Bubbleologist’ as they affectionately call themselves and Russell said “the record attempt was an awesome event with 80 bubble artists from all over the world as far apart as Argentina, New Zealand, Malaysia, Israel who were also joined by members of the public for the 2 Guinness World records which were both smashed". Guinness World Record Adjudicators spent the day with them as in total some 12 new world records were set, which will appear in the 2020 Guinness records book. "You really had to be in the castle grounds to fully appreciate the marvel of 318 people all blowing giant bubbles simultaneously. The castle grounds and sky were completely covered with bubbles of all shapes and sizes. The video below does not really do it justice".

Russell was also part of a Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously put inside giant bubbles, 27 at the same time. So in all he now really holds 3 Guinness World Records something he did not think would happen and which of which he is really proud. Guinness has not been brilliant at putting bubble records in their books previously but has promised a 2 page spread in their 2020 edition.

There is a magic and science in the creation of bubbles and today ‘Bubbleologists’ try to outwit each other with a new trick, be it floating with helium or bubbles inside a bubble inside another bubble. Their imagination to do something different has no bounds.

Russell was brought up in Theydon (his parents moved here when he was 1 month old) and he went to the Primary School and then Davenant when it had just moved to the district. He married Gill in 1982 at St. Mary’s Church. Gill worked at our Primary School as a teacher and then Special Educational Needs Coordinator for 31 years in total.

Russell started blowing bubbles some 40 years ago, but only returned to it 8 years ago. He had previously contacted Dr. Zigs, a bubble company in Bangor, and it was them who invited him to this year’s Bubble Daze Festival and World Record attempt held over 3 days in Caernarfon.

The Playground At Theydon finally celebrated its Grand Launch day on September 8th, there had been an earlier opening on 15th July as reported in Village News, but this finally just had to be a preview for those who made donations as the full ceremony that had originally been planned for that date had to be postponed as the work had overrun slightly meaning it had not passed its RoSPA inspection by then. The playground was though open for business by the start of the school summer holidays. This latest event was really for children who will be using the playground now it is refurbished, as the equipment can now be used safety. The fair was on a smaller scale than originally planned as the playground had been open for two months already but it was still deemed a success nonetheless.

The fair was organised by the playground at Theydon Association - a voluntary committee of parents whose passion and dedication to see a much-loved but run down space reinvigorated was realised this summer. The official opening event marked the end of the two-year campaign to raise the funds to pay for the refurbishment of the playground at the corner of Poplar Row and Green Glade. To give the fair a boost there was music provided for free by Theydon DJ Tony Poole. There were also homemade cakes, drinks, and stalls including the Nerf gun shooting gallery, smack-a-rat, funky balloons, a penalty shootout, tattoos and funky hair colours, crafts and hook a duck.

There were prizes a-plenty and the cost to play on the stalls was minimal as the event was more to say thank you to the community for their support during the campaign as opposed to raising money on this particular occasion. Although the money raised will now fund the installation of a new notice board in the park. The PAT committee - who maintain, fund and clean the bins at the site - received some lovely feedback on the day from parents and their children who were enjoying the new facilities.

If anyone would like to join the PAT team, please contact Shelley at [email protected] for more information or come and speak to one of them at the Christmas market.

Further details of the book club and the remainder of the 2018 programme are on the Club Details Page.

28th September 2018: Parish Council Announces Proposals For Its Own Website:

At last night's October Monthly Parish Council Meeting it was announced that the Parish Council is to approve proposals from the Parish Council Community Liaison Committee for its own Parish Council Website. The setting up of this new website will be outsourced to a private company, and financed and run by the Parish Council in conjunction with the new provider. At this stage we have no further information so are not sure when the new website will be in place or how this will affect the Parish Council Pages on this 'Theydon Bois Village Website' or this website as a whole in the future.

At present this website and the Parish Council section are run by 'Theydon Newsdesk' volunteers. More information will be given when available.

This is a special event in coordination with others across the country. Please come along and help clear the scourge of litter and plastic waste from our village and the adjacent forest. Most equipment will be provided.

The Local Plan, a set of policies to manage development within Epping Forest District up to 2033, has been submitted for approval to the Planning Inspectorate by Epping Forest District Council. The news was announced by Planning Portfolio Holder John Philip at the meeting of the Full Council on Tuesday 25 September 2019.

Submission followed the end of a legal challenge by property developer CK Properties (Theydon Bois) Ltd after its application for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal was refused. CK Properties had already lost its case following a High Court hearing.

Although the Council was successful on all four grounds in the judgment given by Mr Justice Supperstone on 29 June 2018, an injunction continued to prevent the Council from submitting the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for examination until the conclusion of the legal proceedings – this included the subsequent applications for leave to appeal made by the claimants.

19th September 2018: Loughton Astronomical Society 50th Anniversary Celebrations:

The Loughton Astronomical Society is holding its 50th Anniversary celebrations at Theydon Bois Village Hall on Saturday 10th November 2018.

Residents and families are invited to join us; the day will start with displays, demonstrations of family orientated astronomy and an indoor planetarium in the morning. The day continues with lectures from top astronomers in the afternoon.
Originally formed from an evening class to teach mirror making, the LAS moved to Theydon Bois 20 years ago for the dark skies. It continues to thrive with an active weekly programme and supports the AstroKyds junior section, which has been going for 19 years in the village. Please visit www.las-astro.org.uk for more details and the opportunity to purchase tickets.

Epping at the Movies – the town’s friendly and affordable community cinema is back after
a summer break with awards season favourite,

Lady Bird, a wonderfully observed comedy
directed by Greta Gerwig; a thought-provoking documentary - Walk With Me - that
explores mindfulness with Thich Nhat Hanh, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch; and a
new little seen and beautifully animated story for little ones, Mary and the Witch’s
Flower.

So come along to Epping Hall on Fri 21 – Sat 22 Sept 2018 - you’re sure to find something
you like with 3 films to choose from.

Lady Bird (15) 7.45pm - Fri 21 Sept 2018
Chrstine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), aka Lady Bird, has big – somewhat unrealistic – dreams for
herself, looking for something beyond her life at catholic school. Passionate and stubborn, she
clashes with her mum daily, a nurse working tireless to keep her family afload. Saoirse Ronan
delivers one of her greatest performances and Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut marks her out as one
of the boldest voices in contemporary cinema.
Dir. Greta Gerwig, US 2017 93min

Mary and the Witch’s Flower (U) 11am – Sat 22 Sept 2018 +10.30am free pre-film craft
activity
Out exploring, Mary discovers an old broomstick and a rare Fly-by-Night flower. Soon she’s whisked
away above the clouds to the magic school, Endor College, for an amazing adventure. An unmissable
new animation from Studio Ponoc in Japan, the UK version features the voices of Kate Winslet and
Jim Broadbent.
Dir. Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Japan 2017 103min

Walk With Me (PG) 2.30pm - Sat 22 Sept 2018
The residents of a Zen Buddhist community have all signed up for one common purpose – to
transform their suffering and practice the art of mindfulness with world-famous teacher Thich Nhat
Hanh. Filmed on location over three years, this visceral documentary is a meditation on a community
grappling with existential questions. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Dirs. Marc J. Francis & Max Pugh, UK 2018 94min

We’ll be back on Fri 12 – Sat 13 Oct 2018 with more fantastic titles for local film-lovers to
get stuck into – including the superlative Pixar CoCo, and the ever-charming Ginger
Rogers/Fred Astaire classic, Top Hat and marvel smash, Black Panther.
We can’t wait to see you at the movies!

General Information
Tickets: £5 adults / £2 children (under 16s)
Available to buy from Epping Library (cash only) and by card, via our website:
www.eppingatthemovies.com

Any remaining tickets will be available to buy 30mins before the screening (cash only).
All our films are screened in Epping Hall, St John’s Road. There is ample car parking nearby
and it is a less than 5 minute walk from the High Street bus stops.

As the autumn nights draw in the tell-tale signs of the empty house become more apparent.

FACT: Most burglars will prefer to target the empty house unseen and avoid any confrontation.
As the days get shorter if you work away from home, or even pop out to get the children from school by the time you return home it may already be dark. A house in darkness says no one is in especially if your neighbour’s houses either side have lights on and show other signs of being occupied. If you back onto open farmland or have parking areas or footpaths to side or rear this may be even more apparent.

Create the “Illusion of Occupancy”, when its dark make your home look like you are in. Leave lights on or put them on timers or daylight sensors to come when it gets dark. Remember though no one lives in the hall or on the landing so if you leave these lights on supplement these with lights on in rooms that you would normally occupy at that time of day i.e. lounge and kitchen. A carefully placed imitation TV or “Fake TV” can further add to that illusion of occupancy by making it look like the television is on. Some burglars may also listen at windows or letterboxes for sign of activity, so consider leaving a radio on within your home.

Don’t forget the outside of your property too, if burglars see that it is lit they are less likely to approach for fear of being seen.

Leave lights on, with energy efficient bulbs it costs very little now days and yet may save you lots!

Support your local team this autumn season at their home ground on the Cricket Ground site off Loughton Lane or Avenue Road.
2018 Autumn Home Fixtures are:
8th September vs Buckwellians KOFF 3.00pm
6th October vs Cheshunt KOFF 3.00pm
13th October vs Upminster KOFF 3.00pm
20th October vs Horse & Wells KOFF 3.00pm
3rd November vs Horse & Wells KOFF 2.00pm
17th November vs Tansley KOFF 2.00pm
19th November vs Enfield
All are welcome and there is a friendly Club House Bar.

Unfortunately as the improvement works on the playground are running a bit behind scheduled the Public Opening of 'The Playground At Theydon' that was due to take place on Sunday 15th July has had to be postponed. There will still be a small 'Ceremony' for the contributors to the refurbishment and VIP as it was too late to cancel this after invitations had gone out. The Playground will now be open to use probably by the beginning of August and the official Public Opening will now take place in September. The date for this is still to be confirmed.

On Wednesday 27th June, the first Community Cuppa event took place in St Mary's church hall. Running along the lines of a youth club but for adults, villagers, Lisa and Karen, explained that this trial run was to gain feedback and assess interest.

"From other activities we have been involved with, Soup Lunches, tennis club, learning the ukulele, we kept hearing people say 'we wish there was a more regular opportunity to get together in an open, stress-free environment'. We're hoping this could be it! We have just started the ball rolling. It's for the people that come to shape the initiative as they wish."

When I walked into the hall, the tables and chairs were laid out very informally, fresh flowers on every table. The kettle was brewing and a magnificent array of cakes were on display. A selection of table games and activities were dotted around for those interested including, for the particularly active, table tennis, boules and badminton in the garden.

After a nail-bitingly slow start, people started to arrive. "It's amazing how many people you don't know!", said one. "If you don't have children you can miss out on friendship opportunities", said another. Some people were extremely nervous, walking into a hall on their own, but they were brave and they did it. By the end of the morning, four people had swapped details and one signed up for another activity in the village. It was also really good to meet Kim, our new Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and she had a chat with everyone.

"That's what it's all about", said Lisa and Karen, "building community". Community Cuppa starts properly on the last Wednesday of every month from September. 10am-12pm, St Mary's church hall. It is a not for profit initiative, charging a nominal £1.50 to cover basic costs.

Every year we lose some new trees, mainly due to lack of water during a long dry spell.. Sue Warren and Jane Turner our Village Tree Wardens have already asked for help with watering of our new trees (see below). Now some of our youngest villagers have already taken up the challenge to help and are watering trees near their home accompanied by their mother, Louise.

Inspired by these young volunteers our Tree Wardens said it would be wonderful if the whole school could get involved with helping these young trees to survive as they do make such a difference to our streets and they have written to the Primary School asking if the school children can get involved, either with the school or with their families at home, to help with watering any young trees in the verges nearby. The youngest trees will still have wooden stakes supporting them and these are the most at risk from a lack of water. Some will have a watering tube which is very helpful in getting the water down to the roots, but not all of them will have the tubes and need careful watering, not too fast, around the base of the tree.

Of course help is still welcome with the Tree Watering from everyone in our Village during this very dry spell.

25th June 2018:Frank Foster Care Home Rated As Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission:

Congratulations to Frank Foster House, the Runwood Homes care home in Theydon Bois, Essex, for being awarded Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in a report released in May 2018. Already listed ‘Top 20 Care Home in the East of England’ by residents and their families, the latest achievement at Frank Foster House was gratefully received by Manager, Cheryl Wright and her team of experienced care professionals.

Findings within the glowing report, following an unannounced inspection on 8th and 9th March 2018, observed ‘exceptional standards of care’ and ‘a committed and well-trained group of staff’ who ‘support people in a kind and caring manner.’ The report also reads, ‘ Independence, privacy and dignity was promoted and respected. Staff took account of people's individual needs and preferences and people were encouraged to be involved in making decisions about their care.’

Frank Foster House Care Home Manager, Cheryl Wright, commented ‘We are so very proud of this fantastic achievement at Frank Foster House. All our staff are incredibly passionate about providing the best personalised care as well as ensuring a comfortable, engaging and stimulating living environment for residents. Everyone is welcome at Frank Foster House; visit us, chat with staff and residents and take a tour of our beautiful home.

For more information call Frank Foster House care home Theydon Bois on 01992 812525, email [email protected] or visit the Frank Foster House page by clicking here.

Members of the Horticultural Society Committee have recently been carrying out a number of plantings of new flowers around our village to brighten it up throughout the summer. Above they can be seen renovating and adding summer plants to the 'Planters' in Forest Drive. Previously to this they had renovated and added new plants to the flower beds on the station platforms. We certainly all owe these volunteers a vote of thanks for all the effort they put into making our village more attractive.

The winner of the Parish Council Lifetime Achievement Award (former Villager of the Year Award) for 2018 is Sue Warren. Sue has been one of our Village Tree Wardens for many years and can often be seen working around village caring for our trees with fellow Tree Warden Jane Turner. Sue was a member of the TB&DRPS committee for 4 years and presently is on the committee of TBAG where she does much of the research to defend our village Green Belt against damaging planning applications. Sue also volunteers help for many of the events involving our seniors so this award is a well deserved recognition of all her contributions. It was clearly recognised at last Thursday's Annual Parish Meeting when there was a spontaneous round of applause when Sue's name was announced.

Many villagers enjoyed the attractions of the St. Mary's Church Fete on a beautifully sunny Bank Holiday Monday.

The Editor Apolgises for the lack of recent updates due to ongoing technical problems. Normal updates will hopefully resume soon.

On the 2nd June 2018, The Horticultural Society has an outing to the Savill Gardens Windsor which consist of 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed gardens and exotic woodland all interlinked. There are still a few places left on the coach so, if you would like to go, contact Margaret Jones on 01992 814797 as soon as possible. The cost is £22 for members and £25 for non members.

The Horticultural Society’s Annual Show will be on Saturday 21st July in the Village Hall opening to the public at 2pm and finishing at 4.30pm. This year the prizes will be awarded by Eleanor Laing MP at about 4pm. As well as produce from flower and vegetable gardens, there are handicrafts, cookery and photography sections not to mention wonderful contributions from our youngsters in the Junior Section. The entertaining tortoise races will be run?? mid afternoon and tea and homemade cakes will be served throughout. We hope you can support us by coming along and, even more, by entering something in the Show.If you need any help with this, just contact us through our website: tbhs.org.uk

The society's walk scheduled for Sunday 8th July "The Oak Trail with a Hill top View". A walk through the Epping Forest Buffer lands on the Theydon Bois section of the trail. has now been postponed as the date clashes with the Donkey Derby. It will now take place on Sunday September 9th September. The society's next walk is on Sunday 10th June "A Walk to Theydon Garnon & its church". This is the same Sunday that a ' Church Fete & Hog Roast' is being held at the church from 11am - 5.00pm. People may want to walk to the church and stay for the fete and Hog Roast.

The race is on to organise Theydon Bois's largest community event - the Donkey Derby. Run by the 1st Theydon Bois Scout Group this popular event is now in its 31st year. The event raises money for the scouting and guiding groups locally and also a place where charities within the village can have a stall so they benefit from the race day.

It regularly attracts 4,000 people who come to watch the jockeys - all aged between 10 and 15 - get their donkeys round the course without falling off. There are seven races with the last one being to decide the champion. This year estate agent Butler and Stag have taken over sponsorship of the event - one they have been chafing at the bit to get hold of. Managing Director Neil Leahy posed for the front cover of the leaflet with Brian the donkey and his children Florie and Frankie. The family-orientated entrepreneur has been supporting local causes since the business set up shop in Theydon Bois last June. He said: “The Donkey Derby event highlights the true spirit of Theydon Bois and our wonderful green. It’s a fun event for everyone and also raises much needed funds for the local Scouts as well as Guides groups and several other village charities. We are delighted to be new sponsors for this their 31st year.”

This year the sponsor will be needed even more than ever as for the first time the City of London is intending to charge for holding events on its land - even for charities. As well as the races there will be a bouncy castle park, big wheel, swing boats and other rides plus all the fun and games including smash the crocks, tennis serve challenge, welly wanging, and a golf putting challenge. The Donkey Derby committee who organise the event, aim to try and keep the event true to its roots with more old fashioned games and also try to support local businesses and charities who want stalls.

Chair Nik O'Flynn said: "We are very excited about this year's event and hope everyone enjoys it. It is a big part of the Theydon calendar and we really try to make it an event put on by the village to be enjoyed by all. "We are disappointed that the City of London is seeking to charge us to use the Green particularly as the Parish Council pays for its upkeep but we are holding ongoing talks so we hope to come to some solution."

The event was first dreamed up by Peter Simmance when the scouts needed to raise money for a new hut. He had the brainwave of reinstating the old donkey races which used to happen at Birch Hall 100 years before. These races were organised by Gerald Buxton who was keen to see that the local donkeys which were used to work and give rides to the public in the forest were well treated. He gave five shillings to the owners of every donkey which passed a veterinary inspection. In his races he brought in strict rules banning whipping and kicking - sometimes the riders got off and carried the donkeys over the finish line in their desperation to win!

Now the donkeys are all ridden by children with riding experience, anyone wishing to be a jockey can contact Michael Simpson on Mobile Tel: 07725 042415.(Jockeys need to be under nine stone (57kg). All the stalls are run by volunteers so if anyone would like to help out, please contact Stephen via [email protected]

This year's event will be held on The Green (as usual) at Theydon Bois,
on Sunday 8th July from 12 noon until 4.30pm.

The Parish Council are holding an Afternoon Tea on Friday 15th of June that will commemorate the end of the First World War. This will be a 'Traditional Tea' and there will also be some period entertainment. This event is free and all are welcome. To book a place or arrange transport e-mail the Parish Clerk or phone on 01992 813442.

Scheduled closure for work on the highway near the Old Schoolhouse (see below) has now been cancelled
as there was a lack of permissions.

Coppice Row is due to be closed between the junction with Piercing Hill and the Wake Arms roundabout from the 8th - 14th May.

A vacancy has arisen at Theydon Bois Parish Council for an Assistant Clerk to support the Parish Clerk.
This position would suit a local resident with a keen interest in planning processes and community events as they would be supporting our very active planning and community liaison committees. Our community liaison committee are involved in many exciting events and projects including our Christmas Market, and the new website project that we are about to embark upon.
The Planning Committee meet every two weeks and someone who has a keen interest to learn planning processes would be an advantage.

The number of hours would be 10-12 per week and in addition attendance at some evening meetings would be an essential requirement. The hours of work would ideally be spread across 3 days to be agreed with the current Clerk and the Council.The role will require the ability to take and write up notes of meetings, contact with members of the public and general administrative tasks.

APPLICATIONS, TO INCLUDE A CV, SHOULD BEMARKED PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIR OF THE PARISH COUNCIL, CLLR JOHN PHILIP, PARISH OFFICE, THE VILLAGE HALL, COPPICE ROW, THEYDON BOIS, CM16 7ER or by email to [email protected] Tel: 01992 812473

Elizabeth Thomas spent her last day in post as the Assistant Clerk/ Planning Secretary for the Parish Council last Friday. The previous evening at the last full Parish Council Meeting she was to attend a presentation of a gift and flowers was made by Parish Council Chairman John Philip.

Elizabeth said "I have worked for Theydon Bois PC for three and a half years, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. There is no one typical working day, and the council is involved with so many different projects that it doesn't’t ever get dull. I’ve particularly enjoyed helping to plan and bring to fruition the Christmas Market and the seniors events – I love that time of year, and being involved with the community’s Christmas jollifications always made it even more special.

When I started here my three sons were all at school – my two eldest have now left home (in fact one has left the country as he is at university in Wales) and my youngest is going to senior school in September. So it’s time for me to move on too – I’m going to be working for a PR company whose client base includes property developers, so my planning committee expertise, and my training as a journalist, will come in handy.

I’d like to thank the Chair, the Councillors and of course Caroline (Parish Clerk) for the beautiful flowers and the gift they gave me at my last Full Council meeting on Thursday - and yes, I will be dropping in on you all at Christmas time.

This is the - very delightful – French word for town twinning –which is an interesting concept, and potentially fruitful in so many ways. And it’s something the Parish Council may want to see up and running in Theydon Bois.

The new Theydon Bois Twin Town Project is now looking to bring together a working group to develop a partnership between our village and the small town of Le Molay-Littry, in Normandy, France. We need representatives from all corners of the community, of any age and background, to help this move forward: schools, local government, businesses, churches, clubs and individuals.

It could be, of course, a perfect opportunity to practice – or learn – some French, but the community group across the Channel will be co-ordinated by a native English-speaker so there’s no need to worry about any language barriers.

In fact, there are no barriers to the benefits this project can bring. This would be your project and you may present any ideas you think both communities would enjoy - cultural, artistic, commercial, sporting, educational, leisure – everything can be considered.

All those who want to learn more – or know a person or a group who might be interested – please call the Theydon Bois Parish Clerk on 01992 813442 or email at [email protected]

30th April 2018:John Padfield Steps Down From the VA Committee After 28 Years Service:

At the Annual General Meeting on 18th April, that John Padfield retired as a Trustee of the Village association after 28 years service. Making a presentation to John at that meeting the Chairman Martin Oliver, thanked him most effusively for his outstanding contribution to the Association, and presented him with a magnificent camellia shrub. In response, John acknowledged the team effort that had carried through the operation, and thanked all concerned for their support.

John Padfield receives a gift of a Camellia Shrub from VA Chairman Martin Oliver

John Padfield has been the 'ticking heart' of the new village hall project - from the early pre-planning, through all the construction stages, and finally to the grand opening in 2001, followed by certain of the day-to-day operations until the present time.

In 1990 John Padfield had become closely identified with the Village Association when he joined the VA Committee as District Council Representative. The need for attention to the then Hall structure had been under discussion for some years, and in 1994 the Parish Council under the leadership of Joy Wainwright, decided to set-up a Committee composed of five parish councillors and four VA members to discuss the way forward. John was appointed Chairman with Keith Duggett (VA Member) as Vice-Chairman.

After a number of months discussing the options of enlarging, enhancing or rebuilding the Village Hall, it was agreed to go for a new build. Feasibility studies, questionnaires to Societies using the hall, public meetings etc were worked through, and finally construction was commenced in appalling weather conditions. Work on the new hall and car park was completed in October 2001.

At the Opening Ceremony by our local MP, Mrs Eleanor Laing, the Parish Council Chairman, Wilf Shales said in his speech "We are thankful to John Padfield who took it upon himself to see the project through. He took all the problems that arose in his stride to make it happen." John has continued to give good advice and much practical help to the VA committee ever since.

The second Theydon Bois 'Best Photograph' competition was held throughout February - we had a wonderful response from both villagers and residents living close by. The entries amounted to approximately one hundred in total, and we held it over both the Theydon Villagers Only and the All Things Theydon Bois face book pages.

After careful consideration and a number of debates the finalists where whittled down to just under half the entries and then my kind friend Richard Crone set up a survey monkey voting page - this made it just as exciting for us as we had no idea who won until the close. First prize went to Beth Jones, whose beautiful entry now adorns our facebook page, as its display photograph.

We recently met up outside the Bull Public House where Beth happily accepted her prize, and was so grateful to everyone who had voted. Beth grew up in Chigwell and moved to the village two and a half years ago, along with her fiancé Stephen. She loves nature and has a keen passion for running, she is even took part in her fourth London Marathon this year and raising money for the London Air Ambulance. Huge congratulations to all entrants and a big thank-you for helping to make this event as successful as it is.

Theydon Bois Primary School has needed more good external storage for sometime as the existing two timber sheds are in very poor condition and not really fit for purpose. Health and Safety Advisor to the school and member of the board of school governors Peter Arthy advised new Headmaster Andre Rall and Caretaker Steve Bristow that something needed to be done and it was decided that the school needed to invest in something more suitable and that will be big enough to hold all activity and sports equipment etc. Steve and Andre started to shop around online to try and acquire a metal storage unit that was very secure, easy to maintain and most importantly would end our storage issues within the school. The problem was that they had were quoted in the region of 3k without delivery which can be up to £250 depending on location. The sort of figures being quoted they were costs that as a small school with minimal funding we couldn't really justify spending.

Peter Arthy works in construction for the Mears Group and used many of these containers for various projects. He decided to a contractor he has used for over 10 years for hiring these units. That company ‘Mobile Mini’ has been established since 1983 and their National Account Manager Mark Pervoe was sympathetic with the school’s problem. He soon got back to him and offered a 20ft by 8ft metal storage unit free of charge including free delivery. As you can imagine Peter was extremely shocked and happy about this as were Andre and Steve when they heard. Not only at the saving the school will make but the fact our storage woes will be over and another problem is solved.

(L - R) Peter Arthy, School H&S Adviser, Mark Pervoe, Mobile Mini & Steve Bristow, School Caretaker

Mark from Mobile Mini said "I received a call from Peter (who I have known for many years) asking if we could assist and provide them with a unit to aid with school storage. He informed me of the prices he had been quoted and asked if we could do better. As a company we have always set ourselves on providing the best rates and quality whether buying or renting these units. We also run schemes which helps provides organizations like schools with units on a short or long term basis. After speaking with Peter and understanding the extent of urgency that this container was needed I decided that we would be in a position to offer a unit for free. I was on hand on the day of delivery and all went well which was a relief....with the exception of the weather which wasn't great!”

The school is very grateful to Mr Pervoe and Mobile Mini any thanks them for this incredible generous gesture that they have made.

Theydon Bois Drama Society are delighted once again to be tackling Shakespeare for the first time since ‘Macbeth’ in 2014 – and this time, it is a rather merrier show! Much Ado about Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s brightest comedies – though with an underlying sub-plot that is very dark indeed. It revolves around the acid but fascinating relationship between Beatrice and Benedick – who profess to loathe each other, but somehow just cannot stop talking to each other…. Meanwhile, there is the ill-fated love affair of Claudio and Hero, the underhand machinations of Don John and his friends, and of course the ham-fisted attempts to keep law and order from Dogberry and the members of the Watch.

We have set our production in 1918, as part of the many commemorations that are taking place to remember the end of World War I. Don Pedro and his colleagues are newly returned from the trenches, and keen to swop the horrors of war for parties, feasting and flirting in the country house of Leonato. Meanwhile, the ladies of the Watch have embraced the cause of Women’s Suffrage with great enthusiasm – they’ve kept the village in order whilst the men were at war and have no desire to give up their authority now!

This is a show with everything – laughter, tears, intrigue, songs, and even dancing. If you love Shakespeare, you will love this production. If you think you loathe him, come anyway – we will endeavour to change your mind!

'Much A Do About Nothing' by Willaim Shakespeare. Tickets available from 26th March at £10.00 http://www.theydondrama.org/ or telephone 01992 919038

Theydon Bois Village Web Site