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Field Studies Council
Contact details:
Epping Forest Field Centre,
Pauls Nursery Road, High Beach, Loughton, IG10 4AF
020 8502 8500
PATRONS: Lord Graham of Edmonton, Lord Jenkin of Roding,
Lord Tebbit of Chingford CH, Mr R.S. Chapman, MBE, MA, FCA
Field Studies Council (Registered Charity No. 313364)
This year we have been celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Centre’s official opening by Prince William of Gloucester on 23rd June 1971. The celebrations began on 4th June with a successful AGM which brought together the executive committee and other members of the FSC organisation from across the UK. Following the executive committee and AGM meetings guests were invited to an exclusive 40th anniversary walk through Epping Forest. The interesting, fact filled tour of the local area was led by our experienced partner Tricia Moxey and current tutor Laurence Jarvis. The walk ended back at the Centre where bubbly and cake (donated by Sprays Bakery, Loughton) were waiting. The first speech of the 40th anniversary was delivered by the Head of Centre, Steve Bunce; in acknowledgement of the developments the Centre has made in a short space of time and thanking those who supported along the way.
The 40th Anniversary cakes kindly donated by Sprays Bakery, Loughton
The second event of the 40th anniversary took place on 24th June. It involved many days of contacting past staff whom had helped make the Centre what it is today. Unfortunately not all past members were able to attend to see the new image of the Centre, but there was a large array of past influences. The day began with the 40th anniversary walk, this time being led by Sadie Rhodes and Lorna Poynton. Guests were fascinated by the information delivered, seeing the old fieldwork sites and reminiscing on past experiences. The walk led back to the Centre where current staff gave a presentation about the projects the Centre is presently involved in. This was followed by a networking session to discover what past staff are now doing and a workshop to discuss the future of environmental education. The day ended with a Centre tour led by Steve Bunce and a celebratory social drink.
The final event for the 40th anniversary was an Open Afternoon at the Centre on 4th September. We provided free activities for the local public (including pond dipping, minibeast hunting, a tree trail and a range of sensory games) to give a taster of what is offered at the Centre. Special acknowledgements go to the following stall holders: Epping Forest Centenary Trust, Friends of Epping Forest, Epping Forest District Badger Group, Roger Harvard (having a bat stall with real bats!), Cuckoo Farm Studios (Janette Lazelle) who also donated artwork (a leaf banner displayed in the main entrance), Coppiced Hazel Crafts (demonstrating how to make flowers and other crafts from coppiced hazel), Waltham Abbey Art Group, Bedford House Community Association. Overall the event was a successful end to the 40th anniversary year and is a template for the future.
The new banner in the entrance hall donated by Janette Lazell, for more of her work see www.janettelazell.co.uk
