Once again this year, Epping saw record numbers of residents turn-out at the town’s War Memorial to show their respects for those remarkable young men who have given their tomorrows for our today.
The events, organised by the Royal British Legion, saw Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Chairman of
Epping Forest District Council, Cllr. Mrs. Penny Smith and Mayor of Epping Janet Hedges all lay poppy wreaths on behalf of the town, district and parliament.
Following the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial, the parade, led by the Epping Forest Pipe Band and including war
veterans, air and army cadets, members of the guides and scouting organisations, representatives of St. John’s School and police and fire officers, marched through Epping High Street, paying respects to local dignitaries on the way.
A Service of Remembrance then took place at St.
John’s Church, led by the Rev’d Geoffrey Connor, supported by the Epping Forest Band. EFDC Chairman Penny Smith read from the bible, whilst Mayor Janet Hedges read the names of the fallen. After the service, wreaths were also laid at the Civilian Memorial outside St. John’s Church.
Remembrance Day in Epping is always a large-scale affair. It is the one weekend each year where the whole community stops to think about the remarkable men and women who have laid down their lives for our country, for our safety and for our future. At this time, it is particularly important to think of and support however possible the many thousands of British troops commited to battles across the globe. For those who wish to be involved in this year’s commemorations, I have outlined the plans for our town below:
Friday 6th November
10.45am Rededication of the Garden of Remembrance at the War Memorial in Church Hill.
11.30am Service of Remembrance of the Commonwealth War Grave at Epping Cemetery in Bury Lane.
Saturday 7th November
For the first time, vintage World War II vehicles will be rolling into Epping High Street to promote the ‘Poppy Appeal’. The event will be supported by the Battle of Europe re-enactment group, who will be dressed in 1940’s Essex Regiment uniforms.
Sunday 8th November
2.00pm The Remembrance Day Parade will assemble at the Civic Offices in Epping High Street. 
2.10pm The Parade will depart and proceed to the War Memorial led by the Epping Forest Pipe Band.
2.20pm The wreath laying ceremony at Epping’s War Memorial will begin.
2.40pm The Parade will march from the War Memorial through Epping High Street to St. John’s Church paying compliments to the Mayor, District Chairman and local MP along the way.
3.00pm Service of Remembrance will commence at St. John The Baptist Church.
4.00pm Refreshments will be served at the Hemnall Street Social Club.
For more information on this years event or if you would like to help with the Poppy Appeal, please contact John Duffell of the Royal British Legion on 07931 862336 or email johnduffell@live.co.uk