A Copped Hall Weekend for EFOG - Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March 2014

On Saturday, 8th March, over 20 walkers from EFOG (and including a few of Peter B's. Scouts Troop) met at Copped Hall for a rather muddy evening walk in the surrounding fields and forest, led by Peter G. Thankfully the route had dried out a bit with the better weather over the last few days. It was a lovely evening with a beautiful half-moon - and were they deer silhouetted against the clear sky? Yes, they were! Epping Forest has large herds of Fallow Deer. Duncan lit a welcoming fire in Copped Hall, and upon their return, the group enjoyed a meal of fish and chips in the warm, eaten out of the paper, and tasting all the better while sitting in a partly restored mansion. They do actually have plates there, but who wants to do the washing-up?! 

 

As part of EFOG's community work, on Sunday, 9th March, I had arranged a work morning at Copped Hall. The volunteers there meet every Sunday morning to continue the ongoing work, and 10 of our members joined them to help. The 10 were in addition to the 4 EFOG members who are regulars there most Sundays.  Most helped in the grounds, clearing the lawns of leaves and twigs which had accumulated over the winter. It was a beautiful warm morning, which resulted in much stripping off of winter clothes! Katie, my Greyhound, was overseeing the work, making sure no-one slacked - from her reclined position sunbathing on the grass! Others helped in the mansion, moving bricks by wheelbarrow from inside the house to an area outside where they were going to be used. After a strenuous morning, most were pleased to go to the "Forest Gate" Pub in Epping, for a welcoming pint and some lunch!

 

The work achieved over the years at Copped Hall has been amazing, but there is still a long way to go. The mansion had burnt down in 1917, and the Copped Hall Trust took over the derelict building in 1995. They hold regular events to raise money. For more information, the website is www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk

 

Another satisfying weekend for EFOG was over, with many more to come in the future.