Autumn and Winter Events in Epping Forest
At Home Instead Epping Forest, we believe community events play a vital role in bringing people together, especially as the colder months set in. As the vibrant colours of autumn give way to the winter season, a range of exciting events and activities are being held throughout Epping Forest that offer companionship, support, and engaging activities for all ages.
These gatherings, from local festive markets to nature walks and dementia-friendly activities, provide a great way to stay active, build meaningful connections, and promote well-being. We encourage everyone to take part in these wonderful events that brighten the colder months and strengthen community bonds. We hope you enjoy reading about the events happening this season!
Theydon Bois
Memory Lane Café takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2.15pm to 3.45pm at Theydon Bois Village Hall. For more information, contact Maureen at [email protected] or call 01992 666777. These events are a relaxed, friendly afternoon of chat and support for those who want to connect with their local community. Pre-booking is required.
Singing for the Brain occurs on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10.30am to 12pm, also at Theydon Bois Village Hall. Contact Maureen for details. This is a fun and stimulating morning of music designed to support those living with dementia. Booking is essential.
The Valentine’s Dance and Tea Dance in 2024 were a huge success with dance demonstrations led by professionals Emma and Martin from Steps Ahead Dance Academy. We hope to schedule these again in 2025, for more afternoons filled with fun and laughter!
Some previous comments from attendees include:
“My husband and I really enjoyed the line dancing, and it was a lot of fun. Very friendly atmosphere and well organised.”
“For over a year my husband and I have attended the Memory Lanes and Singing for the Brain meetings and it is always enjoyable.”
Local Library Dementia Information Drop-In Sessions offer a welcoming space for anyone seeking advice or support. You can pop in for a chat with our Community Relationship Manager, Maureen, about any concerns or advice you may need. The schedule includes:
- Chigwell Library on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm.
- Epping Library on the 1st Friday of the month from 2pm to 4pm.
- Loughton Library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10am to 12pm.
- Buckhurst Hill Library on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 10am to 12pm.
- Ongar Library on the 3rd Friday of the month from 10am to 12pm.
- Waltham Abbey Library on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm.
Scam Aware Sessions are hosted in partnership with Essex Police, with several sessions planned over the coming months. We have had successful feedback so far, and for details on upcoming sessions, you can contact Maureen at 01992 666777 or [email protected].
North Weald
Social Groups at Leonard David House meet every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm for £6 per person at Leonard David House, CM16 6BS. This event is organised by Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) and offers a friendly social group. For more information, contact Julie Bristow at 07708 171116.
Bantham and Ongar Dementia-Friendly Indoor Bowls takes place every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm for £2 per person, which includes refreshments, at Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club, CM16 6GP. Contact Doreen at 01277 363202 for more details.
Loughton
Memory Café occurs on the 1st Friday of the month from 10am to 12pm at The Loughton Club, IG10 4NX. This event is run by the Rotary Club of Roding and provides a welcoming space for socialising and support. For more information, contact Fran at 07903 274398 or Chris at 07510 297173.
Social Activity Club meets every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm at St. John the Baptist Loughton, IG10 1PD. This weekly event, organised by Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF), offers social activities and a chance to meet new people. Contact 07708 171116 for details.
At Loughton Methodist Church, Loughton Voluntary Care runs the following three groups at 260 High Road, IG10 1RB. The Keep Well Club features different activities each week, including seated keep fit, singalongs, games, and reminiscence sessions. This group is free with refreshments included, providing a great opportunity to socialise in the community.
The Fish and Chip Lunch takes place on the last Saturday of the month from 11.45am to 2pm, costing approximately £10 for lunch, with free refreshments included. This event usually features a free draw and a pianist, and no prior booking is necessary.
The IT Clinic (Digital Support) offers drop-in sessions on Saturday mornings from 10am to 11.30am, running throughout the year. This service is free of charge and includes free refreshments.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 0208 5086114 or 07592 369198. It is advisable to get in touch before visiting a session.
Waltham Abbey
The Social Group at Jubilee Court meets every Friday from 1pm to 3pm for £6 per person at Jubilee Court, EN9 3JB. For more details, contact Julie Bristow at 07708 171116.
Fun Seated Exercise Class is held every Monday at 1pm for £3 per person at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre . No booking is required – just turn up for this low-impact exercise class with Bee!
Wellbeing Wednesdays occur every Wednesday from 12pm to 1.45pm at Epping Forest District Museum, EN9 1EL. This is a free, friendly community café for socialising and enjoying refreshments.
The Memory Café takes place on the last Friday of the month from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Waltham Abbey Baptist Church Hall, EN9 1RL. For more information, you can contact [email protected]. All you need to do is turn up and have some fun!
Museum Space events are generally held on Wednesday evenings at a cost of £5, which includes refreshments. For details, call 01992 716882 or email [email protected]. Join in for some interesting historic talks!
Epping
Epping at the Movies hosts a series of screenings, and we recently had events sponsored by Home Instead Charities. We look forward to many more in the future! For updates, please visit Epping at the Movies.
The Carers Peer Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm. For more information, contact 0300 303 1555.
The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Drop-In occurs from 10am to 3pm on the last Monday of the month at Epping Community Hub Civic Offices, CM16 4BZ.
Action for Family Carers is held every Thursday at Jack Silley Pavilion, CM16 6SS. For a free taster session, contact [email protected] or call 0300 7708090.
Buckhurst Hill
Tea and a Chat takes place every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Woollard Centre, IG9 6AQ. Join us for a free cuppa and a chat in a warm and welcoming environment.
The Memory Café meets on the 2nd Friday of the month from 10am to 12pm at Roding Valley Hall, IG9 6LN. There is no need to book – just show up for a fun morning!
Singing for the Brain is hosted at St. John’s Church Hall, IG9 5RX, from 10.30am to 12pm on selected Mondays of the month. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 0333 1503456.
Dementia Support Group for Carers takes place at Noah’s Ark Community Hub, IG9 6EP. This group meets every second Monday from 10.30am to 12pm, welcoming loved ones living with dementia. For enquiries, contact 0208 252 3273 or email [email protected].
Chigwell
The Memory Café is held on the last Friday of the month from 11am to 1pm at Victory Hall, IG7 6QX. For more information, contact Lynne at 07853 944829.
Ongar
The Puzzle Club in Ongar meets every Thursday from 10am to 12pm at St. James Church, CM5 9EL. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 01992 564222.
The Memory Café occurs on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at St. James Church Hall. For more details contact info@[email protected] or 01992 842642, 07973 166940.
Carers Wellbeing Group is held on the second Wednesday of each month from 1.30pm to 3pm. This group meets at Zinc Arts, Chipping. It is open to all carers, including those who care for individuals living with dementia. To book a spot or for more information, you can call 0300 303 1555 or email [email protected].
Keep Fit for Seniors takes place every Monday from 2.15pm to 3.15pm at Budworth Hall, CM5 9JG. This class is designed to help older adults stay active and fit. If you have any questions, you can contact 07787 146993 or 01277 654615, or you can email [email protected].
Harlow
In Harlow, the Tess Memory Café occurs every Monday from 1pm to 3pm. This café provides a welcoming space for socialising and support for those living with dementia and their carers.
Another event in Harlow is called Friends Forever, which is held on the first and third Friday of every month from 2pm to 4pm.
Both events takes place at Moot House, CM20 3AG. For further information, you can contact Tess at 07525 719300.
Other Considerations
Essex Library Services offers various resources to the community. The Home Library Services allow you to arrange for books of your choice to be delivered to your home, making reading more accessible for everyone.
The Mobile Library Services provide a Library Bus that stops at various fixed locations for Library Members to visit. This service is designed for those who may find it difficult to reach their local library. For more details on the stopping points, you can visit the Essex Libraries website or call 0345 603 7628.
Audio Books are another excellent option, especially for those who struggle to read. To access audio books, you will need to register online, allowing you to log in and request a book of your choice, which can then be downloaded. For more information, please refer to the Essex Libraries website or call 0345 603 7628. If you encounter difficulties registering online, why not ask a family member or your Care Professional for assistance.
Additionally, you might consider joining u3a, a UK-wide network of over 1,000 charities that provide opportunities for those no longer working to come together and learn for fun. Members often share skills and set up groups that enable people to explore new ideas, skills, and interests. To find out when your local u3a meets, call 0208 466 6139 or visit the u3a website.
Future Events
The Epping and Ongar Railway Christmas Memory Train is scheduled for 4th December. This special event features a Christmas-themed Memory Train ride. They will also be running The Epping Ongar Lights Express on selected dates in November and December. For more information, visit the Epping Ongar Railway website.
The St John’s Christmas Tree Festival will take place from 6th to 9th December. This festive event will showcase over 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, including one adorned by Home Instead Epping Forest. Attendees can also enjoy seasonal music at St John’s Church in Epping.
Lastly, the Home Instead Christmas Special is set for 11th December, from 2pm to 4pm. This event will be a joint session of Memory Lane and Singing for the Brain, filled with holiday cheer. For further enquiries, please contact Maureen at [email protected].