On 1 August, we came together at Stonards to celebrate Epping for Everyone's first birthday. 
 

The weather was absolutely scorching, but that didn't stop people coming along with family, friends and plenty of food to share. It was a relaxed afternoon full of laughter, friendship and community spirit.

More than anything, we loved seeing so many lovely conversations taking place throughout the picnic, with familiar faces catching up and new connections being made. It was a wonderful way to celebrate how far we've come in just one year and to look forward to what comes next.

Over 150 people came together for our joyful indoor picnic, with friends joining us from Epping and Harlow. Thanks to the Quakers in Epping Forest, who kindly opened their beautiful meeting house, the day flowed seamlessly between shared food in the main hall, children’s activities in the side rooms, and even a few sunny moments in the garden.
 

Organised as part of the Eden Project’s Big Lunch, the event brought warmth, laughter, and great conversations between local residents.
 

Thanks to Jack at the Co-op for refreshments and activities, and to Pesh (3Food4U) and Antonia (Kinder Essex) - we truly value the fantastic work they do for the community.

Most of all, it was a wonderful reminder of what matters: bringing people together, sharing stories, and building connections. We can’t wait to do it again.

> watch the video (Facebook)

We had a fantastic day at the Epping St John's Church Spring Fayre, meeting residents, sharing stories and celebrating what makes our community special.
 

Visitors were invited to place a pin on our maps to show where their journeys began. The response was incredible, revealing connections to 35 countries across the world and every corner of the UK. 

Our community's roots stretch far and wide, with connections to:
 

South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, India, Mauritius, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Armenia, Israel, Romania, Greece, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Belarus, Poland, Latvia, Sweden, Norway, Paraguay, the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada and Iceland.
 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello.

> watch the video (Facebook)

Our Easter Egg Trail saw more than 60 children took part. It was great to meet so many local families and spend time chatting along the way.

Thanks to the local crafters for the Easter items on display, to Carpino Lounge for being our start and finish point, and to Tesco Epping for their donation of chocolate eggs.

A big thank you to the shops and organisations who joined in - many said how nice it was to see and hear the children’s excitement as they spotted the letters in their windows.

It was a simple, positive community day and a pleasure to see our High Street coming together.

> watch the video (Facebook)

Our community’s first ever  Quiz Night, held on Friday 6 March at the Social Hemnall Club, was a huge success. The event completely sold out, with every ticket reserved in advance and a waiting list of eager quizzers hoping for a space.
 

By 6.45pm every table had been filled, prompting a brief moment of panic from the organisers, but encouraging neighbours to sit a little closer turned out to be a great icebreaker and a fun way to spark new connections.
 

A huge thank you to those who attended. Together, you helped raise more than £400 on the night. In an incredibly generous gesture, the winning team even donated their prize money back. All funds raised will go towards running more community events throughout the year.

In January 2025, we hosted a community forest walk in partnership with Epping Forest heritage Trust (EFHT) designed to bring people together, enjoy some fresh air, and deepen our shared love for the forest. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our local woodland and strengthen our sense of community. A heartfelt thank‑you to the EFHT for guiding us, sharing their knowledge, and reminding us that Epping Forest truly is for everyone.

> Watch the video (Facebook)

Thanks to your generosity, our Christmas gift appeal was a tremendous success, with over 50 parcels delivered to women and children staying in the Safer Places domestic abuse refuge.

Huge thanks to Hammond & Smith Estate Agents for acting as a collection point, and to everyone who donated. 

Epping For Everyone organised a joyful Christmas lunch at Epping Town Hall.
130 + residents, including Mayor Janet Whitehouse, came together to share delicious dishes, enjoy music and dancing led by Tracey Lyons, and take part in a fun tombola and raffle.
The afternoon was filled with festive cheer and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make it such a special celebration!

> Watch the video (Facebook)

Epping residents gathered at Carpino’s for a festive craft night to create decorations for the Epping For Everyone Christmas tree, later displayed at St John’s Church for the Tree Festival.
Fifteen people joined in sewing colorful baubles with meaningful messages, filling the evening with creativity and laughter.

300 + so residents joined our Community Walk through town, a symbol of unity and hope after recent challenges. The day was filled with positivity, sunshine, and support from local leaders, with refreshments served at the end.
Thank you to everyone who helped show that compassion and togetherness define our community.

> Watch the video (Facebook)

An afternoon tea for hope and connection.
In response to recent tensions, Epping For Everyone hosted a warm and welcoming afternoon tea at URC Epping for residents seeking comfort and positivity.
50 + people brought food to share - including a stunning Epping For Everyone cake - and enjoyed a relaxed afternoon of conversation, kindness, and community spirit.

Nearly 300 residents joined our International Day of Peace Walk to celebrate kindness, tolerance and a peaceful community. Starting at Bell Common and moving through the High Street, the walk was a joyful, uplifting day that showed Epping at its best.
Thank you to everyone who came together to promote peace and positivity - we were truly moved by the incredible turnout and support.

> Take a look at the pictures

Epping For Everyone’s very first event brought together 35 + residents for a summery afternoon kindly hosted by the Quakers in Epping.
Guests shared delicious food, enjoyed warm conversations, and wrote heartfelt messages of support for local refugees, showing that Epping is a welcoming and caring community.