Changing Perceptions

The collection covers a wide range of themes, experiences and opinions. Everyday memories of childhood, school, work and fun go hand in hand with memories of important events, such as the Second World War. Get a flavour of the collection by listening to the stories below. Click on the name or the photograph to access the interview.  Click here for copyright details.

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Voices Online

Farming

At the start of the century, dairy farming dominated agriculture in this part of Essex. Today only two dairy farms remain and arable land dominates.

John Graham kept a dairy herd in Nazeing, like his father and grandfather before him. He explains why he decided to go in for beef cattle in the 1970s.

Housing

The sharp increase in residential development is one of the most visible changes to the Epping Forest District.

The Shelley estate in Ongar was erected in the 1940s. It started with a row of prefabs. Brenda Hadsley was one of the first people to move in.

Industry

Of all the industries based in Epping Forest District, the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey must be one of the most famous.

Jack Elliott worked there from 1936 to 1943.

Transport

The railway came to Epping in 1865, when the Eastern Counties Railway extended the line from Loughton to Epping and Ongar. Almost a hundred years later, Epping became part of London Transport’s Central Line, following electrification of the line.

Bob Knight recalls the steam trains at Epping Station.