Chairman of Council for 2008 to 2009

Epping Forest District Council, like many District Councils, has a Chairman rather than a Mayor. The Chairman is elected by their fellow Councilors each year in May and serves for a term of one year. The Chairman is the First Citizen of the District.
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Chairman John Knapman BSc(Econ)Hons

The Chairman of Epping Forest District Council for 2008 to 2009 is Councillor John Knapman (Conservative - Chigwell Village).

Councillor Mr John Knapman became the new Chairman of Epping Forest District Council at its annual meeting on Thursday 15 May 2008.

John Knapman was born in Torquay in 1951. He spent the next eighteen years living and enjoying life in a sea resort. He attended Torquay Boys Grammar School and while there was selected to play football and eventually captain the England Youth X1. His first encounter with Epping Forest came in 1969 when he moved into ‘digs’ in Algers Road , Loughton and attended London University in order to study Economics. Having lived by the sea, he was surprised to discover that everyone thought that he should be an expert on farming but this was due to his broad Devon accent and not any expertise in that subject.

After University John spent his life in the City and then Education. He has lived in Chigwell since 1981 and is married to his wife, Debra, and lives with step-son Daniel.

His son, Jonathan and daughter Frances were both born at St Margaret’s in Epping and they continue to live locally. His first granddaughter, Elizabeth, was born this April and John is only too keen to show you the photos.

He has been fortunate enough to shake hands with Bobby Charlton on the old Wembley pitch while playing in the FA Trophy Final when Bishops Stortford beat Sutton United.

Chairman's Charities

Councillor John Knapman believes passionately in the charities that he has chosen to support in his year as Chairman.

For details of the Chairman's Charities click here.

Chairman's Diary

The Chairman attends a considerable number of events in the District during his term of office.

To view the Chairman's Diary click here.

Inviting the Chairman

The Chairman attends functions and events in the District.

If you would like to invite the Chairman click here.

Past Chairman of Council

From 1974 to presesnt there have been 33 past Chairman of Council.

To find out who the past Chairmen of Council were click here.

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