Caroline Pond
Warm tributes have been made to the former Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Caroline Pond, who passed away on 13 May.
Much-loved former colleague
A minute’s silence was held at the Annual Council meeting before councillors offered their memories of a much-loved former colleague.
First elected to the Loughton St John’s Ward in 2002, Caroline diligently represented the residents of Loughton and the wider district council for 22 years, only stepping down from council duties in 2024. She leaves behind her husband Councillor Chris Pond with whom she was married for more than 50 years, and their son Ed.
Caroline dedicated her life to voluntary service. She served as a steward of Loughton Methodist Church and volunteered with Loughton Voluntary Care for over 35 years. With her husband Chris, she was a keen historian and member of Loughton and District Historical Society.
Caroline held many responsible roles on Epping Forest District Council. She was elected vice-Chairman of the Council in 2006 and served as Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2007 – 2008 supporting the St Margaret’s League of Friends as her charity for the year.
Supportive and understanding councillor
Councillor Louise Mead was appointed the new Chairman of Council on Thursday (22 May). She spoke with great fondness of Caroline Pond and her husband Chris, who gave her great support from her earliest days as a candidate standing for election in Loughton.
Councillor Mead said:
I would like to thank Chris Pond and his dear wife, Caroline. They took a chance on me 12 years ago when my daughter was only 2 and I stood for election in Fairmead Ward. They knew I was a single mum. On the first day I was due to canvass I could not find childcare. I was convinced they would say I could not be a councillor as a single mum. But they were so supportive. Caroline with her usual understanding and calm voice, told me it was not a problem, just come out when I was able. Thank you for being there for me and Daisy over so many years.
Caroline will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved her, but I hope that she is proudly looking down on us today.
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