

The Memory Train is back on track for Christmas for Epping Forest district residents living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Free event
The event is free and takes place on Wednesday 7 December 2022 from 10.30am to 2pm.
In the Summer Epping Open Gardens partnered with Epping Ongar Railway and Epping Forest District Council’s Community Culture & Wellbeing Team to host the first memory train event.
It was so successful that a Christmas Memory Train is planned.
The day offers the opportunity to reminisce, take in the beautiful views of the Epping Forest countryside and learn from the exceptional knowledge shared by Epping Ongar Railway volunteers.
Fun, safe and stimulating day out
Councillor Aniket Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Community Partnerships said:
What an excellent example of partnership working by organisations in our district.
It gives people affected by dementia a fun, safe and stimulating day out not too far from home.
About the day
The day begins at North Weald Train Station where parking and toilets are available. The train departs for Ongar at 11am. There is a stop at Ongar where toilets are available and Father Christmas will make a special appearance.
A light lunch will be served onboard the train and the journey will continue into the forest. The final stop is North Weald with mulled wine or a cup of tea or coffee on offer.
Dependent on the weather there will be a chance to look around North Weald Station and view the vintage buses and use the facilities.
All attendees must be accompanied by a friend, carer or relative.
Booking is essential
To find out more about the longest heritage railway in Essex visit the Epping Ongar Railway website.
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