Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, visited Epping Forest District Museum to highlight the team's important community outreach work and pay tribute to a new exhibition on his most notable parliamentary predecessor Sir Winston Churchill.
Dr Hudson was given a tour by the museum manager, which culminated in the museum's new permanent display on Winston Churchill.
Marking 100 years since Churchill's election as MP for Epping, the new exhibition, 'Churchill and the District' showcases the famous Prime Minister's connection to the region, with photographs of campaign rallies in Waltham Abbey, Epping and Loughton.
Winston Churchill was the Member of Parliament for Epping - a precursor to Dr Hudson's Epping Forest seat - from 1924 to 1945, the longest time he represented any one constituency. Dr Hudson was keen to reinforce that without the goodwill of Epping folk, electing Sir Winston, then modern European history may have been very different.
The exhibition was supported by the Churchill Archives Centre which provided a range of photographs for the museum's use.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
"I cannot thank the Epping Forest District Museum team enough for both their hospitality, and indeed the incredible service they provide linking local people to their heritage and telling the stories of their past.
"The new permanent display on Churchill's links to, and love of, our beautiful corner of England was especially poignant. Sir Winston Churchill led from the front defending freedom and democracy while serving as MP for Epping. Without the goodwill of Epping folk, electing Sir Winston, then modern European history may have been very different indeed.
"I must congratulate Cllr Holly Whitbread who chairs the museum trust for putting forward the idea to celebrate Churchill's anniversary in this manner, and indeed everyone involved in producing the wonderful homage to our district’s history.
"The museum is a brilliant resource for local folk, and I'd highly recommend they find out more about what is available to them."
Ian Channell, Epping Forest District Museum Manager, said:
"We were delighted to welcome Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, to the museum. Museum staff showed Dr Hudson some of our displays, including a selection of posters by Buckhurst Hill artist Walter Spradbery (1889-1969) and our new permanent exhibit commemorating the centenary of Winston Churchill’s tenure as MP for Epping.
"Epping Forest District Museum tells the story of the Epping Forest District of Essex through changing exhibitions, informal and formal learning opportunities, and community engagement programs.
"Established as an independent charitable trust in April 2024, the museum aims to provide inspirational experiences and opportunities for people to connect with their heritage, bringing communities together and fostering local pride in our beautiful and historically rich corner of Essex."
The Epping Forest District Museum is housing in a beautiful Grade II* listed building in Waltham Abbey and has a range of exhibitions, galleries, a gift shop, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages. On top of this the team support a vibrant event schedule, school trips, and local community group engagement.
To find out more, visit: Home - Epping Forest District Museum Trust
