Education is the principal use for Copped Hall: in particular, any subject matter directly concerned with the mansion and gardens, but not excluding related subjects. Our guided tours help the general public understand all aspects of Copped Hall and, as more parts become accessible and restored, more information is imparted. The Copped Hall Trust Archaeological Project (CHTAP) is concerned at present with the site of the Elizabethan mansion. The archaeology courses are popular and, importantly, attract people of all ages, from many countries. As Old Copped Hall is proving an increasingly interesting archaeological site, there is much to learn and be taught. The project is expertly run by the West Essex Archaeological Group under the supervision of two archaeologists: Tina Holloway and John Shepherd.

Our other courses have been very popular this year. The singing workshop, garden workshops and the drawing classes have been well attended. This year we extended the number of drawing classes to six and all, except the first one, were oversubscribed.

At the time of writing, we have had two of our study days – by William Tyler and Peter Lawrence – and these attracted 56 and 50 people respectively.

An important point to mention is the provision of lunches for these events by our catering team under the command of the ever resourceful Margaret Gervis. Their dedication is extraordinary and we have been thinking of ways to reduce their workload, particular as we wish to have more study days. One obvious solution is for the attendees to bring their own lunches but be served refreshments. This certainly worked for Vic Knope’s singing workshop and also for the two well-attended study days, when several people brought their own lunches, as we can only cater for 40. We are wondering whether to try this for some, or even all, of the drawing classes next year but with dessert and refreshments provided. Then we shall find out if people primaril

y come for the lunch or to learn to improve their drawing skills! The wonderful work Frances Chapman does with primary schools at Copped Hall is another excellent example of where the subject matter is Copped Hall itself.

Alan Cox

School Visits

If I look and listen I see many things, That I can imagine Are still there. Staircases, spiral Made out of marble, Maids dusting corners, And old brass door knobs. I imagine John Conyers, The Master of the house, Meeting his friends, Talking for a while. Out in the garden Vegetables grow, A pear tree is standing, Oh, it’s so old. The fire destroyed This historical place, But people still look At its wonderful face. Caprise Foster Aged 11 Buckhurst Hill Primary School 5 July 2010 Photos: Frances Chapman

These past months have seen more children than ever spending the day at Copped Hall. Again we have been lucky to have perfect weather for each event. Our art day was exceptionally good with well-executed pieces of work from nine - to tenyear - olds from 12 different schools. The history day surpassed itself. Again, we had more children than ever. Alison Tinker from St John’s, Buckhurst Hill, arranged for all the children
to have Georgian costumes. Paul Arrowsmith from Epping Primary helped to get the children into Georgian mode. The highlight of the day was dancing a minuet in the saloon (above), with Norman Lansdown-Davis playing the piano for the children. Chris Sawin from Staples Road Juniors taught the children the dances. It was wonderful to hear music and children’s laughter all through the mansion. It had come alive again.

In July we had a purely creative writing day with 11-year-olds. Margaret Gervis and I talked to the children about the lives of the people who had visited or lived at Copped Hall over the years. Imagination knew no bounds; the results were excellent – a different aspect from every child. The pieces were well thought out and creatively written. Ros Sitton from Ivy Chimneys helped put all the contributions together and we now have a book of all the work.

A big thank you to all the schools for their cooperation and to all the Friends who have helped to make Education at Copped Hall so positive.