The Past Upright citizens paid for this new school, as was the custom of the times. Aristocratic Lady Mildmay contributed from her Hampshire mansion; New College, Oxford, sent along some funds and, closer to home, Romford brewer Mr Ind (of Ind Coope) chipped in as well. Even the government granted £102. Hainault Forest School had 76 pupils in one big room – more, it was said, on a Sunday. In time, the school, now isolated in the fields by Collier Row (as it is now), passed to the control of the Essex council. Just before the Great War, it was enlarged. The coming of the electric trains multiplied the local population, and in 1936 the older children were sent elsewhere.
However, the demolition men were held at bay by a council which recognised the building as a characterful reminder of much earlier times. Now 160 years old, the Oaks caught the eye of the visionary teacher Christine Redgrave and her team, who now take over the story. The present It was by this time owned by a property developer who wanted to build retirement dwellings but had been refused council permission for the level of development required. Without this good fortune (from our perspective), the opportunity to restore the building and its surroundings - and hopefully develop the centre as a place for children, youth and families to enjoy a range of activities - would not have presented itself. No funding has materialised despite interest from various quarters. The only formal recognition we have is a plaque from Capital Growth - recognition for our allotment initiative, led by Jane Forbes.
The Centre will provide a setting for leisure pursuits – a dance/drama studio, an art/craft workshop, a quiet den, an indoor gym, an outdoor play area, an astro-pitch and allotments. We look forward to helping children enjoy their free time in active and productive ways. Our two-year preparation was now at an end. In August 2010 we opened our doors for two weeks of children’s activities, led by the core team who have inspired the project. 48 children, aged from 3 to 11, enjoyed drama, dance, cooking, football, art and craft, and all kinds of fun, competitions and challenges. The future The dance studio will be used by young people, many of whom may turn an interest started in the primary years into careers in the future. Drama and Dance teacher Vikki Pontefract is working closely with us to promote the Oaks Studio as a centre of excellence. The astro-pitch has interested many youngsters in the area. Graham Russell, son George and numerous others will offer all keen footballers the opportunity to develop their skills.
The Wellgate Farm (opposite us) has shown interest and given support from the start. All neighbours, some of whom attended the Oaks C.of E. School, have been interested and in particular we must thank Bernard Russell, the neighbouring farmer and past pupil of the school, for his help and encouragement. Do contact us with your memories, photographs, ideas or suggestions about the past and future of the Oaks. We want to involve as many people as possible, and we look forward to becoming a distinctive and enjoyable part of many, many young lives. |