"Vanishing Villages at Broxted Open Gardens" - An Event To Mark The End Of The Consultation

Supported by Broxted Parish Council and Uttlesford District Council

Take part in our final mass event of the public consultation period to show our collective opposition to the expansion of Stansted Airport.

Designed to mark the end of the airport expansion consultation period, this promises to be a fantastic family fun day out, drawing together thousands of people concerned to protect local heritage, quality of life and a rural environment in a festive atmosphere.

Terry Waite CBE will launch the event at 12 noon from Oakmeads, a property under threat, close to the Prince of Wales Public House on the Pledgdon Green Road. He will then tour a number of gardens and the Vanishing Villages displays before arriving at Broxted Church at 2.30pm to lead prayers at the Window of Hope.

More than a dozen local gardens will be open to the public, including the much acclaimed garden of Michael Goulding OBE at The Old Vicarage. You can also follow guided or unguided walks around the parish, taking in displays, mini-exhibitions, stalls of every kind and food/refreshments.

The event will also feature displays by heritage and wildlife organisations (at Moor End Farm), and stalls from some of the 70+ towns and villages whose character would be transformed by the urbanisation which would accompany the world's largest airport. There will also be a last-minute letter writing bank (in the display area next to Browns End Cottage) for sending a final missive to Alistair Darling.

Parking is free (at Moor End Farm - follow signs). Shuttle buses will aid those whose legs won't let them walk all the way between gardens, displays and the church.

Remember, it's not too late to set up a stall or display of your own representing your village or town to add to the show of community solidarity - contact Maggie Sutton for more details (see below).

£4 ticket gives adult entry to all participating gardens (children free; dogs on leads welcome in most gardens); walks and activities along the way and parking are free. Admission by programme available on the day.

Further information: Maggie Sutton on 07714 767921 or Stop Stansted Expansion on 01279 870558.

We also need help in the following areas please:

• Marshalls
• Help manning stalls
• Help manning the exhibition areas

If you would like to get together a stall or just get involved please let us know. If you are able to help, even if just for a few hours, please contact the Campaign Office on 01279 870558. Thank you for your support.

SSE Campaign Team

See also the parish magazine for June 2003.