This page is intended to act as a directory to the large number of clubs and societies which operate in Highams Park. The selection is fairly random at present, based on those groups who have asked to be included. It is hoped that it will grow further over time.

Please send us details of organisations to be added to the list via the "Contact us" link at the top of this page. Also via this link please report any inaccuracies, out-of-date information, or links that no longer work. Thanks.

This is a long web page. You can use these links to jump to an item of interest on the page:

1. West Essex Colts FC (Football for Young People)
2. Fencing for young people and adults
3. The Highams Park Society
4. Waltham Forest Probus Club - Founded 1977
5. Forest Recorded Music Society
6. Who are the different residents' groups in Highams Park with very similar names?
7. Higham's Residents' Association
8. Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society
9. Highams Park United Reformed Church
10. Winchester Road Methodist Church
11. King George Sailing Club (for sailing and windsurfing)
12. Waltham Forest Sub Aqua Club
13. Chapel End Savoy Players (amateur operatic and dramatic society
14. Highams Park Horticultural Society (was the Hale End Horticultural Society)
15. OrganicLea - Fruit & Vegetable growing co-op based in Chingford & Walthamstow
16. Walthamstow Family Bike Club
17. Woodford Concert Society
18. West Essex Musician Fundraisers Club ("WEM")
19. CADOS Theatre Group
20. Highams Park Prefabs Community
21. Medieval Re-enactment group
22. Highams Park Planning Group
23. Friends of The Highams Park
24. Chingford School of Tennis
25. East London Ladies Circle
26. Halex Bowls Club
27. HarmonyE4 Community Choir

West Essex Colts FC, based in Highams Park on The Rolls (behind Focus DIY) runs a number of teams for under 11 though to under 17.

The club have a playing membership of circa 120, with an ambition to provide competitive football, quality coaching and a fun environment for the youth of Highams Park, Chingford and the surrounding areas. The club's principal aim is to encourage a culture in which children and young people can participate in football in a safe and enjoyable environment. By encouraging personal physical fitness, teamwork and discipline, the club aims to have a tangible positive impact on the lives of its players.

The club has its own clubhouse and facilities and all Managers/Coaches are F.A. qualified and CRB checked. The club offers a varied football programme including competitive football, structured training, tournaments and tours with an emphasis on player development. The club also offers a varied social programme for all playing members and their wider families.

The club is always pleased to welcome new players in all age groups.

For more details and how to contact the club please see their website at : http://westessexcoltsfc.intheteam.com

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The Highams Park Fencing Club meets on Wednesday evenings at Trinity School (Lower Site), Off Sydney Road, Woodford Wells, Ig8 0TB.

Formed by a group of keen amateurs, the club offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with a wide age group from 7-65 years of age, and with professional tuition for fencers of all levels by qualified instructors.

For full information and contact details, visit their website at: www.hpfc.org.uk

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The Highams Park Society sets its goal as "Helping Promote Community Life". It organises social events, lectures, exhibitions, working parties and also campaigns on issues affecting life in Highams Park. New members are always welcome. The Forum and the Society work together on a number of issues.

The Society has its own website which can be found here: www.highamsparksociety.co.uk

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GENTLEMEN,
Are you retired and have some spare time on the Third Monday of each month?
Then, please consider the following:-
We offer a good lunch, congenial company, and a variety of Speakers. In addition to the meetings we also arrange a number of outings during the year.
Our meetings are held at The Royal Forest Hotel, Rangers Road, Chingford E4 7QZ.
The timing is 12.15 pm. for Lunch at 1.pm. and finishing at about 3 p.m.

If you are interested, please telephone our secretary: 020 8527 4654

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The Forest Recorded Music Society meets every fortnight on Friday evenings at 7:30. Programmes are presented by the members themselves and each year we invite up to three guests from the world of music to talk to us.

Evenings are relaxed and informal affairs. If you enjoy listening to classical and light classical music in the company of like-minded people just drop into one of our meetings. Entry is free and if you wish to join the Society membership costs just £10 for the first year (£20 thereafter).

We meet at:
All Saints Church Hall
Church Avenue
Highams Park
7.30pm - 9.45pm

The Society has its own website which can be found here and contains full details of its forthcoming events: www.forestrecordedmusicsociety.co.uk

For further information call Chairman Andrew Golds 020 8531 2938
(email andrewgolds48@hotmail.co.uk)

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At the Forest Festival a visitor expressed confusion over the different residents' organisations (all with similar names) in Highams Park. I tried to explain, but as I did so it struck me too how confusing it was. The visitor laughed and said it was a bit like Monty Python's Life of Brian where there are numerous organisations based on rearranging the words "The People's Liberation Front of Judea" (or is it "The Judean People's Liberation Front").......[you need to have seen it to think this is funny !]

Follow this link for our attempt at an explanation: Monty Python's life of Highams Park?

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Higham's Residents' Association was founded in 1955 to represent residents' from the estate on the East side of Highams Park - originally the Highams Warner Estate. It represents residents' interests in general but also focuses particularly upon planning matters affecting the estate. The association has its own website here: www.highamsra.org

Membership is open to all residents in:
Crealock Grove, Henry's Avenue, Keynsham Avenue, Lichfield Road, Marion Grove, Mason Road, Montalt Road, Nesta Road, Tamworth Avenue, and The Charter Road, together with other residents in the neighbourhood who have interests in common with the Association. Almost 100% of the households in the designated area are members.

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The society is dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and operation of the privately owned Epping to Ongar Railway and is always looking to meet and welcome new volunteers. Although the railway is currently closed (June 2009), volunteers are working hard towards the reopening in 2010, probably with steam locomotion. The organisation is trying to spread the word that "its all happening", so if you know anyone who might be interested, please encourage them to get in touch. Look at their website at: www.eorailway.co.uk

Those that are volunteering now are the ones who will get priority when the line re-opens (being trained to drive steam trains etc.), as well as being part of re-opening of a special 6 miles of local heritage railway and two 1865 stations.

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A small friendly church in Malvern Avenue, E4 9NP. Full details of services and the numerous activities at the church can be found on their website here: www.highamsparkurc.org.uk

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Full details of services and the numerous activities at the church can be found on their website which can be found here: www.winchesterroadchurch.org.uk

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Situated on a 240 acre Thames Water reservoir in Chingford, the King George Sailing Club was founded more than 30 years ago to provide dinghy sailing and windsurfing on the largest and best sailing water in the north and east of London.

The Club enjoys facilities both on and off the water and has an active membership engaged in racing, learning to sail, casual sailing, and windsurfing. In recognition of our good facilities and encouragement of youth sailing, the Royal Yachting Association has awarded the club Volvo Champion Club status.

For more details, visit their website: www.kgsc.org.uk

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Waltham Forest Sub Aqua Club is a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club and was founded in 1974. We are based at the King George V reservoir in North-East London where we share facilities with the KGV Sailing Club. We actively encourage new members, and offer a complete range of diving from first scuba lessons for complete beginners, to diving for the very experienced. You will find a warm welcome for qualified divers from any agency.

The club has two RIBS and has a full UK diving program as well arranging many hard boat trips both in the UK and abroad. Continuous gradual training from beginner to expert is an essential part of our ethos.

For more details, visit their website: www.wfsac.info

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We are a small friendly amateur operatic and dramatic society, based in Walthamstow, specialising in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, especially the comic operas known as the Savoy Operas. We are always on the lookout for new singing members. If you are interested, please get in touch. Contact details are on our website (see link below).

We perform one opera annually in May at The Deaton Theatre, Forest School, Snaresbrook.

We also perform an annual concert between October and December, featuring songs by many composers, including Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as songs from musicals. This takes place at St. John's Church, Walthamstow.

We have also performed in the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton, Derbyshire over the last few years.

We're also available to perform Gilbert and Sullivan, Olde Tyme Music Hall and songs from popular musicals. To book us, contact our secretary at secretary@cesp.org.uk

For more details, visit our website: www.cesp.org.uk

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The Highams Park Horticultural Society, previously known as the Hale End Horticultural Society, runs the following events:

- an annual flower & produce show in September, including handicrafts and photography
- visits and coach outings
- quiz evenings
- and in November a social evening & AGM

There is also a monthly gardening Gardening Club, which meets at Winchester Road Methodist Church on the 2nd Tuesday of every month 7.30-9.30 pm. New members of all ages and gardening abilities are very welcome, so do come along. £1.50 per meeting (including refreshments & raffle) and £5.00 annual membership, which gives free entry to RHS gardens, etc. A typical evening is usually a talk/demonstration, discussion and solving any gardening problems.

See a video of the society's 2010 annual show here: HP Hort Soc Show 2010
See a video of the society's 2011 annual show here: HP Hort Soc Show 2011
See a video of the society's 2012 annual show here: HP Hort Soc Show 2012
See a video of the society's 2014 annual show here: HP Hort Soc Show 2014

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Voluneteering opportunities and locally grown food and veg delivered in Highams Park.

Organiclea's Mission Statement:
We produce and distribute food and plants locally, and inspire and support others to do the same. With a workers' cooperative at our core, we bring people together to take action towards a more just and sustainable society. Our projects currently receive funding support from the Making Local Food Work programme and Local Food, as well as a number of smaller local grants.

Want to get involved/volunteer?
See here for more information: OrganicLea - Get Involved

Interested in purchasing locally grown fruit and veg (delivered to Highams Park)?
See here: OrganicLea - Box Scheme

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We meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month for a sociable ride; we used to take a break in the winter months, but due to the popularity of the rides run right throughout the winter. We also sometimes run additional events - see our special events page for more details.

Our monthly rides:
Our aim is for an enjoyable afternoon exploring the nooks and crannies in and around our borough. The maximum distance we do is 15 miles there and back, but will be tailored to the abilities of those who turn up, so can be considerably shorter. We usually stop along the way for a snack, so apart from a bicycle and any children you can round up, we recommend you also bring some water and something to eat. We usually stop off at a café at about half time. In the winter months, please try to remember your lights.

Everyone is welcome, so bring your family & friends.

For more detail see the club's website by clicking this link: WFCB Website

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Woodford Concert Society was founded in June 2011 by a small group of local enthusiasts who believed that the area would benefit from a society that could stage high-quality classical music concerts at affordable prices. The concerts will be performed by professional musicians of national and international standing and we are pleased to support them at the start of their careers.

The music and musicians will be of a wonderful variety and quality, and music's ability to uplift and transcend is devastatingly powerful, so please do join us. The Society is non-profit-making, any surplus being used to subsidise future events. For more information, concert details and ticket prices, or if you would like to become a Friend of the Society, please browse our website.

Full details here: www.woodfordconcertsociety.co.uk

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West Essex Musician Fundraisers Club ("WEM") is based in Highams Park & works through collaborative music events at West Essex & London arts & community festivals to:
(1) raise music & choral awareness;
(2) raise funds for local charities;
(3) raise up entrepreneurial musicians for charities &
(4) bring people together to enjoy music, to connect & support our local communities.

We are supported by many local arts enthusiasts & by 3 local mayors from Waltham Forest, Redbridge & Essex & have recently had 3 sold out music concerts. For more on WEM see: www.voluntaryaction.net/groups/wem

We have been blessed with your enthusiasm & generosity - from voluntary helpers, musicians & concert guests. We would like to have more of you join us to support both (1) your local charities & (2) your local musicians, be that as our collaborative choir, helper, performer or as attending guests. Please check out our web site (above) for upcoming recitals & fundraisers. We would love to meet you!

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CADOS is a friendly society with a reputation for quality theatre. Based in Mornington Hall, North Chingford, we usually perform three shows per year and welcome new members whatever their age or experience. If you enjoy singing, dancing, acting or wish to help backstage come and join in the fun at CADOS. Ring 02085244380 or email cadoschingfordbox@hotmail.co.uk to arrange to visit a rehearsal.

We also run a vibrant youth group whose members often appear in adult shows.

Our two halls are available to hire for classes, parties, etc. Please ring Steve Ranger on 02085241488 for details.

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We are a small group of people who used to live in the Highams Park Prefabs. Sharing stories and photos from the post WW2 days in the prefabs that used to be located next to Highams Park Lake. New members very welcome. Contact details, photos and interactive Forum available from the website: www.highamsparkprefabs.co.uk

Unfortunately, as at May 2017 the above website seems to have been discontinued. We don't know why.

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The Medieval Re-enactment group is based at the Scout Hut on Larkshall Rd. They meet once a fortnight on the grounds, where they practice medieval combat, living history displays, and crafts. They also take part in many national English Heritage shows, including the Kelmarsh Hall Festival of History.

Contact details are as follows:

Samuel Cooke and Harriet Fawcett: 07837454841
Email: normannise17@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/498843503460941/

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The Highams Park Planning Group is a large group of residents (1000+ members) creating a plan for the future of all aspects of Highams Park. Highams Park was successful in a bid to central government for £20k of funding to assist residents in creating the plan. A small group of residents from the HP Forum & HP Society organised initial events to garner support for the idea and to sign up residents to take part.

Following the launch events, work formally started in January 2014, and the large group is now working on the task of creating the plan and bringing its proposals to life. The group operates independently from the HP Forum & HP Society but liaises closely with both. It is also establishing contacts with other relevant organisations in the area.

As at May 2017, the draft plan has been completed and has been submitted to LBWF for review and formal consultation. This is the first step in getting the plan formally adopted into planning law.

The Planning Group has its own section of this website, here: The Highams Park Plan
Please follow that link for more information. New members wishing to get involved are always welcome. Please get in touch with the group via the contact details on their page.

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"The Highams Park" is the confusingly named area of open parkland to the east of Highams Park lake.

Friends of The Highams Park is a group of local volunteers who work with the Council's Greenspace team. Through this partnership, park users get a greater say in what goes on in The Highams Park and can help in improving different aspects of the park. This may take place in the form of promoting the park, helping with conservation tasks, organising local community events, fundraising and much more. The Friends group also help to care for the park and are be involved in improving areas such as the appearance, facilities and safety.

We meet regularly to discuss improvements to the amenities of the park. The Friends also work closely with the Epping Forest authorities concerning the adjoining area around the Highams Park lake.

New members are always welcome!

The group has its own website here: www.fothp.org
The group can be contacted via the "Contact" page on that website.

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Chingford School of Tennis has been based in Rolls Sports Ground, Hickman Avenue, Highams Park since 2000. It runs weekly tennis classes, coached by LTA and USPTR qualified tennis coaches, for beginners and intermediate players, and at higher levels, for all ages starting at 3 years old to 83 years old! Participants do not have to join the club to take advantage of the coaching and court hire, which are charged out at very competitive prices.

There are six floodlit hard courts, with a dome over three of them from October to May, therefore all year round tennis is continuous.

Chingford School of Tennis Club is also available to join and two weekly club sessions meet on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons where members can just turn up and play with other members, with priority given for court hiring at other times during the week. Non-members can attend these club sessions four times in a year.

Please contact 020 8523 0900, or info@ten-ace.co.uk, or look on the website www.ten-ace.co.uk for more information.

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"Ladies circle was founded in 1932, but until this year (2015) we did not have an East London group so we decide to start one. Our circle is based around friendship and charity. The focus of the group is to form long lasting friendship, built around support, trust and having fun - while at the same time giving back to our community through charity work. We are looking to connect with as many ladies in East London as possible."

Click here for more information East London Ladies Circle Poster
See their website here: www.ladiescircle.co.uk/eastlondon

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Just retired? Want to make new friends?

The old Halex factory still has it's Bowls Club in Highams Park, so why not join us and learn to bowl. All you need are flat shoes and we will provide the bowls.

We are a small friendly Club tucked away down Hickman Ave. We have a good social side where we play Whist, Bridge and have Quiz nights with a small bar.

If you want to find out more about us, click this link for details: Poster

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Come and join HarmonyE4, a new community choir for Highams Park. We are a small and friendly choir, open to adults of all ages and abilities (men and women welcome). No previous experience or sight reading is needed and our existing choir members will look after you and help you learn the parts! There is also no audition.

We sing mainly retro pop tunes, but mixed up with some show tunes and whatever else we fancy - our summer set covered everything from "Beauty and the Beast" to Bowie. Our Christmas set includes some religious songs but we are a secular choir. Who doesn't love a bit of "O Come All Ye Faithful" though?

We rehearse every other Monday evening, at Winchester Rd Methodist Church (7:45pm - 9pm). We also meet every last Thursday of the month for a catch-up rehearsal. Check the Facebook group for the latest dates or email Kate Milner at highamsparkchoir@gmail.com. We also have a blog at harmonye4.wordpress.com which is sporadically updated.

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