222
THE ESSEX NATURALIST
It is recorded in this journal (Vol. 28, p. 139) that the ancient Abbey
Farm at the southern end of the Audley End hamlet had then been
presented by Lord Braybrook to the Chelmsford Diocesan Board. When
last visited by the Club renovation had been started and now the
members were able to see the happy outcome of this work. The build-
ing has been carefully restored and, although its outside appearance has
been little altered, it now contains 21 flats for retired clergymen and
their wives, and is known as St. Mark's College. Our party was received
by the Matron, Mrs. Coe and we were then shown round by the Rev.
W. J. Tillot, one of the residents. We were shown the chapel, with its
leaded windows containing many pieces of stained glass found on the
premises and we were told that the resident clergy took turns in preach-
ing the sermon each week. The comfortable lounge, with its television
set and the communal dining room were also inspected and our guide
very kindly showed us his own flat. On taking our leave we passed
through the vegetable garden and a charming flower walk with which
the surroundings have been embellished.
Most of the members then walked by a field path to Saffron Walden,
doing a little botanizing and bird watching en route. It was noticed
that the yew trees of the district were carrying an exceptionally heavy
crop of fruits this season. After a short walk around the town the coach
was re-entered in the market-place and the party returned to Audley
End House for tea, which was taken in the public restaurant which
is now provided on the premises.
After tea a short formal meeting of the Club was held with the
members sitting on the lawn in front of the mansion with Mr. C. B.
Pratt in the chair. The following were elected to membership:—
Mr. Stanley T. Jermyn, of Peren, No. 2 Chestnuts, Hutton Mount,
Brentwood.
Mr. C. E. Owen, Curator of the Natural History Museum, Col-
chester.
The beautiful day following upon so much wet weather had brought
out profuse broods of very blood-thirsty midges so, as plenty of oppor-
tunity of chatting and discusssion had occurred during the day, the
meeting was brought to a close with a very hearty vote of thanks to Mrs.
Peggy Maw for arranging and leading such a very enjoyable excursion.
FUNGUS FORAY IN EPPING FOREST (1023rd MEETING)
Sunday, October 12th, 1958
About eighty people attended this anual event. Meeting at 11 a.m.
at Chingford Station and Loughton Station the various panies
set out on collecting expeditions through the Forest. One party
led by Mr. Donald Chapman following a route: Baldwins Hill, Debden
Green, Wake Arms, Monkwood; another led by Mr. C. B. Pratt via
Warren Hill, Fairmead Bottom, High Beach and the Clay Ride; and the
third led by Mr. Bernard Ward concentrating on the Mycetozoa. All