The annual Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) Teddy Bears Picnic will this year be held at the SSE Wood, off Water Lane, Broxted Hill on Sunday 17 August.
The event starts with a barbecue from 12 noon, followed at 1.30pm by magic shows, balloon modelling, face painting and fun and games led once again by Astra Magic. Judging of the teddy bears begins at 2.30pm for the following categories: best campaigning, best loved, best dressed, most cuddly, biggest, smallest and for the best drawing of a teddy brought to the event. Marquee cover will be provided if the weather is wet.
The wood at Broxted Hill, near Great Dunmow, Essex was inaugurated in 2004 by SSE Patron Terry Waite CBE and opponents of airport expansion plans as a symbol of their determination that a second runway will never be built at Stansted. The saplings are already well established and have benefited from the regular care of a volunteer team including farmer Peter Smith of Broxted Hill Farm on whose land the wood is planted. The future of his farm is threatened by BAA’s second runway application.
Broxted is just one of 14 parishes in the frontline of BAA’s plans for making Stansted bigger than Heathrow today. Those taking part in the picnic will be encouraged to put pen to paper or send an email to make their views on the expansion plans known to Uttlesford District Council by 26 September so that they may be considered at the Public Inquiry planned for next year. The council has agreed to act as a forwarding agent to the Planning Inspectorate until then for representations made by the community. Views should be posted to Uttlesford District Council (Planning), London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER or sent by email to planning@uttlesford.gov.uk, with ‘second runway’ as the reference.
Admission to the Teddy Bears Picnic is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. As well as barbecue fare, tea and coffee, soft drinks and cakes will also be on sale. Further information is available from the SSE Campaign Office on 01279 870558 or see the entry at ‘Coming Events’ on the SSE website at www.stopstanstedexpansion.com/events.html which includes a map of how to find the venue.
The Wilderness Foundation UK supports the Stop Stansted Expansion group in their aim of defeating the proposed expansion of Stansted Airport, with a second runway and increased flights. This development will prove detrimental to the natural beauty, peace and tranquility of the Essex countryside and impact on the lives of not only residents of Essex but the wildlife and species that are also naturally found here.