Chairman of Council for 2009 to 2010

Epping Forest District Council, like many District Councils, has a Chairman rather than a Mayor. The Chairman is elected by their fellow Councilors each year in May and serves for a term of one year. The Chairman is the First Citizen of the District.

History of the Coat of Arms

Chairman Mrs Penny Smith

Councillor Mrs Penny Smith became the new Chairman of Epping Forest District Council at its annual meeting on Thursday 21 May 2009. The Vice-Chairman for 2009 to 2010 is Councillor Anne Grigg.

Councillor Penny Smith
Conservative for Broadley Common, Epping Upland and Nazeing Ward

Meeting the Chairman of Council

A Farmer’s daughter with a love for the countryside and fast cars is the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council.

Councillor Penny Smith is local born and bred. Her family has farmed the land around Epping Upland for generations. Children Edward and Katherine continue the family tradition to this day.

Penny takes a back seat on the farming these days. She is one of the most familiar faces around Epping Upland, having served first as Parish Clerk before becoming a District Councillor and then Parish Councillor. In May 2009, those years of local community service were recognised by fellow District Councillors when they bestowed the high honour of electing Penny the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council. She is also the Chairman of Epping Upland Parish Council.

Penny says she has found the first few weeks as Chairman of the District Council “fantastic”. She says: “It will be great attending the big Civic functions but the events I have already enjoyed the most so far are the meetings with local people at small clubs and societies. The lunches, coffee mornings and other gatherings make our community tick. I am looking forward to many invitations to such groups during my year.”

Farming, the Community and Politics

Penny Smith studied Agriculture at Writtle College before entering the family business. She grew up in the rural community of Epping Upland at a time when local farms still provided most of the local employment. Technology has greatly altered farming communities. She said: “Farming used to provide much more focus for village life. Most farms had livestock and the work was very labour intensive. There is still a bond between farmers but the wider agricultural links no longer bind communities together.”

“I took a back seat in the family business but still wanted to be involved in the community. I started as clerk for Epping Upland Parish Council, which sowed the seeds of my interest in local politics. Both my father and grandfather (Nicholls) had been Parish Councillors. After a gap of several years while raising our family, I decided to run for the District Council and then the Parish.

Penny had already been the Chairman of Epping Upland Parish Council for a year before combining the job with Chairmanship of the District Council in May.

Fast cars

Everyone needs a hobby and Penny Smith is no exception. Her interest is speed. Among her claims to fame are co-driving a rally car (‘not’ – she feels, one her greatest successes) and enjoying what she describes as a series of ‘Hot-laps’ around Brands Hatch with French Touring Car Champion Alain Menu. She appreciates the spirit of support found between teams in motor racing.

She said: “I enjoy the camaraderie and respect between the teams. There is great competition but everyone’s overriding concern is for each other’s safety. Rallying is my favourite motor-sport but one of my greatest claims to fame is beating my own son Edward in karts. Neither of us will forget that.”

Chairman's Charity

Councillor Mrs Penny Smith believes passionately in the charity that she has chosen to support in her year as Chairman.

Chairman's charity for 2009 to 2010

Chairman's Diary

The Chairman attends a considerable number of events in the District during her term of office.

View the Chairman's diary

Inviting the Chairman

The Chairman attends functions and events in the District.

Invite the Chairman to an event

Past Chairman of Council

From 1974 to presesnt there have been 34 past Chairman of Council.

Past Chairmen of Council

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