HISTORY of the Epping Forest Scottish Association (EFSA)

The Association was formed on the 28th March 1903 in Leyton (East London) and was called The Leyton, Leytonstone; District Scottish Association. The Membership at the time was 180, and many social activities were organized including :-Outings, Cinderella Dances, Whist Drives, Smoking Concerts and lectures on subjects such as Bagpipes and Burns.

The First Annual Dinner was held at the Holborn Restaurant on November 15th 1912, eight courses were served (including haggis) for a cost of six shillings (30p!).

During WW1 the Ladies of the Association formed a working party to provide comforts for Scots serving in the Forces, and a bed at the local military hospital was maintained. After the war the President started the War Memorial Fund which raised £500 to endow a bed in Connaught Hospital.

In 1925 Ladies were elected to the Council for the first time, and in 1927 they presented the Association with a magnificent President's Chain of office. In 1947 Dance Practices were begun.

In 1970 The first Lady President was elected. At a special A.G.M. in 1971, as there were no members residing in Leyton or Leytonstone the name was changed to:- THE EPPING FOREST SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION.

2003 was the centenary of the Association, and in addition to the usual functions we had a dance devised for us by John Drewry, this we named "EPPING HUNDRED". John has now published it in his book - The Stoneywood Collection. To accompany the dance Iain MacPhail kindly composed a tune, this he has included in the recording for the R.S.C.D.S. Book 43; CD Track 2 for "Castles in the Air".

2005 - The Craigievar Band did us the honor of composing another tune for the Association:- Craigievar's Compliments to The Epping Forest Scottish Association.