Visit by our MP Dr Neil Hudson to Grange Farm Centre

Visit by our MP Dr Neil Hudson to Grange Farm Centre

Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson was delighted to visit the Grange Farm Centre in Chigwell, where he met dedicated volunteers and members of the Sunflower Group, who gather at the Centre every Friday morning.

A community wellbeing group supported by ANVOB (A New Vision of Britain CIC), the Sunflower Group provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for people with learning disabilities, offering sensory walks, arts and crafts activities, games, and opportunities to build confidence and social connections. During the visit, members enjoyed a lively and engaging question-and-answer session with Dr Hudson, discussing a wide range of topics, including the environment and green spaces, the reliability of transport on the Central Line, and broader political questions affecting our local community.

Dr Hudson also toured the Centre’s facilities to learn more about the diverse range of projects and activities taking place on site. These included the ACE Activities Group, a special needs programme that supports the Centre’s Climate Project through sensory walks, gardening, conservation work, and other hands-on environmental activities designed to connect participants with nature.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss a number of local initiatives with volunteers and staff, including the ongoing Chigwell Heritage Project and wider conservation efforts aimed at protecting and enhancing the area’s natural environment for future generations.

As Shadow DEFRA Minister, Dr Hudson has consistently championed the protection of the natural environment, sustainable agriculture, and greater access to green spaces. He continues to raise these issues in Parliament and in meetings with Ministers, highlighting the importance of community-led projects that bring people and nature together.

Dr Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:

"It was a real pleasure to visit Grange Farm Centre and spend time with the Sunflower Group, volunteers, and staff who do such outstanding work for our community. I was particularly impressed by the range of activities on offer and the commitment shown by everyone involved in supporting people with learning disabilities while also promoting environmental awareness and conservation.

“I will continue to champion the protection of our precious green spaces and support local projects that enable residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy our natural environment.”

John Price, Co-Founder and Director of ANVOB, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Neil to one of our Sunflower Group sessions. It means a great deal to our participants to have their MP take the time to come and listen to them

“We are very grateful and encouraged for his continued support, and we are looking forward to him opening our Climate Exhibition once again this November.”

To read more about Dr Hudson’s ongoing work to protect green spaces, agriculture, and the environment, please visit: https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/campaigns/protecting-green-spaces-agriculture-and-environment