3 minute read
History
1900
founded in 1900 by a small number of far-sighted businessmen, West essex enjoys a wealth of history and tradition, as well as being an excellent golf course.
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The course, situated on the edge of Epping Forest, was originally leased from a ‘Mr. Melles’ for a fee of £140 per annum, as 80 acres of farmland gave birth to West Essex Golf Club. The parkland course was designed by legendary figure James Braid, a member of the Great Triumvirate. During the early years funding was required to keep the club afloat and contributions from members raised £5000 and the club was safely in the hands of its members.
In 1902 the original clubhouse was built by Mr. W. Gardener of Waltham Abbey at a cost of £3,663. 10s. 7d. By then, improvements to the rough layout of the course had started and in 1903 sand arrived and was placed in the newly dug bunkers. By 1912 a new ladies clubhouse was built at a cost of £392 but within a few years the First World War had become imminent and the start of it in 1914 led to a reduction in membership subscription and an increase in club outgoings, leaving the club struggling financially. During the war the club was active in raising funds for war charities while wounded soldiers, up to 100 at a time, were on several occasions entertained and given hospitality at the club. The end of the war in 1918 saw the resumption of normal club life and the stabilisation of its financial position.
The precise history of the gradual acquisition of more land during the 1920’s is uncertain, however, we do know that in 1925 a new lease was signed for the course land over a period of 21 years commencing at £140 per annum. During most of the next two decades the course was gradually developed along with the clubhouse, which included a lounge extension added between 1935-1939.
However, no sooner had it been opened then blackout curtains were covering every window as a state of war had been declared. During World War II the course and clubhouse were showered with bombs and a crater depression is still evident just beyond the bunkers on the second hole.
Following the war, the club went from strength to strength and in 1954 the club brought 4.6 acres of land for £220, which now plays home to the 12th green and 13th fairway. The following year saw the club finally purchase the land on which the course stood at a fee of £10,160. The course was again developed in the mid1970s with a land swap providing the opportunity to open new holes. By the 1980s it had become inevitable that in order to progress the club needed more space for parking and development and the members approved a move to the present site and the construction of the new clubhouse in 1989.
West Essex has evolved dramatically over a century and now stands proud as one of the premier clubs in Essex.
COME ALONG AND VISIT THE OAK-TREE GROUP OF SCHOOLS
BRAESIDE SCHOOL Buckhurst Hill
COOPERSALE HALL SCHOOL Epping
OAKLANDS SCHOOL Loughton
NORMANHURST SCHOOL North Chingford
Four privately-owned local independent schools make up the Oak-Tree Group: Braeside, Coopersale Hall, Normanhurst and Oaklands. The schools are known for their outstanding teaching and excellent pastoral care. Contact the schools directly to organise a guided tour.
