Great Stoney Tales

Epping Forest District Museum has joined forces with Theatre Resource on an exciting new project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

About the project

Great Stony in Chipping Ongar is home to Theatre Resource, an arts organisation specialising in working with disabled people and other socially-excluded groups.

The building dates back to 1908. It was built as part of a 'Cottage Homes' site by the Hackney Board of Guardians and many local people still know the school as 'Hackney Homes'. In 1939 the site became a residential school for children with learning disabilities. The school closed in 1994.

Over the next six months, Theatre Resource and Epping Forest District Museum will be recording the history of the building, collecting memories and photographs and running a series of arts events. The project will result in an exhibition opening at Great Stony in 2007 before touring to other venues across the Eastern Region.

Can you help?

We are looking for people who worked, lived or were associated with Great Stony School or 'Hackney Homes'. If you have memories of the school or any other information that might be of use, please let us know.

We are also looking for photographs and memorabilia to use in the upcoming exhibition. If you would like to contribute, or if you would prefer any photographs not to be included, please let us know.