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Headquarters 74 High Street Billericay Essex CM12 9BS Affiliated to the Council for the Protection of Rural Essex |
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Number 173
October 2009
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Subscriptions
Subscriptions for 2010 are due in January. For the retired the fee is £2.00, for those under 60 it is £3.50 and the family subscription is £6.00. Very good value for money when it: helps protect the local countryside; greenbelt and the High Street; all positive factors for maintaining your quality of life in Billericay and the price of your house. The papers reported that Billericay’s house prices did not fall during the recent financial slump. So established members, please convince your younger neighbours, if they want to maintain their quality of life in Billericay, to join the Billericay Society, ready to form future committees. Since, your present committee members are all getting older.Christmas Social
This year’s ‘Quizmas’ Christmas social will be held on 16th December, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets have been held as last years bargain price of £6.50, which, as usual, includes a glass of wine, chicken/fish and chips supper, followed by magician Alan Davies to entertain us. You will be pleased to hear that arrangements will be made for members to pay their next year’s subscription at this eventTown Walks
Many of the people who attended the town culture walks said how nice it was that people cared for their community. They also expressed the opinion that Billericay must be a pleasant place in which to liveSupport for Local Societies
Local facilities in Billericay, including societies for retired and stay-at-home members of the family may be forced to close if people continue to fail to volunteer to sit on their committees. They are required to continue the work of their predecessors who have managed the various local activities over the past years. The Billericay Arts Association is having difficulty getting people to stand on its management committee. Without such a management committee, The Fold will fold! I kid you not, and cease to exist. Then what will all the local artists, ceramicists and keep-fit people do to enjoy their interests?A second example is from the Billericay Archaeological and Historical Society; that recently celebrated its 40 years. Here only at the last minute, prior to the BAHS closing down, did a volunteer come forward to be chairperson. They also require a secretary/programme secretary to book speakers for their evening meetings. This apathy is very disappointing, when you consider, that up to 60 people regularly attend their Monday evening talks at the Fold.
Do people really want to stay at home watching repeats on the TV? Once these organisations close, they may be gone for good. Then what will you do with your “quality time”?
75th Year of the Billericay Society
Another example of local apathy, I have received no suggestions for ideas to celebrate this significant event from members of the Billericay Society. Your committee may organise a private party to celebrate this significant event.Annual General Meeting
Please note that the Annual General Meeting of the society will held at the Day Centre, Chantry Way on Wednesday the 21st April starting at 7.30pm.Sun Corner
Recent discussions between three main parties: Essex County Council, Basildon District Council and Billericay Town Council have come to an amicable agreement over Sun Corner. From what I understand, they have adopted a proposal originally put forward by the Billericay Society in 1978, for the management and control of the area by a tripartite committee to manage the area to safeguard it for Billericay.Local Health Walks
Installed on lampposts are a number of new walking-route-signs to direct people on the best route to take to walk to Billericay Station.Countryside Walks
I will try to include the Post Codes to help those who use a satnav to find the start. Please be aware that the sequence of walks may change due to the weather, illness or holidays. Part-time walkers should therefore check that the programme has not changed.
This website is has details of walks here,
but you should always check with the walk leader. Walk leaders will
also provide details of the next walk on the current walk.
Health and safety are suggesting that stiles in fences, should be replaced
by gates to help those in wheelchairs. There is a British Standard for
‘gaps, gates and stiles’, BS 5709:2006. You can read this
document at www.pittecrofttrust.org.uk.
Programme
13TH October, Margaretting Tye: White Hart, Swan Lane, Stock, GR684012. Peter Grisdale (01277 625758) will lead.27th October, Hockley: GR833924. The Bull Inn, 99 Main Road, (B1013). Norman leads a walk to Hockley church.
10th November, Galleywood Common: Horse and Groom, GR 703028. David leads walk to Baddow Park. At traffic lights on B1007, by The Eagle, turn left into Margaretting Road; then after 400 yards, turn right onto a narrow track.
24th November, Danbury: GR781050. Meet in the free car park A414. Turn right in to playing field at public toilets opposite the library, 120 yards before Eve’s Corner. Doug Smith will lead. Cricketers Arms, Penny Royal Road CM3 4ED for lunch,
8th December, The Plough, Rayleigh Road. Hutton CM13 1SG. GR647947. Pre-Christmas lunch walk. Please book with David ASAP, Menu and cost to be advised.
22nd December, Barleylands, GR695919. Meet at the Hive to order lunch. Norman leads walk to Great Burstead Church
A Merry Christmas to all and a happy dry walking New Year for 2010.
5th January 2010, Little Burstead, Dukes Head CM12 9TA. GR672926. Norman leads a circular walk.
19th January, Leigh-on-Sea, for linear walk to Southend for fish and chips at Fisherman’s Wharf (01702) 346773. Park after 10:00 for 10:15 start and £2.00 parking fee at station car park. Please book place (no pun intended) with David ASAP. Bring railcard or walk back after luncheon.
2nd February, Stock, Cock Inn David leads local walk depending on the weather conditions.
16th February, Warley Horse and Groom. GR588917, by traffic lights on B186 near the Ford HQ. Norman leads a walk to Warley Place at snowdrop time.
2nd March, Woodham Ferrers: Peter Grisdale will lead a walk from Bell on B1418, GR798994.
16th March, Doug Smith (01277 623560) will lead a walk to be arranged.
30th March. Mountnessing: Meet in windmill car park GR 631979 opposite Prince of Wales Inn. David leads walk and there may be an opportunity to visit the windmill courtesy of Julie and Doug Smith.
13th April, Willingale Village Hall: GR597076. From Widford roundabout, take A414 towards Ongar. After approx 4 miles look for Willingale signpost on right. Turn here then take first left, just before telephone box, and follow signs to Willingale. Turn right into The Street and pass two churches in same church- yard. The Village Hall is on the left where the road bears right. Luncheon will be in Fyfield at the Black Bull.
David Bremner
Chairman