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| Number 142 |
November 2001 |
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CHAIRMANS REPORT |
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Council for the Protection of Rural Essex |
going discussions on design and layout. I had asked
that Panel objections be included in the Area Committee Report. Land to
rear of 4 and 6 High Street (Kitts) twelve, three/four-storey
apartments and three, three-storey houses Application received for felling
of a horse chestnut tree at Pilgrim House. Panel agreed with Town
Council suggestion of lopping instead. Panel approved surgery on one
preserved sycamore tree at 9 Western Mews. 43 High Street (old
Bairstow Eves offices) permission sought for change of use from Class A2
to A3 likely to be approved though Panel objected. Somerfield
replacement shop front (in and out doors) agreed. 7 High Street
(Camping Shop) Panel objected to change of use to a restaurant with
manager’s flat above. Waitrose request permission to alter the
entrance and exit of car park to improve the flow - Panel agreed. 48
High Street (Presence) want a rear extension for additional storage
space which would not be visible from the roads – agreed. Link House
revised plans being submitted for extensions. Laindon Road to
be two-way from Sun Corner to narrow part of road near Arts Centre.
Revised speed Limits around Little Burstead now at final stage.
Both these proposals are with the Police. |
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which Ted Wright used to conduct in the High Street. It was agreed that a signed copy of Roger Green’s book be given to the Mayflower Twinning Association for them to take to Billerica, Mass. It was also noted that the new High Sheriff of Essex is Lord Courtauld. 30th August 2001 – 9 members present It was noted that the Western Road/Beaufort Road planning applications had been withdrawn. It was reported that Mollie Roots, a member of our Society, had written supporting our campaign on the lime trees. Hazel Morley had written a very good letter about the trees, published in the ‘Gazette’ of 16th August. It was noted, with regret, that we had received a Notice of Adoption, without amendment, for the Essex Waste Plan. Agreed to write to Basildon Council to remind them that the views of the High Street Panel should be included in the Area Committee reports. There was a discussion on the possibility of a coach outing next year. Easton Lodge Gardens were suggested along with the former Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey. It was agreed that the President should attend the AGM of the CPRE at a cost of £6. Waitrose are to revise their car park entrance and exit in Alma Link. The President had written to Basildon Council regarding Footpath 166 diversion (Hatches Farm) and they had amended the map accordingly. 27th September 2001 – 7 members present It was noted that the bungalow on the site of the previous application for flats in Western Road/Beaufort Road was now up for sale. A letter had been received from the Town Council agreeing to our suggestion that the High Street Walk should now resume next July. (Is any member interested in assisting with this?) The Museum Governors had now agreed to an historic plaque being fixed to the Museum. We had written to Hugh Reynolds (the Council Arboricultural Officer) regarding the missing tree outside Rosebys. Noted that because of recent events, the Mayflower Twinning Association had postponed their visit to Billerica. The High Street Panel Report was given, see Page 1. It was agreed that the two entertainers booked for our Christmas Social should be given supper. It was noted that the four old cottages in Greens Farm Lane (opposite Goldcrest Road) were up for sale. The Estate Agent had advised that they had been sold for development already, but there was no information on what was proposed. There was a discussion on a horse rider reported as regularly racing along the footpath from Stock Road to Longtail. Agreed to contact the Police.
Roy Mizen
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Web News Have you visited our web site yet? If not visit us at www.billericaysociety.co.uk By the end of October our web site had received a total of 350 visitors. It has also given rise to one interesting story which, although not strictly speaking falling within the aims of the Society, may be of general interest. An email was received from Mark Currie of Nova Scotia, Canada who had recently purchased a 1951 Land Rover for restoration. A photograph of the vehicle was attached, followed by a copy of the original logbook. This showed the last UK owner in 1959 was S R Vanhinsbergh, of Station Garage, Billericay. Amazingly, this name is still just visible on the bodywork below the windscreen. Mark was interested in photographs and the history of the garage and information on the last owner of the vehicle. We were able to send him an 1880’s photograph, when Pear Tree cottages stood on the site. A 1930’s photograph of the original garage, which stood on the opposite side of the road (now the entrance to Radford Way) together with one of the modern block of flats which replaced the garage in the 1980’s. Despite many enquiries, we could not find a picture of the garage prior to its demolition, or anyone who remembered its owner. However, an Internet search of the electoral rolls revealed an S R Vanhinsbergh living in March, Cambridgeshire. A telephone call proved he was the son of the last UK owner, and he knew of the export of the Land Rover at the request of W H Arthur, a former owner of the Station Garage, to help cope with winter driving conditions in Canada. We were then able to put the son in touch with a very grateful Mark Currie, and we understand a family photograph of the garage is being forwarded to him. We have also received an email from John and Julia Hill in Australia where they have lived for the last 10 years. John lived in Billericay for 30 years and would like some news of Billericay – does anyone recognise the name? Leighton & Maureen Bartram Christmas Social – Wednesday 19th December 7.30 for 8.00 pm Chicken or Fish & Chip Supper Followed by Entertainment Tickets £6.50 from John Bath (651890 COUNTRYSIDE WALKSThe summer programme went well and the weather encouraged good attendances. All the walks achieved their objectives with an added bonus of mud and manure at Stapleford Abbots, but we survived! Our next programme boasts no less than three volunteer leaders. We welcome John Ramsey as an experienced walk leader as well as a film maker and speaker. Our thanks also to David and Kate once again. No one has suggested a better venue for our walkers’ pre-Christmas lunch and walk, so it’s the Old Dog at Herongate ...(cont Page 3) |
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Tye once more. The cost this year is £14.50 for the traditional two-course menu, including gratuity. Names to me as soon as possible from 6th November onwards, payment before the actual day, please. Cheques (payable to N Turner) will not be paid in until 17th December. WALKS PROGRAMME All walks are on Tuesday mornings, four miles or less, at a leisurely pace. They start at 10.00 am and finish about 12.30 pm. Boots and waterproofs are advised, no dogs please. Any changes of start point are announced on the previous walk, or telephone me beforehand, but not on the day. Please note: All participants in these walks do so at their own risk. Neither the leader nor the Society can be held responsible for any accident or injury suffered.
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Walks With Other Groups Please ask for details if interested. Sunday 18th November - Norsey Wood Historical Walk 10am -12 noon. Sunday 16th December - Noak Bridge Yuletide Ramble 10am - 12noon. Meet at entrance in Eastfield Road – mulled wine & mince pies at finish. Wednesday 26th December - Boxing Day Stroll from Norsey Wood car park. Meet at 11 am, about 2½ miles with John Ramsey. Tuesday 8th January - Thorndon, south car park 10am – 5 miles Thursday 17th January - Langdon EWT Reserve 10.30am – 3 to 4 miles Tuesday 5th February - Harold Hill swimming pool 10 am – 5 miles. Norman Turner 622981 ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST EVENTS Hanningfield Wednesdays 31st October and 5th December, beginners’ bird watching walks 10 am to 12 noon - £2 donation. Sunday 11th November, more advanced - £2 donation. Sunday 30th December walk with Warden 10 am-12.30 pm - £2.50. Sunday 9th December. Christmas shopping for binoculars and telescopes, with expert advice. Gift-wrapping available. Thorndon Park Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November, Gene Turner’s Art Exhibition. Original watercolours, prints, table mats, cards and chinaware, for sale, suitable as gifts. Thursday 6th December Christmas shopping warm-up, 6-9 pm. live music and a glass of Christmas cheer, craft-art-hobby stalls plus Gift Shop. MILL MEADOWS SOCIETY The Open Day in September was very successful. Please note a change of venue for their next indoor event: Thursday 15th November. 8pm at Friends Meeting House, Southend Road (limited parking in School Road). Rodney Cole speaks on the Flora of Langdon Hills. SWAN WOOD STOCK The Local Support Group of the Woodland Trust suspended activities due to foot and mouth disease, but has resumed their working parties in the wood on alternate Fridays. Contact Dennis Andrews on 01277 840113 for more information. CATER MUSEUM I am pleased to announce that a new Curator has been appointed for the Cater Museum, Christine Brewster. She has already taken up the post. Opening times have reverted to: 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Other opening times by appointment. Unfortunately the recent loss of two Curators has resulted in fortieth anniversary of the Museum’s opening last year going un-recorded. The opening ceremony was held in the garden behind the Old Shambles Hotel on Saturday 7th May 1960. This Hotel has survived as offices, but its garden has ...(cont on page 4) |
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disappeared under Pilgrim House and its car park. On Page 1 of this Newsletter are details of an application to fell a horse chestnut tree formerly in this garden. Nearly all of the houses in the High Street had gardens to the rear. Most have been lost in the last forty years, remembered only by the occasional long established tree, as represented by this horse chestnut. MEMBERSHIP I would like to extend a welcome to the following new members who have joined the Society since the last newsletter: Irma Atterbury of Lilford Road, It is satisfying having a stream of new members and I only hope that this will continue. If you have a friend or neighbour who would like to join, Memberships forms are available from me. Just ring the number below and leave a message to that effect on my answerphone. Newsletter Distributors I have received three volunteers for the Tanfield Drive, West Park Avenue, West Park Crescent and West Park Drive area delivery area, many thanks. Unfortunately I have had no such luck with the Hillside Road, Valley Road, Chapel Street area. If you can spare the time to deliver 19 newsletters in this area, four times a year, please contact me. Subscriptions The Society’s subscription year runs from 1st January to the 31st December. As this is the final newsletter prior to the New Year I would like to take the opportunity to remind members of the subscription rates for the year 2002: Family £ 6.00 Subscriptions can be paid by post to the Society at 74 High Street Billericay, Essex CM12 9BS, handed to any Committee Member or at one of the monthly Members’ Evening Meetings. Unfortunately it is not always possible for me to be at these meetings and in my absence subscriptions can be handed to the Treasurer, John Bath. I will be in attendance to collect the 2002 subscriptions at the January and February meetings. Those who pay their subscriptions at the January or February meetings are aware that a queue can form. If any member prefers, you can place your subscription in an envelope, with your name and address on it, and hand it to me. I will process it later to save you queuing! Of course, if members want to be really helpful, they could arrange with their banks to pay by standing order! |
Subscription Receipts Many members post their subscriptions to the museum or drop them off there. It is my practice that receipts relating to these subscriptions are delivered to the members concerned with their next newsletter. This is the only economic way of dealing with this as posting individual receipts is just too costly. Queries Members with any queries regarding membership can leave a message for me on my answer machine. Roger Green, Membership Secretary ( 01277 652101 MONTHLY MEETINGS The numbers of members attending the monthly meetings are rising. The speaker at the October meeting spoke on heraldry. She explained the origin of heraldry, illustrating the talk with hand painted examples of the art. Not a subject that I have ever considered reading about. ‘Interesting’ is not the word to describe the talk, it was far, far better than that. At a loose end at 8 00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month? - no need to be - just come along to the meeting. Programme All members evening meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month in the Day Centre, Chantry Way, starting at 8.00 pm. For the November meeting Dan Johnson, a retired fireman, will tell us of some of his experiences in the Fire Service. This will be followed in December by our Christmas Social. As usual the evening will begin with a complimentary glass of wine. Following supper Avalon, a husband and wife duo, will entertain us. They will present a selection of request songs accompanied by a keyboard. We like to think of this as the start of the Christmas festivities, and good value at £6.50.
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PUBLISHED BY THE BILLERICAY SOCIETY |
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