Headquarters
74 High Street
Billericay Essex CM12 9BS

Affiliated to theCouncil for  the
Protection of Rural Essex

Registered with the Civic Trust

Number 145

August 2002

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR NEW CHAIRMAN

Greetings

I should like to begin this message by thanking your Committee for electing me to serve as Chairman.  I find myself acting in this capacity with some trepidation and shall do my best to serve the Billericay Society as effectively as I can.  So far, I have found the Committee and several ordinary members to be most supportive to me and I hope that I shall not disappoint them.

My wife, Marian, has also joined the Committee as Social Secretary and has picked up the task of arranging speakers for our monthly meetings in succession to Jessie Lamborn who had to resign owing to ill-health.  We can now look forward to a variety of presentations for the next twelve months.  Details of meetings for the rest of this year are shown in Social Scene.

 We should both like to mention our credentials for acting for the Billericay Society.  We have lived in Billericay for over thirty years and our three children all received their education in Billericay.  As we have always been keen ramblers, we are most interested in ensuring that Rights of Way are maintained in a useable condition as well as being concerned about general developments in the neighbourhood.  (End of plug!)

High Street Sales Table

The Committee agreed that it would be useful that I introduce myself to the Manager of the High Street Branch of the Somerfield supermarket because, every Friday morning between 9.15 and 12 noon, Ian Benewith, John Bath and Alan Saunders and others man a table outside his premises.  They sell publications and other Billericay Society items.  We rely on the kindness of the Manager for storing a table for us and arranging for it to be brought down to the pavement outside the supermarket each week.

Planning Developments

Roy Mizen regularly receives details of Planning applications submitted to Basildon Council and comments on their desirability or otherwise.  I confess that it will take some time for me to assimilate the implications behind most of them but I am only too well aware that, due to the value of land in this part of the country, buildings seem to be shoehorned into the most unlikely places.  One example is the new house that is currently being built on the corner of Cromwell Avenue and Stock Road.  It would appear to be very close to what is a very busy road and to have a very small garden.

One development that has attracted considerable comment is the block of flats in Chapel Street that has replaced the former Cinema, latterly the Ritz Bingo Club and then Snooker Club.  The loss of that building and the Archer Hall can only exacerbate the lack of venues for meetings and other communal activities.  We now know that the land next to this site, which was formerly a car park, (admittedly for Season Ticket Holders only) will, together with the land on which the former Strict Baptist Chapel and its associated attached cottage stands, be used for the erection of yet another block of flats.  It is conceded that the Chapel is in a precarious condition structurally but I cannot help feeling that a part of Old Billericay’s townscape is being destroyed for the sake of lucre.  Shame.

Town Walk

The Billericay Town Walk, led by Simon Thwaites, was very well attended, with an audience of fifty to sixty people following him around the High Street.  The increasing lack of difference between Sundays and the rest of the week was illustrated by the amount of traffic, which made crossing the High Street somewhat hazardous and hearing Simon’s descriptions of the buildings rather difficult because of the noise.  One answer might be to have such events early on Sunday mornings.  I would like to express my sincere thanks to Simon for carrying out this function for us.  Refreshments at the Day Centre, kindly provided by the Town Council, followed the walk.  Donations amounting to £15 were received, which were presented to the Cater Museum, which also opened especially for the occasion.  The money will be used to have a Victorian Sampler specialist cleaned

General Future Plans

We have recently seen and heard of Government plans to have built large numbers of houses in the South East, with particular emphasis on properties priced within the reach of service professionals such as teachers, nurses and other essential workers.  We fully appreciate the problems caused by the crazy increase in the cost of buying a house in South Essex but do wonder whether all the repercussions on the area’s infrastructure have been thought through.  To have houses built on what is supposed to be green belt land means that existing opportunities for recreation and enjoyment will be irrevocably removed.  Also, what about provision for such things as schooling, roads, public transport, water supply and

the disposal of sewage and rubbish, to name but a few?  How can such plans be properly implemented within the Market Economy, made so fashionable by Thatcherism and not entirely discarded by successive governments?  This issue needs careful monitoring and comments by our members are earnestly requested.  Because of the urgency of this matter, perhaps an extraordinary general meeting might be called for.  The Society also needs to liaise with Basildon District Council, Billericay Town Council and the Billericay Residents’ Association so as to co-ordinate our reaction to these proposals.

Frank Thilo
Chairman

DAVID COPEMAN

It is with deep regret that I have to report the death of David Copeman, former Chairman of the Society.

In March 1991 the Society was without a chairman due to the resignation and departure to Scotland of our long serving Chairman, Alec McGregor.  After the AGM, at the end of March 1991, David offered to take on the responsibility of Chairman.

Over the next few months, he worked very hard to ensure that the Society continued to protect the environment of Billericay.  David brought a tremendous zeal and enthusiasm to the job.  But unfortunately he suffered a prolonged bout of ill health in the summer of 1991 and although he continued to work hard, despite his difficulties, the strain of keeping up an ever-increasing workload was too much.  This culminated in his decision to resign as acting Chairman in October 1991.

He died on Sunday 7^th April, following a long illness.  Unfortunately this was not reported in the last newsletter and I apologise for this omission.

All those who knew him will sorely miss him; and a measure of the respect he was held in by the local community was indicated by the fact that over 80 people attended his funeral on the 17^th April.

Roy Mizen

SOCIAL SCENE

Since the May Newsletter we have had two talks of wildlife interest: the River Crouch and Langdon Reserve and an unusual talk on Bargello work, a long stitch embroidery technique, given by one of our own member’s, Ian Benewith.

As mentioned in the message from our new Chairman we also have a new Social Secretary, Marion Thilo.  She has already arranged an interesting and varied range of talks for most of next year.  In September Jeff Lawrence will tell us of his experiences as a police dog handler.  Toni Curtis will follow this in October with an illustrated talk on the splendours of South America.  For our last members’ evening in November, prior to our Christmas Social, Terry Gandy will talk on Tudor Dance and its links with Heraldry.  To start the New Year David Blackwood will talk on being an apiarist, or if you prefer bee keeper.  With this wide range of topics there should be something of interest for everyone.

PROGRAMME

MEMBERSHIP

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new members:

Mr. and Mrs. Green of Highfield  Road,

Marian and Frank Thilo of Orchard Avenue,

Simon Thwaites of Westcroft,

Mr. and Mrs. Carter of Chestnut Avenue,

Terence and Sheila Gandy of Norsey View Drive,

John and Ruth Garrett of Gardiners Lane North,

Keri Stroud of The Grove,

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins of Horseshoe Close,

Iris Taylor of Cranbrook Avenue, Thundersley, and

Madge Ash of Norsey View Drive.

Newsletter Distributors

Our newsletters are delivered to you by our reliable team of volunteers who, year after year, sun, wind or rain, make sure that you receive The Billericay Society Newsletter.  Unfortunately, Mr. R Blundell has had to give up his round and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the years he has carried out this task. 

The Society therefore would like to make an appeal for a volunteer to take over Mr Blundell’s delivery round. The round consists of nine addresses in Middle Cloister, Lower Cloister, West Cloister, Chantry Way, Ganley Close, and Crown Road.  If you are interested, please leave a message for me on my answer phone.  

In the May 2002 issue of the Newsletter, mention was made of Jessie Lamborn retiring from the Committee.  In addition to the numerous tasks her undertook for the Society, Jessie was also one of our Newsletter distributors.  Volunteers have already come forward to cover her round, but I would like to thank Jessie for delivering the newsletter for so many years.

2002 Subscriptions
I would be grateful if members could please note that the majority of our newsletter distributors do not collect subscriptions.  We do have some distributors who do knock and collect subscriptions, but this is the exception rather than the rule.  Please do not wait for your subscription to be collected, because it will not be.  Most members pay their subscription at the monthly meetings, by banker’s order or by sending or delivering it to the Cater Museum, 74 High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BS.
There are still some members who have not yet paid their 2002 subscription.  If you haven’t paid your 2002 subscription yet, it would really help if you could do so in the next week or two.  Those members who have not paid their 2002 subscriptions will receive a reminder letter with this Newsletter.  I do hope all concerned will respond favourably as we wish to increase our membership rather than lose members
The Society’s subscription year runs from 1^st January to the 31^st December and the subscription rates for 2002 are as follows:

Family                                               £6.00

Senior Citizens and Under 18’s        £2.00 each

Single                                                £3.50

Publicity Officer
It is always a problem to achieve a steady stream of new members, and this is made even more difficult with the society not receiving a steady flow of publicity.  Ever since I have been on the Billericay Society Committee we have not had a Publicity Officer.  As I understand the situation, the Publicity Office would ensure that all our activities are known to the local newspapers with the resulting publicity creating a greater knowledge of the Society which in turn (hopefully) leads to more members.  Can I therefore ask if there is a member who would like to take on this task? 

Queries
Members with any queries regarding membership can leave a message for me on my answer machine.

Roger Green,
Membership Secretary
( (01277) 652101

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
Forty years ago, The Billericay Bulletin reported the death of Mrs. A M Cater on the 19th May 1962.  The Memoriam was such that I feel I can do no more than reproduce it in full.

 ‘In Memoriam. 1962.
Mrs. A. M. Cater of Hill House was one of the founder members of the Billericay Group, and had always taken great interest in all its activities.  Not only had she attended most of the meetings right from it’s inception, but she had on many occasions graciously offered the use of her lovely house and garden, and had graciously provided refreshments for our members.  Mrs. Cater has left her mark on Billericay in the most practical way by showing that it’s fine old buildings could be preserved for the future – ‘Old Shambles Hotel’ and

her own Hill House are examples, the latter being divided into two sections thereby providing a home for aged ministers.  We are indeed pleased that Mrs. Cater had been spared to achieve her great wish to provide a permanent home for the collection of historical records and objects of antiquarian interest by the establishment of the Cater Museum.  Visitors to the town are greeted by another of her gifts, the Billericay Sign at Perry Green.  As our President, Mrs. Cater was at all times anxious to avoid the limelight of that office, but was ever prepared to undertake negotiations on our behalf.  At the time of her death she was actively engaged in correspondence with the owners of the Billericay Windmill site with a view to it’s permanent preservation.  Mrs. Cater’s passing is a very great loss, not only to our Group, but to Billericay, and indeed Essex.’

 
Other items reported was a plaque for the new bus shelter at Perry Green, concern over the demolition of the old boarded cottages and shops at the lower end of the High Street, and praise for the development at Holly Court.  The Junior Section of the Society had attained 38 members and details of another publication, ‘Footpath Walks Round Billericay’ were published.  

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Our luck with the weather seemed to run out in Mid-June with the walk from Stock.  But none of our 22 stalwarts complained too much and most stayed for a meal at the ‘Cock’ afterwards.
Kate and Tony had a good attendance at Ongar in June in spite of the competition with a big event in London, which unaccountably some of our members found more attractive!
We started the last programme with an old favourite at Bluebell time and followed with a brand new venue at Wickham Bishops.  Was it just because it was new that we had an attendance of 36?
Attendance on the Evening walks has not been very good, partly due to the lack of publicity and uncertain weather.  The planned walk to Remus Horse Sanctuary was frustrated by the path being overgrown by oil-seed rape, so I am grateful to the members who turned up with cars to help with transport if needed.  In the event, only 10 of us were there to enjoy a nice peaceful visit and contribute a total of £27.26 in donations.  There is another chance to visit on August 27^th, so if you really want to look around and meet the animals, let me know and I will make arrangements.
After two local walks on the new programme, Kate & Tony will lead a new walk from Fryerning and later on, David and Peter will be at Blackmore.  Both walks use part of the St. Peter’s Way long distance path.
Don’t forget to look at my ‘other Tuesday walks’.  If you are free, most of you should be capable of and welcome on the five-mile walks I do with Havering RA Group.  The distance and pace on 29^th October will be exactly the same as our own

walks, but not the same route as 13^th August.  Note the later start!

Tuesday Walkers at Wickham Bishops

Ruined for many years the former Parish Church of St. Peter’s, Wickham Bishops has been partly restored for use by an artist.  It was partially isolated by the construction of the Witham to Maldon railway line in 1848, when it crossed its access road.  Left to fall in decay following the building of a new Parish Church near the town centre in 1850, it became a picturesque ruin.  It was on the route of the 21^st May walk as was the famous wooden viaduct of this railway.

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

Tuesday Walks With Other Groups:

*5 miles – 10 00 am start.
Please ask for more details if interested.

Local Events of Interest
Sunday 1^st September, open day at Remus Horse Sanctuary from 1 00 pm.

Sunday 8^th September, Walk to Castle and back, 2 00 pm, Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh.

Sunday 15^th September, 2 mile walk around Thorndon North 2 00 pm at Countryside Centre.

Saturday/Sunday 21^st, 22^nd September, Country Show at Marsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers

10 am to 5.30 pm.

Sun. 29^th September, Fungus Foray, Laindon Common

10 00 am to 1.00 pm.

Sunday 6^th October, Norsey Wood Open Day

12 noon to 4 00 pm.

Saturday 12^th October Fungi Walk Danbury Lakes car park

2 pm to 3.30 pm.

Sunday 20^th October Apple Day at Thames Chase H.Q. Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane, Cranham. Taste & Tour

1 to 4 00 pm.

Sunday 27^th October Autumn Amble, Westley Heights

2 00 pm.

Norman Turner

((01277) 622981

 WEB NEWS
Since its launch in May last year our web site has received over a thousand hits.  Our visitors regularly request help in tracing people for their family history research.  This is not really what the Society is about, or what the site was set up for, but we do our best to assist where possible.  Just in case you need a reminder the site address is: www.billericaysociety.co.uk

ARMS ACROSS THE WATER
Recently a Cable TV research team visited us from Billerica, Massachusetts.  They were here to make a film about their Twin Town, Billericay, and its history, schools and local government.  Simon Thwaites, with the assistance of Roy, Mizen, took them on a guided tour of some of our historic listed buildings and provided an interesting commentary for the film.

PUBLISHED BY THE BILLERICAY SOCIETY