 |
Headquarters |
| |
|
DAVID BREMNER
It is with regret that I have to report that David, chairman of the society, became ill on a recent holiday. A short stay in hospital and several follow-up visits have established that he requires a minor operation. Until he returns the vice-chairman, Doug Smith, will take over running the society with remote help from David.I also have to report that Margaret Hichens died in August, age 94. During the war she worked in a hospital. Before moving to Billericay she secured minor parts in several west end productions. She was a committee member for the society, including seven years as publicity officer, and a member of the walkers’ group. Active in several other local societies, she was a founder member of the Billericay Twining Association and Committee member of Billericay Women’s Institute. Her husband, Ron, predeceased her and she would have liked four children, but only had one son.
Ian Fuller, President
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Many thanks to all of you who wished me well for my recovery. I have had
to hand over the reins for the Society to the Vice Chairman Doug Smith
until Christmas.
During my absence:
The Archive Group held a Historic Billericay Exhibition on 17th September
in the library.
A memorial unveiling ceremony was organised in Greens Farm Lane by the BTC, close to the site of the Zeppelin crash in on the night of 24th September 1916. It commemorates the crew of twenty-two, all of whom perished.
The Billericay District Residents Association ‘buried’ their Time Capsule in the Cater Museum. This capsule contains predictions of our hopes for the situation around Billericay in ten-year’s time.
It is shown here at the presentation in the Reading Rooms with John Buchanan,
Chairman of the BDRA, Katie Wilkie, Curator of the Cater Museum and John
Baron MP.
I am sure that members who attended these functions on my behalf will give you reports of these events.
This was my contribution to the time capsule:
Mr. John Buchanan,
Dear John,
I reply on behalf of the Billericay Society:
1. The Society would hope that the character of the town and its architectural
heritage was still intact. That the buildings had been suitably maintained
so that the external appearance of the High Street was presentable and
welcoming to visitors.
2. That the buildings in the High Street contained a useful representative
variety of shops for the benefit of the community.
3. That the situation concerning the ‘Elizabeth Cottage’ site
had been architecturally resolved and that the site was no longer an eyesore.
4. That the town has not expanded to the point where the Green Belt has
been lost from around the town.
5. That the Green Belt and its many ‘Public Rights of Way’
footpaths have been maintained with free access for walkers.
6. That the roads have been suitably maintained with minimal potholes.
7. That the access of heavy vehicles to the High Street has not damaged
the ancient buildings.
8. That container-lorries from the Thurrock Container Port are not causing
chaos in the High Street and town.
9. That further expansion of the town has been stopped.
10. That suitable efficient medical facilities exist in the town with
good access to hospitals.
11. That enough residential care facilities exist in the town for older
citizens to remain in the town.
Yours sincerely
David Bremner
Chairman, Billericay Society
SUBSCIPTIONS
Please note that subscriptions for 2017 become due on the 1st January.
A banker’s order form is included with this newsletter.
SOCIAL SCENE
Our speaker for the June meeting, Carol Harrris, proved not to be contactable
and failed to arrive for her talk on Earnest Shackleton. At short notice
society member Sue Morley provided a very informative and entertaining
talk on Asprey’s, the iconic luxury jewellery and leather business.
In July retired wildlife police officer Barry-Kaufman Wright spoke of the problems and rewards protecting wildlife in the local countryside.
Following the August break Jeff Page spoke on Essex diarists in September, especially those of Samuel Pepys and his extensive Essex connections. At this meeting we said goodbye to Julie and Peter Kiss. Long term members of the society and the walkers’ group, they were preparing to move to Devon to be closer to their daughter.
The remaining Autumn Meetings include a talk on ‘Guide Dogs’ by Brenda Weaver in October and ‘Becoming a Norsey Wood Warden’, by Chris Huggins in November. The final meeting of the season will be the Christmas social.
Christmas Social
This is an important celebration each year for the club and the committee
enjoy making sure that it is a very enjoyable evening. This year it will
be held on Wednesday 21st December and tickets will be £10 each.
The increase on last year’s event is mainly due to the higher prices
for the food and delivery charge being introduced.
As usual there will be a raffle with prizes donated by members of the
committee. Also, the entrance tickets will be numbered for an additional
prize. This will be won by the ticket holder whose ticket is drawn out
of a hat, so make sure you retain your ticket.
The entertainment this year will be provided by the Morley sisters. They
recently stepped in when a speaker failed to turn up and gave a very informative
talk, which everyone seemed to enjoy. However, they have another string
to their bow and, they will provide Christmas musical entertainment for
us, which if it is as good as their talk should also be excellent.
Tickets will be on sale at the 19th October and 16th November meetings.
If you cannot make either of the meetings, and would like tickets, you
can order them by telephone Julie or Doug Smith on 01277 623560. We, of
course, would then make sure you have your tickets on time.
WALKS
The summer programme included a new walk in July, through Chelmsford’s
extensive parks. In June we were surprised to discover that the Fox and
Hounds, our proposed lunch venue for our Ramsden Heath walk, no longer
served food. As a result of David not being available, the September walk
from Willingale had to be postponed. The remaining walks were carried
out as listed in the programme.
Programme
Close to the date of the walk, check with the chairman, or our website,
for any changes. Before setting out please check the walks listing and
note the walk starting point. Most walks start at 10:00am and may cross
stiles. Suitable clothing should be worn. Footwear should reflect the
weather conditions and the state of the ground. No dogs please. If you
use a pub car park please at least have a drink, if only a soft one. All
walks are led by a member of the Committee.
25th October: Great Waltham, Rose & Crown CM3 1AG, GR 701130, 01245 360359.
8th November: Margaretting Tye, park at the White Hart, CM4 9JX, GR 684011, 01277 840478.
22nd November: Wat Tyler Country Park, SS16 4UH, GR 738865. Park near the café, 01268 550088,.
6th December: Walkers Christmas lunch. The Inn on the Green, CM12 0EH,
GR667953. Weather permitting: it will be preceded by a short local walk.
Please Note there will not be a walk on the 20th December.
Next Year’s Walks
As soon as David Bremner has recovered we will distribute a list of next
year’s walks together with details of their starting points.