& PARISH COUNCIL SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 2010

COME INSIDE FOR ALL YOUR REGULAR REPORTS OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE VILLAGES! www.wfandbpc.org.uk 20 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 1 Chelmer Chimney Services Your Professional Chimney Sweep

Do you require a Chimney Sweep? Chelmer Chimney Services are a newly established, friendly and professional chimney sweeping service for the area. We provide a reliable, thorough, no mess service. Chelmer Chimney Services uses traditional chimney sweep brushes and the latest Scandinavian Viper chimney cleaning system. The fire place is sealed and an advanced technology vacuum is used to prevent soot escaping into the room. Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps Safety certificates issued Smoke draw tests on every sweep

Phone: 01245 601174 Mobile: 07703057979

Email: [email protected] Web: www.chelmerchimneys.co.uk

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 2 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 19 PRIORY COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL MISS R. PLUNKETT 01245 224250

ST MARYS C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL MRS S.M.GROCOCK 01245 320505 PARISH COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION

BICKNACRE PRE-SCHOOL MRS J. HAGGER 07887 920334

FERRERS & ST ANDREW’S, BICKNACRE REV. MARY COTTEE 01245 224895 Name Tel Number e-mail

WOODHAM FERRERS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ERIC FENWICK 01702 551950 Councillor B. Arnold, JP – Chairman 01245 223469 [email protected]

FRIENDS OF PRIORY FIELDS MR J. BISHOP 01245 222543 Councillor L. Brett - Vice Chairman 01245 321054 [email protected] WOODHAM FERRERS VILLAGE HALL MRS S. BENNETT (not SUN) 07906 5874147 Councillor K. Wilkin 01245 223417 [email protected] BICKNACRE VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS MARY ATWELL 07999 536751 Councillor M. Cottee 01245 224895 [email protected] BROWNIES MRS H. MILROY 01245 222831

JESTERS KID CLUB MRS A. DOHERTY 01245 225899 Councillor R. Blanks 01245 327215 [email protected]

FIRST RESPONDERS GORDON WREN 01245 224309 Councillor A. Mair 01245 222232 [email protected] CUB SCOUT LEADER ANNE MAYNARD 01245 221596 SCOUT GROUP LEADER EDDIE ‘MAC’ MCCALL 01245 224319 GUIDES LESLEY RUSE 01245 226438 Councillor C. Saltmarsh 01245 224975 [email protected] BEAVERS CLAIRE PRETTY 01245 226835 WOODHAM FERRERS WI MRS H. RICHARDSON 01245 320205 Councillor J. Saltmarsh 01245 224975 [email protected] MOTHERS UNION MRS P. TURNER 01245 223642 Councillor G. Woricker 01245 323190 DOCTOR DR. WAGLE 01245 224253 CBC Councillor R. Poulter 01245 223743 [email protected] CHURCH & HAWES ESTATE AGENTS MR S. PUTNAM 01245 225777

WOODHAM FERRERS BRIDGE CLUB ALAN BRABANT 01245 320037 You are welcome to discuss Parish matters informally with any Councillor or the Clerk by appointment: (Mon – Wed 9.00am – 3pm) Phone/Fax: 01245 328988 YOUTH GROUP KAREN KUDEROVITCH 01245 328988 Parish Council Mobile (Emergencies only) 07918-648699 Web site: www.wfandbpc.org.uk E-mail [email protected] Parish Council Address : c/o Woodham Ferrers Village Hall, Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 8RJ BOROUGH COUNCIL MAIN SWITCHBOARD 01245 660606 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 01245 606800 Planning Committee Chairman Cllr. C. Saltmarsh 0845 245 1234 STREET CLEANSING HOT LINE 01245 606826 Planning Officers Bicknacre North Cllr. J. Saltmarsh PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROL Bicknacre South Cllr. G. Woricker Woodham Ferrers Cllr. A. Mair

Friends of Priory Fields Group Rep Cllr. G. Woricker ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL MAIN SWITCHBOARD 0845 743 0430 Traffic Advisory Committee Cllr. C. Saltmarsh, Cllr. A. Mair HIGHWAYS 0845 603 7631 SCHOOLS 0845 603 2200 Field Officers Lodge Road Cllr. R. Blanks, Cllr. G. Woricker ENVIRONMENT The Hooe Cllr. J. Saltmarsh, Cllr. A. Mair 0845 603 7624 Priory Field Cllr. B. Arnold, Cllr. K. Wilkin

Village Hall Reps. Woodham Ferrers Cllr. L. Brett Bicknacre Cllr. J. Saltmarsh

Priory Acres Reps Cllr. B. Arnold, Cllr. L. Brett (NON-EMERGENCY) 0300 333 4444 NHS DIRECT Trees, Footpaths & Open Spaces Cllr. K. Wilkin, Cllr.B. Arnold 0845 4647 Borough Council Road Safety Rep Cllr. R. Blanks Press Officer Clerk – Karen Kuderovitch Environment & Recycling Cllr. A. Mair Community Grants Cllr. M. Cottee, Cllr. J. Saltmarsh PARISH COUNCIL EMERGENCY NUMBER 07918648699 Parish Transport Rep Cllr. R. Blanks Football Cllr. B. Arnold, Clerk

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 18 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 3 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT—CLLR. B. ARNOLD WYMONDHAMSAFETY.COM

Summer is now slowly drifting away and we keep our good memories of Summer and here is hoping a good time was had by everyone. Over the past few months, we have Welcome to my company. I am Allan Kerrigan CMIOSH; Member IFL, an experienced been trying move things along with the agenda of the Parish Council, but the prospec- chartered health and safety of practitioner of ten years. I can offer full day/half day tive cuts has made us look at all expenditure. We are keeping a close eye on project expenditure, training, or advice on an hourly rate for any aspect of your business requirements. I however we can report that we have been making some progress with the Affordable Housing so have recently worked with Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre Parish Council. I can sim- we will keep you all informed as soon as the information is able to be released. plify the minefield of Health & Safety for you. IOSH and CITB approved trainer and exam assessor A meeting to discuss allotments took place on the 10th of September. The outcome of that meeting was that an association was formed which is now the basis of an allotment society. A Chairman, Vice Chairmen and other officers were elected and the first meeting will take place in November/ I am a member of the Institute for Learning (ILF) December. A land owner has been identified and the Parish Council will be discussing with this person to hopefully secure the allotments. Should this opportunity not be able to proceed for what- I have the PTTLLLS qualification ever reason, other locations will be considered. We wish the members of the allotments all our best, and look forward in working with you over the coming years. I am fully CRB checked

The Traffic Advisory Committee are also making headway on Peartree Lane a result of which To get a quote please ring or e-mail your contact details, its as easy as that! should be in the public domain in the next few months, as it is with the Cabinet Office for discussion next month. The TAC are meeting to discuss further ideas and also to find out what more can be done for the benefit of the community to keep the traffic, car and pedestrians safe within our Look forward to discussion any aspect of Health & Safety with you. villages. This group works very hard for all of us and you can attend any meeting as they would wel- come newcomers. Allan Kerrigan—0790 361 5017 e-mail: [email protected]

We would like also to speak about the Christian mission held by travellers on the large field in Woodham. I and the Parish Council fielded many calls, emails, and enquiries about the event, and also about alleged incidents that they had heard about. I can confirm that the great majority of them BEAUTY BY LIANA were chinese whispers and totally without foundation. I am informed by Police who attended the site on a number of occasions that two minor incidents were reported. Please always remember to report any incidents and ask for an incident report number. The Parish Council have no power on any land not owned by us, but the land owners were met with by myself and the Vice Chairman during the period to discuss Parish concerns. We will keep you posted on developments.

FOPF and the Parish Council continue to meet and discuss our differences, and we are hopeful that All types of treAtment AvAilAble, including: the FOPF will submit a document to the Clerk shortly which will satisfy all parties concerned (Insurance and Health & Safety Advisor) that we have covered every eventuality that could happen Facials, Massage, Reflexology, Manicures and Pedicures, Bali Sun Spray Tanning, at Priory Fields. Once the document has been submitted to the insurance company, the FoPF will Nail Extensions, Eyelash Perming & Tinting, Eyebrows; All Over Body Waxing; hopefully be back on the fields by the first of October, and progress between both parties can Massage...AND MUCH MORE! continue to be made. Relax in comfortable, private surroundings, Please come along to our Christmas Events this year, its always good to meet the local people. Friendly and local – Moor Hall Lane, Bicknacre Can we wish all the local footballs teams who use our parks a good season, and a successful one as well. 10% Discount for first time customers

Best Wishes, Contact details: Liana on 01245 - 223393 / 07802 273030

J B Arnold. Chairman Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre Parish Council. GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE TREAT YOURSELF!!

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 4 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 17 CLLR. R. POULTER—CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Gypsies and Travellers

The recent Light and Life Romany Event in Woodham Ferrers has invoked consider- able concern amongst local residents. This event was with the consent of the landowner. Most land occupations are without anyone’s consent. In view of the ongoing action by Basildon District Council to clear a long standing site within their area I set out below some contact guidance.

Local Authority owned land. (Essex County Council and Chelmsford Borough). Where a complaint is regarding Gypsies or Travellers having arrived on local authority land in- cluding the highway, this should be referred to ECC Gypsy Services who are responsible for these areas. TEL 0845 603 7624 or [email protected].

Privately owned land

If six or more caravans have been stationed on private land the owner should call the police who have powers under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to move on Gypsies and Travellers TEL 0300 333 4444

Any Other Incidence or advice

Any other query regarding Gypsies or Travellers should be referred to the Planning Enforcement Team at Chelmsford Borough Council. The Council does not have summary powers to evict per- sons or physically prevent them from entering land. The team aim to respond to complainants and attend the site on the same day. Following initial investigation the enforcement team will liaise with the Council solicitors to determine the most expedient course of action TEL 01245 606826. Emergency weekend number 07836 256688. Alternatively just call me.

Ward SurgeriesMy next ward surgeries are in the Pitman Room at the Bicknacre Village hall on Saturdays 25th September, 23rd October and 4th December between 10 and 11a.m. I look for- ward to seeing you.

Pamper and Shopping Evening

Saturday 9th October 7pm until 10pm @ Bicknacre Village Hall, £2.50 entry

Treatments and stalls to include Holistic Therapy, Reflexology, Manicures, Facials, Fashion jewellery, Aromatherapy products, Handbags and Avon. Treatments range from £5-£15 and from 15min to 30min. Please pay for treatments on the night. Pre-booking is advisable. No appointment is necessary. For more details or to pre-book any treatments call Liz on 01245 221385 or email [email protected]. www.wfandbpc.org.uk 16 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 5 NEWS FROM THE CLERK—KAREN KUDEROVITCH

Where did the summer go?? If you are feeling like me it seemed to pass by so quickly before we are now back in our routines and feeling like we never went away? I hope you all had a peaceful time, and quality time with your families and are feeling refreshed ready for the next challenge... Christmas (sorry!).

Life in the Parish Council office has been very challenging for me since June. The issues at Priory Fields have been keeping me busy and passions have run high, but we are relieved to say that we can now see a way forward and I can concentrate on other projects that may have been neglected.

We had great success with the Youth Group in the beginning but the last two events had to be cancelled, due to lack of support and then lack of interest. Not to be defeated, Alison Doherty and I are currently scheduling a programme of events through the Winter at Woodham Ferrers Village Hall (whom we are immensely grateful to for their support) and these should be on the web site shortly. I can let you have provisional dates: General Building Maintenance & Repair 9th October, 13th Nov, 11th Dec, 2010 and Jan 22nd Feb 5th Mar 5th 2011. Location to be announced via the web site and there will be a charge of £1 per child. Brickwork/Patio & Landscaping Thank you to those few parents who have contacted me to offer your support, but we still need Improvements & Alternations more parents to attend the sessions. If you can only do 1 its a massive help. We just need someone to cook the pizzas, supervise the table tennis/pool, nothing to taxing. We are con- scious that we are not seeing the age group of 14-16 attend and want to know what this age group wish to do. I have suggested Free Running (Parkour) sessions, someone has offered free squash sessions for those interested or perhaps we can all jump in the 12 seater mini bus Alison Fully insured, FREE Estimates has offered and go off to a theme park for the day? If you do have a child in this age group (and can communicate with them!) please let me know what they wish to do.

The Allotment society is a very exciting new initiative and I will act as the secretary for the group. Tel : 07872 602571 Please let me know if you are interested in having an allotment.

We have a new Parish Council Contractor working on our open areas and we have been pleased to receive many positive comments on how much better The Hooe, Priory Field and Lodge Road is looking, so we are pleased we made the right choice. We have also employed a litter picker for Priory Fields and the Bicknacre Village Green who is doing a fantastic job. e-mail: [email protected]

Please remember to check the ‘whats on’ page on our web site and I try to keep it updated. As the long winter months come its important we keep ourselves busy so please consider all the op- portunities offered from the different organisations within this magazine. Get involved in whats happening in your villages! My best wishes to you all. Oak Lodge Farm, Leighams Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford Essex CM3 4HF ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE AT VERY REASONABLE RATES. DISTRIBUTED BY HAND TO EVERY HOUSE IN WOODHAM FERRERS & BICKNACRE CONTACT THE CLERK FOR MORE DETAILS....

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 6 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 15 St. Mary’s C. of E. (Aided) Primary School Main Road Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford Essex CM3 8RJ Telephone/Fax (01245) 320505 [email protected] www.st-marys-woodham.essex.sch.uk

As usual we ended the Summer Term saying goodbye to our Year 6 pupils and wishing them well in their new schools but this year we also said goodbye to Mrs Pat Cox who had taught at St Mary’s for over twenty years and had been instrumental in the creation of the very special ethos here. She was a brilliant teacher and a fantastic disciplinarian but above all she was fun. Over the years she supported children, parents and colleagues, was a listening ear, offered comfort £££££££ SPECIAL OFFER ££££££££ and wise advice, was a person who saw what job needed doing and got on with it without any ARE THOSE SMALL JOBS ANNOYING BUT WORRIED ABOUT COST? fuss; a firm believer in ‘going the extra mile’ with her care and concern lasting sometimes long after children (and families) had left this school. Pupils, parents, staff and governors are all going to miss her but we all joined together to wish her a long and happy retirement at a special assem- SPECIAL LOCAL RATE CALL OUT FEE £25 bly on the last day of term. The new school year has now started after a lot of work behind the scenes during the holidays TO INCLUDE 1ST HOUR’S LABOUR preparing for the start - major cleaning, decorating, re-arranging of classrooms and equipment, plus essential maintenance work. Teachers have been busy planning work and preparing rooms. Parents too have been busy – new shoes, new uniform, new lunch boxes, school bags etc. to be 25 Years Experience/Certification Included bought and named. Our new children have begun their learning journey from Year R to Year 6 It is all quite exciting and we hope to keep that excitement going as we endeavour to provide a Friendly Local Service – Any Job Undertaken stimulating and caring environment that will support and challenge our children. If you want to Free Estimates/No Obligation/Low Call Out Fee/Competitive Rates see the school in action please telephone 01245 320505 to make an appointment to look round. All Work Guaranteed – All Types Of Interior/Exterior Lighting Mrs S. Grocock—Headteacher Free Design Service

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR LIGHTING? Lighting Safety Audit Periodic Testing Landlord certificates

MAINTENANCE JOBS Do you have any maintenance type jobs? Free quotes for these also

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING

Have the best lit house this year! Call Paul (Woodham Ferrers) Home: 01245 426935/Mobile: 07790 278778 e-mail: [email protected]

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 14 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 7 BIRKETT HALL ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION (BHAA)

On the 10th September 2010, something very exciting happened in Woodham Ferrers...The Birkett Hall Allotment Association was formed.

We are extremely fortunate to have already been offered a site by Mr & Mrs Richardson – an ideal location next to St Mary’s School with beautiful views to enjoy over a cuppa whilst having a break from digging!

So, what do we have to do next? We are already looking for grants to buy the land so that the Parish Council can hold this land in perpetuity specifically for allotments. After we have con- cluded our negotiations with the landowner, we can start the process of terracing the plots (if you are familiar with the site, you will have not failed to notice the slope!) and purchasing other items – like a communal shed.

We are delighted that there has been considerable interest from parishioners wanting allot- ments, which is wonderful news for us, although not so wonderful for Asda’s as a family of four can grow all their vegetable requirements all year round from one allotment which is 250m2 (or 1 10 poles/rods or /16 of an acre).

Now to the important bit... It costs just £5 to join BHAA which includes membership of the Na- tional Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners and as members of NSALG, we have access to a wealth of advice and leaflets as well as seed scheme and most importantly to us at the mo- ment, advice on funding.

Allotments are not just for adults - Children love to see things growing and they love to get dirty, so what can better than growing your own fruit and vegetables and with the additional benefit that children are more likely to try different vegetables if they have grown them; plus they get healthy outdoor exercise! Encouraging children to get outside also works alongside the curricu- lum - the Department for Children, Schools and Families have an initiative called 'Learning Out- side the Classroom'...

And another thing – did you know you can keep chickens and rabbits on allotments too! Imagine – all those lovely fresh eggs!

Allotment gardening is no longer a hobby of past-times – with the opportunity to grow fresh, healthy food in abundance, knowing exactly how it has been grown and where it has come from, it is an increasingly popular modern recreation. It offers health benefits, social benefits and envi- ronment benefits – and more importantly it helps to retain a ‘little bit of green’ for future genera- tions to enjoy . Go on – you’ll love it! Join today – Call the BHAA secretary on 01245 - 328988. COME AND BE PART OF A NEW AND THRIVING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 8 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 13 WOODHAM FERRERS VILLAGE HALL FRIENDS OF PRIORY FIELDS (wfvh.org.uk)

The hall continues to be busy and well supported. According to Sarah Bennett, our Booking Secretary, we have had more bookings this summer than in previous years. We welcome a new member to the Committee, Portia Mair, who represents the Please note the date of our AGM, which this year is Thursday October 28 at 20.00 in the Pitman Youth Group. We are very happy to have her as someone who can speak on behalf of young people Room of Bicknacre Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend – refreshments will be available in the community, as well as for the Youth Group. from 19.30 onwards.

The committee has been very active in improving the facilities at the hall, including upgrading and re- Those who enjoy the Fields may well be aware of the diverse flora and fauna on the Fields, but decorating the toilets. The committee is also arranging to install more storage space in the small hall, we suspect few will be aware of the whole range of both. So, given below is a list of the Trees & to alleviate the current over-crowding of hirers’ equipment that we have been experiencing for some Shrubs and a list of the Mammals we are aware of on the Fields. If you believe there are any time. This has become particularly urgent since the Youth Group acquired a lot of new equipment, missing from either list, please contact us, either via our website 'www.prioryfields.org.uk' or via much of which is being stored in the small hall. The new storage space will be temporary, until we can the contact numbers given in this newsletter. We will be delighted to learn of any additional en- get planning permission to build new and larger storage facilities on the north end of the main hall. tries on either list.

With respect to the Youth Group we understand that there is some question as to whether it will be Trees & Shrubs able to continue, due to the lack of adult volunteers to supervise the young people. We would urge anyone who would be interested in helping out, to contact Karen Kuderovitch at the Parish council of- Common Name Latin name fice. The Youth Group uses the hall on a Saturday evening, and it would be a great shame if they were Oak, English Quercus robur not able to continue because of the lack of involvement by the adults in the community. Oak, Sessile Quercus petraea Ash Fraxinus excelsior We are planning to organise a Film Club at the Village Hall on a trial basis, to gauge the amount of in- Hornbeam Carpinus betulus terest in the community. The plan is to show a film in the afternoon for children and another in the Wild Service Tree Sorbus Torminalis evening for adults. Refreshments would be provided for both events. We are, however looking for Holly Ilex aquifolium volunteers who would be prepared to help out with providing the refreshments, supervising the chil- Hawthorn, Common Crataegus monogyna dren in the afternoon and as ushers, servers etc. in the evening. We recognise that it is not always Hawthorn, Midland Crataegus laevigata convenient to have to drive into Chelmsford or Basildon to see a film and believe that by providing a Blackthorn or Sloe Prunus spinosa Film Club in our own community would both offer local entertainment and an opportunity for people to Birch, Silver Betula pendula get together. But we do need your help to make this happen. Please contact me to offer your services. Hazel Corylus avellana Willow, Pussy or Goat Salix caprea We are also looking for volunteers to set up a toddler group, or perhaps an after-school activity club Walnut Juglans regia for primary age children. We no longer have a children’s group at the hall and believe that this may be Blackberry or Bramble Rubus fruticosus something parents with young children would also enjoy. I would like to mention that the small hall is Dog Rose Rosa caninna also available for small groups, such as a book club, gardening group or something similar. Mammals There have been a number of comments left in the ‘comments book’ at the village hall, where not enough information has been left or the tone was not appropriate. We would ask all hirers to please Common Name Latin Name leave their name, telephone number, date & time and their complaint, in order that we can respond and discuss it. We would also remind everyone that the hall is run entirely by volunteers, who are not Deer, Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi necessarily on call at all times. Fox Vulpes velpus Badger Meles meles We have recently received some complaints from local residents about the noise levels from the hall Water Vole Arvicola Terrestris and the behaviour of a few of the hirers and their guests. One resident has advised us that if there Water shrew Neomys fodiens were not an improvement, he would make his objections known next time the village hall licence came Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus up for review. We are currently looking into installing a noise limiter, which would limit the noise from Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus the music equipment, however this is a considerable expense for the Village Hall. We would prefer Bats that those hiring the hall would behave responsibly and with consideration for other people. Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinesis Mole Talpa europaea As ever, we welcome everyone to our hall, which is available for the use and enjoyment of all.

Jill Oliver, Chairperson Chairman: John Bishop, 50 Priory Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford, CM3 4EY, Tel 01245 222543 Secretary: Derek Wybrow, 38 Priory Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford, CM3 4EY, Tel 01245 222829 Woodham Ferrers Village Hall Management Committee 01245-320037

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 12 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 9 PRIORY ACRES GROUP BICKNACRE MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL

Priory Acres is a community group (soon to be a charitable company) which has been set up to establish a new community centre in Bicknacre, incorporating a new building for St Andrew’s Church and Jesters Kids Club. We are a group of local people committed to improving the Jigsaws / Wasgijs and the like!!! facilities that are available to the residents of Bicknacre and the surrounding villages. We thought it might be a good idea to set up a “Lending Library for Jigsaws/Wagijs” particularly We organise a number of events each year to raise awareness of the project and encourage the for those of you who might like to fill a few hours (or days!) giving your brain a workout – so, why involvement of the community, and remaining events in the Priory Acres diary for 2010 are as fol- not try a Jigsaw or Wasgij!!! lows: We have a large collection of these puzzles and we would like the chance to lend them out so Saturday 25th September 7.30pm that you can enjoy them. It could well develop into a meeting-type afternoon but initially we just Quiz night at Bicknacre village hall thought we’d operate like a library. If it catches on, then we might do teas / coffees, etc. IT’S £7 per person UP TO YOU!!! Nibbles will be provided and there will be a paying bar PS: If you don’t know what a Wasgij is…………..then you need to come along and find out!! Saturday 4th December from 12pm Christmas Bazaar Please contact: Sheila on 01245 224085 – preferably during the day and she will be more than Entry £1 adults, 50p children pleased to tell you more. We envisage initially one day per month (to be decided) and we would more details to follow like to see at least 10 people coming along.

To buy tickets or for more information about events, please contact Nicola or Jenny 07745 By the way, we are also happy to report that our Bookings are increasing – we hope it’s because 003520/07989 981966. We are always looking for more people to be involved, so if you are in- we’ve made some improvements to our facilities and also that we provide a good service at a terested in joining Priory Acres, or if you have any further queries, please contact Anthony very reasonable rate. Our Bookings Secretary is Mary Atwell and is always ready to help you Flaherty at [email protected] with your booking/s. The contact number is: 07999 536751. TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE DANBURY JUNIORS FC I want to give an update on what is happening with the Traffic Calming watch. As everyone must On a bright Sunday morning in early September, Priory Fields was once again the scene of much be aware, there are now two new mini-roundabouts in Bicknacre, which has slowed traffic activity as Danbury Juniors Football Club kicked off their 2010/11 season. The boys and through in Bicknacre, although not necessarily on Priory Road or through Woodham Ferrers. We coaches all returned with renewed enthusiasm after a well earned Summer break, eagerly look- have, however, noticed a marked decrease in the very large lorries coming through Woodham, ing forward to another nine months of competitive, passionate and above all else, enjoyable foot- which is a relief. We do need to look again at what can be done on both Priory Road and on ball. Main Road, Woodham and I will be arranging a meeting of the Committee early in September to discuss these issues. We are also very concerned that so far, nothing has been done about DJFC will be running ten teams this season for boys aged between 7 and 15, playing in the local Peartree Lane. We have just received news however, that agreement has been reached to con- Blackwater & Dengie League. Recent visitors to the Fields will have noticed that the new area, tinue with the extension of the speed limit to Kelly’s Turkeys and also the closure of Peartree adjacent to the Meadow, is developing well having been cultivated and seeded last year and will Lane. With regard to the latter, it appears that due to some objections to the closure, the Cabinet eventually become one of the best playing surfaces in the local area. Some work is planned over Member for Highways needs to consider whether it should proceed. the next few weeks to install some basic drainage to help the far end of the pitch survive (what we all hope will not be) a repeat of last year’s wet winter. The Club is very grateful to the Parish We have been trying for the past two years to set up a Community Speed Watch programme in Council for the support it has provided over the last four years in helping us to establish our our two villages, however, we were advised by Graeme Gordon, our community police officer that ‘home’ in Bicknacre. there has not been sufficient funding to train the people who do the training of the volunteers. I now understand that Essex Police have restructured their Community Speed Watch team, and We are always on the lookout for new players who have a keen interest in football and would like there is now a good possibility that events are moving along. We do have a new Community Po- to be part of a friendly Club, enquires should be made in the first instance to the Club Secretary lice Officer, Spencer Bond, who has been trained in the use of Speed guns and who is in the (details below) or via our website, www.danburyjuniorsfc.co.uk process of setting up training sessions for volunteers. We are therefore looking for volunteers to both take the training and be prepared to participate in the Speed Watch programme in our Par- If you are passing the Fields on a Sunday, feel free to drop by to catch a game of what should be ish. I would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in participating in the scheme; al- very entertaining football. ternatively, please leave your name and telephone number with the Parish Clerk, Karen Kuderovitch. Lee Palmer, Club Secretary, Tel: 07917 173083 Jill Oliver, Chair, Traffic Advisory Committee

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 10 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 11