Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre Parish Council

relocated St Andrews. A Parish wide survey was undertaken. The project was seen WOODHAM FERRERS & to be supported by the Community. As a result of the survey the group was asked to refocus on the provision of a Church and a Community Centre BICKNACRE PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT & At the Annual Parish Meeting 3 years ago, the Group received a final vote of confidence to proceed. Two years ago Planning Consent was obtained. In the same NEWSLETTER JUNE 2011 year a new private limited company was formed with the name ‘Priory Acres’. Effec- tively this was the legal ‘vehicle’ through which the construction of both Church and Community Centre would be delivered. The Directors of the Company were drawn from the membership of the former Bicknacre Community Group. Towards the end of last year the company ‘Priory Acres’ was awarded Charitable status.

Our Government have had to take tough economic decisions. These have impacted upon Local Authorities, local businesses, families and individuals within our Community. The current economic situation has a direct effect on what we can afford to do

And so what are we doing at the present time? Priory Acres Group are meeting with members of the Parish Council and with representatives of St Andrews Church. We are discussing ways in which we can continue to move forward so that we can bring the anticipated new community facilities on a significantly reduced budget. This will enable us to seek the financial support we need and put the final building block in place

COME INSIDE FOR ALL YOUR REGULAR REPORTS OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITES IN THE VILLAGES!

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 36 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 1 WOODHAM FERRERS & BICKNACRE PARISH COUNCIL JUNE 2011

Fresh flower arrangements made locally for any occasion a qualified florist offering a Back row: Cllr. Chris Saltmarsh, Cllr. Albert Mair, Cllr. June Saltmarsh (Vice Chairman), Cllr. Ray Blanks, Cllr. Ken Wilkin Front row: Cllr. Bob Webster, Clerk—Karen Kuderovitch, Cllr. L. Brett (Chairman), Cllr. Lisa Cooper, Cllr. Ben Huggett friendly and professional service… NEW COUNCILLORS JOINED THIS YEAR—A BRIEF CV My name's Robert Webster (although most people call me Bob) and I've lived in Bicknacre for 17 years. I am married to Joanna and have one daughter called Amy, aged 6, who attends St Mary's in Woodham Ferrers. I have been in the automotive For a price list contact: parts trade pretty much all my working life and find the characters that you meet make the job good fun (most of the time!). My daughter’s a member of Swallows Gym Club Tel: 01621 828 117 (based at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre) where I am also vice chairman of the committee. I also coach badminton at the same venue, where I teach three groups of children Mob: 07800 561 569 aged 7 to 17 years old.

We as a family feel lucky to live in Bicknacre. The Parish is a lovely place to bring up children, with great schools, facilities, low crime levels and beautiful countryside. If as a Councillor I can in And for all other occasions or if you have some small way help keep the Parish the clean, safe and green environment it is now and improve the already good facilities we have, then hopefully we’ll all continue to enjoy living in an enquiry… this Parish we’re lucky enough to call home.

My name is Lisa Cooper. I have lived in Bicknacre for four years with my Husband Robert and our two children who both attend the local school.

I think the best thing about living in Bicknacre is the fantastic community spirit, in my experience this is something very rare and should not be taken for granted. This was one Visit the website: of the reasons I stood for Parish Council as I hoped I could do a small part in helping Bicknacre continue to be a great place to live. www.robynrayner.co.uk

Hi, my name is Ben Huggett. I have lived in Bicknacre for four years. My wife and I moved here because we loved the fact there are two very nice unspoilt villages. The From your new local florist, reason I joined the Parish Council is to try and maintain the lovely community and ensure the future of the two villages remain unspoilt. Robyn

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 2 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 35 PARISH COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION Priory County Primary School Miss R Plunkett 01245 225450 Name Tel e-mail address

St Mary’s C of E Primary School Mrs SM Grocock 01245 32050 Number Councillor L. Brett 01245 321054 [email protected] Bicknacre Pre-School Mrs J Hagar 07887 920334 Chairman (Woodham Ferrers Ward) St Mary’s Church Rev M Cottee 01245 225450 St Andrew’s Church Cllr. J. Saltmarsh— 01245 224975 [email protected] Vice Chairman Woodham Ferrers Congregational Church Eric Fenwick 01702 551950 (Bicknacre Ward) Councillor C. Saltmarsh 01245 224975 [email protected]

Friends of Priory Fields Mr J Bishop 01245 222543 (Bicknacre Ward) Councillor L. Cooper 077527 80618 [email protected] Woodham Ferrers Village Hall Mrs S Bennett (Not Sundays) 07906 587414 (Bicknacre Ward) Councillor R. Blanks 01245 327215 raymond- Bicknacre Memorial Village Hall Ms M Atwell 07999 536751 (Woodham Ferrers Ward) [email protected] Brownies Mrs H Milroy 01245 222831 Councillor A. Mair 01245 222232 [email protected] (Bicknacre Ward) First Responders Gordon Wren 01245 224309 Councillor K. Wilkin 01245 223417 [email protected] (Bicknacre Ward) Jesters Kid’s Club Mrs A Doherty 01245 225899 Councillor R. Webster 01245 227044 [email protected] (Woodham Ferrers Ward) Cub Scout Leader Anne Maynard 01245221596 Councillor B, Huggett 01245 227854 [email protected] Scout Group Leader Eddie McCall 01245 224319 (Bicknacre Ward) CBC Councillor R. Poulter 01245 223743 [email protected] Guides Lesley Ruse 01245 226438

Beavers Claire Pretty 01245 226835 You are welcome to discuss Parish matters

Woodham Ferrers WI Mrs Kay Hull informally with any Councillor or the Clerk by appointment: Mothers Union Mrs P Turner 01245 223642 (Mon – Wed 9.00am – 3pm) Phone/Fax: Doctor Dr Wagle 01245 224253 01245 328988 Church & Hawes Estate Agent Mr S Putnam 01245 225777 Parish Council Mobile (Emergencies only) Woodham Ferrers Bridge Club Mr A Brabant 041245 320037 07918-648699 Youth Group Mrs K Kuderovitch 01245 328988 Web site: www.wfandbpc.org.uk

Chelmsford Borough Council Main Switchboard 01245 606606 E-mail [email protected]

Essex County Council Main Switchboard 0845 743 0430 Parish Council Address : c/o Woodham Ferrers Village Hall, Essex Police (Non-Emergency) 0300 333 4444 Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 8RJ Parish Council Mobile Emergencies only 07918 648699

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 34 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 3 PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS/REPRESENTATIVES 2011 – 2012

Chairman Cllr. L. Brett

Vice Chairman Cllr. J. Saltmarsh

Planning Committee Chairman Cllr. C. Saltmarsh

Planning Officers Bicknacre North. Cllr. J. Saltmarsh Bicknacre South. Cllr. L. Cooper Woodham Ferrers. Cllr. A.Mair

Friends of Priory Fields Group Rep. Cllr. C. Saltmarsh

Traffic Advisory Committee Cllr. C. Saltmarsh, Cllr. A. Mair

Field Officers Lodge Road. Cllrs. R. Blanks/Cllr. R. Webster The Hooe. Cllrs. J. Saltmarsh/Cllr. L. Cooper Priory Field Cllr. K. Wilkin/ANO

Village Hall Reps. Woodham Ferrers. Clerk – Karen Kuderovitch Bicknacre. Cllr. J. Saltmarsh

Priory Acres Project Reps Cllr J. Saltmarsh/Cllr L. Brett/ANO

Trees, Footpaths & Open Spaces Cllr. K. Wilkin/Cllr. L. Cooper Borough Council Road Safety Rep. Cllr. R. Blanks. Press Officer. Clerk – Karen Kuderovitch Environment & Recycling Cllr. A.Mair Public Transport Reps. Cllr. R. Blanks/Cllr. A. Mair Football Clerk/Cllr. R. Blanks Allotment Rep Clerk – Karen Kuderovitch School Liaison Officer Clerk – Karen Kuderovitch Youth Group Clerk – Karen Kuderovitch

Agreed at Annual Council Meeting of 17th May 2011

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 4 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 33 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT—CLLR. L. BRETT

I felt honoured when you, the parishioners, first elected me to be one of your representatives on the Bicknacre and Woodham Ferrers Parish Council and down the years have continued to do so. On 17 May 2011 the honour was extended to me by my fellow councilors when they voted that I should be their new chairman. Accordingly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to you all, parishioners and councillors alike. Just like a good Girl Guide, I promise to do my best to benefit the whole of our little community.

Of course I have some very large shoes to fill; those of our outgoing Chairman, Barry Arnold who has been so dedicated over the years of his tenure both as a councilor and leader. I’m sure all will join me in thanking him for the service which he has so unstintingly Oak Lodge Farm, Leighams Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford given. Equal thanks also go to Mary Cottee and Geoffrey Woricker who retired from the Essex CM3 4HF Council in May, having given their unquestioned loyalty to the Council over the years.

I would also like to welcome three new councilors, Lisa Cooper, who stood for election, also Bob Webster and Ben Hugget who were co-opted after the election. They have already General Building Maintenance & Repair shown great commitment and enthusiasm; I am certain all three will serve you well. Brickwork/Patio & Landscaping Last week, I and some fellow councillors made a tour of Bicknacre, visiting Priory Fields, Priory Playing Field, Westerings Green and The Hooe. We were pleased to see so many Improvements & Alternations people enjoying all the fields, especially those with their dogs playing and splashing about in the brook (I’m told that it is actually designated a river!).

Something in our appearance must have given us away as a “group of officials” when we Fully insured, FREE Estimates arrived at The Hooe. Some young lads approached us, politely asking if we were there about the dirt jumps; another group asked us for more swings and the zip wire to be tightened. A number of other ideas were put forward which were noted and will be Tel : 07872 602571 considered and where possible, actioned. I believe that the abounding enthusiasm which we encountered should be harnessed for the general benefit of our young and not so young, village population. To this end I would like to encourage ideas and even a modicum of voluntary assistance. You may have some great and constructive ideas about how we could to improve our villages; if so let’s have e-mail: [email protected] them. Councils are able to form committees and working parties etc. enabling them to work directly with the Council thereby spending the precept in accordance with their wishes. For instance, a group of young people could choose exactly which swings they want, the colour and size; all they have to do is to form a committee of the Parish Council and assist us in raising funds and minor administrative duties. The Parish Clerk, Karen Kuderovitch, has a wealth of information on funding, some of which can only be accessed by volunteer groups, but she can guide anyone interested through the processes needed.

I hope in this short piece you can get a measure of my enthusiasm, but if you’re thinking these are just empty words, just give it a try. Call the Clerk and put us to the test.

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 32 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 5 CLLR. R. POULTER—CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

I would like to thank all residents for voting for me at the recent Borough Councillor Elections. It is an honour and a privilege to represent two such wonderful villages. Both of your councillors, Mike Harris and myself pledged in our election address: To represent your interests to the best of our ability To continue to press for a weight restriction on the B1418 through Bicknacre and Woodham Ferrers thereby easing the problem through the bend at Woodham Ferrers To support the proposed Community Hall in Bicknacre (Priory Acres) and To seek affordable housing exclusively for local residents. £££££££ SPECIAL OFFER ££££££££ This we will do. ARE THOSE SMALL JOBS ANNOYING BUT WORRIED ABOUT COST? In addition I will always do my best to make myself available to local residents. I will hold regular monthly surgeries at Bicknacre and Woodham Ferrers. My next surgeries are on Saturdays 18th June, 30th July and 3rd September. These are all in SPECIAL LOCAL RATE CALL OUT FEE the rear room at Woodham Ferrers Village Hall between 10 and 11a.m. In October I shall be returning to Bicknacre. No appointment is necessary. I can also be £25 (INCLUDES 1st HOUR LABOUR contacted at [email protected] or by phone on 223743. Basildon Council will soon be taking action to evict the gypsies and travellers 25 Years Experience/Certification Included unlawfully occupying a site at Crays Hill. There is considerable concern at where Friendly Local Service – Any Job Undertaken they will go. If they camp on Local Authority owned land including the highway verge this is the responsibility of the local authority. If they camp on private land this is the Free Estimates/No Obligation/Low Call Out Fee/Competitive Rates landowners responsibility and if there six or more caravans they can be moved on by All Work Guaranteed – All Types Of Interio/Exterior Lighting the police at the request of the landowner. The Borough Council does not have Free Design Service summary powers to evict campers from land. Such powers as they do possess arise from environmental health and planning breaches. If any unlawful occupation does ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR LIGHTING? occur please let me know at once and I will do all that can be done. Lighting Safety Audit NEWS FROM THE CLERK—KAREN KUDEROVITCH Periodic Testing Landlord certificates

Firstly a sad goodbye to the previous Chairman, Barry Arnold, who I have thoroughly enjoyed working with over the last five years. On a personal note I will miss his guidance and sense of humour! A welcome to the new Chairperson who I am sure is HAVING A GARDEN PARTY?? just as capable of doing a grand job! Goodbye also to Cllr. Cottee and Cllr. Woricker. Its SUMMER GARDEN LIGHTING exciting for me to be looking at a new Council and hopefully new ideas. We continue to try and keep the Youth Group running and I am busy preparing end of year accounts. Have the best lit garden/decking this summer! Please see my report further on.

Its so nice to drive (slowly!) through the villages in the sunshine, perhaps we need to Call Paul (Woodham Ferrers) remind ourselves how lucky we are to live in such pleasant surroundings. I was so Home: 01245 426935/Mobile: 07790 278778 pleased with the Parish Sports Sessions at Easter we are running sessions for the first time in August, so pleased attend! I urge all of you to get more involved in what goes email: [email protected] on. Please keep updated via the web site. Like many of us looking forward to the children finishing for summer and a holiday in August! Happy Summer!

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 6 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 31 BICKNACRE & WOODHAM FERRERS YOUTH GROUP

SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!!

A valid, clean (no points), full driving li- Must live in the Parish of Woodham cence held for a minimum of 5 years Ferrers or Bicknacre END OF TERM DISCO (driving licence card & paper to be pro- Any items not accepted at the recycling vided together). centre would have to be taken home by Name, address, telephone number. user SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2011 Minimum age of driver is 30. No commercial waste 1 utility bill to be shown (originals). Users to pay for fuel @ 30p per mile. A cheque provided for Insurance Policy Customers free car parking. AT Excess (fully returnable on safe return of Van must be returned same day and the van). their own car collected by close of busi- WOODHAM FERRERS VILLAGE HALL ness Please take this ad with you 7.30PM—10PM New as an added Parish Council free service. Battery Recycling of Household Batteries. AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V. For your ease and convenience you can now £2 ENTRANCE FEE PAYABLE ON THE take them to Topvans in Bicknacre. DOOR (INCLUDES A DRINK AND A Dropping them off to be recycled, without having to take them to South Woodham Ferrer’s BURGER/HOT DOG) or Maldon’s shopping stores. Helping to reduce our carbon footprint by recycling them closer to home. OPEN TO SCHOOL YEAR 5—AGE 16 Sorry no car 12V Batteries. IF YOU WANT TO BRING

TOPVANSOF BICKNACRE 01245 - 22 2232 YOUR OWN MUSIC TO PLAY ON THE JUKE BOX YOU ARE VERY LOCAL PICK UP IN BICKNACRE, PLEASE CALL WELCOME,

CLLR. MAIR ON: 01245 22 22 32 ACCEPTS I PODS, MEMORY CARDS, CDS

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 30 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 7 WOODHAM FERRERS VILLAGE HALL—WFVH.ORG.UK

The Village Hall committee was delighted with the attendance at the Royal Wedding Street Party held on Friday 29th April. Having started out wondering whether anyone would turn up, we found ourselves having to provide tables and seating for many more people than we hoped for! We had an excellent DJ and several residents provided food, while many people also brought their own food and drink. The hall looked very festive, thanks to Barbara and her team of volunteers and there was a great sense of fun and enjoyment. We are now planning a big celebration for the Golden Jubilee next year

We have also been asked whether we could put on ‘family evenings ’ in the future and we are certainly in favour of this, but again, such social events do need the support of the residents. We will try to advertise future events well in advance of the date. We are looking at redecorating the hall within the next few months, as well as doing some renovation and redecoration in the kitchen. It may therefore be necessary to close the hall for a few days while work is going on, but again, we will advise hirers in advance.

We have had a few changes of committee members. Lucy Brett, who was the Parish Council representative, has resigned and has now become Chair of the Parish Council. Congratulations Lucy! Yvonne Sewell from the Friendship Club has also resigned for family reasons and Mary Cottee is retiring as Vicar of the Parish of Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre and we wish her all the best for a very happy retirement; lastly, we also say goodbye to Rosemary Sutcliffe, who represented the W.I and has now reached the end of her 3-year term on the committee. We thank you all for your contributions to the committee and the community. We would like to welcome Karen Kuderovitch as the representative of the Parish Council and Heather Richardson representing the W.I.

We would like to have more members on the committee, especially those who represent hirers of the hall, but also other members of the community, who can bring fresh perspectives on the work of the committee. Jill Oliver, Chairperson, Woodham Ferrers Village Hall Management Committee www.wfandbpc.org.uk 8 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 29 BICKNACRE MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL THE HOOE PLAYING FIELDS, BICKNACRE

THE PARISH COUNCIL IS DELIGHTED TO INFORM YOU THAT THE BIKE AREA IS BEING RENOVATED EARLY JULY AND SHOULD OPEN SOON WITH A

REPORT ON AGM WHOLE NEW LOOK.

We finally held our AGM on Monday 31st January 2011 having to postpone the original December date due to the snowy weather.

We were delighted to have a record attendance from members of the public and interested parties – SIX people in addition to the Committee. Many thanks to those that made the effort to join us.

The Chairman thanked all Committee Members for their support during the past year and also to report that her husband has volunteered to assist Eddie McCall as our “odd job” man. We are very grateful for this additional help with those little jobs that occur throughout the year.

Our Bar Area has been refurbished – new units have been installed and a general re-arrangement and re-painting etc have been completed. Also we engaged the services of the Community Services to undertake and general clean and tidy-up outside the Hall.

There has been a steady increase in regular hirers which is pleasing to report. We now have: Mid Essex Budgie Society, Yoga, Sing & Sign, Christian Fellowship, Sure Start (twice weekly).

We are hopeful to maintain and if possible improve the facilities / amenities provided at the Village Hall and have decided to provide a “Comment” Book which we hope will help all Hirers to give us positive feedback and where necessary any suggestions regarding both the Jubilee Hall and the Pitman Room to improve the standard of service. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT IDEAS TO PROVIDE As always, if you want to know about availability for a new group / activity, please contact our Bookings Secretary on: MORE FACILITIES THIS IS PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO Bookings Clerk : 07999 536751 PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE YOUTH OF BICKNACRE & WOODHAM FERRERS

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 28 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 9 JILL OLIVER—TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHURCH NEWS—ST MARY’S AND ST ANDREW’S

St. Mary’s Church and St. Andrew’s Church The Traffic Advisory Committee has now set up a Speedwatch Scheme in Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre. We have been trying to get this for the past IN THE CHELMER CROUCH GROUP three years and it has finally happened. It is good to have this opportunity to write for the Parish News- Nine of us went for training at the South Woodham Ferrers Police Station, including letter because it will be the last time I will be able to do so. I am retiring in July and the former Chair of the Parish Council, Barry Arnold. One person dropped out, so will be leaving the parish. We don’t know what the future holds for ministry here having decided that the scheme was not for him, but seven of us have already but we can be sure God has it all in hand. begun to operate in both villages, with considerable success! We have now had seven Speedwatch sessions at different times of the day and in different locations. Now I want to say goodbye and thank you for a very happy sixteen years of my life. There have been many changes in the churches over this time but one thing does There are five more volunteers ready to be trained in June, so we will be able to not change. The churches are here to serve you. spread the responsibility between more people. We are also looking at other I have met many of you at various times in your lives – sometimes happy and locations where we know there are problems with speeding and hope to be able to sometimes sad – but it has always been a privilege. You have always made me set up speed watching in those places. welcome and shown real friendship. I want to thank you for that. I am very sad to be leaving and will miss being among you more than I can say. We realise that not everyone is happy about our actions, but we are trying to make the roads safer for all residents. The majority of people who drive through the May God bless you all, Revd. Mary Cottee Priest in Charge villages appreciate what we are doing, but we do get some rude gestures and some motorists warn others of our presence so that they slow down. If the effect INTRODUCING BARRY FOX of us being there encourages motorists not to exceed the speed limits, then we have achieved our purpose. VERSATILE SOLO VOLCALIST SPECIALISING IN SWING/ROCK FRANK SINATRA, MICHAEL BOUBLE, ELVIS PRESLEY, The TAC is continuing to look at other potential traffic calming measures, but the NEIL DIAMOND committee is aware that money from the county council and the borough may be in short supply, so we are considering other sources of funds. IDEAL FOR WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS OR ANY CELEBRATION SINGING AND DISCO PACKAGES AVAILABLE HOURLY RATES AVAILABLE YOUR EVENING TAILORED TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS DEMO DISC BY REQUEST/TESTIMONIALS You can contact Barry by telephone 07984—465622

PLEASE COME TO A CHRISTMAS EVENT @ WOODHAM FERRERS VILLAGE HALL ON SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2011. BRING YOUR OWN DRINK & NIBBLES, TICKETS £10 FROM 01245 426935

RELAX AND LISTEN AND DISCO LATER ON IN THE EVENING.....BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 10 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 27 NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF PRIORY FIELDS DANBURY JUNIORS FC www.prioryfields.org.uk.

Danbury Juniors Football Club continues to go from strength to strength having The past year has been difficult for the Friends, for reasons which most people completed its sixth season since formation in 2005. The latest campaign saw know about, related to insurance and a disagreement with the Parish Council about whether The Fields should be put into Trust. the usual mix of highs and lows, but above all, plenty of enjoyment for the 140 boys involved. The harshness of the winter which prevented any games being The insurance problems lead to the Friends being unable to do any work on the fields for a time, which meant the fields looked very untidy for a while, but fortu- played during December and January seemed a distant memory as the teams nately a formula was found, which was acceptable to the Insurers, and since then finished their season in the glorious May sunshine. the fields have been brought back to their previous state. Discussions also continues on the issue of putting the land into Trust. The Parish This year has seen the Club take a huge step forward in being awarded the Council Meeting Minute of 1st March 2011 states: Charter Standard by the Essex FA in recognition of being a well run, sustainable A resolution was taken to continue with the trustee formation (subject to agreement organisation with a genuine commitment to good coaching, player of the terms by full Council). development, child protection and high behavioural standards. We have also There is much still to be done to achieve a workable set-up in which the Trust, the commenced a Football Kit Recycling Programme where we aim to pass on Friends and the Parish Council can all be confident, but we are hopeful of success. unwanted items to under-privileged children around the world, the first Other than the gap mentioned above, the Friends have continued to maintain the consignment already having been despatched to an orphanage in Kenya. area in accordance with the Management Plan for the fields and, where appropri- ate, to improve the fields. The on-going 'conservation' aspects of the Friends work continues to meet with success as we see a growing number of different species of flora and wildlife found on the fields. In particular we are seeing species which are With the farcical goings on at the top of the game including the allegations of both unusual and uncommon, such as the flower Lady's Bedstraw, some fungi and bribery amongst FIFA members, it is refreshing to see that the grassroots are in the butterflies, Small Heath, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, which are being seen in increasing numbers. All of these are indicators of both a good diversity on the good shape and football being enjoyed by the local community. Whilst the fields and of the fact that this land has long been meadowland. Meadowland is now summer break is welcomed (particularly by the coaches and parents), it won’t be a fast diminishing aspect of the rural scene and part of the stated aims of The Friends is to maintain our meadowland, as far as possible, in it's natural state. long before we are eagerly waiting to get the nets back up in September. We look forward, with hope, to a less contentious future and the continuation of our work on the Fields, with the help of our volunteer committee members and working We continue to be grateful to the Parish Council for their support and our hope party enthusiasts. is one day to be able to improve the facilities at Priory Playing Fields. We have a very successful fundraising committee who have raised over £10,000 in two years!

For any information about the Club (e.g. playing, donating unwanted kit, sponsorship etc), please contact Lee Palmer in the first instance on 01245 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 227350. www.wfandbpc.org.uk 26 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 11 FINANCIAL REPORT—KAREN KUDEROVITCH, RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Summer is coming!

With warmer weather approaching, the Police, on house-to-house visits around our Vil- lages, have highlighted the fact that many residents leave fanlight windows open, forget- ting to close them on leaving the house. Those over flat roofs are especially inviting to unwanted intruders. This not only leaves the property vulnerable to entry but also negates your Insurance policy for household contents, leaving you with not only distress but also the cost of replacing your lost items.

Unknown callers to your door Frequently we receive unsolicited callers trying to sell us goods or services, please remem- ber that, even if they have ID cards, you are not obliged to buy their wares or services. As a Neighbourhood Watch member you will have been given a ‘No Cold Calling’ sticker for your front door, I know it is often ignored, but it can easily be highlighted in your refusal to purchase goods. It is - your door, your house, your choice. Recently we have had reports of a caller asking to borrow money for a taxi fare as ‘their keys are locked inside a car’ promising to return later in the day to return the loan, please totally ignore as this is a scam to part you from your money.

Car keys We have heard that ‘Millennium burglaries’ have again occurred in our Villages - this is when a car is stolen from a driveway after the keys have been removed from the down- stairs of a house whilst the owner was asleep. Often ‘fished’ through the letter box. Please do take your keys up into your bedroom when you retire and make it harder for such thefts to take place.

NHW in our Villages continues to grow During the last year, our Watch has continued to grow with many more residents joining the membership. The Watch has helped the Police in their efforts to reduce the problems which have arisen in our area over recent months. Members have reported incidents, con- sequently, there has been a greater Policing presence in marked and unmarked cars around our Villages in their efforts to prevent the escalation of events. Our villages are a lovely place for us all to live in, let’s try to keep it that way.

JOINING OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

If you are interested in getting regular updates on local problems by email then please contact Tel. 226438 for details on how to join.

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 12 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 25 St. Mary’s C. of E. (Aided) Primary School FINANCIAL REPORT—KAREN KUDEROVITCH, RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER Main Road Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford Essex CM3 8RJ Telephone/Fax (01245) 320505 admin@st-marys- woodham.essex.sch.uk www.st-marys- woodham.essex.sch.uk

This academic year is not quite over yet, but with the speed that weeks fly by, blink twice and we shall once more be saying goodbye to another group of Year 6 pupils and welcoming our new Reception intake. Even the children comment on how quickly time goes. Before austerity really strikes and while we still had some funds, this year we completed our fencing project to be totally secure front and back while endeavouring to ensure we do not begin to resemble Colditz! We have also invested in an improved heating system for our swimming pool (eco-friendly and sustainable naturally). Our elderly solar panels had limped along for the last couple of years held together by bicycle repair kits and our caretaker’s ingenuity. We have also engaged in a major planting of trees and shrubs down one side of our school field which enabled every child in the school to be involved. Our Outdoor Club has now taken on the responsibility of looking after the new plants, a process somewhat similar to what we do as our children progress from Year R to Year 6. With the children’s care, the tiny saplings will develop into young trees. In the same way we endeavour to support our children as they grow physically and develop academically, spiritually and socially in an environment that nurtures and nourishes and prepares them to deal with the challenges that life brings along the way, ready for transition to their next school. If you would like to see St Mary’s in action, visitors are always welcome. Please telephone 01245 320505 to make an appointment.

Sue Grocock— Headtacher

Class 1 problem solving in The tree planting begins…. Technology NOTE: excludes precept

Mighty oaks from acorns grow!

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 24 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 13 AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR BUSINESS………….

We are a family run business place for the whole parish (we trading in horticulture since hope). Avenues for the future 1974, and we employ 3 include maybe 1-2 other generations of our family. The “A meeting independent shops to principle partners are Steve complement the site. place for the and Mark Cottis, and we are whole Parish” brothers who both A complete new range of live locally in the Parish. We garden buildings were erected sold our Romford site and were during March and the whole approached to take over the shop area including outside Horseshoe site. We . displays are being replaced took over in august 2010 and with up to date and traditional, have big plans to bring site materials. back to its former glory. Also We can offer advice on all on site we have 2 independent aspects of the garden and businesses operating; The have contacts with reliable Horseshoe farm shop and contractors for all jobs large or Naked Flame Candles. These small. business are also both run by Hopefully many of you have local people living in the parish already visited us and hope and provide exceptional quality you liked what you saw, but if and service, so complementing you haven't been to OPENING the whole experience when Horseshoe for a while please TIMES: visiting our site. pop in some time soon...... MONDAY— Currently, we have a number of SATURDAY planning applications being 9-5.30PM considered to replace, Tel: 01245 223789 modernise and enhance SUNDAY 9– 4.30PM existing buildings , plus the 01245 223789 most exciting application for a cafe/coffee bar , a meeting

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 14 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 23 PARISH SPORTS SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN SUMMER HOLIDAYS!!

MUMS—DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!!!!!

DO YOUR CHILDREN GET BORED IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS??????? SEND THEM ALONG TO THESE FUN SESSIONS MONDAY 1ST AUGUST FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST MONDAY 22ND AUGUST REGISTRATION FROM 1PM SESSIONS RUN FROM 1.30PM TO 3.30PM AT PRIORY PLAYING FIELDS, BICKNACRE

FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEB AND NOTICE BOARDS NEARER THE DATE BUT WE ARE HOPING TO OFFER:

BOUNCY CASTLE, CYCLING COACH & GENERAL SPORTS

AGE 6 –14 YEARS UNDER 6 ARE WELCOME BUT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

PLEASE, IF YOU HAVE A CHILD IN THESE AGE GROUP THEN MAKE SURE YOU GET THEM TO PRIORY FIELDS & THEN PARENTS ARE FREE TO GO :

THESE SESSIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE

PLEASE SUPPORT THESE SESSIONS OR THEY WILL BE LOST!

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 22 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 15 PHOTO GALLERY FROM PRIORY ACRES GROUP AROUND THE VILLAGES

Some years ago now, St Andrew’s Church, Bicknacre approached the Parish Council. The Church wanted to rebuild and to relocate to a more central part of Bicknacre adjacent to Priory School. At the same time, the Parish Council was seeking ways to improve facilities for the benefit of residents

The Parish Council sponsored the formation of a Community Group to develop what was called the ‘Bicknacre Community Project’ Initially members were Priory Arch drawn from the Parish Council, from St Andrews Church, and from the Community as a whole. At the outset the project envisaged perhaps a new Village Hall and a new relocated St Andrews. A Parish wide survey was undertaken. The project was seen to be supported by the Community. As a Priory Fields (Danbury Juniors Pitches) result of the survey the group was asked to refocus on the provision of a Church and a Community Centre

At the Annual Parish Meeting 3 years ago, the Group received a final vote of confidence to proceed. Two years ago Planning Consent was obtained. In the same year a new private limited company was formed with the name ‘Priory Acres’. Effectively this was the legal ‘vehicle’ through which the construction of both Church and Community Centre would be delivered. The Directors of Priory Fields the Company were drawn from the membership of the former Bicknacre Community Group. Towards the end of last year the company ‘Priory Acres’ was awarded Charitable status.

View from Priory Arch Our Government have had to take tough economic decisions. These have impacted upon Local Authorities, local businesses, families and individuals within our Community. The current economic situation has a direct effect on what we can afford to do

And so what are we doing at the present time? Priory Acres Group are meeting with members of the Parish Council and with representatives of St Andrews Parish Sports—Easter Church. We are discussing ways in which we can continue to move forward so that we can bring the anticipated new community facilities on a significantly reduced budget. This will enable us to seek the financial support we need and put the final building block in place Parish Sports—Easter

www.wfandbpc.org.uk 16 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 21 Ormonds Crescent, Woodham

Lodge Road, Woodham

Main Road, Woodham

Congregational Church, Woodham

The Hooe

Main Road, Woodham www.wfandbpc.org.uk 20 www.wfandbpc.org.uk 17 PRIORY PRIMARY SCHOOL—BICKNACRE

What a year this has been for all of us at Priory Primary School. We have enjoyed many successes throughout the year – here are some of our highlights…

As is now the tradition at the School, Year 6 went on their Residential Acitivity week at the beginning of the school year. All the children rose to the variety of challenges The first half of the summer term has been very busy. We all enjoyed a street party set for them and came back tired, but ready for whatever lay ahead. This year we to celebrate the Royal Wedding … were very fortunate to enjoy sunny weather. Here’s a picture of us completing field work to help in our study of rivers.

and then we were able to relive all of the excitement when our Reception class re- enacted the events as part of their class assembly.

Shortly after we returned from the North Norfolk countryside, we were visited by At the beginning of the year, Year 6 formed their own Opera Company – Priory on OFSTED. The inspectors agreed that this is a good school, and were particularly Eggs. Over the last few months they have written the libretto, composed the music, pleased with the behaviour and attendance of the children. Well done to all! designed the set and costumes, and experimented with lighting. They have worked with members of the Royal Opera House design team and yesterday performed 2010 ended with a flurry of snow, Christmas productions, parties and Fayres, and their opera ‘Caught in the Act’ to the school and to an invited audience of parents carol concerts. The choir sang at the Royal Albert Hall in the Barnardo’s Concert in and relatives. November and then joined in the Young Voices Concert at the O2 in January. Later in the Spring term, Year 2 joined together with children from other schools in Chelmsford to take part in the Infant Music Festival’s performance of ‘The King with Dusty Feet’ and then were joined by the children in Year 1 to perform for their parents and the rest of the school. We also held our Comic Relief Talent Show and were entertained by the multi-talented children and staff.

We are now looking forward to all of the events of the next few weeks – our maths team is taking part in an Essex wide competition having won their heat earlier this term; we will be taking part in the District Sports and our own sports day; and all of the school will be joining together in our summer performance – the Priory Proms. But it seems right that we should end the review of the year’s events where we started – our Year 6. They have been great ambassadors for the school throughout The children and staff enjoyed a day geo-caching – a prize for the children’s their time with us, and we wish them every success in the future. participation in walk to school week. Following our Book Week last year, we all took Thank you to all the children at Priory Primary School, their families and all of the part in an excellent Writers’ Week. One of our tasks was to create a book worm that staff who have made this one of the best years, ever! stretched from one end of the hall to the other. We also welcomed Denis Bond who helped us to improve our writing, performed Treasure Island and dressed up… Rachael Plunkett, Headteacher