Steeple Issue No 83 Village News June 2018
The Steeple Horse Ride
The Steeple Horse Ride has been held on August Bank Holiday Monday for over twenty years, with some riders coming year after year, because the twelve miles route is so varied, offers spectacular views and is almost entirely off road. The full route of the ride is over farmland and bridleways in Steeple, St Lawrence, Asheldham and Southminster but there’s a shorter route that’s entirely within Steeple that suits inexperienced or very young riders. There are many other rides on offer in Essex but few are as interesting as the Steeple Ride.
Please ask Barbara Partridge (01621 772313) for an Entry Form or, from early July, you’ll be able to pick one up from any local yard. If you don’t ride but simply love being around horses, come along to Grange Farm early on Monday 27th August when the riders will be preparing to set off or a little later when they’ll be returning. There will be a van serving excellent burgers and other refreshments.
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Formerly Mundon Fuels
Coal and smokeless in 25kg pre-packs, logs and kindling all at competitive prices
Phone: 01621 774944 (new number) Mobile: 07860 773933
E-mail: [email protected] Steeple Road, Mayland, CM0 6EG
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Steeple Parish Council It sometimes seems that meetings of Steeple Parish Council are dominated by battles with other, far more powerful, organisations. Our two current ‘foes’ are Openreach and the Highways Department at Essex County Council.
Missing Street Light Last year Openreach renewed one of their poles in Maldon Road. The previous pole had carried one of Steeple’s street lights for at least forty years but instead of reinstalling it on the new pole, the technicians simply left in on the ground. Nearby residents and our Parish Clerk protested to Openreach but to no avail. Our lighting contractor wasn’t willing to reinstall the light without express approval from Openreach which was, of course, refused. Meanwhile, Open- reach festooned the new pole with additional broadband junction boxes. Multiple exchanges between our Parish Clerk and Openreach haven’t resolved this absurd situation and the Parish Council is now having to consider the very expensive option of a new, separate lamp post near this point.
Our other dialogue with Openreach relates to removal of the redundant telephone box opposite The Star. In this case, Openreach has at least agreed they will do it “later this year”.
Resurfacing of The Street As you will remember, Essex Highways resurfaced the road through most of the village early last year but the section to the east of the Sun & Anchor was postponed at the request of the Parish Council. We were concerned that the resurfacing might make worse the long standing concerns about surface water drainage near several of the traditional wooden cottages that are such a delightful feature of the village. It was recognised that significantly lowering the road surface would require preliminary investigation of the road structure. Such engineering studies take time so we expected some delay but one year later Essex Highways seems to have done little, if anything. Our County Councillors are now pursuing this on our behalf so we are hopeful of constructive proposals being brought forward soon.
Our other dispute with Essex Highways relates to Batts Road, particularly the section to the north of the hill. At several points storm- water has washed out the verges leaving deep holes and exposing a jagged edge of the road surface. If a car or van pulls over when meeting a larger vehicle and its left side wheels drop into one of these Page 3
holes the jagged edge is liable to cause serious damage to the inner sidewalls of the tyres. The Parish Council has explained this to Essex Highways with pictures and measurements. Councillors were disappointed by their reply which simply said that Batts Road is regularly monitored.
Can Steeple Become a ‘Best Kept’ Village?
As you’ll see elsewhere in this issue of Steeple Village News, the Parish Council is pressing ahead with installing a village sign on the large green at the western approach to the village. We have an attractive design but were surprised to find the sign needed Planning Approval. That’s expected to be granted this month so then all we’ll need is the money!
The Parish Council’s contractor cuts the grass on various green spaces through the village but perhaps some of these areas could be made more attractive with planters, assuming that the plants were properly cared for and regularly watered in dry periods. If neglected, planters could soon become an eyesore. If a group of ‘green fingered’ enthusiasts were willing to come together to ‘adopt’ planters, the Parish Council would be pleased to seek the necessary Planning Approval.
The Parish Council’s funding is very tight, so only tiny amounts can be set aside each year for such projects. But a group of enthusiasts could,with support from the Parish Council, achieve much faster progress by pursuing grant funding from various outside sources. They might also organise some local fund raising activities. If you and some of your friends think you can help, please contact the Parish Clerk, Julie Chandler by email: [email protected].
Chris and John Taylor
Some years ago, the Parish Council realised Steeple needed a Playing Field Warden. In response to an advertisement in Steeple Village News, Chris and John Taylor put themselves forward and have been performing these duties ever since. In recent times, both Chris and John have suffered declining health so they decided it was time to ‘hang up their walking boots’ so to speak.
At the Parish Council’s April meeting, Councillors recorded their gratitude to Chris and John for their long service and wished them well for the future.
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Meetings of Steeple Parish Council
Parish Council meetings are normally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Committee Room of Steeple Village Hall, starting at
7.30pm. Wednesday 27th June Wednesday 25th July No meeting in August Wednesday 26th September Any matters needing urgent attention between meetings are dealt with by direct communications between Councillors.
Members of the public are welcome to attend all meetings and can ask questions at the end of a meeting or when invited by the Chairman.
Letters to the Parish Council should be sent to:
The Clerk to Steeple Parish Council, Jays, Maldon Road, Steeple, Southminster, CM0 7RT
The e-mail address is: [email protected]
Council meeting agendas, minutes and certain other documents can be found at: www.essexinfo.net/steeple-parish-council
Village Handyman
After considering a number of alternatives, the Parish Council decided not to pursue the idea of expanding the role of our Playing Field Warden to include other maintenance tasks around the village. Instead, defined Playing Field responsibilities have been assigned to Dave Griffin’s company, Steeple General Services.
When the need for other maintenance or ‘clean up’ tasks is identified, Councillors can consider a number of alternatives, depending on the type of work required. Individual Councillors regularly undertake small maintenance tasks on a voluntary basis. This avoids unplanned expenditure and usually achieves the quickest resolution. For more labour intensive work, such as painting fences or cutting back brambles, Councillors might request another visit from the Community Pay-back Team.
For more complex tasks, Councillors have to request quotations from local tradespersons who have appropriate skills and equipment.
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Tel: 01621 773933 Mobile: 07850 773933 E-mail:[email protected]
Essex Police If you see anything suspicious do not hesitate to call 101 or, if you think it’s an emergency, dial 999. Maldon Police are based at: Maldon District Council Offices Princes Road, Maldon, CM9 5DL Open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday Or Chelmsford Police Station, New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1NF
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Knightswood Centre
Several people from Steeple go to Knightwood’s impressive new facility at Asheldham once a week or several times a week where they enjoy companionship, entertainment and practical support. The Knightswood minibus collects them from their door and takes them home.Other services include home visits and accompanying people to medical appointments.
Knightswood is looking to recruit more staff and volunteers to enable them to expand their services. If you feel you could help in any way, please call The Dengie Project Trust on 01621 774532. As their staff members are mainly women they are keen to recruit more male volunteers to achieve a better gender balance between carers and cared for.
DENGIE & DISTRICT U3A What is U3A? It’s a group of retired and semi-retired people who meet to share activities, learning, knowledge and skills. We have a good selection of groups held on different days of the month including Art, Wine Apprecia- tion, Computing, Local History, Psychology, Walking, Reading and Dancing. Further details are available on our website which can be found by entering Dengie U3A into most search engines.
A monthly meeting for all members is held on the 2nd Monday of every month at Jack’s Centre, Burnham Road, Latchingdon at 2 pm. Entrance to these meetings is £2 for members, guests are free for the first visit.
Details of forthcoming meetings are as follows:
11th June - Smuggling in Essex - Keith Lovell 9th July - Where is the Fog? Andrew Wiltshire
For further information ring Roger Ware on 07989 188038 or email [email protected]
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Down Hall Luncheon Club The Down Hall Residential Home at Bradwell-on-Sea is home to several former Steeple residents. Their Luncheon Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, and for only £6.00, you can enjoy a hot meal and a natter.
On the last Friday of each month, Down Hall Residential Home hold their Coffee Mornings. There is a ‘Knit and Natter’ Group on the third Thursday of each month. All are welcome! 30th June Official Opening of the Sensory Garden For further information and details of future events, please call Louise on 01621 776509
DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Prompt and Reliable Service
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Family run business established 25 years
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ELMWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Riding School & Livery Yard RIDING TUITION FOR ALL AGES & STAGES EXCELLENT HACKING HORSES TAKEN FOR BREAKING/SCHOOLING MANY FOR SALE OR LOAN AT THE YARD
PHONE: 01621 783216 (long ring)
or Mobile: 07974 243767
Also Jade's Tack Shop New and used riding gear 01621 928175 or 07981 878067
Café open Mon - Saturday 8am to 3pm
Elm Farm House, Maldon Rd, Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8NT
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Services at St Lawrence & All Saints Church, Steeple
Because Steeple Church is closely linked with Southminster, most Sundays worshippers have three choices, 9.15 am at Steeple and 8.00 am or 10.45 am at St Leonard’s Southminster. When there’s not a 9.15 am service at Steeple, the change is notified on the church door.
People of all ages and all denominations are welcome at all services. Family Services at Steeple are followed by a short, informal get- together, with free refreshments. If you are new to the village this is a great opportunity to meet people.
Most services are conducted by our Vicar, Rev’d Peter Begley but for the second Sunday of each month it’s usually Rev’d Ken Dunstan. Some services are led by Reader Norman Pratt, often assisted by Jenny Pratt.
Services in June Sunday 3rd at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 10th at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 17th at 9.15 am Morning Prayer Sunday 24th at 9.15 am Morning Prayer
Services in July Sunday 1st at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 8th at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th at 9.15 am Morning Prayer Sunday 22nd at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 29th at 10.30 am No Service at Steeple but Steeple congregation will attend the joint Service at St Leonards, Southminster
Services in August Sunday 5th at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 12th at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th at 9.15 am Morning Prayer Sunday 26th at 9.15 am Holy Communion
Services in September Sunday 1st at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 9th at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 16th at 9.15 am Morning Prayer Sunday 23rd at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 30th at 10.30 am No Service at Steeple but Steeple congregation will attend the joint Service at Christ Church,Southminster
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Make a note in your diary: Steeple’s Harvest Festival and Harvest Supper will be on Sunday 7th October.
Steeple’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) held in the church on 18th March was pleased to welcome two new (and younger) members onto the Parochial Church Council. Anthony Williams and Jack Partridge are already making significant contributions to the work of our team.
It’s expensive to keep the church building in good order so we are dependent on our fund raising activities. But these need lots of helpers. Please let us know if you can help with the Vintage Vehicle Gathering on August 12th or the Horse Ride two weeks later, contact Peter Marshall on 07711 472 132.
Steeple Church Activities
With the toilet facility and heating improvements completed, Steeple Church has become an even more attractive venue for Weddings, Blessings and Christenings. The church community was delighted when Tanya and Peter Hamblin, who have lived in the village for several years, married in our church on Saturday 2nd June. We wish them every happiness.
Sunday 29th April was one of the occasions when Steeple welcomed the congregations from the two Southminster churches. This was well attended as you can see from the picture below. There are many family or social connections between these three church communities so there was a strong feeling of fellowship.
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Steeple Church Activities (cont’d)
As we move into the summer, we are focusing on our two biggest fund-raising activities, both of which occur in August. As you’ll see from the back cover of this issue of Steeple Village News, the Vintage Vehicle Gathering will be on 12th August. As last year, it will take place on the field opposite Blackwater Mews, for the use of which we thank the Partridge family. There will be cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, tractors and stationary engines, with build dates ranging from the 1930’s right through to about twenty years ago. If you have an interesting vehicle or piece of machinery, please call Peter on 07711 472 132 for an Entry Form. Depending on the progress of harvesting, there might be ploughing in an adjacent field.
Running the Vehicle Gathering would far outstrip our limited resources, but for outside help. “The Eccentrics” are a dedicated band of Dengie enthusiasts who handle all the advertising, bring in the majority of exhibitors and do most of the preparation work. We are grateful to a supporter from Burnham who loans us the refreshment marquee, another who provides the toilet and yet another who helps with tables and chairs. Most important of all are the ladies who provide and serve the delicious refreshments.
Just a couple of weeks later, on August Bank Holiday Monday, we have the Steeple Ride which attracts horse riders from far and wide. They love our twelve miles cross-country route which includes spectacular views across the Blackwater.
As the summer draws to a close in September, we’ll be planning Steeple’s Harvest Festival and Harvest Supper which will be on Sunday 7th October.
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Village Scenes
Local artist and villager, Judith Hope, has sent us this springtime watercolour sketch of Gatehouse Farm. Below is a photo of the house taken last Winter during the snow.
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THE STAR INN Reservations: 01621 772646 Food served all day 12.00 ‐ 8.45 pm
(except Thursday)
2 course special at £8.95
Traditional Sunday Roast, 12.00 ‐ 4.45 pm
Fantastic choice of Lagers, Ciders & Real Ales
En suite accommodation available. Adult only Touring and camping site, with hook ups
Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Star Inn Steeple www.thestarinnsteeple.co.uk
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SoŌ and hard landscaping
Porƞolio So ofand customer hard landscaping recommenda Ɵons Full service Por olio from of customer design recommenda to construc ons Ɵon Full service from design to construc on PaƟos, decking, block paving Pa os, decking, block paving Fencing, Fencing, gates gates and and pergolas pergolas Water Waterfeatures, features, ponds, ponds, garden ligh ligh ng Ɵng Tree lopping, winter pruning and felling Tree lopping, winter pruning and felling Turfing, plan ng and maintenance Turfing, Grass plan andƟ nghedge and cu maintenanceng Grass and hedge cuƫng
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“CUT & DRIED” HAIRDRESSERS Imperial Avenue, Maylandsea Ladies and Men’s Hairdressing
01621 743100 Opening times:
Monday & Tuesday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Wednesday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm Thursday 10.00 am - 6.00 pm Friday & Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Margaret and Kim Qualified Stylists at your service
For villagers wishing to arrange a Wedding, Blessing, Baptism or Funeral Please contact Rev’d Peter Begley on 01621 772300 The Vicarage, Burnham Road, Southminster, CM0 7ES Page 23
Parish Pew Reflection
The summer has nearly arrived and the warmer evenings are here for us to enjoy times in the garden or a walk in the late evening sunshine. There are so many things to look forward to in these next few months, when we are thinking of summer breaks and events that excite our minds and give us purpose for the coming weeks. Through the summer there are weddings to attend, and baptisms too, which are always such lovely events as we see young families coming into the church and giving thanks for the miracle that is in the birth of children. We are so grateful for children around the village and it is always good to see them at the local events and services that mark the year, and we trust that the hard work that they have put into school work will also prove to be fruitful.
There are a few events that are happening later this year that I would like to make known to you all that will be a good opportunity to meet with others from the Village and get to know them. The first is called the Steeple Vintage Gathering which will be on the field of Grange Farm (the entrance is a few yards along the road and almost opposite to the church) on Sunday 12th August; the day is always good fun looking at some wonderful vintage cars and lorries, tractors which will plough some furrows, and working engines etc. Maybe you can come and sit to enjoy an afternoon tea at the refreshment tent – its tables are usually laden with delicious home-cooked cakes and treats. The second event to note is on Bank Holiday Monday 27th August which is the Steeple Horse Ride, where riders can enjoy a glorious, very well -marked ride through some of the farms around the east end of the Dengie without riding on roads! Please see the posters and leaflets which will be prominent around the village nearer the time.
Lastly, although it is some time away, we will hold our Harvest service in the church, on Sunday 7th October at 4.00 pm, during which we say thank you to God for the wonderful food that we enjoy throughout the year. This hugely popular and well-attended service is followed by a tasty home-cooked supper in the Village Hall at around 5.30 pm, and some really lovely hot food is to be served for us. So then, lots of things happening and to look forward to through these next weeks and months, which I find we seem to be whizzing through so very quickly these days; I cannot believe that we have moved through Easter so promptly and are into the month of June already, so it is a good time to plan and get things into our diaries.
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We have two weddings booked so far this year at St. Lawrence and All Saints church, Steeple, where local residents will be making their promises to each other and before God. We pray that they will thrive in their marriages and that they will enjoy lots of good times together in the village in the years to come. The promises made in the vows of a wedding are like those of God to each of us: God promises to be faithful, true and to love and cherish us all the days of our life and into the life to come. As we celebrate the good produce and flowers of our gardens and fields it shows that God is indeed faithful as again we see the fruit appearing and flowers blooming, which reminds us of our faithful God. When we take a few moments in the garden this year, or when out driving around this beautiful area, perhaps you might like to take a moment to say “Thank You” to God for creating such wonderful things for us to enjoy. Revd. Peter
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www.carpetsbyhomechoose.co.uk
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Pub Activities Glen and Lisa put details of ‘upcoming events’ at The Star on their website www.thestarinnsteeple.co.uk.
On the last Wednesday of each month, The Star has a Quiz Night. Saturday events at The Star during the summer: 9th June – Race Night 30th June – 80’s Cover Band 14th July – Musical Bingo 28th July– Country Classics
Wednesday 22nd August – Vintage Car evening with musical entertainment and a BBQ
“Starfest 2018” will be on Saturday 1st September This is an all-day music festival in aid of Farleigh Hospice.
The Star offers bar food most lunchtimes and evenings (except Thursdays) as well as providing excellent Sunday lunches.
Steeple Carpet Bowls Club at Steeple Village Hall
Monday evenings 7.30 - 9.30 pm and Thursday afternoons 2.00 - 4.00 pm.
Why not come along and join us? Play a couple of games and enjoy tea and biscuits with a very friendly crowd Page 31
Steeple Village Hall
For Village Hall bookings or other enquiries relating to the hall, please contact:
Email: [email protected] Maggie Burton Chairman: 01621 773543 Kate Johnson Treasurer: 01621 772031 Brenda Woolnough Committee Member: 01621 774805 Jean Burbridge Committee Member: 01621 774296
Yoga is held on Tuesdays between 5.15 pm - 6.15 pm. In term time only. Please come along and join in the class.
Steeple Writer’s Group New members are always welcome to join. We meet every second Wednesday in the month at the Village Hall 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Anglia Tai Chi Classes are on Tuesday evening 7.30pm - 9.30 pm and Friday afternoon 3.30pm -5.30pm. New members always welcome.
Steeple Carpet Bowls always welcome new members at their meeting on Monday Evening 7.30pm – 9.30pm. and Thursday To Hire Steeple Village Hall
The hall is ideal for small parties seating up to 60 people. Monday to Friday Main Hall and kitchen £7.50 per hr Minimum Hire 2 hrs Committee Room and use of kitchen £9.00 for 2 hrs Minimum Hire
Saturday: £15.00 per hr. Min Hire 2 hrs (incl. Committee Room)
Sunday: £13.00 per hr. Min Hire 2 hrs (incl. Committee Room)
All enquiries please contact: Maggie Burton 01621 773543
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Mobile Library
The fear that Steeple would lose its Mobile Library service did not materialise but the library van now stops at the entrance to Garden Fields once every three weeks, instead of fortnightly.
Our day is now Thursday and our time is from 1310 to1340
Future visit dates: 21st June 12th July 2nd August 23rd August 13th September
Steeple Village Hall Trust 100 Club Winners March 2018: April 2018: 1st £30.00 Wendy Boldero No.77 1st £30.00 John Partridge No.173 2nd £15.00 Val Chandler No.109 2nd £15.00 Mrs Woolnough No. 62 3rd £10.00 Chris Taylor No.126 3rd £10.00 Mrs Parnham No.135
May 2018: To join the 100 Club for a chance 1st £30.00 Jo Partridge No.144 to win a cash prize, 2nd £15.00 MrsWainwright No.23 please contact Maggie on 3rd £10.00 Joan Witham No.116 01621 773543
The 100 Club is a monthly draw organized by the committee of the Steeple Village Hall Trust, a registered charity. 50% of the money collected is paid out in prizes and the rest goes to help maintain the Village Hall. Page 33
The Workshops, Loftmans Farm, Maldon Road, Southminster, Essex CM0 7RR T. 01621 774774 F. 01621 773818 VAT Registered. Established 15 years
The Workshops, Loftmans Farm, Maldon Road, Southminster, Essex CM0 7RR T. 01621 774774 F. 01621 773818 VAT Registered. Established 15 years
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Planning Applications
17/01364/FUL was an Application from the operators of Steeple Bay Holiday Park to permit caravan and camping occupancy from 1st March to 30th November each year but prohibit occupancy during the three winter months, even at weekends. This represented a small reduction in the total number of days open and was supported by Steeple Councillors. It was initially Refused by Maldon District Council but has now been re-submitted with a new number 18/00465/FUL. It has not yet been decided by Maldon District Council.
18/00159/LDE was also a request from the operators of Steeple Bay Holiday Park for a Lawful Development certificate allowing the sales of caravans to continue through the winter months when the park is otherwise closed. This Application was supported by Steeple Councillors and subsequently Approved by Maldon District Council.
18/000888/ADV was submitted by Councillor Davey on behalf of Steeple Parish Council to permit a village sign to be erected on the South Green. It has not yet been decided by Maldon District Council.
Two earlier Applications that were Refused by Maldon District Council went to Appeal. 17/00738/FUL relating to potential housing development at High Steppers, Batts Road, has now been refused by the Inspector. 17/01171/OUT relating to a potential housing development opposite Steeple Church has not yet been decided.
To find the latest status of any local Planning Application log onto www.maldon.gov.uk and search for ‘Planning Applications’. You then select ‘Steeple’ and a range of dates.
To advertise in Steeple Village News, please contact: Peter Marshall on 07711 472132 email: [email protected]
The next Parish Council Meeting will be:
Wednesday, 27th June at 7.30 pm Committee Room at Steeple Village Hall
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