Steeple Issue No 78 Village News March 2017
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Mothering Sunday Service Steeple Church on 26th March at 9.15 am All are welcome to join the congregation and children will receive a potted plant to give to their mother
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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
The Parish Council received just one application for the councillor position vacated by Barbara Holdsworth who has recently moved to Leigh-on-sea. This was from Kay Davey who has attended several recent Council meetings as a member of the public and therefore had some knowledge of the procedures of Steeple Parish Council and the roles and responsibilities of a councillor. The Council confirmed Kay’s appointment at its January meeting and Maldon District Council has been notified she is now a Steeple Councillor.
Back in September, our Parish Clerk and Financial Officer, Ele McRae notified that she would be giving up the position at the end of March when she moves to Derbyshire. Councillors were grateful to be given plenty of time to find a replacement and were delighted when Julie Chandler agreed to fill this vacancy. The fact that Julie can ‘shadow’ Ele for a few weeks will ensure an orderly transition. Ele has kindly agreed to complete the Council’s accounts for the year ending March 2017 which enables Julie to focus on the new accounting year starting in April.
The Council’s January meeting was unusual in that there were two Planning Applications to consider, each proposing seven new houses and both being controversial. More than twenty residents came to the meeting, most to express their opposition to the Application that proposed two terraces of houses on the graveyards of the former Congregational Chapel in Batts Road. It’s understood that when The Ecclesiastical Church sold this property some years ago it attached covenants protecting the graveyards from development. Ecclesiastical has assured residents that it’s in contact with Maldon District Council and strongly opposing this Planning Application.
Steeple Councillors decided to oppose this Application, partly in recognition of the strong public concerns about graves but also on ‘planning policy’ principles relating to the adverse visual effect of high density development so close to the Victorian chapel building and safety concerns about additional cars exiting onto Batts Road so close to the road junction.
The other Planning Application proposed redevelopment of the industrial area adjacent to High Steppers on Batts Hill for residential housing. Although Steeple Councillors recognised that this might be defined as a ‘brown field site’ they decided to oppose the Application Page 3
because they considered that doubling the number of houses in an area more than half a mile outside Steeple’s development envelope to be undesirable.
Road Surface
For several years the Parish Council has been badgering Essex County Council to improve the road surface though the village. Councillors have been particularly concerned about the areas where traditional wooden houses are positioned very close to the carriage- way. If you look at the historic photographs on display in the pubs you’ll see that the road surface used to be several inches lower than today. Over the years it’s been resurfaced many times with the result that the roadway is now almost level with the footway at several points. That means storm water can enter people’s homes, causing damage to their property including potential structural decay. Additionally, the very low kerbs do nothing to protect pedestrians from passing vehicles.
In the June 2016 Steeple Village News we said we were encouraged to see that Essex County Council had been taking road core samples through the village as it suggested improvements were being evaluated. Things have now moved a big step forward because Essex County Council has given formal notice that sometime between now and August 2018 they intend to plane off and renew the surface of the road through Steeple, all the way from New House Farm (the green at the entrance to ETS) to the Stansgate Road junction with Bradwell Road. The Parish Council now has to make sure that they remove enough material to achieve significant lowering of the surface in the critical areas.
Although this is amazingly good news, it will also cause considerable inconvenience. The initial preparatory work will probably only require brief interruptions from temporary traffic lights and therefore not be too disruptive. But when the major work of planing off the existing surface and replacing with new gets underway we’ll have to endure road closures, diversions and parking restrictions. After a pause, we can expect temporary traffic lights again when they come back to reposition manhole covers and drain gratings and then finally reinstate the road markings.
Some time ago, Councillors were made aware of studies in other villages that suggest subtle changes to road marking can have a Page 4
beneficial influence on vehicle speeds. In particular, positioning the kerb-side white lines further in from the kerb at critical points gives the impression that the roadway is even narrower than it really is, causing most drivers to slow down. Given that other measures seem to have had little effect, the Council is determined to ensure that the reinstated road markings meet our needs.
Meetings of Steeple Parish Council
Parish Council meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Committee Room of Steeple Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm, unless otherwise advertised. Wednesday 22nd March 2017 Wednesday 26th April 2017 Wednesday 24th May 2017 Wednesday 28th June 2017
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,
Until end of March, the address is: 20, Woodrolf Park, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8TB.
From 1st April, the address will be: Jays, Maldon Road, Steeple, Southminster, CM0 7RT
Electronic contact details remain unchanged. The e-mail address is: [email protected] The website is at: www.essexinfo.net/steeple-parish-council
Public Services
The Mobile Library comes to Steeple on alternate Fridays throughout the year. It will stop at the entrance to Garden Fields from 10.50 until 11.10 am on the following dates:
For March, 3rd, 17th and 31st For April 28th only For May 12th and 26th For June 9th and 23rd Page 5
Tel: 01621 773933 Mobile: 07850 773933 E-mail:[email protected]
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A warm welcome awaits you at The Sun & Anchor The Street, Steeple. Tel: 01621 773756 Open Noon – 11 pm Pop in for a tea or coffee Food served Monday ‐ Saturday, Noon – 3 pm & 6 – 9 pm Sunday Roast, Noon ‐ 5 pm, £7.50 or £5.00 for OAP’s Please book to avoid disappointment Quiz Nights 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
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Knightswood Centre
As you probably know, Knightswood has been providing social care and companionship to elderly members of our community for the past few years. This is particularly valuable in the Dengie where many feel isolated and lonely. The Dengie Project Trust, which runs Knightswood, charges modest fees for the services, just enough to make ends meet.
Up until now, they have been helped by the fact that Essex County Council, which owns the building, was charging them no rent. Unfortunately, that’s having to change. The new rental charges make the whole operation uneconomic so the Trust is planning to relocate to Asheldham where they have been offered accommodation at much lower rent. Conversion of the buildings and equipping them is currently in progress so the relocation should be achieved this year but there will be need for on-going major fund raising.
Meanwhile, the excellent work at Knightswood continues and they are looking to recruit more staff and volunteers to expand their services.
If you feel you could help in any way, please call The Knightswood Centre on 01621 774532
To advertise in Steeple Village News, please contact: Peter Marshall on 07711 472132 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. All are welcome!
Tuesday 7th March at 2.30 pm, a Badger Talk by Martin Taylor Tuesday 28th March at 1.30pm for 2pm, a talk on Essex Crime Both will be in the Functions Suite in aid of 'Residents Amenities'. For further information and details of future events, please call Louise on 01621 776509 THE STAR INN
Glen and Lisa are now serving food all day
Monday to Saturday (except Thursday) Noon to 9pm 2 course special at £8.95
Traditional Sunday Roast, Noon to 5pm
Fantastic choice of Lagers and Real Ales
En suite accommodation available Site for Touring caravans, with hook ups
Reservations: 01621 772646
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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.
March Sunday 5th at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 12th at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th at 9.15 am Morning Worship Tuesday 21st at 7.30 pm Annual Parochial Council Meeting Sunday 26th at 9.15 am Mothering Sunday Service Children will be given a spring plant to give to their mother
April Sunday 2nd at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 9th at 9.15 am Palm Sunday Communion Thursday 13th at 8 pm Maundy Thursday at St Leonards Friday 14th at 10.30 am Good Friday at St Leonards Sunday 16th at 9.15 am Easter Sunday Sunday 23rd at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 30th at 10.30 am United Service When congregations from Southminster join us at Steeple
May Sunday 7th at 9.15 am Family Service Sunday 14th at 9.15 am Holy Communion Sundays 14th to 21st Christian Aid Week Sunday 21st at 9.15 am Morning Worship
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Charity Valentine’s Quiz Night
In January I organised a charity quiz night in Steeple Village with the help of my trusty support team Julie, Kay and Richard.
The theme was Valentines and our excellent quiz master, returning for a fourth time, was Peter Marshall.
The quiz night was a real success with every table filled. Some guests who arrived without a team were made most welcome by teams who could accommodate extra members. The evening provided an opportunity for new people to meet and old friends, who had not seen each other for a while, to catch up.
The raffle table was full of prizes donated by friends and supporters and as well as the tea, coffee and biscuits that were provided on the night each table brought their own supply of drinks and snacks.
The winners on the evening were ‘Up the creek without a paddle’ who could choose from prizes of wine or chocolates. Their score was high but at the end the competition was close.
In total £500 was raised for Farleigh Hospice. I had chosen this charity because sadly my husband, Mark, lost his fight with cancer in December of last year. Although I would dearly have loved to care for him at home in the last days of his life, because of the medical care he required this was not possible. Instead he was transferred to the hospice and I was able to stay there with him and care for him with the support of their excellent team.
The hospice staff not only looked after Mark but also my family and me and they continue to offer us support through what is an extremely difficult time.
I would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to all those who supported my quiz night by providing help, teams on the night, donations and raffle prizes.
Teresa Julien
Our next Quiz Night will be on Saturday April 1st in aid of Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary and Headrock Dog Rescue. Please see page 35 for details Page 17
Steeple’s nearest Indian Restaurant
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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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Parish Pew Reflection
I lift my eyes to the hills… (Psalm 121 v 1)
Enjoying a few days off enables us to reflect and be still before God and to consider the things that he has made. Fiona and I were given, at Christmastime, a truly great painting of Minnie our dog, which now hangs in the hallway of the Vicarage. It is a true likeness and you can see clearly the identity of Minnie. As an artist begins to paint, there is the sense that the artist starts work on their creation, sketching out the outline, filling in the background before the subject matter is given its outline and detail. The artist will then build the picture and give it iden- tity as they add layers of paint onto the canvas and see the picture emerging. Then comes the final detail of painting in the fine detail that gives personality to the picture. This could be true of a country scene, a river view or indeed a portrait. The fine details are the things that define a good work. When the work on the painting is finished there is the satisfaction from the artist’s point of view, as they step back and admire the work, in knowing that there is nothing more to be done in order to make the picture any better than it is. The sigh of satisfaction on a piece of work well done and completed brings joy and peace to the artist life, and they can step back and consider what they have done.
This is the case for our God as He made heaven and earth when on the Sabbath day He stepped back and admired what He had created. First He cast the mould for the earth, transformed the chaos into order brought the lands together, the seas locked between the lands – set- ting the background to His masterpiece. He then started to fill in the fine detail of trees and shrubs, all kinds of vegetation – food for all. Then God placed all kinds of animals and finally the detail of human life. The picture complete, He stepped back and with a great deal of satisfaction declared His work to be good, and He rested from His work knowing that He can do no more than He has already done to com- plete His work of art. And to the man and woman God sends His blessing and tells them to do the same; to bless those things of His creation in looking after them all in a responsible way.
In December’s reflection we were looking at being still before God – reflecting His image and His beauty to those around, but we needed to be still in order to be that reflection; it is not us that we reflect but God in all His goodness. Psalm 46;10 says “be still and know that I am God” Page 23 and we need to make space in our lives to be still and quiet before God. This is what the Psalmist is suggesting in Psalm 121, as he says “I lift my eyes to the hills”. It is a way of saying ‘spend some time quietly looking at creation and step back in wonder as you contem- plate artist and the work that He has put into making this world around us. Take a few moments to stand in awe at the beauty and the majes- ty of God’s work of art. Lift up your eyes and see the wonder of our God.’
Why not spend a couple of minutes now, quietly before God, listening to Him and observing the wonder of all that He has made.
Blessings, Peter
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
Steeple Church Activities
The afternoon service to ‘Make-your-own-Christingle’ two weeks before Christmas was again popular with both the young and not so young. Once the Christingles were completed from materials provided, the lights were dimmed and everyone paraded with their lighted candles – a truly magical sight.
We didn’t achieve our target of getting the new toilet facility operational by Christmas mainly due to unforeseen work to re-lay part of the floor. That’s now done, the new water supply has been connected and installation of the equipment is well underway. Once completed, this will make Steeple Church a far more desirable venue for family christenings, weddings and funerals as well as other more secular gatherings.
Date for your Diary! Steeple Vintage Vehicle Gathering Will be on Sunday 13th August Page 24
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 £1 for members and £2 for guests.
Details of forthcoming meetings are as follows:
13th March 2017 - History of the National Garden Scheme - Linda Holdaway 10th April 2017 - Badger Group - Martin Taylor 8th May 2017 - Stammering, A King's Speech - Ray Worster
For Further information Ring Roger Ware on 01621 330745 or email [email protected]
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“CUT & DRIED” HAIRDRESSERS Imperial Avenue, Maylandsea OPEN; MON-TUES-THURS 9.30 - 5.00pm - CLOSED WEDNESDAY - FRI 9.00 - 7.00pm SAT 9.00 - 2.00pm MARGARET Fully Qualified Stylists at Your Service
Telephone 01621 743100 DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Prompt and Reliable Service
WASHING MACHINES – DISHWASHERS – COOKERS NEW APPLIANCES SUPPLIED AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
Large Stock of New and Used Spare Parts
Please ring ALAN TAYLOR
01621 773709 or 07885 483595
Family run business established 25 years Page 26
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Essex Police
The previously separate community policing teams at Chelmsford and Maldon have now been combined into one unit with ten Constables based at Chelmsford. To contact them, dial 101 and ask for Chelms- ford and Maldon Community Team. The operator will put you through to an officer who can help you. Officers are no longer allocated to specific areas but Sam Pateman (42003555) usually deals with matters concerning the Dengie.
If you see anything suspicious, at any time of the day or night, do not hesitate to call 101 or, if you think it’s an emergency, dial 999.
Maldon Police Station, West Square, Maldon, CM9 5PA Front desk is open 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Monday - Friday Chelmsford Police Station, New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1NF Front desk is open 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, every day Email: [email protected] For information about Neighbourhood policing, see: http://www.essex.police.uk/my neighbourhood.aspx
Combating Hare Coursing on the Dengie
A countywide crackdown combating hare coursing has started with the launch of a new operation. Operation Galileo was launched to tackle offenders and raise awareness of the problems associated with hare coursing, including criminal damage to property and agricultural land; theft; and anti-social and threatening behaviour.
Officers also carried out high visibility patrols in Dengie Peninsula, an areas that has previously been identified as being affected. Sergeant Paul Downes said: "We ask that the public report all incidents of hare coursing or suspicious activity. Doing so allows us to gather information and intelligence in relation to suspected offenders, allowing us to task our resources accordingly.”
Anyone with information about criminal activity is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Page 28
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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
Pub Activities
Colin and Tracey at the Sun and Anchor continue to have Quiz Nights on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Glen and Lisa put details of ‘upcoming events’ at The Star on their website www.thestarinnsteeple.co.uk. These include a 60’s Mod Band event on March 25th and Blues Brothers April 29th. Then, from 7pm on May 4th they will host Kerry Standfast, a Psychic / Medium, with tickets priced at £8, but book early because numbers are limited.
A special three course lunch on Mothering Sunday, March 26th will be £22.95 per person.
Both our pubs offer bar food most lunchtimes and evenings as well as providing excellent Sunday lunches.
Please watch the boards outside the pubs for news of other events.
Steeple is very lucky to retain two pubs; please give them all the support you can.
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Steeple Village Hall
For Village Hall bookings or other enquiries relating to the hall please contact: 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 afternoons 2.00pm – 4.00pm.
To Hire Steeple Village Hall
The hall is ideal for small parties seating up to 60 people. Monday to Friday Main Hall and kitchen £7.00 per hr Minimum Hire 2 hrs Committee Room and use of kitchen £8.00 for 2 hrs Minimum Hire
Saturday: £14.00 per hr. Min Hire 2 hrs (incl. Committee Room)
Sunday: £12.00 per hr. Min Hire 2 hrs (incl. Committee Room)
All enquiries please contact: Maggie Burton 01621 773543
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Evergreens Evergreens is a social club for more ‘mature’ women and men and takes place in Steeple Village Hall on the first Monday of each month at 2.00 pm.
At our February meeting the numbers were somewhat reduced due to illness so we all discussed the topic of what we did at Christmas, with each member telling their own story.
The activity or presentation by a speaker is always followed by tea, coffee and a lovey selection of cakes made by one of our members.
New members are always very welcome.
Steeple Village Hall Trust 100 Club Winners January 2017: February 2017: 1st £30.00 Mike Davies No.104 1st £30.00 June Walker No.22 2nd £15.00 Heather Clemens No.68 2nd £15.00 J & J Hope No.177 3rd £10.00 Christine Murdoch 134 3rd £10.00 Maggie Burton No.54
The 100 Club is a monthly draw organized by the committee of the To join the 100 Club for a Steeple Village Hall Trust, a chance to win a cash prize, registered charity. 50% of the money collected is paid out in prizes and please contact Maggie the rest goes to help maintain on 01621 773543 the Village Hall.
Public Consultation on closer relationship between Fire & Rescue services and Police
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, has launched a public consultation on proposals for closer collaboration between the Police and Fire & Rescue services in Essex. Potential savings have been identified if these organisations coordinated their purchasing of vehicles and other supplies and shared some of their facilities, such as control rooms and vehicle maintenance.
If you have an opinion about this please go to www.essex.pcc.police.uk/LocalCaseForChange
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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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Quiz night!
On Saturday 1st April At Steeple Village Hall 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start Entrance £5.00 including tea/coffee and biscuits Prize for winning team Raffle Bring your own drinks and nibbles To book your table of up to 8 people, or to join a team, call Julie: 01621 774404 or 07710 385044
In aid of Animal Rescue locally and in Thailand
www.headrockdogs.org www.towerhillstables.com
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Planning Applications
Steeple Parish Council considered two Planning Applications at its January meeting, both of which Councillors decided to oppose. Neither of these has yet been decided by Maldon District Council.
MAL/17/00011/FULproposed redevelopment of the industrial site adjacent to High Steppers, Batts Road (next door to Batts Farm). The existing commercial buildings and hard standing would be demolished to make way for seven houses, five ‘4 bedroom’ detached and a pair of ‘2 bedroom’ semi’s.
MAL/17/00027/FUL proposed putting seven ‘2 bedroom’ houses on the Congregational Chapel graveyards in Batts Road, a terrace of three to the south of the old chapel building and a terrace of four to the north.
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.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be:
Wednesday, 22nd March at 7.30 pm Committee Room at Steeple Village Hall
If you have an interesting story or photograph of local history, an event, or news you would like to share with Steeple Village News, please email: [email protected]
Wishing all villagers A Happy Easter!
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MINI SKIP HIRE – LICENSED TRANSFER STATION
Quick,efficient,friendly service Phone us first for very competitive rates Phone: 01621 773933 Mobile: 07850 773933 E-mail: [email protected] www.buckrogersskiphire.co.uk
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Get involved to design our Village Sign! Our new village Parish Councillor, Kay Davey, has asked the Parish Council to explore the possibility of having a Steeple sign made. The first step would be to decide what it should depict of our village. Ideas from villagers would be very welcome and should be sent by email to Kay Davey via email at [email protected].
Here’s a variety of different styles of signs for some inspiration!
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