March 2010 newsletter

Public Meeting with Police

Tuesday 9 March 2010

A reminder that there is an opportunity to meet with local Police representatives this Wednesday 10^th March at the Bell Centre 7.30pm. This meeting is to discuss local policing issues and particularly the recent bouts of antisocial behaviour which have resulted in criminal damage to a number of parked vehicles in local roads.

FAB (Fitness and Balance) Classes

Monday 22 February 2010

If you're looking to keep fit and take part in exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, then a FAB (Fitness and Balance) class could be just what you're looking for.

Classes take place regularly locally in Sandon Village Hall on Monday mornings from 10-11am for a cost of £3-50. Classes are also held in Maldon.

Note that although the Sandon is listed as advanced, participants should proceed at their own pace and fitness level and concentrate on enjoyment of the exercise. More infomation. Or contact John on 01268 741352 or 07956 654297.

Brett Wales visits Chelmsford Organ and Keyboard Club

Monday 22 February 2010

An enthusiastic audience welcomed Brett Wales to play for them at the United Reformed Church last Saturday evening (20 February) and were treated to an excellent mix of both popular and classical music to suit a range of tastes. Brett is well known at the club and always provides a range of playing styles to get the best from his Wersi organ.

On this occasion we heard a selection of big band, Beatles, Abba and Frank Sinatra hits always interspersed with a mix of anecdotes about both his professional, musical life and his home life with his wife and two daughters. We congratulate him on the expected birth of his third child in August.

Altogether a popular entertainer on a cold and damp evening.

New Tearoom at BHN plants

Friday 12 February 2010

Great Baddow residents, Janet and Richard Hobart, have become regulars at the new tearoom located at BHN Pot Plants, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford. 

The tearoom is bright, clean and welcoming and the menu offers a good range of hot/cold drinks, cakes, scones and light lunches. The food is freshly prepared and presented well. The staff are friendly and helpful and you are made to feel a friend, rather than just a customer. 

Their new shop sells a wide range of gardening accessories, greetings cards and chinaware with many ideas for gifts. There are customer toilet facilities, ample parking and the tearoom is open from 9am to 4.30pm seven days a week.

(For those who are unaware of the location, follow the old Southend Road through Howe Green to Rettendon Bell pub, turn left into East Hanningfield Road and BHN nurseries is about a mile on the right hand side. Postcode for satellite navigation is CM3 8EW and the website is http://www.bhnpotplants.co.uk/)

University of the Third Age holds its AGM

Friday 12 February 2010

Last Wednesday afternoon, at the United Reformed Church, our local Great Baddow and Galleywood U3A held its AGM. A capacity audience listened to our chairman Alan Sheahan, as he described the key successes of the past year; subsequently the accounts for the year were approved. 

Following the business meeting, members were entertained by 30 members of the Singing Group who provided a selection of songs in a variety of both popular and more classical styles. The pieces were introduced by the conductor, Eric Withams.

Later, light refreshments were served while individuals could renew their membership for the coming year.  Congratulations to all the groups who make the society such a great success.

A memory of Baddow

Monday 8 February 2010

A person recalling memories of Baddow past has written concerning memories of Baddow Rec and asks:

"Can anyone shed any light on what happened to the drinking fountain I remember vividly in the 60s/70s that was halfway along the road into the park on the left by MacKindley's field? 

I remember it had an inscription, but can't remember what it said. I also remember the park keeper used to bring out a grey wooden rocking horse from one of the sheds along the other side of the field, for the children to ride on. 

Lastly, was the "bomb hole" really made by a bomb.  Does anyone have any photos of these?

My childhood was spent roaming the Rec and I have very fond memories of the Kiosk shop, covered shelter, ocean wave and ponies (Toby + ?) who would escape and gallop round the playing fields every so often."

Any information would be much appreciated". 

Feedback please to:  Patty Gibb [patty.gibb@googlemail.com]