July 2009 newsletter

Local Women's Institutes

Monday 29 June 2009

Great Baddow is fortunate in having 3 local Women's Institutes providing many opportunities for local ladies to enjoy a range of activities and listen to guest speakers on avariety of topics.

The three local institutes are:

* Great Baddow
* Baddow Hall
* Sandon

Each arranges its own events and activites but a number of members participate in the activities of more than one Institute. Earlier this year, Baddow Hall celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner and has published a new cookery book comprising recipes provided by members. Sandon members regularly contribute to their local federation shows - and have won several awards, and each Institute holds a number of special events each year.

They would warmly welcome new members at any of their meetings.

Wildlife Conservation

Thursday 11 June 2009

Great Baddow and Galleywood U3A held its monthly meeting on 10 June and a very interesting afternoon was enjoyed when the guest speaker, Barry Kaufmann-Wright, spoke about "Jersey Zoo and the work of Gerald Durrell". Barry worked for Gerald Durrell on his wildlife conservation programme for endangered species in the 1960s and had various responsibilities during that time as keeper for small mammals and birds.

He observed the behaviour patterns of many different species and learned not only to care for them, but also to respect their attitudes to human contact. For a couple of years he nurtured a baby chimpanzee in his room and successfully bonded with her until she matured and was returned into an outside enclosure.

Barry showed a varied selection of slides to accompany his presentation, depicting various animals and birds, including some rare breeds, to illustrate the work of conservation.

However his presentation was more than just a slide show as with each new picture, he described it with interesting and amusing anecdotes about the animal or bird's history, life and habitat; as well as personal knowledge of many of the animals he showed. For example, support was given for a captive breeding programme for the St Lucia parrot, and in 1989 returned a pair of captive-bred parrots to their native home with the Prime Minister of St Lucia.

Election Results

Wednesday 10 June 2009

 The results for the European Election were (no change):-

North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Monday 84 June 2009

This local NHS Trust has launched a new website which states:.

"We provide mental health, substance misuse and social care services and support for over 17,000 individuals and their families in north Essex. 

Our services are for people of all ages and we involve local people in the planning and delivery of services. We're committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect."

Link to Trust website

Tiffany's reaches finals of Essex Chronicle Food and Drink awards 2009

Thursday 4 June 2009

Tiffany's Cafe Bar in the Vineyards has reached the finals of the Essex Chronicle Food and Drink awards 2009 for the Best Tea or Coffee Shop. The category is open to every cafe and tea room throughout Essex, and the cafe was voted for by customers. The other finalists are Writtle Tea Rooms at Writtle, and Stop the World at Leigh on Sea.

The next stage of the competition is that the cafe will be visited by a mystery judge who will decide the winner according to their criteria.

Tiffany's is very proud to have achieved this and  would like to thank all of their customers for voting for them.

The cafe has become an important part of the lives of some of the local people who meet there regularly, and who also hold family birthdays and celebrations there.

We wish Tiffanys congratulations on success so far and the best of luck for the finals!

Children's Stamp Collecting Club

Tuesday 2 June 2009

A friend in Seekok, USA mentors a Children's Stamp Collecting Club. The group is generally about 10 children and their parents, ages 12 and under. The children start collecting used postage stamps in an album and also start topical stamp exhibits (horses, fish, birds, etc.). They meet at the local town library on two Saturdays each month.

Would any individuals or clubs/churches in the Great Baddow area be interested in exchanging used stamps (they send US, we send UK)? Or perhaps saving stamps from mail here and sending them to the group as a donation. It's a great way for the children to learn about the other country.

The postal address for exchanges is:

Seekonk Children's Stamp Club
c/o Youth Librarian
Seekonk Public Library
Newman Ave.
Seekonk, MA 02771
USA

Any queries or for further information, email Shawn Pease

Advice: If you are a child please ensure your parents or guardians are aware, and that you have permission to correspond with this club.

Elections

Tuesday 2 June 2009

A reminder of the forthcoming elections this Thursday June 4^th. Although the recent anger and frustration over the actions of some MPs in abusing the expenses system is understandable, this should not discourage people from voting for County Councillors and MEPs and exercising the right to vote. This site is politically neutral and hence wishes all candidates good luck in the election and hopes that those elected  will work to serve us and regain the confidence and trust of the electorate.

Resurfacing and parking restrictions

Friday 29 May 2009

The resurfacing in Church Street is now complete and includes the painting of yellow lines signifying the introduction of new parking restrictions. Next week on June 4^th Maldon Road will be closed from 2200 - 0700 on the 5^th and on the night of June 5^th itself, from 1900 - 0700.

Rail Timetables

Thursday 28 May 2009

The rail timetables on this site which show earliest and latest through trains from Chelmsford to various destinations have been updated to reflect the new timetable introduced by National Express East Anglia on 17 May 2009.