Welcome to the March 2010 issue of Great Baddow Online Newsletter

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Introduction

For newcomers to the site, this newsletter is circulated monthly to registered site members and friends, to supplement information on the site itself. Please forward to colleagues and other interested individuals in order to publicise the site. If you are a recent newcomer to the site, welcome - your readership is appreciated.

News

A memory of Baddow

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]

University of the Third Age holds its AGM

On Wednesday afternoon, February 10^th 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.

New Tearoom at BHN plants

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/

(Since this recommendation was added to the main page of the website, my wife and I have visited BHN and sampled tea and cakes. We confirm that it is a pleasant, quiet environment, and well worth pausing for refreshments while looking for plants etc.)

Brett Wales visits Chelmsford Organ and Keyboard Club

An enthusiastic audience welcomed Brett Wales to play for them at the United Reformed Church on 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.

FAB (Fitness and Balance) Classes

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 information. Or contact John on 01268 741352 or 07956 654297.

Local crime update

Essex police are warning that householders across Essex could receive a letter warning them of fraudsters. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) and City of London Police have written to 6,500 homes across the UK warning residents that their details are on a list being used by fraudsters to target people and sell them worthless shares. The list contains the names of about 10,000  people, some with addresses and phone numbers.

The police have teamed up with the FSA to launch Operation Warn following concerns the list was being circulated among fraudsters.   The letter, which is the first stage of the operation, explains what people can do to protect themselves from the fraud. It includes advice such as hanging up the phone  if you get an 'out of the blue' call offering you shares and checking that anyone offering to sell you shares is registered with the FSA. If you wish to give to charity why not give directly or take any household items to a bona fide charity shop.

Some of our residents have also been telephoned recently by bogus Council Tax officials trying to find out details of their bank or credit card accounts.  They are being told that they are due a refund of Council Tax and are then asked for their bank or card details so the refund can be paid directly into their account.

Chelmsford Borough Council would like to make everyone aware that they do not telephone or e-mail people for their bank details in order to make refunds. If you are due a refund, they will let you know in writing.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the Council and you are unsure, please ask them for their name and extension, and then call the Council on 01245 606606 to speak to them, or ring the Council Tax office direct on 01245 606780.

Residents receiving such enquiries are also advised to speak to the Police. Also see event below.

Forthcoming events

Opportunity to meet with local Police

There is an opportunity for local residents to meet with police to discuss local concerns over anti-social behaviour, crime etc, on Wednesday 10th March at the Bell Centre, starting at 7.30pm. More information from PCSO 73780 Kelly Walker ( kelly.walker@essex.pnn.police.uk).  

Or telephone: 0300 333 444 x 485909 or 01245 490296

11th Essex Book Festival - Penelope Lively

This annual event has a series of meetings taking place around Chelmsford. This one takes place in Great Baddow Parish Hall on 4^th March from 2 - 4pm when author Penelope Lively will be in conversation with Juliet Annan. More information about the book festival which takes place from 4 - 31 March 2010 is available from local libraries and http://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk.

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Chris Harvey
Site manager
1^st March 2010
Email Chris Harvey