Welcome to the October 2008 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.

General News

Planning issues

The application for Conservation Area Consent  in respect of the former Dale Hire premises at 21 Church Street (reference 08/01372/CAC) for demolition of old building, shop, office and warehouse has been approved. The decision is dated 30 September 2008. 

Personally, I am not surprise at the outcome as both the Parish Council and Borough Council Conservation Officer raised no objections; the latter stating that the removal of the existing buildings would enhance the appearance of the local conservation area. 

However, any improvement will depend on the level of landscaping applied following demolition, and I anticipate that further planning applications will follow for a new build on the site, despite a previous application for apartments being withdrawn.

Curries, Sundries and Chutneys!

The opportunity to purchase freshly cooked curries in the Vineyards on Fridays is no longer available - I wonder if the reason is lack of interest, regulations concerning the sale of food, or issues relating to the use of the Vineyards?

Meadgate Avenue resurfacing

The resurfacing of Meadgate Avenue commenced on 30 September and is planned to last for 6 days between the hours of  9.30am - 3.30pm. In addition to the route 40/50 bus diversions which continue, all traffic is diverted via Longfield Avenue and Baddow Road.

Recent events

Visit to Dedham

The local church visiting group had an enjoyable day out last Friday (26 September) to Dedham in 'Constable country' which has an interesting history and association with John Constable. In addition to studying the architecture of the building and climbing the church tower, participants enjoyed the local teashops and businesses which  make the village a popular place to visit. At only just over 30 miles from Chelmsford, it can easily be reached in less than an hour.  

Reverend Alastair McGregor

The village said goodbye to Alastair last month following his retirement.  He was a popular and well known person in the village and much loved Rector. We wish him well in his new home and future.

Baddow Past

The 1958 floods

Allen Buckroyd, one of our local historians has reminded me that last month included the 50th anniversary of the floods in Great Baddow in September 1958. 

The Essex Chronicle of 6^th September 1958 reported that water built up to a height of 8 feet behind the wall at the bottom of Galleywood Road,opposite the White Horse. Gratings at the bottom of the wall were blocked by vegetation growth, and the wall collapsed. A wave of water passed through the village causing flooding to a depth of several feet in central village properties (e.g the United Reformed Church was flooded to a depth of 2.5 feet).

There was considerable damage to properties and the underlying cause was severe weather conditions which resulted in a stationary storm over Chelmsford with several inches of rain falling in a few hours.

This information, and more about the flood, is described in the Great Baddow Oral History - published by Buckroyd et al in 2003.

Proposed waiting Restrictions

Advisory notices concerning this proposal are now well distributed around the village at all affected roads/sites. The central area around the Vineyards and many roads within a half mile or so are affected but I think that the proposed changes will improve the present situation and improve traffic flow around pinch points and congested areas of the village. A copy of the plan and roads affected is available on Chelmsford Borough Council website as well as key dates and procedures for objections. Any objections should be submitted by 16 October 2008.

Return of Winston the Singing Farmer

Winston the Singing Farmer returns to Great Baddow on December 6^th for another evening of Norfolk comedy cabaret at its best, with music and lots of laughs, licensed bar and raffle. As usual the event is organised in support of Little Havens Children's Hospice which this year celebrates 10 years of caring for children. More details.  Those residents who have attended one of Winston's previous concerts will know that he is an amusing and highly entertaining person who mixes humourous songs with anecdotes about country life.  Obtain tickets soon as the concert may sell out!

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Chris Harvey
Site manager
2nd October 2008
Email Chris Harvey