Welcome to the May 2009 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

Google follow up

Following my discussion concerning Google Street View in last month's issue, other individuals have reported sight of the Google camera cars in their streets and it is likely that Chelmsford and its nearby villages will be featured in the next set of towns to be available under 'Street View'.

I have written to the Information Commissioner expressing concerns over the potential invasion of privacy, but as the pictures are taken from the public highway, my understanding is that the images themselves and the taking of them are legal; the Information Commissioner has not yet responded to my comments but press reports suggest that no restrictions are planned on this activity, and the Information Commissioner's Office stated in a recent press release (23 April 2009) that a common sense view must prevail.

The concern raised by myself is whether Google will collate the information and use for a separate commercial purpose.

Bus Stops in Molrams Lane

When these were reported last month, the posts were installed but the signs indicating bus stops were pending fixation. These have now been attached with the stop designation Woodhill Road. 

Implementation of new Parking Restrictions in Great Baddow

In previous issues of this newsletter, I referred to the proposed parking restrictions due to come into operation on 1^st May 2009. Although due on that date, enforcement will await the placement of signs and kerbside marking by the Council. At the Village Conference on 24^th May I suggested that it would be helpful if the Police would monitor traffic through the village; the removal of parked cars may result in increased traffic speeds in residential areas. 

Reviews of recent events

'Zealot' - Passion Play Review

For three evenings during Easter week, Sandon Players presented 'Zealot', their Silver Jubilee Passion Play. Staged at the village hall, the play written by local dramatist and actress Christine Wass, presented a thought provoking and different perspective of the Passion from the point of view of Barabbas and his band of zealots - intent on creating hatred and disruption in Jerusalem during the passover period.

Sandon players, accompanying musicians and helpers staged an interesting play based on real and imagined events from the Gospel narrative and deserve congratulations for their efforts.

"Mrs Thurston" from 1941 visits U3A

At the monthly meeting on Wednesday 8 April, members listened to Louise Reed in her role play as Mrs Marjorie Thurston, a woman living in 1941. Dressed for the part in fashion and a hat from the period, ‘Marjorie’ described in detail her experiences of living throughout the war period in both the country and London.

Starting from the late 1930s 'Marjorie' described her experiences of living through the war years in the small village of Braughing, and although a fictional account, Louise used many historical facts and local anecdotes to support her narrative, and the details of life in the period were familiar to many of the U3A members.

Good Friday Walk of witness

A number of local Christians from Baddow churches combined in a 'Walk of Witness' on Good Friday, (10^th April) to Chelmsford town centre where there was a short service of praise and witness. About 30 or so members of local Baddow Churches started out and were joined at other points en route by friends from churches on Moulsham Lodge and Meadgate. 

After the service refreshments were served at Victoria Road South Baptist Church and the Salvation Army in Baddow Road; the latter providing the opportunity to look round their newly completed building.

Baddow Residents visit Gardens

On Saturday 18 April a group of  us joined a coach trip to Kent and East Sussex visiting public gardens to view the spring flowers, and see inside some of the historic houses with which they are associated.

Leaving Great Baddow we arrived first at Leeds Castle in Kent which has one of the most attractive settings for any similar historic building in the country. Here it was possible to view the early flowers, the kitchen garden and aviary, before relaxing with refreshments or ambling around the gift shop.

After a three hour stay we reboarded the coach to travel on to two other well known gardens, firstly that of Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter, and later on to Bateman's in the Sussex Weald, the much loved home of Rudyard Kipling. 

With excellent weather we had a thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to see some well known gardens as they develop their 'Spring best'.  Our  thanks go to Dennis and Eileen, our hosts and organisers of the trip, for an excellent day out.

Village Conference

This was held on Thursday evening 24^th April when over 20 people attended the Bell Centre to participate in the village conference with Parish and Borough Councillors, and representatives from local community and neighbourhood organisations.

Reports were provided by the local police and fire services as well as from local organisations including the Community Association, the Parochial Charity responsible for the Almshouses, Neighbourhood Watch, and the various Parish Council Committees.

Opportunity was provided to raise questions about the village environment and a number of issues were raised for follow up. 

It's unfortunate that only a small number of residents turned out to support this annual meeting, as it provides an opportunity to question councillors and representatives of other Baddow organisations about local issues.  Many of the individuals who serve on these organisations do so voluntarily, and although our parish councillors determine local policies, the issues they handle are not usually the major national concerns of e.g economic or foreign policy, but more mundane matters of local planning or environmental issues and they commit a considerable amount of time and effort to serving the community as a whole.

Hopefully, future meetings will be better attended and avoid clashing with a number of other social events on the same evening. Remember also that except for restricted business, Parish Council meetings are open to the public to attend, and opportunity is usually provided for members of the public to raise issues before the meeting commences.

Farleigh Hospice Spring Lunch

Well over 100 people attended the lunch last Wednesday (29^th April) at the Parish Hall, provided by the local support group in aid of funds for Farleigh Hospice. As usual, there were three courses comprising vegetable soup, a choice of salads and a dessert followed by tea or coffee. Together with a raffle and a sales table for various items, the opportunity to sit down, at the same time as enjoying a lunch at a realistic price, provided an enjoyable environment to relax for an hour or so with friends.

Thank you to all those helpers who regularly make these events so successful. The next Summer lunch will be  held on 15th July 2009. Although meeting the needs of  people across Essex, many local residents have benefited from the services provided, and in this time of the 'credit crunch', any support which can be provided will be greatly appreciated.

Other news

Library Services

One of our local librarians has kindly provided information about the local library services available at Great Baddow including the baby and toddler group, computer access, reading groups and so on.

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Chris Harvey
Site manager
4^th May 2009
Email Chris Harvey