Welcome to the February 2009 issue of Great Baddow Online Newsletter

Unsubscribe (Cease mailings). Go to the bottom of page for instructions on how to stop copies of this newsletter being sent to you.

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.

Historical interest in Whitehouse Farm

Occasionally I receive email from individuals interested in local history or carrying out ancestral research. Robert Thorpe, a resident in the USA is researching his ancestors, among whom were some who lived at Whitehouse Farm. These include his great grandfather, Frederick Thorogood, who lived there with his wife Emily and his mother Mary. Later, he believes Elijah Sorrell lived there. Elijah is his great great grandmother - Mary Thorogood's brother. 

Many local residents will know that Whitehouse farm was situated close to the present bottom end of Meadgate Avenue; a 'White House' was situated on Baddow Road, thought to be on the site of the present Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the farm and associated buildings were behind, probably near the present bypass, perhaps close to the nearby Tusser Court. The name 'Whitehouse' of course perpetuates in the road in the area - Whitehouse Crescent.

Robert has also sent me a photo of a water colour he believes may be one of the Whitehouse buildings. It is an English Cottage in style but could be almost anywhere. Does anyone local recognise the picture and /or able to identify the property and its location? Please let me know if you do!

Photos of Old Baddow

Great Baddow is full of history (see local history section of this site) and recently some old photos were donated showing scenes from the centre of the village around the time of the First World War 1914-1918. These old photos are provided in the hope they may appeal to those interested in the social life of the village in the early part of the last century, and prompt anyone else with similar images to provide them for archiving. More information about these is available on the website itself.

Recent events

U3A

U3A welcomed Reverend Keith Lovell, the local historian and author, to its recent monthly meeting (14^th January) for a talk on " History through Essex Heritage Plaques". 

Speaking to a packed audience, Rev Lovell spoke on Essex plaques and their origins. He then went on to stress the importance of understanding the pictures seen on the plaques as they portray the history of the community in which they stand. He also touched on pillar boxes and beer mats and their relationship to some blue heritage plaques.

Various Essex community plaques were mentioned such as those in Colchester, Romford, Purleigh and their history portrayed,together with some of Chelmsford's blue plaques, that show important people such as Thomas Hooker, Ann Knight, and Marconi.

Chelmsford Organ and Keyboard Club

On 17^th January 2009, the Chelmsford Organ and Keyboard Club welcomed Janet Dowsett to its monthly concert held at the United Reformed Church. Janet has visited the club on a number of previous occasions and is a popular entertainer providing a mix of styles which satisfies most musical tastes.

During the two halves of her concert, she played a repertoire of both classical and light popular music, including some individual pieces as well as selections based on a theme, such as Mama Mia! (music of Abba), Swing time and Cops (themes from TV Police/Detective series).

U3A Church Visiting Group Social Afternoon

On Friday, 23^rd January,  about 50 members of the U3A Church Visiting Group commenced their New Year programme with a social afternoon, and enjoyed the opportunity to perform simple ringing using bell plates. These are easier instruments to learn than bells, but when struck give off a tone which is similar to that of a bell. Opportunity was given to anyone who wished  to 'have a go' and it was enjoyed by all those who participated,  learning some chords and arpeggios before playing simple tunes.

Charity Support

Farleigh Hospice

On ‘Pay What You Think It's Worth Day’, Pampered Too will donate 50% of all treatment takings to Farleigh Hospice.

Everyone is invited to come along to take part in support of the charity and indulge in a whole menu of treatments available throughout the event, including our Men Too and Teens Too ranges:

Just turn up, select your treatment and enjoy.  At the end of treatment you will be asked to pay what you feel the treatment was worth.  The charity will receive 50% of whatever you pay. For more information, please visit Pampered too website.

I also attended the recent charity lunch (Wednesday 28^th January) for Farleigh in the Parish Hall.  A good number of friends was present  for one of the regular lunches held in support of Farleigh Hospice by the local support group. As first time visitors to one of these events my wife and I were pleased to see not only a large number of local residents and friends present, but also the opportunity to share a quality Ploughman's lunch, with a starter of vegetable soup and a choice of home made desserts to follow.

Congratulations to all those who worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure an enjoyable midday meal was had by everyone who came. Hopefully also, a good contribution was made to Farleigh's funds.

Great Baddow Community Care Group

The Great Baddow Community Care Group helps people in the village by transporting them to hospitals, clinics and doctors surgeries when they are in need of transport because they are elderly or infirm. The Group needs more volunteers to help others in our village – would you consider adding your name to our confidential list of caring people who have volunteered their services?  If you can help or would like more information without committing yourself please contact one of the following:

Mr. Clive Spratt, Chairman         Mr. Mike Nel, Transport Coordinator
426 Baddow Road,                    413 Baddow Road,
Great Baddow,                          Great Baddow,
Chelmsford,                               Chelmsford,
CM2 9RB                                   CM2 7QL

Tel. No.  472223                        Tel. No.  474166

Forthcoming events

Garden lectures

A series of talks on "The History of Gardens" will start in February and run for 8 weeks. These will take place at 384 Baddow Road and commence on Tuesday February 3^rd from 2-4pm and will be repeated on Wednesdays (starting February 4^th) from 10-12 noon.  The cost is £20 for the course or £4 per individual lecture. Spaces now may be limited but for more information, please telephone from Eileen and Dennis Hance 259659.

Music concert

On Saturday evening February 7^th at 7.30pm, St Mary's Church hosts a concert with "Keith Cilvert and friends". Keith himself is well known in the village and this concert promises a variety of music in many styles! Ticket cost £5 and are available from the Church Office - ring 477501.

Magic Show

Later , at the end of February, on the 28^th at 7.30 in the Parish Hall, "Conjuring up Comedy" is a one man comedy and magic show with Ian Keable. Tickets cost £6-50, concessions £5-50, from Janetta on 472448 or Chris on 471633.

Ian specialises in comedy through participation, where those involved enjoy themselves as much as the audience. Accompanied by spellbinding trickery,  mind-reading, and sleight of hand.

This event is sponsored by Essex on Tour which works with people all over Essex including our local Parish Council to promote professional, live arts events in all sorts of venues all over the place.  They have a huge selection of shows which include theatre, dance, music, children’s shows and comedy – something for every taste and age to enjoy. 

Unsubscribe - Please stop emailed copies of this newsletter

Because so many of us receive junk email, if on receiving this or any other issue you do not wish to receive any further editions, please accept my apologies; to stop future issues mailed to you, simply email me with the subject line “stop e-newsletter”, and I will delete you from the mailing list. If you have read the newsletter online and would like to receive it by email, please email me with the subject line entry “start e-newsletter”.

Chris Harvey
Site manager
30^th January 2009
Email Chris Harvey