Welcome to the December 2007 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.

Statistics data collection

The problems last month with collection of statistical data (via Google Analytics) was resolved and during November over 1,000 visits were made by more than 400 visitors.

Developments

We have started publishing more detailed news and feature items in the centre column on the front page, because most visitors probably wish to see the latest additions to the site without the further clicking required on the forthcoming events menu in the right hand column. In addition the date of publication is being tagged to the headline in order to timeline articles.  Interesting feature articles, news or reviews are invited for publication.

Recent updates to the site

Additional entries to the advertisements (new advertisement by Trade Windows and Doors Direct Limited) and business index (Pampered too added under Beauty Salons).

Road improvements in the village

The junction improvements where Jeffery Road meets Maldon Road appear complete but the pavement and road resurfacing in Longmead Avenue continues. The latter seems to be taking rather a long time to complete and meanwhile service 40 and 50 bus journeys are taking longer because of occasional, recent diversions via  Baddow Road and Longfield Road. I assume that the buses continued to serve the fire station stop because it is then only a short walk to the nearby GP surgery and hence facilitates access. More recently I noted that flow control using traffic lights had been introduced in Longmead Avenue which is a slight improvement but still creating delays which on some occasions have been extended. It is hoped these road and pavement improvements will soon be completed.

Some time ago, requests for a zebra crossing near the Longmead Avenue/Maldon Road intersection were made but I gather this was considered by planners and declined on safety grounds.  However a central refuge is planned.

I received a comment recently on the roadworks in Maldon Road adjacent to the farm shop, and a concern expressed that the widening may mean that hedges on the North side of Maldon road will be lost to development. This would be a pity as more and more of the village is succumbing to either infill building or other environmental damage. Long time residents will be well aware of the substantial changes in the village over 50 years resulting now in a complete urban landscape between Great Baddow and Chelmsford town.

Rail timetable changes

The present rail timetable summary  for 'One trains' ends on 8 December 2007 and an update will be provided as soon as possible after changes become available. It is unlikely there will be any significant changes to the existing service patterns. Note that due to major engineering work planned over Christmas 2007, Liverpool  Street station will be closed from  23 December 2007 - 1 January 2008.

The recent announcements of fare increases above inflation are yet another blow to commuters who have little choice but to experience overcrowded conditions, frequent service disruption and expensive fares.  The promise of improvements to come is little consolation to those who have experienced poor travelling conditions for several years and the possibility of further disruption while Crossrail is built does little to encourage confidence in the local rail network and its service provider - 'One'.

U3A news

Arthur Brookes was the speaker at the main U3A meeting in November and gave an amusing and interesting account of music hall stars including some sample songs from stars of the period. Arthur has had a life long interest in music hall and provided many amusing anecdotes about popular artistes of the period. More information about U3A.

Winston, the singing farmer

Winston, the singing farmer returned to Great Baddow on 9 November for a sell out charity concert and provided a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening. Several hundred pounds was raised by Janet Hobart and friends, and the audience reaction to this popular visitor was warm and encouraging. We look forward to another visit next year.

Great Baddow Community Care Group Concert

Another concert took place on Friday 30 November to raise funds for local community care. Taking place in the United Reformed Church, the concert comprised two parts, the first led by Baddow Hall Women's Institute Drama Group, the second by Keith Cilvert, a local folk singer. Both the Drama Group and Keith are well known locally and it was a pleasure to welcome their appearance on a shared show.

The Drama Group entertained us with a mix of seasonal songs and carols, both old and new, as well as a variety of amusing poems and readings. The group collectively has a good mix of talent and it was encouraging to see so many of the members participating in both musical and other items. Well done ladies!

Although Keith acknowledged his 'folk singer' status, his repertoire on this occasion concentrated on well known popular songs and artistes from the 50s and 60s including the Springfields, Buddy Holly, Lonnie Donegan and John  Denver. Some of these are pop 'classics' and Keith encouraged the audience to join in singing them with him.  It was an enjoyable second half of the concert and equally appreciated by the audience.

During the interval, one of our local Police Community Support Officers Maz Keenan introduced herself, and provided advice on security issues in and around the home; earlier she had distributed copies of a guide to crime reduction published by the Home Office and a leaflet on information and advice for older people from Help the Aged.

The concert concluded with light refreshments, and our thanks go to all those involved for creating a pleasant evening out.

Vineyards restaurant to reopen

The refitting of the restaurant at the Vineyards is in progress and it will shortly reopen as Tiffany's cafe/bar selling light refreshments and home made cakes. We wish the new owners success, but there is competition within the vicinity from both pubs and established restaurants, as well as adjacent take-aways, and hence the facilities and catering provided by any new establishment needs to be highly appropriate for the likely consumers.   

Church Christmas Worship, Carol Services and other events

As usual, local churches invite you to join in their Christmas worship including carol services during the period leading up to Christmas Eve. There will be a carol service at the United Reformed Church on Tuesday evening 18th December at 7pm and a carol service at St Mary's on  Sunday 23rd December at 10am, repeated at 6.30pm.  A number of schools will also be holding carol services during the month, and on Sunday 9 December at 4pm there will be a Farmyard nativity at Lathcoats farm.

Details of Christmas day services will be published on the site early December once known. If you wish to promote other events taking place during December and around Christmas, please provide details as soon as they become available, so that they can be publicised on the site.

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