Parish News JanFeb 2016 - Great Waltham Parish Council

January and February 2016
Great Waltham Christmas Tree Festival
Father Christmas in his grotto
The Christmas Market
The Christmas Tree Festival was back in its
"home" this year - Great Waltham
church. Local clubs, preschool and school,
and local businesses decorated the trees in
the theme of "West End musicals" and they
were very inventive and magical.
On
Saturday,
there
was
a
bustling Christmas market and fair. In the
evening, the Essex Police Brass
Band belted out their Christmas favourites,
Great Waltham School choir sang a funny
song and a traditional one, the new village
choir had its first public performance (well
done!) and Boreham Ladies' Choir
delighted us with a variety of songs.
On Sunday, the Parish Council lights were
switched on at Banbury Square by Father
Christmas who arrived with his many elves
in a Lodge's vintage coach. Everyone
then followed the candlelit path back to the
church to watch “The Lion, the Witch and
the Wardrobe" and take part in the
Christingle service.
The Community Network and the Parochial
Church Council would like to thank
everyone who helped and those who came
along - we couldn't have wished for a better
start to our village's Christmas festivities.
Some of the Christmas trees
Great Waltham School Choir
The children with Essex Police Band
9th April 2016
The deadline for commenting on the
Local Plan is 4.45pm on 21 January
2016. You can find information about
the Local Plan Issues and Options
consultation document,
Sustainability Appraisal (and NonTechnical Summary) and the draft
Statement of Community Involvement
at http://consult.chelmsford.gov.uk/portal.
You can also read the consultation
documents during normal opening
hours in libraries and at the City
Council’s Customer Service Centre at
Duke Street, Chelmsford. Specially
designed response forms are
available online at:
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/new-local-plan.
Responses can also be made in
writing and returned to Planning
Policy, Chelmsford City Council, Civic
Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford,
CM1
1JE
or
emailed
to
planning.policy@chelmsford.gov.uk
Drinks Party to thank
Peter and Maureen Bradley
for their contribution to the parish
over Peter’s 44 year tenure as Clerk
to the Parish Council.
As many of you will know, Peter Bradley is retiring from his position as Clerk to the
Parish Council next March. He has been Clerk for 44 years during which time he
has guided the Council effectively from an amateur to an almost professional
organisation. But in addition the contacts, knowledge and expertise he has gained
have been used to the benefit of many parishioners. Of course, he would not have
been able to do so much for the community without the help of Maureen who
allowed her house to act as an office for many years, as well as herself being a
friend to so many members of the community.
We think it appropriate that the community should have the opportunity to say thank
you to Peter and Maureen and so we propose to have a 'drinks and nibbles' party
in Great Waltham village hall to which all parishioners are invited. This will be on
Saturday 9th April 2016 starting at 6pm. Since we expect lots of people will want
to come, it would be appreciated if you would contact us (details below) if you will
be coming. Of course if you will need transport on the night, do let us know.
Peter Jackson vandp@btinternet.com or 01245 360067
Alexander Micklem micklem@chathamhall.co.uk 0r 01245 360239
articles@parish-news.co.uk
I hope you had a great Christmas and
that 2016 will be full of joy and promise.
It was lovely to see so many at the
Christmas services in all the churches,
and the children certainly enjoyed the
Noisy Angel story at the crib services!
We miss the Christmas lights now, but
the Light of the World, Jesus, keeps
shining in any darkness – and as St
John says, the darkness cannot
overwhelm that Light. It’s good to
concentrate on that Light if things are
dark about us, whatever the time of
year.
Life goes on: we are hoping to do a little
more work on Great Waltham Church.
We need more open space for things
like the Art Show and the Christmas
Tree weekend, and for a hospitality
area after services (including funerals
and weddings if it’s wanted). So we
propose to remove some of the
Victorian pews, probably from the north
aisle. We wouldn’t be reducing the
amount of seating overall, because we
would buy neat and comfortable folding
chairs which would be easy to move
and store - what do you think about the
idea? We are having a visit from the
Diocese’s planning people on 13
January and should get their advice by
the end of the month, so would you let
us have your views by then too please?
Meanwhile the Ford End Church
alterations are going really well, and we
have our lovely servery pretty much
complete, and hallelujah! at last, the
loo. We’ve been able to do some
redecoration too, thanks to the Friends’
Trust, and we are looking at floor
coverings. All being well, we shall be
finished soon and Ford End Church will
look as bright and lovely as Great
Waltham Church (and we hope folks
will want to use them for weddings, in
particular).
But churches are not just buildings –
they are the folks who come together to
sing and rejoice and praise and grow
and support each other and anyone we
can help. Do come along to a service if
you haven’t been lately, whatever your
beliefs.
Faith is always “work in
progress”, after all - a bit like building
works!
Blessings to all, RevRose.
Thank You!
The Parish News is an independent,
community magazine that is free to
parishioners of Great Waltham. We
are self-funding and entirely run by
volunteers. We would like to take this
opportunity to thank our wonderful
delivery and production team so very
much for their invaluable work – we
could not do it without you!
Make a huge difference at the heart of our communities…..
Parish Administrator
Are you responsible, self motivated, able to work alone and as part of a team?
We are looking for an administrator 15 hours a week to support the church
leadership of the 3 parishes of Great Waltham and Ford End, Great and Little
Leighs and Little Waltham, and the Chignals with Mashbury, in their mission and
ministry of the parish. The person will report to the Priest-in-Charge – Revd
Caroline Brown.
The role can be either home or office based, with some flexibility. It will require
ability to coordinate volunteers, excellent communication and administrative
skills, attention to detail as well as organisational and computing skills.
To discuss further contact Revd Caroline Brown cjbrown42@hotmail.co.uk
or phone 01245 364081
Job description and application form are on our websites
www.greatwalthamchurch.org.uk or www.churchesattheleighsandlittlewaltham.co.nr/
Closing date for applications 22nd January 2016.
Interviews on Wednesday 3rd February.
Main Services at Great Waltham & Ford End Churches
31 Jan 10.30am Joint Parishes Service, Great Leighs (only service that day)
Normal Sundays:
8am Traditional Communion, Great Waltham on 10 Jan, 14 Feb.
9.30am weekly at Ford End (Family Service 24 Jan, 28 Feb)
11am weekly at Great Waltham (Family Service 10 Jan, 14 Feb)
Celtic Service 5pm Great Waltham on 24 Jan, 28 Feb
Ash Wednesday Service, 7.30pm, Great Waltham on 10 Feb.
Services and Events at Blackchapel, North End
All services start at 10am unless otherwise stated
JANUARY
Sun. 3rd Family Worship
B Croxton
Sun. 10th Holy Communion (bcp)
Rev T Pigrem
Wed. 13th The Good Book Club
Schoolroom
Sun. 17th Holy Communion (cw)
Rev. Canon C Sly
Wed. 20th Prayer Meeting
Schoolroom
Sun. 24th Morning Worship (cw)
S. Merritt
Wed. 27th The Good Book Club
Schoolroom
Sun 31st Visit to Felsted Parish Church
FEBRUARY
Sun. 7th Family Worship
P. Hamilton
Wed. 10th Good Book Club
Schoolroom
Sun. 14th Holy Communion (bcp)
Rev S Bazlinton
Wed. 17th Prayer Meeting
Schoolroom
Sun. 21st Holy Communion (cw)
Rev. S Bailey
Wed. 24th Good Book Club
Schoolroom
Sun. 28th Morning Worship (cw)
J. Turton
1.20 pm
8.00 pm
1.20 pm
11 am
1.20 pm
8.00 pm
1.20 pm
bcp = Book of Common Prayer; cw = Common Worship
Enquiries: contact Mr P Hamilton on 01371 820095
Services & Events at Lt Waltham United Reformed Church
January and February 2016
Contact: Rev Geoffrey Griggs 01245 471990
Services 10.30am Each Sunday – Sunday School during Morning Worship
Jan 3rd Rev Geoffrey Griggs
Jan 10th Rev Geoffrey Griggs 10am Messy Church 6.30pm G Griggs HC
Jan 17th Mike Shelbourne
Jan 24th Rev Lorna Bantock HC
Jan 31st David Pennicott
Thurs 7th January Fish & Chip Gossip & Guzzle 11am – 1.0pm
Thurs 14th January Pippins Parent & Toddler Group 9.30am – 11am
Sat 16th Jan Coffee Morning in School Room 10am
th
Feb 7 Rev Geoffrey Griggs
Feb 14th Ian Chamberlain All Age - Bring & Share Lunch - Praise
Feb 21st Charles de Lacy
Feb 28th Rev Geoffrey Griggs HC
Thurs 4th Feb Gossip & Guzzle 11am – 1.0pm
Thurs 11th Feb Pippins Parent & Toddler Group 9.30am – 11am
Sat 20th Feb Coffee Morning in Schoolroom 10am
articles@parish-news.co.uk
News from Ford End School
Ford End Gardening Club
Apart from picking the Brussels
sprouts and trimming back the roses,
December is not the best gardening
month, so for our December meeting
we livened it up with a musical quiz.
The music and questions were all
supplied by Wendy and Robert
Johnson with gardening or hobby
answers. One of the hobby answers
was dancing and suddenly Sheila
Bearman got up and gave us an
hilarious dance exhibition to prove
she had the right answers - and
hopefully thought she might gain a
few extra points for her team! She
swore her drink was non-alcoholic but
it did give everyone a laugh! Anne
Prince supplied a colourful table quiz
where teams had to recognise photos
of flowers and shrubs and were
awarded more points if you could give
the Latin names of them as well as the
common name. This was won by
Marion Garvey - you need to know
your Latin for a Ford End Quiz!
Everyone brought something for
refreshments which resulted in a large
table heaving with a variety of
Martin
delicious party food.
Lockwood proposed the vote of
thanks to Wendy and Robert for such
an enjoyable evening.
Members were reminded to bring
back their Hyacinth bulbs to be judged
at the meeting on 11th January 2016
by our speaker Mr Mike Abel from
Agralan. He will be talking on the
subject of 'Pesticide Free Products'
for gardeners. A warm welcome to
anyone interested in gardening or the
countryside to come and join us. We
meet, as usual, in Ford End village
hall at 7.30pm.
Happy Christmas and a bountiful New
Year to all gardeners. Alan Adcock.
Ford End Senior Tea
The tea will be held at Woodstock,
Church Lane, Ford End on Monday
11th Jan and Monday 1st Feb at
2.30pm. Anyone interested or who
has not been before, please ring
Sheila Bearman on 01245 237335 or
07977 077945
Ford End Dancing Lessons
The club meets on the on 1st and 3rd
Wednesday of each month i.e. 6th and
20th Jan and 3rd and 17th Feb at 7pm
in Ford End Village Hall. For further
information, ring Sheila on 01245
237335 or 07977 077945.
This term has been happy, busy and successful. The children have had
some memorable experiences which have led to some excellent writing.
The most recent of these was the day when classes 2 and 3, as part of
their chocolate topic, spent the afternoon slicing and chopping fruit before making
fruit kebabs for a chocolate fountain. The writing produced was absolutely
excellent, as it was the day when they had to clear leaves and weed the garden in
return for an extra play the following day. When the next day came, they were not
rewarded and it gave them an opportunity to think about unfairness and child labour
and the reason for Fair Trade. Once again, the work produced as a result of this was
of fantastic standard both in terms of the level of writing and the thinking and
emotional responses it provoked.
More recently, Christmas has been upon
us. What an amazing fortnight we had to
end
the
term!
The
Christmas
performances this year were spectacular.
It was a true joy to see the children singing
speaking, acting and dancing so well. I
really do believe they were the best we
have ever had. Our children are so lucky.
I do hope that, one day, they will be able
to look back with fond memories of
childhood Christmases at Ford End.
The children had a truly lovely time at Leez Priory again and the staff there
remarked, several times, on their good behaviour and politeness. The Felsted
Friendship club, to whom we sing there, were, once again, thrilled by seeing and
hearing our children. The pantomime was also a huge success, with our children
being very well behaved. In the last week, we gave a Thank You concert to those
adults who help us in so many ways. The standard of performance was very high
ending with an amazing song Alleluia which brought tears to many an eye.
We have ended the term with 78 children on roll. The first September I was here, in
2006, we had 39 on roll so we have now doubled the number of pupils! We are not
looking to get any bigger, although we still do technically have 3 places which county
could fill.
Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Hazel Arnill (Headteacher)
Waltham Singers Spring 2016
There's another tempting program for
our next concert on Saturday 12th
March, 7.30pm at King Edward
Grammar School in Chelmsford. We'll
be bringing to life a new work called
'Arion and the Dolphin' written by one
of
the
leading
contemporary
composers in the UK, Jonathan Dove.
The piece is a collection of songs
conveying the mythical adventures of
the musician Arion, who finds himself
in the clutches of pirates but escapes
with the help of dolphins. The last new
work by Jonathan was an opera
premiered by Simon Rattle and the
Berlin Philharmonic, so we’re feeling
somewhat privileged to bring his work
to Chelmsford, and we very much hope
that he will join us for the evening. The
program will also include Stravinsky's
'Symphony of Psalms' and will be
accompanied by the talented Longman
Piano Duo, who will also perform their
own pieces. The venue has tiered
seating which makes for good viewing
from all seats and we'd love you to join
us. More information and details on
how to buy tickets can be found on
www.walthamsingers.org.uk or by
calling Jenny Tait on 01245 467588.
articles@parish-news.co.uk
Bereavement Group
You are warmly invited to come along
to our village Bereavement Group whether your loss is recent or maybe
from a long time ago – the burden of
grief shared with others who are
grieving really helps; and this group will
be led by the bereaved for the
bereaved. There will be no experts or
counsellors, just ordinary men and
women who are trying to come to terms
with the loss of someone they love very
much, who are struggling to keep as
'normal' as possible for the rest of our
families when everything is far from
'normal' and to find coping strategies to
face the future. You are not alone.
If you are interested in coming along
please do so and, if you would like more
information, please call Steph on 01245
360907 or email me at:
stephdodwell@btinternet.com.
We meet on the 4th Monday in the
month (except when it falls around a
bank holiday) in Great Waltham Church
Community Room, from 6.30pm to
8.30pm. i.e.
25th January 2016
29th February 2016
21st March 2016
Parish
Directory
Pleshey Forge Ltd
Blacksmith, welding and wrought ironwork
Hill Farm
Church Lane
Ford End
Chelmsford
Essex CM3 1LH
To advertise in the
Parish News, please
contact us by email on
We specialise in the manufacture of
decorative items, structural steelwork,
steel fabrication and blacksmithing,
including gates, railings, fencing and
balustrades.
adverts@parish-news.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 01245 237233
E-mail: enquiries@plesheyforgeltd.co.uk
Chartered Surveyors | Estate Agents | Property Consultants
‘trusted’ property experts
Tree Ser
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Company No. 6144781 Directors Shane Rayner & Ian Clements
VAT number 899424168
M.FREEMAN & SONS
AMENITY & GROUNDCARE
CONTRACTORS
www.freeman-contractors.co.uk
Tree Surgeons & Arborists
> Experienced and
knowledgeable in your area
Telephone 01245 362988
Pruning & Shaping
Felling & Removal
Planning & Advice
> Large applicant database
with access to London buyers
Free quotations & advice
NPTC qualified
Council Approved
Work compliant to BS3998 & BS5837
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e-mail:
tomcrees@plesheytreeservices.co.uk
www.plesheytreeservices.com
> Competitive fee structure
Call today for a FREEmarket appraisal
01245 292 100
Open Monday - Wednesday:
Noon - 3.00pm
& 5.30pm - Midnight
Thursday - Sunday:
Noon - Midnight
Food served all day Sundays
AWARDED LES ROUTIERS
PUB OF THE YEAR 2009
LITTLEY GREEN, GT WALTHAM,
CM3 1BU Tel: 01245 362
www.compasseslittleygreen.co.uk
fennwright.co.uk
PADDOCK MAINTENANCE
WEED CONTROL
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
GRASS CUTTING
GROUND PREPARATION
SOIL SAMPLING
FERTILISER
APPLICATION
LAWN
TREATMENTS
Tel/Fax 01245360232
Mobiles 07710622611/07710619088
Email groundcare@freeman-contractors.co.uk
Walthambury Stores
muscularimbalance
Great Waltham, Essex
Complete Building Service
bo d y c o n t r o l pil at es ® &
s po r t s mas s ag e t h er apy
53 Cherry Garden Road, Great Waltham, CM3 1DH
www.muscularimbalance.com
WALTHAMBURY STORES
We specialise in
Extensions and Conversions
Complete Renovations
Driveways and Patios
Complete Bathroom and Kitchen
Service
Post Office
opening times
Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm
(open lunch hours)
Saturday 9am to 12.30pm
When visiting the Post Office, why not use the shop?
You will find Groceries, Fresh Produce, Sausages &
Bacon, Newsagent, Stationery, Dry cleaning,
Delicatessen, Frozen Food, Greeting Cards,
Photocopying, National Lottery, Car Tax
We are a fully insured, family run
business, who pride ourselves in giving
our customers our full commitment.
For free estimates and advice contact:
PILATES
at Pleshey Village Hall
Thursdays 8:45am
suitable for beginners
Tel: 01245 362205
Mobile: 07958 150466
Barrack Lane, Great Waltham
Mark Laybourn
07979242910
goobybuild@aol.com
www.goobybuild.co.uk
Telephone: 01245 360278
WCT BAYFORD LTD
Domestic Cleaning
SOLID FUEL
MERCHANTS
Great Waltham
Ÿ Local company est 1990 for all
your cleaning needs
Ÿ Many long term customers and
staff
Ÿ One offs to weekly cleans
Ÿ References and insurance held
Ÿ Phone Jan for no obligation
quote
01245 362173
07798 751615
•
•
•
•
landscapes
Tel: 01279 723217
Landscaping and Garden Design
Horse and Stock Fencing
Garden Design and Build Service
Tree Surgery
Walkways and Paths
Turfing
Decking and Patios
Tree Surveying (for new builds
and dangerous trees)
• Ecological Surveys
Colventors, Grinstead Lane,
Little Hallingbury, CM22 7QX
01371 821950
07710 411844
Coal & Smokeless Fuels
Seasoned Logs and Kindling
Peat & Compost
Gas Bottles & Charcoal
daisychainsdomesticcleaning@gmail.com
adverts@parish-news.co.uk
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
info@gogreenlandscapes.co.uk
Willsher and Son
Domestic Electrical Installers
·
·
·
·
·
ELECSA Part P registered
All work insured and certificates
issued where applicable
No job too small, free estimates
Based in Great Waltham
Reliable family business
Call or email:
Mob: 07970 759565
willsherandson@hotmail.co.uk
or find us on Facebook
‘Willsher and Son’
L. BARTRUPT & SON LTD
Lavenders Farm
Ford End
Chelmsford
Essex CM3 1LL
Locally grown selected potatoes (25kg bags)
Available in season - October to April
Desiree (reds) Estima (whites)
& King Edwards
Frozen Chips & Roast Potatoes
(2 ½ kg bags)
ALWAYS OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD VALUE
Free local delivery for larger orders
Telephone: 01245 237371
A & W Gowers Ltd
Specialist Joinery Manufacturers
A local family run company with many years of
experience providing bespoke joinery to trade and
private customers.
Conservation, Restoration, Ordinary or
Contemporary, we can manufacture and install all
types of work.
Windows
Doors
Conservatories
Gates
Stairs
For all your ironing
requirements be it regular or
now and again.
All items priced individually
Including pick up and drop off
Hanging or Folded
Minimum pick up £10.00
Fitted Furniture
Kitchens
Wardrobes
Bookcases
….and much more
For free friendly advice and estimates please contact us at
www.special-joinery.com
Howe Street, Great Waltham, Chelmsford
Telephone: 01245 362737
Now selling eco-friendly stove briquettes as well
East Anglian
Treating your pets as our own
Fencing
All types of fencing & gates
supplied & erected
_______________
*Small repairs & storm
damage undertaken
*Quality & reliable service
*Free estimates
Tel: 01376 585 663
Direct line: 07811 800 800
V
M ILLENNIUM
E T E R I N A R Y
P R A C T I C E
Independent Practice, Est. 1966
●
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Full surgical & hospital facilities
Separate cat and dog wards
Qualified registered nursing staff
24 hour emergency service
On site MRI scanning
Large surgery car park
Early and late appointments
Millennium Way Braintree Essex CM7 3GX
Also at: 30 West Street Coggeshall Essex
CO6 1NS Tel: 01376 56166
Telephone: 01376 325511
www.millenniumvets.co.uk
DRISCOLL
MICHAEL C DUKE
Up, Up and
Away PreSchool
CLEANING SERVICES
Central Heating
&
Plumbing Engineer
Window Cleaner
01245 360540
Tel: 01245 362348
Mob: 07889 571674
seduke21@gmail.com
20 Manor Crescent
Little Waltham,
CM3 3PD
Osteopathy
Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy
Functional & Personal Training
Mention this advert when booking for
your discount
18 Old Park Farm, Main Road,
Ford End, CM3 1LN
01245 522360
www.forte360.uk
adverts@parish-news.co.uk
Hulton Hall, South
Street, Great Waltham
Ÿ OFSTED inspected to accept
LEA funding for the over 3s
Ÿ Morning and afternoon sessions
available from 2 years to school
age
Ÿ Lunch time Clubs available
Ÿ Secure Playground & Garden
Ÿ Bump, Baby & toddler group
(Tuesday 1.30-3.00pm)
Contact Jo Palmer
07501 313321
www.upupawaypreschool.co.uk
Wood
Automotive
Authentic Indian Food is served on every
Thursday Night from 5pm onwards…
Choices of great Curries & Vegetarian Dishes
Eat in or Take Away
--------
Sunday Roast available from 12 - 4pm
Pub food served Tues to Sat, 12-3pm & 6-9pm
Christmas Bookings are now being taken
(Book early to avoid disappointment)
Barrack Lane, Great Waltham
Tel: 01245 360356
Kim Bernie
Massage Therapist
Manipulation, kinesio taping,
holistic, sports/deep tissue,
hot stone, bamboo
pregnancy massage, facial
Phone to book or for latest special offer
07769 790784
07951 887372
www.massageworksessex.co.uk
88 High Street, Gt Dunmow, CM6 1AP
"We look forward to seeing you
and your car"
Neil and Sarah
Unit 1 Walthambury Farm
Pleshey Road, Great Waltham
CM3 1AZ
www.woodautomotive.co.uk
01245 361180
Little Waltham Gardening Club
Massage Works
Ease Your Pain
MOT's, Vehicle Servicing
Tyres, Vehicle Diagnostics
Air Conditioning Repair
Clutches, Welding
Free Local Collection
The Christmas meeting for the Little Waltham Gardening
Club was held at The White Hart where 30 members enjoyed
an excellent lunch followed by a vote on the best Christmas
Table Decoration. Members were asked to bring a table
decoration as part of their contribution towards the
President’s Trophy. The winner with the most votes was
Marion Lawson with Maggie Williams and Lesley Brydon
coming a joint second. The photo shows our President, Iris
Diver, holding the winning Christmas table decoration.
The next meeting held at Little Waltham Memorial Hall is on
Wednesday 3rd February and is entitled ‘The Secret Life of
Garden Birds’ by Mike Logan-Wood. Visitors are welcome.
There will be no meeting in January.
Poppy Day Appeal
Proceeds towards the 2015
Poppy Appeal in the Great
Waltham district has so far amounted
to £3,473.39. This includes £1,107.13
collected in Pleshey and is an increase
of £133.22 on last year’s total. This
total is made up from house to house
collections, static point collections,
sale of wreaths, donations, church
collections on Remembrance Sunday
and proceeds from the RBL Christmas
draw. The branch committee would
like to thank everyone who helped us
achieve this excellent result.
Waltham Eagles Concert
On Saturday 7th December, the Waltham
Eagles with the Village Friends held a
concert at Great Waltham church to raise
funds for the Community Network, the
Parochial Church Council and the Friends
of Great Waltham with Ford End
Churches Trust. What a gig it was! They
were simply fantastic! The use of different
coloured lighting and the exceptional
acoustic of our beautiful building contributed to making this concert highly
enjoyable to the many that came. The £600 profit was shared equally between
the CN and the PCC while the Friends of our churches raised £300 with the bar.
Thanks again to all those who made this evening possible.
From the County Council,
Broomfield Hospital Shuttle Bus
A joint initiative between Mid Essex Hospitals and the County Council
has launched a new half hour shuttle bus service linking Chelmer
Valley Park and Ride car park and Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.
This pilot service costs just £3 per adult passenger and includes unlimited travel
for the day on all other Chelmsford Park and Ride services (Sandon and Chelmer
Valley). Free travel is open to concessionary pass holders after 9am.
From Chelmer Valley, the first bus will leave at 06.37, running every 30 minutes
at 07 and 37 past the hour until 17.07 with the last two buses departing at 17.47
and 18.25. The return journey from Broomfield Hospital will start at 06.50, running
every 30 minutes at 20 and 50 past each hour up till 17.20. The last buses will
depart at 18.00 and 18.40. The journey time is 10 minutes each way.
If you want to keep this unique service, I would urge everyone to take
advantage of it.
If you have any problems concerning County Council matters please let me
know on 01245 421524 or email cllr.john.aldridge@essex.gov.uk
John Aldridge
articles@parish-news.co.uk
GREAT WALTHAM
HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY
Our next event will be an end-of-halfterm family workshop for KS2 children teenagers on Saturday 20th February,
GW Village Hall, 10am till 12 noon. £8
per box. All materials provided. Places
limited to 20. Phone 01245 360115 to
book a place.
News from Great Waltham C of E VC Primary School
The Christmas nativity plays were a huge success; Thank you to all the EYFS and
KS1 staff for preparing the children so well; all four performances were fabulous
and we are very proud of their achievements. It was great that each performance
was supported so well too.
The Carol Service, as always, was a highlight of the school year. Again, the
children brightened our day with their singing, music and the re-telling of the
Christmas story. Well done to all of you!
The recent Christmas Concert at church was well attended and we would like to
say thanks to all the children who participated, including the school choir. The
Christingle the following day ended up being ‘standing room only!’ After some
transport issues, Santa arrived for the lighting of the tree before the main event
in the church. Thanks to pupils past and present of GWPS for acting out part of
the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. These included Josh O’Brien, Chloe
O’Brien and Maisie Allen. Malcom Ward worked hard to prepare them along with
some very keen adult cast members. Thanks to Revd. Caroline, Florence
Townsend and other members of the parish for leading the service.
We were all very honoured to have the
Bishop of Bradwell visit our school in
November. He visited all of the classes,
spoke with pupils, met our staff, delivered
an excellent assembly and gave each
class a holding cross. The children are
convinced a true Bishop wears only
purple socks! Tayla Gentry, in Class
Antarctica, was chosen as a trainee
Bishop for the assembly.
The company, Bayfords, that supplied
the Olympic Park, have made us 40
beautifully made wooden bird-box kits.
This is a special Decoupage workshop
to decorate them. We’ve decided to
limit the workshop to age 7 and over.
The finished boxes will be varnished
and displayed at The Village Art Show
in May.
Bayfords would like some publicity in
return for their generosity, so we're
hoping the local papers will do a feature.
Also, please make a note in your diaries
for Saturday 4th June, as we’re
planning a plant pot decorating
workshop for all ages.
Thanks to Revd. Rose for helping reinforce our Life Long Value this term. She
spoke to children about strength of mind, body, heart and soul. We will start in
January, exploring the value of ‘Perseverance, after having learnt about
Aspiration and Strength so far this year.
KS2 had a great time at Colchester Castle to reinforce their study of the Romans.
They looked at artefacts and worked with the staff on site as part of the trip.
A huge thank you to all who attended the Bazaar in December; without your
wholehearted support, the event would not work. The school PTA, Parent Forum
members plus many other parents volunteered many hours to plan and run the
event. Around £1500 was raised for the school.
A big thank you to the Coopers' Company and Coborn School for sending their
Year 12 students to deliver two pantomimes to our children. We were entertained
by Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella for over an hour in the hall.
Well done to all the children in Y1-6 for performing in a Music Soiree at the end
of term to show case some of their music lessons. We heard a variety of musical
instruments and some fabulous singing too.
Thanks to Miss Andrews, Mrs Mixture and Mrs Wallis-Jackson and all of the
lunchtime team for cooking such a great Christmas Dinner and giving the children
a great experience with their friends. They cooked around 250 roasts dinners,
including the ones prepared for Ford End Primary and our staff.
We can all look back on a busy and successful autumn term. On behalf of
everyone at school, we wish all the Parish News readers good luck for 2016.
WALTHAMBURY WI
The WI Christmas party was a very happy and enjoyable evening (as usual) with
a lovely meal provided by Katy's Kitchen and very amusing entertainment
provided by three of our members.
Our first meeting in 2016 is on Tuesday 12 January and there will be a talk on the
work of the J's Hospice. Members are requested to bring their voting form (in the
December issue of WI Life) for their choice of the WI resolutions for 2016.
The February meeting will be held on Tuesday 9 February with a talk given by
Scott Bannister on updating your driving (Advanced Motoring).
Dinner is being planned for one evening in February at a local pub or restaurant
and a group are going to see Guys and Dolls in the West End on 23 February with
lunch at a hotel beforehand.
All meetings are held at the Legion Hall, Great Waltham, starting at 8pm and
visitors are warmly welcomed.
Jean Sanders, 01245 362080
articles@parish-news.co.uk
New social rented housing
Barrack Lane, Gt Waltham
Great Waltham Parish Council
The new social rented properties at
Barrack Lane are nearly ready to let.
The properties consist of two 3
bedroom (5 person) houses and one
4 bedroom (6 person ) house. The
properties are owned and managed
by CHP. The properties will be
available to households in housing
need, unable to afford housing
accommodation on the open market
and who have a local connection with
the parish of Great Waltham - this
means that either you are already
living in the parish (such as with family
or friends), having close relatives who
live in the parish or you
have
permanent employment in the parish.
You must be registered for housing
with Chelmsford City Council and to
do this you should complete the online
application at www.homeoption.org.
The adverts for the properties
should go online on 15/01/16 and
the closing date for submission of
evidence to support your local
connection will be 21/01/16 at the
latest.
If you are interested in being
considered for one of these properties
and wish to discuss your application
please contact Amma Antwi-Yeboah
(Housing Solutions Manager at
Chelmsford City Council ) on 01245
606880 or at
Amma.ANTWI-YEBOAH@chelmsford.gov.uk
Tel 01245 362638
Chelmsford Educational
Foundation
This relatively small educational trust
awards grants to individuals to assist
with education or training by helping to
provide for books, fees, tools or
equipment to help them achieve
employment
or
professional
qualifications. Applicants must live in
Chelmsford City (or former Chelmsford
rural district) or have been a student at
a school or equivalent in this area.
For further information, contact the
secretary, Richard Emsdon, tel.
07941958652 or Peter Jackson tel.
01245360067
Clerk, I P Bradley, Old Fire Station, Great Waltham, Essex CM3 1DF
clerk@greatwalthamparishcouncil.co.uk
Housing Survey
Great Waltham Parish Council commissioned the Rural Community Council of
Essex (RCCE) to carry out a Housing Needs Survey for the whole of the Parish.
Survey forms were distributed to all 950 households and 297 responses were
received. There was a response rate of 31% which was very good and higher
than the national average of 25%.
Confidential analysis of the forms by RCCE identified that over the next ten years
people in the parish had a need for:
● 31 Affordable houses of which 26 should be rentable and 5 part equity
(this is shared ownership with a housing provider to make buying it more
affordable).
● 22 houses to be purchased on the open market.
● 20 smaller houses required by people wanting to downsize (unspecified
whether to rent or for purchase).
The analysis also noted that the predominant need was for 2 bedroom
accommodation and that most of these people wanted to be in Great Waltham.
The full report is available for viewing in the Parish Council office. The Parish
Council would like to thank all of those who responded.
Parish Public Transport Representative
The Parish Council has representation on the Essex County Council Public
Transport Forum. Over the past several years the duty of representative for the
Parish has been carried out by Clare Lyne on behalf of the Parish Council. Clare
has now indicated that she no longer wishes to continue. The Parish Council
wish to express publicly their appreciation of the work that she has done in
serving the Parish.
The Parish Council is now seeking a new representative. Clare indicates that
the duties are:
● To try to attend the two Parish Council Transport meetings held at County
Hall. The meetings last around two hours in the morning and are attended by
reps from our local area and officials from First Bus etc. The meetings are
very informative and give an overall picture. Some attendees just listen and
take notes, and some speak out about an issue involving their parish.
● After the meetings, a brief report is made to inform the PC of any changes.
Posters are published and distributed in bus shelters and notice boards.
Regular updates are received regarding the Council's Travel Strategy to
keep up to date with developments.
● The representative usually has a supply of timetables for any parishioner, if
requested, and occasionally helps with filling in forms for complainants.
The post would probably be best suited to a bus user and someone with
computer skills, as all information is in electronic form. Any volunteer wishing to
take on this role please contact the Clerk at the Parish Office 01245 362638 or
clerk@greatwalthamparishcouncil.co.uk
Big Village Raffle Winners
£200 THOMAS COOK HOLIDAY VOUCHER
MEAL FOR TWO AT OLIO’S RESTAURANT
FLIGHT IN SKYRANGER AIRCRAFT
CHRISTMAS FESTIVE HAMPER
KELLY’S BRONZE TURKEY BREAST ROAST
CHRISTMAS RIDE IN VINTAGE CAR
BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE
£20 GT NOTLEY HAIR & BEAUTY VOUCHER
Brenda Chalk
Jo Butcher
Abi Connolly
Clare Lyne
Roger Bearman
Cathy Patel
Peter Jackson
A Batchelor
Thank you for all of the contributions to this edition of 'Parish News'. Please send your contributions for the next issue by
email to: articles@parish-news.co.uk. The deadline for the next edition will be Friday 19th February.
Enquiries and advertising requests should be sent by e-mail to: adverts@parish-news.co.uk
articles@parish-news.co.uk