Parish News JanFeb 2016 - Great Waltham Parish Council
Transcription
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 01245 360067 Alexander Micklem [email protected] 0r 01245 360239 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. [email protected] 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: [email protected]. 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. [email protected] Tel/Fax: 01245 237233 E-mail: [email protected] Chartered Surveyors | Estate Agents | Property Consultants ‘trusted’ property experts Tree Ser ey es vic Ples h 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 Fully Insured e-mail: [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] [email protected] • • • • • • • • [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] John Aldridge [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]. The deadline for the next edition will be Friday 19th February. Enquiries and advertising requests should be sent by e-mail to: [email protected] [email protected]