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WARM UP THIS WINTERWITH ERNEST DOE POWER

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Tel: 01277 899464

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ED1333 FYF Ad v1.qxp_Layout 1 01/11/2019 09:39 Page 1

WRITTLE NEWS 235FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020

WRITTLE NEWS PRODUCTION TEAM

EDITOR: Christine Knight (420045) Writtle News email: writtlenews@gmail.com

ADVERTISING: Wendy Kateley (420998)TREASURER: Anne Pegg (420200)DISTRIBUTION: Mary Steadman (421467)

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by noon on 1st March 2020 Advertisements to Wendy Kateley by 1st March 2020

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ONCE IT’S IN WRITTLE NEWS IT’S ALL ROUND THE VILLAGE DELIVERED TO 2,600 DOORS!

EDITOR’S NOTEPlease note the Editor of the Writtle News does not accept any responsibility for the services provided by any advertiser in this publication nor endorse any claims made by such advertiser.

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Writtle News email: writtlenews@gmail.comWrittle News website: http://www.essexinfo.net/writtle-news

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If you would like to write for the Writtle News please contact

Christine Knight, Editor, by telephone. Tel: 01245 420045.

From the VicarAs I write this in mid-December with the Christmas preparations and carol services underway, I’m reminded that it’s not long until the shortest day is here and then the days will start to lengthen out again. Hope springs eternal! A lot of people ask me what I’m doing in gloomy old grey skies UK when I could’ve been lounging in the warmth and sun of South-eastern Queensland, Australia. Well folks, heat and sun isn’t everything - especially when that’s so much of what you get all the time! We love the change in seasons that we get here in England and the beauty that the changes bring. Of course it can be uncomfortable when it’s wet and cold, but it’s certainly that when it’s so very hot and dry too. And bushfires are no fun at all. So we all enter a new decade this month, and for us, a new chapter in our lives. What changes will it bring? What are you looking forward to? And what do you notice when you look back over the last year? I mean, what do you notice in your own personal life? Try thinking about those things you don’t actually talk about to anybody. We all have those things - usually they’re the grey, cold, gloomy things, or those that are too hot and painful to mention. And sometimes they may be the things that give us hope but we still don’t dare to talk about them in case we ‘jinx’ them or people make fun of us. And because we keep those things locked up and insulate ourselves (and everyone else) from them, we don’t allow change to occur. But don’t forget that change is natural and normal - just ask any farmer. It has to happen or nothing would happen. When I learned to be a dairy farmer in New Zealand (having grown up in a small city), I quickly learned that you can’t fight nature and that it’s folly to try to do so. The old farmers were so wise and experienced and taught me that you’ve got to work with the changes and vagaries that come with the seasons. It’s so much more stressful and painful to rage and fight against them - not to mention futile. Hope springs eternal, and the hope of Spring is real as we look

ALL SAINTS CHURCHPARISH OFFICE: Tuesday-Friday 10.00am-12.00 noon (422846)CHURCHWARDENS: Margaret Bruce (699782), Dianne Collins (07812 162715). Email: writtleallsaints@gmail.com, website: www.allsaintswrittle.co.ukPRIEST IN CHARGE: Rev’d Tony CantSECRETARY: Andrew Brewster Email: secretary@allsaintswrittle.co.ukCHRISTIAN CENTRE BOOKINGS:Email writtlechristiancentre@gmail.comPhone: 07949 060567 Contact person: Andrew Brewster

SUNDAY : 8.00am Holy Communion (Prayer Book)1st 10.45am Celebrating Together2nd 10.45am Parish Eucharist 6.00pm Christians Together 3rd 9.30am All Age Worship 11.00am Matins4th 10.45am Parish Eucharist with Healing Ministry5th 10.45am Parish Eucharist

MIDWEEK SERVICEHoly Communion 10.00am, first Wednesday of the monthSpecial Festivals etc. See Notice BoardsThe Church is normally open from 10.00am to 3.00pm

EDWARD BEAR: A Mother and Toddler Group meets weekly on Mondays 2.00 - 3.30pm during term time. See Notice Boards for details or ring Parish Office (422846)

BAPTISM AND MARRIAGEPreliminary arrangements should be made through the Parish Office by calling in or telephoning (422846 Tuesday-Friday 10.00am -12 noon)

PASTORAL VISITS AND HOME COMMUNIONRequests for sick or hospital visits, or to receive Holy Communion at home, may be made by contacting our Pastoral Assistant Hazel Kempton (email: pastoral.writtleallsaints@gmail.com) or by phoning the Parish Office (422846).

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forward to the longer days. The reminder of God’s love for all of us was right there as we celebrated Christmas. It brings to mind the lengths that God will go to for us to realise how much we are loved by God. Always remember that even when you feel low, unloved or even unlovable, that God is closer to you than you can possibly imagine. Change is always possible, and is actually inevitable - the seasons remind us of that. My prayer for you (and me) this year, is that you embrace any changes that come your way with the realistic hope that helps you work with those changes and allow them to enrich your life and share it with others. And maybe that simply starts with a smile. Who knows what effect that smile might have on someone else’s life that day, including your own? With every blessing to you, and Happy New Year. Rev Tony.

ALL SAINTS CALENDARFEBRUARY 20201st 8.00am Common Prayer (Taizé style)2nd Presentation of Christ in the Temple - Candlemas (1st) 10.00am Joint service at St. Michael and All Angels - Roxwell5th 10.00am Holy Communion9th Third Sunday before Lent (2nd) 10.00am Parish Eucharist 6.00pm Christians Together16th Second Sunday before Lent (3rd) 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am All-Age Worship 11.00am Matins23rd First Sunday before Lent (4th) 10.00am Parish Eucharist and Healing26th Ash Wednesday 7.00pm Service at All Saints with imposition of Ashes29th 8.00am Common Prayer (Taizé style)

MARCH 1st First Sunday of Lent (1st)

8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Celebrating Together4th 10.00am Holy Communion8th Second Sunday of Lent (2nd) 10.00am Family Eucharist 6.00pm Christians Together15th Third Sunday of Lent (3rd) 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am All-Age Worship 11.00am Matins 22nd Fourth Sunday of Lent (4th) Mothering Sunday 10.00am Family Eucharist29th Fifth Sunday of Lent (5th) 10.00am Parish Eucharist 5.00pm Joint Service at Cooks Mill Green

APRIL 4th 8.00am Common Prayer (Taizé style)5th Palm Sunday (1st) 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Family Eucharist and distribution of Palms

Please note that, with the exception of the third Sunday of the month, the main morning services are now at 10.00am. There will be an 8.00am communion on the first and third Sundays of the month only.

BAPTISMS17th November 2019 Ivy-Rea Joan Newman17th November 2019 Owen Randall Smith

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CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVALIt was the most successful yet! With about 2,000 people visiting the church and Christian Centre, 47 trees decorated to a very high standard and the Craft Fair stall holders declaring it the best for them, we must have done something right. The weather outside was not frightful and the atmosphere inside was delightful (to quote, badly, a well-known Christmas number). The centre piece of the weekend was the church filled with trees, and this year the stand out design feature was the pyramid. We had them made of CDs, clear plastic, tissue paper and toilets rolls. The overall winner chosen by both our opener, Chris Hibbitt and by you, the public, was ‘Bookworms’ designed and entered by the Writtle Library Volunteers. The Junior Tree winner was ‘Starry, Starry Night’ by Writtle Junior School, and the Business Tree winner was ‘The Singing Christmas Tree’ from Farleigh Hospice. Who would have thought that a pile of books, a bunch of old discs and some blue tissue paper could turn into winning designs? Congratulations to them and to all the fantastic creators of all the trees. A huge debt of thanks to the many folk who, in one or another way, contributed to this fabulous weekend. The icing on the Christmas cake? We took a little over £8,000! This was nearly £1,000 more than in the 2018. Brilliant! Here’s to next year and the likely dates, December 5th and 6th. A Happy New and Blessed Year to you and yours.

John Howden.6

‘Bookworms’, Christmas Tree Festival,All Saints Church, 2019.Photograph by Christine Knight.

Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church, 2019.Photograph by Christine Knight.

WRITTLE CARDSOn 28th, 29th and 30th November 2019 audiences at the village hall were treated to the hilarious and joyous family pantomime “Rumpelstiltskin and the Sleeping Beauty”. An original work by celebrated author Gordon House. Sold out performances on Saturday matinee and evening! A packed audience gathered in the Festive Hall for the much awaited production and they clearly appreciated the adult humour dotted throughout the script and modern references to ensure this was a night out not only for the kids. Just as a successful panto should be. The director Katharine Thomas produced a very merry production, and everyone could see the hard work put in by all involved resulting in a great night for cast and crew, as well as the audience. Watch out for our 2020 pantomime news!

APRIL 2020 PRODUCTIONThursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April. Writtle CARDS are premiering the new family comedy “Dream House” by local author Jerry Thomas. A modern and insightful comedy exploring the issue of young people wanting to leave home and set up on their own but lacking the means. After several hilarious twists and turns, the situation is finally resolved… but not as you might expect! More information can be found on our website: writtlecards.webs.com Tickets are available via our Box Office 07858 990931 or writtlecards@hotmail.co.uk

WEAAll our Spring Courses are well under way and proving very enjoyable. On Tuesdays the classes are on ‘Rebellion, Revolution or Civil War England 1603-60’ and also in the afternoon we are learning the history of ‘Herbs, Herbalists & Physic Gardens’. On Wednesdays the course is ‘Voice to the People; The Folk Revival since 1960’. Information on our Autumn courses will be given in a later edition of the Writtle News. The contact for our Class Secretary is Anita Curtis on 01245 420365.

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From: Daniel Curley danielcurley59@gmail.comSubject: Photo 2

Date: 21 December 2019 at 17:56To: writtlenews@gmail.com

Daniel Curleydanielcurley59@gmail.com

Panto, 2019. Writtle CARDS production, Village Hall.

Panto, 2019. Writtle CARDS production, Village Hall.

PENGUINS, VOLCANOES AND A WANDERING PARISH PRIESTWhen getting a haircut, I am someone who likes the barber to get on with the job and let me go home as quickly as possible. So it’s always a trial when they say “what do you do for a living?” You know this is the opening to polite chit-chat. Not so long ago I was asked the question, so I said “I am the Apostolic Administrator of the Falkland Islands and the Superior of the Ecclesial Mission sui juris of St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension Island.” A bit cruel perhaps, but the poor man was stunned into silence. Bliss! In 2016, alongside my work as Parish Priest of Our Lady Immaculate and Holy Name, Chelmsford, I was entrusted with the pastoral care of the British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic. The area covers around 1/6 of the surface of the earth - 99.8% of that is water, but the larger bits of land all have Catholic communities striving to live the gospel in far flung places. My task then is to ensure the communities are cared for and to visit them at least once a year. This is no easy thing to do. To get to Tristan da Cunha it takes a six day voyage from Cape Town on board a fishing trawler. The numbers of people involved are relatively small; in the parishes which our community serves in Chelmsford, there are more people at weekday Mass than attend the parishes on these far flung islands. Still, each soul is precious. When I travel to the islands, I keep in mind the heartening words of Our Lord in the gospel “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The Falkland Islands are perhaps the most well-known of these territories, sadly in large part due to the invasion in 1982. The parish has a beautiful church which features on most postcards from the islands. It is a ‘flat pack’ church which the Victorians sent across the empire (think Ikea for church buildings). The exact replica of the church can be found in India, Australia and the West Indies. Ascension Island is an extraordinary place. It is a volcanic rock in the middle of the ocean but at the centre of the island is a lush green mountain. The outskirts of the island look like a lunar landscape and then the centre is a little paradise. The chapel is a grotto located on the American airbase. It is looked after, although when I arrived to say the first Mass there in a very long time, I had to empty the chapel of some wandering goats and clean up the little

178 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0ARTelephone: (01245) 352898

Abbot Hugh Allan BA(OPraem)

SATURDAYS9.00am at Our Lady Immaculate Church, New London Road6.00pm at Holy Name Church, Lucas Avenue,Moulsham LodgeSUNDAYS9.00am, 12 noon, 7.00pm.All at Our Lady Immaculate Church, New London Road10.30am at Holy Name Church, Lucas Avenue,Moulsham LodgeWEEKDAYS8.00am at St. Philip’s Priory, New London RoadTuesdays and Wednesdays 12.30pm and Fridays 9.30am atOur Lady Immaculate Church, New London RoadHOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION7.00am, 9.30am, 12.30pm and 7.00pm. All at Our Lady Immaculate Church, New London Road7.30pm at Holy Name Church, Lucas Avenue,Moulsham LodgeCONFESSIONS11.00am to 12 noon on Saturdays atOur Lady Immaculate Church, New London Road5.30pm to 6.00pm at Holy Name Church, Lucas Avenue, Moulsham LodgeBAPTISMS AND MARRIAGESBy appointmentTHE PARISH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT116 Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford. Parish Priest Fr. Paul Cracknell Tel: 354256MASS TIMESSat: 6.00pmSun: 9.30am & 11.30am

PARISH OF OUR LADY IMMACULATE

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offerings they had left behind! Directly opposite the chapel is the entrance to a lava tube - good for sermons on heaven and hell, I suppose! St Helena is famous as the ‘prison’ for Napoleon after his defeat at Waterloo, and it is certainly a captivating place. On the island, it takes forever to make a simple trip into the centre of town - everyone enjoys having a little chat. When I arrived, I was told that one of the ministers of a church in Jamestown was disliked because he never waved at people when driving around. This led to me waving like a mad man at everyone I met. I probably looked like a maniac, but it led to many good conversations about Jesus and the Faith. On Tristan da Cunha there are 263 inhabitants. Roughly, half are Anglican and half are Catholics. The parish is looked after by three catechists but each year a priest travels to be there for the month of September. The island is, of course, an active volcano. As one parishioner said to me in a recent email, “when you live on a volcano, it is not a good idea to be an atheist”. For the people I met in these communities, God is someone immediately connected to their lives. The remoteness of the place seems to open their hearts more to the presence of God. On St Helena, despite the prolonged absence of a priest, I met so many incredibly kind and loving souls. Talking about God and their faith was not awkward or difficult. One man greeted me every day by saying “God is alive”. Of course, the islanders all face difficulties, but there is a kindness and calmness that radiates Resurrection joy. My work as Apostolic Administrator has allowed me a glimpse into the lives of the people whom it is my privilege to serve. On these islands, God is alive.

Abbott Hugh.

Dear Editor, For the past seven years or so I have been the Parish Council’s tree warden and I have enjoyed every moment of the experience, but due to certain factors I find I must resign this position. Basically I have visited trees brought to the attention of the Parish Council, by the City Council, being in the main trees with a protection order on them or trees in a conservation area. My job

was to look at these trees and recommend whether the work to be carried out on them was justified, more often than not there was no objection, the final decision was always up to the City Council and their planners. I have probably visited more residents’ gardens than most people in Writtle, I must say I have always been met with kindness and respect and I have been offered many cups of tea. One large garden I have been called on to visit twelve times has been a worry for the residents and myself, and I hope the problems they have encountered will be resolved soon to the satisfaction of all concerned. Another group of trees I have been called to look at several times are the lime trees on Writtle Green. I am worried about the work not being done rather than the work already done. I would like to thank all those who have welcomed me into their gardens for a chat and discussion about trees and other village interests. I would also like to thank the Writtle News for allowing me to write about the natural environment of Writtle and for imparting information to the people of Writtle.

Derek Cooley.

FLAGS FLYING FROM THE CHURCH TOWER

6th Feb Her Majesty The Queen’s Accession Union Flag19th Feb Birthday of HRH The Duke of York Union Flag1st March St. David’s Day Union Flag9th March Commonwealth Day Union Flag10th March Birthday of HRH The Earl of Wessex Union Flag17th March St. Patrick’s Day Union Flag

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WARTIME MEMORIESA few years ago I had the privilege of talking to a number of Writtle residents about life here during the Second World War. They wanted to share their experiences and have them brought to a wider audience and although since then most have died I hope that this, the first in a series of articles, will help to honour them. That is important because subsequent generations should never forget the fortitude and courage and determination of those who lived through the Second World War and the post war Austerity Years. If there are any villagers with memories of those years and of the immediate post-war years who would like to be included please contact me via the editor. In the weeks leading up to the declaration of war on the 3rd September 1939 preparations and training were speeded up and the first Writtle loss was two days prior to that date. Ethel Chinery told me about the death of her fiancé Robert (‘Bob’) Little who had joined the RAF and was training as part of the crew of a Wellington bomber. An eye witness saw the plane circling off the coast at Caister when one wing dipped and struck the water causing the aircraft to cartwheel into the sea with the loss of all on board.

Ethel was 21 when Bob died. She recalled that early that evening she and her mother had walked round the village to get away from

the talk of war, but as they returned she saw Bob’s brother waiting at their gate and she knew immediately that something was wrong. There was a tribute to Bob in the Writtle Boys’ School magazine which concluded by saying “the memory of his example in both work and play will live in the life of the school and the minds of those who knew him.” In that September, Chelmsford and surrounding villages received evacuees from London. They were aged between 6 and 12 and arrived clutching small suitcases and brown paper parcels. A schoolboy gave an account of their arrival in Writtle. “The first Eastern National Omnibus swung off the main road to stop in front of the school. A very orderly quiet, but rather bewildered group of children with teachers and helpers stepped off.... Under the guidance of Mrs Upson as billeting officer, and her willing band of helpers, small groups, heavily laden with their gas masks, their personal belongings, and their rations, began to depart to find their new homes... Just a few tears, an unforeseen delay here and there, but otherwise all went well... Two hours later many were back on the Green enjoying themselves with new found friends.”

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From: John Trusler jwtrusler@gmail.comSubject: Article

Date: 18 October 2019 at 15:39To: Writtle News writtlenews@gmail.com

Christine - I am sending over the pictures. If you are short on space the last one could be omitted. here is 1 of 4 to go after para 3 Caption to read- Wellington bomber

From: John Trusler jwtrusler@gmail.comSubject: Article

Date: 18 October 2019 at 15:44To: Writtle News writtlenews@gmail.com

Christine - I forgot the heading for the article - suggest "Wartime recollections" and also missed off my name at the end Picture 2 to go after para 6 Caption "Child's gas mask with the stern warning on the box to look after it."

Wellington bomber.

Child’s gas mask with the stern warningon the box to look after it.

The first few months of the war passed relatively peacefully, but what was described as the ‘Phoney War’ came to an abrupt end with the German invasion of the Low Countries and France. The

evacuation from Dunkirk is well known, but many soldiers had to try and escape by heading further west. Thomas Diamond, the son of George and Margaret Diamond of Writtle, was a Sergeant in the

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From: John Trusler jwtrusler@gmail.comSubject: Article

Date: 18 October 2019 at 16:05To: Writtle News writtlenews@gmail.com

Picture 3 to go after para 10 caption "A Battle of Britain cover showing, top, Hurricanes in action over Colchester 10.00 3rdSeptember 1940 and, bottom, Bf 110s."

A Battle of Britain cover showing, top, Hurricanes in action over Colchester 10.00 3rd September 1940 and, bottom, Bf 110s

10th Royal Hussars which, as part of the 1st Armoured Division, had been sent to France. On the 27th May the Hussars were to try and break through the German bridgehead at Huppy near Abbeville after shelling by the French artillery. But the French failed to arrive and when the Hussars moved forward they were met by heavy anti-tank gun fire. Soon many of their lightly armoured tanks were wrecked and many of the crews killed. In total the 1st Armoured lost 65 tanks and the Commanding Officer told the French that no more tanks and crews were going to be needlessly sacrificed. The remnants of the British Expeditionary Force, including what was left of the 1st Armoured, made for the only remaining port, St Nazaire. Here the troops were ferried out to the larger ships, one of which was the SS Lancastria which had a capacity of 2,100; but on the 17th June she took on board in excess of 6,000. Then came the first German air raid which should have alerted the captain to get under way to move around, but instead the ship remained stationary - a sitting duck. At 3.45pm she was struck by several bombs and it rapidly became clear that she was doomed. When the order was given “Every man for himself” panic set in. The death toll was estimated at more than 3,500 and amongst those was Thomas. He is buried in Pornic War Cemetery just south of St Nazaire, which has 395 graves; most of those buried here were washed ashore following the sinking. In Writtle the local paper’s headline made the threat to this country very real. “German Invasion expected soon.” Steel barriers were prepared and spigot mortars placed at strategic places. Anti-tank pyramids were placed at the Army and Navy, at Three Mile Hill and other locations along the A12. Pill boxes stretched in a line across Essex. Notices were issued giving details of air raid shelters in the basements of Wenley’s, Freeman Hardy and Willis, the library and other buildings. However, the capacity of these was only 1,560 although there were trench shelters in the Recreation Ground. Also the construction of domestic shelters was put in hand. That summer of 1940 the Battle of Britain raged across the skies over Essex and the counties of southern England. Douglas Hobart told me of one air battle that he witnessed, thrilling for a boy but deadly serious for the combatants. This was likely to have been on the 3rd September, when a group of 54 Dorniers escorted

by around 80 Messerschmitt Bf 110s crossed the Thames Estuary and bombed North Weald Aerodrome, causing substantial damage. On their return they were engaged by Hurricanes and Spitfires and a massive dogfight took place over mid-Essex, with numerous aircraft from both sides shot down. As the battle continued the countryside below was littered with jettisoned bombs. Incendiaries landed at Sturgeon’s Farm setting haystacks alight. One incendiary fell at Dawes Farm, two at Rolleston’s Farm, six at Oxney Green, five at Love Lane, one at Longmeads and one in Victoria Road. All were extinguished without causing serious loss or injury.

August 1940 saw the first civilian deaths in the Chelmsford area from bombing. The first of many, but I conclude this first narrative on a more cheerful note. Marjorie Thorogood had been working at the Crompton works but switched to a life on the farm when she was married in 1940. She was married in Writtle Church and told me that one of the guests had a cine camera but unfortunately it rained heavily that day and the film was spoilt. However, they were

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From: John Trusler jwtrusler@gmail.comSubject: Article

Date: 18 October 2019 at 16:10To: Writtle News writtlenews@gmail.com

Christine - last of the pictures. If you could please confirm you have received all 4. Picture 4 after para 11 caption " Dornier bombers; powered by either BMW or Daimler-Benz engines."

Dornier bombers powered by either BMWor Daimler-Benz engines.

lucky with the cake as a friend was a baker and made them a horseshoe-shaped wedding cake - a real treat, as for many brides the cake was a cardboard replica! John Trusler.

Longmeads House, Redwood Drive, Writtle CM1 3LYTel: 07787 479228 or 01245 420676 (please leave a message)Email: bookingswca@gmail.comBookings are being taken for 2020.

AGMThe AGM for the WCA 2020 will be on Tuesday 21st April at 7.30pm in Longmeads House. All are welcome.

THE BERYL PLATT CENTREI am pleased to say that work is progressing well on the new WCA building (‘The Beryl Platt Centre’ as it is now called). Despite the recent bad weather, all the groundwork is now completed. By the time you read this the steel framework will be erected and we shall have a good idea of how the final building will look. The developers are confident that the original handover date of July 2020 will be achieved. There are numerous cups and trophies in the Heron Bar at Longmeads House, from when the bar was in constant use. If you or your organisation think you might own any of these, we would be pleased to return them to you.

Peter Smith, WCA Chairman.

WRITTLE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONEmail: bookingswca@gmail.com

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Heritage Writtle Annual Lecture

Tuesday 25th February 2020

‘The Prittlewell Prince’

An Anglo-Saxon chamber burial at Southend-on-Sea

in its local and wider context

Northumberland Lecture Theatre at Writtle College 7.15 for 7.30pm

Cost £3.00, pay on the night Refreshments included

For further information contact:-

Susie 420504 susie@fowkes.org.uk or Dave 421515 davidstock90@hotmail.com

An illustrated talk by Lyn

Blackmore FSA Museum of

London Archaeology

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Wear Pond, showing the back wall of the pond. Photograph by Christine Knight.

NATUREWe will always remember that the Wear Pond has been mentioned in the Writtle News many times as it is a central focus point for the village. I make no apologies for mentioning it again. I believe I have said previously that in 1845, Whites Directory described the pond at the time as a “sheet of water”. We have been unable to date the pond further back, but various possibilities have been followed up. What we do know is that the Wear Pond was brought up to its present formation by one of the Writtle breweries, which I believe was situated in the area known as Motts (there was another brewery down by the Bridge Street Co-op). A firm base was laid and a plug hole was put in the deepest area. The water flows down a drain to the river Wid; at one time the water flowed down the road to the river. The wall to the back of the pond was also built at the same time, although now it may well need some restorative work. A flow pipe was installed to the pond from the canal and springs at the back of Motts. The flow of spring water to the pond passes under the south road within The Green

area. We believe this work was carried out by the brewery in the 1870s to facilitate the washing of their delivery carts and horses. The pond was later used to fill up steam engines with water. Photographs of this activity can be seen in the Writtle Archives. There is a theory about the existence of the ‘Sheet of Water’ in the area of the Wear Pond before 1845. We carried out extensive tests using divining rods on various areas of The Green and found there had been a distinct flow of water from the west of The Green to the Wear Pond. During testing we realised that the flow line disappeared behind the houses at the top of The Green. The residents kindly allowed us to do further tests in their gardens and these tests seem to indicate that the possible flow continued under Ongar Road to Back Road and onto college land. It is my opinion that the flow started from the west of the village. There is another pond in this area and it has often overflowed, but in recent years it has tended to dry out. It would be very difficult now to find out if there has been a flow from this pond to the Wear Pond, but maybe if the Wear Pond is emptied for cleaning we may be able to discover if there is any flow from this pond. It is my belief that the Wear Pond was there long before any recorded dates. My thoughts are it was at times a muddy pool and after a heavy rainfall was a ‘sheet of water’. There may be another source of water to the Wear Pond and that is from Tower Pond. Tests were carried out on the Pleasure Bit, which revealed nothing. The divining rods were also used on the Victoria Road allotments and here a possible flow was found, but due to the presence of water troughs and their filling mains, a possible flow could not be confirmed. Having considered all the possibilities, I am of the opinion that there was a flow to the Wear Pond from Tower Pond. I would like to mention that while testing with the divining rods on the north side of The Green, I noticed a clump of miniature cyclamens. I have lived in Writtle for 68 years and this is the first time I have seen them growing on The Green. They can be found in other areas, such as Lawford Lane, Memorial Green and other places around the village

Derek Cooley.

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Gore Pond. Photograph by Christine Knight.

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February so what are our gardens looking like now? Are they still so soggy with all the winter rain we have had or are we covered in snow? As I am writing this in December and I don’t have a crystal ball, I’m hoping like you that things are beginning to dry out so we can get on the garden and start to get things underway. I hope to get a row of parsnips and a couple of rows of broad beans in during this month, weather permitting. Garlic, onion sets and shallots can be planted out, and cabbages ready for autumn cropping. If you have a greenhouse or kitchen window sill you will be able to sow seeds ready to plant out in the garden at the appropriate time. To all our society members, that is all allotment holders and gardeners who have registered as members, our trading hut is open every Sunday morning and is fully stocked with fertilizers, composts, grow bags and many other products all stocked for your convenience, so come along, give us a look, we are sure we can help you out and be pleased to serve you.

The show schedules will be in print during January and will be ready to collect from the hut on completion.GARDEN & ALLOTMENT SOCIETY

Chairman: John Rouse, Tel. 421350

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Trading hut, Victoria Road.

Trading hut, Victoria Road.

If you would like to write for the Writtle Newsplease contact Christine Knight, Editor,

by telephoneTel: 01245 420045

WrittleWrittleWritersWritersWrittleWriters

WRITTLE SINGERSFollowing a delightfully festive and well attended Christmas CandlelitConcert, Writtle Singers are preparing for their first concert of the new decade. “Made in Essex” is a celebration of music written in and around Essex, from Byrd and Tallis to contemporary settings of folksong, Shakespeare and some crazy (and not altogether flattering!) poems about our very own county. We hope you will join us on Saturday 4th April, 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church, Writtle. Full information and tickets can be obtained from www.writtlesingers.org or call 07815 966978. Our popular Quiz Night with supper takes place on Saturday 29th February 7.30pm at Writtle Christian Centre, where we would be delighted to see you.Pre-booking essential – call/text 07799 979471 or 01245 420969 or email sbrisp@talktalk.net for further details.

INDUSTRY AWARD FOR WUC’S FLORISTRY DEPARTMENT Writtle University College (WUC) received two prestigious awards at the British Florist Association’s (BFA) Gala Dinner on 26th October 2019.

WUC was named ‘Training Provider of the Year’ and staff member Elaine Thackray was awarded ‘Tutor of the Year’ during an outstanding evening at FleurEX 2019, the BFA’s annual trade show in Birmingham. Nikki Meader, Retail Director of The British Florist Association, said: “over 200 people came together to celebrate the Industry Awards for 2019. Attracting more than 12,000 votes over 10 categories, The BFA were extremely pleased to announce the winner of Category 2 as Elaine Thackray from Writtle as Tutor of the Year and of Category 3 Writtle University College as Training Provider of the Year. These awards are given for their hard work and dedication to the floristry industry.” Standards among the shortlisted candidates were high. WUC and Elaine each competed against five highly-respected finalists. Jan Metcalfe, Curriculum Team leader, said: “We were pleased to have reached the finals, but to have won is amazing. We’re thrilled to

receive such prestigious industry awards and would like to thank everyone who voted for us. It’s good to see our commitment to high teaching standards and student success recognised by so many people within the sector.” Elaine Thackray added: “I was so excited to have received an award. It’s an honour to help students develop the skills and experience they need to succeed within our rewarding industry.” The BFA is the only recognised trade association in the UK, representing 8,000 professional flower shops across the country. The categories of the BFA Industry awards aim to reflect the ever-changing floristry industry.

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Ladies of the Writtle University CollegeFloristry Department.

SARA’S KITCHENThis edition’s recipe is one of my newer discoveries. My partner, Simon, stumbled upon it and suggested that we try it - and I am very glad that we did. I have always loved the comfort-food heartiness of lamb shanks, but this recipe, for me, is something else. It

is packed full of tasty ingredients and has gone down really well with everyone who has tried it. Don’t be put off by the handful of peppercorns - they cook in the sauce for a long time and so lose their crunch and harshness leaving a lovely flavour. Just typing this list of ingredients has made me salivate... Please try this.

RIOJA-BRAISED LAMB SHANKS Ingredients4 lamb shanks salt and pepper oil for frying 350ml (12 fl oz) Rioja (or the same amount of good quality beef stock) 250 ml (9 fl oz) balsamic vinegar 1 garlic bulb, cut in half horizontally 2 bay leaves 1-2 tsp paprika handful of black peppercorns 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 300ml (10 fl oz) beef stock 125g (4oz) chorizo from a ring cut into pieces roughly 1cm 1 large red onion cut into 8-10 wedges 2 carrots peeled and chopped dash of honey, to taste

Method1. Pre-heat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF, Gas 3 2. Season the lamb well with salt and pepper. Drizzle oil into a

heavy based casserole set over a high heat and then turn the heat down slightly and brown each lamb shank all over. Set aside the lamb.

3. Pour the wine and balsamic vinegar into the casserole and boil

for 5 minutes. Add the lamb shanks, garlic, bay leaves, paprika, peppercorns, half the rosemary and stock. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil.

4. Once boiling, transfer the lidded casserole to the oven and cook for 2 hours. Half-way through turn the shanks over.

5. Remove the casserole from the oven after 2 hours. Lamb shanks can come in different sizes, so if at this point yours look pretty done already/starting to fall off the bone then remove them at this point. If they are on the large size and still holding together leave them in. Add chorizo pieces, onion, carrots, honey to taste and the remaining rosemary. Return to the oven for another hour. (If you have removed your lamb at this point add it back after 30 minutes of the remaining hour cooking.) After this extra cooking it should then be tender and falling off the bone.

6. Remove the meat and veg from the pan with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Place the casserole with the sauce still in it back on the hob over a high heat and boil for 10 mins or until slightly thickened. Season if need be with salt, pepper and/or a dash more honey, add meat and veg back to the sauce and ensure it is all piping hot before serving on hot plates with creamy mash and a green vegetable of your choice. Delicious!

WI Wed 12th Feb 7.45pm Writtle Village Hall ‘Protecting your Assets Against Long- term Care Costs’ with Marcos Kallow Competition: Something beginning with ‘F’Wed 11th Mar 7.45pm Writtle Village Hall ‘What’s New in the Garden?’ with Foggy Hau Competition: Something beginning with ‘M’

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH IN WRITTLEThis is a Neighbourhood Watch area.Do you know that Neighbourhood Watch has been active in Writtle for several years? Beryl, a Writtle long-time parishioner, has been the local coordinator and she distributes newsletters to local members. But she needs support and more members. Essex Police e n c o u r a g e Neighbourhood Watch and in many areas of Chelmsford district where there is a strong and active Neighbourhood Watch group, they support these groups in many ways. Where committees and neighbours support each other and help themselves through the Watch scheme, there is evidence that crime and antisocial behaviour declines.

Find out more at www.chelmsfordneighbourhoodwatch.org.uk - and get in touch.

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A second Country Music event was held in the

Village Hall last November. This was another resounding success with the hall filled to capacity.

A handsome sum of money was raised which has been donated to the MPS Society

(research into genetic disorders).

Next event : Friday 15th May 2020 Also add to your diary: Friday 6th November 2020.

Watch for posters Enquiries: Phone 01245 420735

or email marie@maswynn.plus.com

Writtle Village Hall is situated opposite the Duck Pond in the centre of Writtle. Opened in 1908, it has served the Community of Writtle for over 100 years. Opened by Lady Gooch and sponsored by the Attwood Fund which is a charitable trust, a sum of money was given by one of Sir Daniel Gooch’s predecessors at Hylands more than 60 years ago, when it was decided that a need for such a building was deemed necessary for the village. Since its opening, it has proved to be a very popular venue for gatherings of all ages and is one of the few halls in this area with a stage. The hall offers good facilities including two halls, the main hall with the stage seats approximately 125 people and the small hall which seats approximately 35. Both halls have projector screens. The building consists of a large fully fitted and well-equipped kitchen which is shared by both halls. Many groups meet here on a regular basis, providing classes from art groups to children’s play group, keep fit and many more. Local amateur dramatic productions are also held twice early, as are several events which are open to the public.

Toilet facilities for male, female, disabled and baby changing are available. Disabled access is available to both halls and we are pleased to announce that we have recently received funding from a local resident which has enabled us to purchase a defibrillator which is located outside the hall for use by the general public and users of the hall. Free parking is available in the car park opposite the duck pond and around the village green. The building conforms to current legislation and regulations as advised by the RCCE (Rural Community Council of Essex) of which Writtle Hall is an active member. It is a non-profit making organisation run largely by a voluntary group of Trustees. Both halls are available to hire at very competitive rates for regular groups, birthday parties, Christmas parties, wedding receptions, meetings etc. We also offer concessionary rates for charitable functions and organisations. For further details on how to book the hall, please contact Wendy Risdon, see details above. Wendy will be happy to help with your enquiries or show you around the facilities.

CARPET BOWLSWRITTLE VILLAGE HALL CARPET BOWLS CLUB

Carpet Bowls is an enjoyable activity, suitable for all ages and ability. The club offers THREE FREE evenings of play for you to try the game before making any decision about joining. We are a sociable group who enjoy the game immensely and

would welcome more members. If you are interested then please contact our Secretary Heather Bourdon on 07826 559257 - or turn up on a Thursday or Sunday evening from 7.00pm.

WRITTLE VILLAGE HALL

18, The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3DUSecretary: Wendy Risdon, Tel: 07394 663636

Email: writtlevillagehall2019@gmail.com

CARPET BOWLS WRITTLE VILLAGE HALL CARPET BOWLS CLUB Carpet Bowls is an enjoyable activity, suitable for all ages and ability. The club offers THREE FREE evenings of play for you to try the game before making any decision about joining. We are a sociable group who enjoy the game immensely and would welcome more members. If you are interested then please contact our Secretary Heather Bourdon on 07826559257 – or turn up on a Thursday or Sunday evening from 7.00 pm.

CARPET BOWLS WRITTLE VILLAGE HALL CARPET BOWLS CLUB Carpet Bowls is an enjoyable activity, suitable for all ages and ability. The club offers THREE FREE evenings of play for you to try the game before making any decision about joining. We are a sociable group who enjoy the game immensely and would welcome more members. If you are interested then please contact our Secretary Heather Bourdon on 07826559257 – or turn up on a Thursday or Sunday evening from 7.00 pm.

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WRITTLE ARCHIVESThis month I have been thinking about the community spirit in Writtle and the importance of our Community Centres. The Village Hall is the oldest of these opened in 1908, and others including Longmeads and Writtle Sports and Social Club date from the 1960s when an influx of new families came to live on the Rollestons estate. The Christian Centre was rebuilt from the old Infants and Girls school in the 1970s. Many different organisations have used these facilities and they have added to the character and ambience of our lovely village.

It was not always so. There were few organisations in the early 1890s but the church needed a room, so the vicar Canon Papillon had a small hall built beside the infants school where the Christian Centre car park is today. It was mainly built of corrugated iron, hence its name ‘The Iron Room’. It was used for church activities and women’s meetings, as well as concerts. In 1894, Canon Papillon offered the Iron Room as a reading room for the whole community. At the time many men from the village worked on the farms and spent their leisure

in the local pubs before going home, as there was no other form of entertainment and very little educational facilities for labourers to continue their education after leaving school. A proposition for a village hall was first put forward at a Parish Council meeting in 1894, but this was not followed up until a report appeared in the Essex Chronicle of April 1898 with the headline: “The Village of Writtle is a drink sodden, God-forsaken and God forsaking place; proposal for a reading room defeated”.

Money for this project was to come from the ‘Attwood Charity Fund’. In 1841, John Attwood of ‘Hylands’ gave £1,000 to Writtle, Chelmsford and Margaretting for the privilege of closing several public roads which ran through his estate. A charity fund was set up in Writtle with this money and was initially used to provide clothing, bread and fuel for the poor.

There was a lot of controversy on how the Attwood money should be spent and not everyone was in favour of a Village Hall, but by 1905 it was agreed that it would be used for the purpose of a village club, public library and reading room, A site was initially found but

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‘The Iron Room’, Writtle, December 1969.

Writtle Village Hall, taken from across Wear Pond.

discarded, “cottages at the comer of Church Lane and the Green to be adapted and new buildings to be erected on the site”. This was ‘Aubyns’ at the beginning of the 20th century and luckily the building, which was divided then into very run-down cottages for the poor, survived to be renovated in the 1920s to the fine Grade 1 listed building it is today. A management committee was formed and they sent this article to the Church Magazine in December 1906. “Such an Institution would be of great benefit to a place like this, where there are numbers of young men who have no place of social intercourse other than the public house, and very little opportunity for self-improvement. A good library, of general information, will, it is hoped, be gradually formed, and in time become a valuable feature of the institution. The Trustees cordially commend the scheme to the support and sympathy of parishioners and friends, and appeal for contributions to the building fund to the extent of £300-£400. They consider that it would be more prudent not to expend the whole capital of the Fund upon the building, but to keep some of it in reserve for future expenses.” By March 1908 things were progressing. “Mr. R N Amold-Wallinger, Chairman of the Parish Council presided at the Annual Parish Meeting there on Wednesday evening, when Mr. F B Pamplin proposed a resolution requesting and authorising the Parish Council to establish a reading-room for the village. This was seconded by Mr. Salmon who spoke of the necessity of some place of meeting for the young fellows who congregated on the street corners. Mr. De’ath said that although four similar attempts to provide such accommodation had failed, he was willing to support this one if it were managed so that it did not come out of the rates. Something of the kind was necessary to raise the moral tone of the village, which was a drink-sodden, God forsaken and God-forsaking place.” An “excellent” site was eventually secured facing The Green, between ‘Sunnyside’ and the Post Office, and the Trustees of the Writtle Charities applied the whole or a sufficient portion of the Attwood Fund’ towards the purchase of the site and the erection of the building. Designs were obtained from Messrs. Clare & Ross, Architects, of Southend, for a building containing a large hall

24Village Hall Plan.

of about the same area as the Boys’ Schoolroom, to seat 200 people, which could be divided by a moveable partition into two rooms, suitable for club purposes. At one end of the hall would be a stage, with space underneath it for stowing tables and other clubroom furniture, when the hall was being used for a concert or lecture; also cloakroom and lavatory accommodation. The eventual architect was Mr. R. Mawhood of Chelmsford (with a simplified change from the original design); and the contractors, Messrs. F. Moss and Son, of Writtle. The first sod was cut on Monday 10th August 1908, by the Vicar, Canon Papillon, who was followed by Mr. A. P. Lindsell, Chairman of the Parish Council, and other parishioners who had an interest in the scheme. The hall was finally opened by Lady Gooch, the wife of Sir Daniel Gooch of Hylands, on December 16th 1908. The Parochial Library remained in the Iron Room and then in the Infants school until some years after the Village Hall was opened. One of the first entertainments in the Hall recorded in the Writtle Parish Magazine of March 1909 was a Whist Drive arranged by Mrs. Williams (wife of Thomas Williams, headmaster of the Boys’ School) and Miss Decimal Shead (10th child of Henry Newell Shead, Corn Chandler, whose shop was where the Village Pharmacy is now). 100 people participated and a profit of 15s 6d was given to the Cricket Club to wipe out the deficit on the previous season. Following this an entertainment was arranged by Lady Gooch on behalf of the Cricket Club, and Coal and Clothing Clubs resulting in a profit of £12 2s 0d. The entertainment consisted of songs, recitations and comic songs which gave much pleasure to an appreciative audience. The highlight of the evening were two dramatic duologues ‘Sixes and Sevens’ by Lady Gooch and Mr. Cyril Phillips, and ‘In and Out of a Punt’ by Lady Gooch and Mr. Bertram Steer. At a later date an extension was built on the back, known still today as the Billiard Room. Thus started the long use of the Village Hall by many varied organisations over the years. Come and see us in the Christian Centre on a Wednesday afternoon from 2.00-5.00pm to find out more information on your favourite places in Writtle.

Wendy Hibbitt: 421265 wendyhibbitt@hotmail.com 25

MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT THE PARISH OFFICE

MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGSMonthly Parish Meeting 7.30pm Monday 3rd FebruaryMonthly Parish Meeting 7.30pm Monday 2nd MarchMonthly Parish Meeting 7.30pm Monday 6th April

COMMITTEE MEETINGSPlanning & Development 7.30pm Monday 17th FebruaryHighways and Transport 8.15pm Monday 17th FebruaryPlanning & Development 7.30pm Monday 16th MarchEnvironment 8.15pm Monday 16th March

ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGTo be held in the Village Hall 8.00pm Monday 20th April

CITIZENS ADVICE CHELMSFORDGet help applying for Universal CreditOur Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment. Help to Claim is a dedicated service from Citizens Advice. It’s free, independent and confidential. Our trained advisers can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your work coach appointment. Call us for free: 0800 144 8 444. Visit us: www.chelmsfordcab.org/universal-credit

WRITTLE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANUPDATEIt will seem a long time ago now that the draft Vision Statement and Objectives were consulted upon in August through the Writtle News, The Parish Website and through our pitch at the Village Fair. I am pleased to say that we received majority support for our draft and also some very helpful suggestions as to how they could be amended and expanded to reflect what the community feels is important to the parish. My personal thanks to everybody who participated. This has enabled us to enter the phase where we can really get down to write the Plan and flesh out the policies which it will contain. The members of your Steering Group, with the help of our consultants Troy, have now been allocated specific topics to develop and this work is proceeding well. We have, however, set ourselves a very tight timescale to try and ensure that the Plan can be adopted or ‘made’ by the Autumn of 2020. We have also taken advice from the Neighbourhood Plan Liaison Officer at Chelmsford City Council who informs us that it could take up to seven or eight months for the plan to go through its final formal stages. These include further consultation, independent inspection and finally a referendum. This process is managed by the City Council and your Steering Group has no control over the Plan’s progress once it is submitted. Therefore we are looking at March or April 2020 to get the draft Plan ready for submission and you may rest assured that all members of the Steering Group are firmly committed to make this happen.

Jonathan Weymouth. Chair Writtle Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.

WRITTLE PARISH COUNCILLauretta Fox, The Clerk, Writtle Parish Council Office, The Green, Writtle CM1 3DT

Telephone: 01245 420066Email: clerk@writtle-pc.gov.uk<mail to:clerk@writtle-pc.gov.uk > website: www.writtlepc.co.uk

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If you would like to writefor the Writtle News

please contactChristine Knight, Editor,

by telephoneTel: 01245 420045

WrittleWrittleWritersWritersWrittleWriters

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDEBotswana is a small country in Africa with blue skies and sunny days. It is home to many animals including leopards, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos and monkeys.

Monkeys, like the infant Eliot and his family, live in small groups of 10 to 20 individuals. The group only comes together to sleep and eat. Eating is a favourite pastime for Eliot who likes tree bark, fruits and leaves. All the young monkeys learn everything from their mothers, including how to find food. Eliot is just learning to find food, but still looks for the easy option of scrounging from others. This can lead to squabbling. One such squabble took place between Eliot and a young female called CoCo. “Give me that leaf CoCo. I saw it first”, Eliot demanded forcefully. “In your dreams”, replied CoCo, stubbornly. “Find your own food you scrounger.” “Now then children”, interrupted Eliot’s mother. “There are enough leaves for everyone. Eliot you really must learn to share, otherwise the other monkeys won’t like you. They will say that you’re spoilt and selfish.” Eliot glared at his mother and said nothing, just in case he was punished for being rude. After everyone had finished their food, they decided it was time for an afternoon nap followed by a long and pleasurable grooming session. Whilst grooming each other, the monkeys heard a distant alarm call. When the call announces an eagle, the monkeys hide in the bush and if the call is for a leopard, they rush into the tree tops. This time the alert was for a leopard and everyone headed for the tree tops. During the rush Eliot was knocked from a branch and fell to the ground with a thud. This sent the group into turmoil. On the ground, poor little Eliot was too dazed to move, and all the time the leopard crept closer. Then without hesitation CoCo clambered down the tree and told Eliot to climb onto her back. He quickly obeyed and CoCo started a slow climb towards the tree top. While CoCo climbed the tree all the other monkeys tried to

capture the leopard’s attention by pelting it with fruit and twigs. Their plan worked and CoCo managed to reach safety with a frightened Eliot clinging on tightly. Eliot’s mother was so pleased to have her son back safely. She thanked CoCo and gave her a huge hug. As for Eliot he promised that in the future he would always share his food with CoCo. He now considered her to be special and would never forget her kindness. Eliot’s mother thought that he had learned a hard lesson, but it was a valuable one. Copyright ©2009 Jean Cakebread and protected under UK and international law. All rights reserved.

WRITTLE INFANTSDear all, At the time of writing we are coming to the end of another busy term. While you will be reading this in February and Christmas will seem a long way away, we have had some wonderful events to celebrate Christmas. The performances from the KS1 and Reception teams were outstanding and we joined the community for Carols on The Green. Our

Year Two children entertained the Link Club and we represented our commitment to mental health and well-being with a tree with mindful thoughts as our entry in the Christmas Tree Festival. We supported MacMillan as our charity this year. As I always report, we are currently raising money for a new building which we have called The Healthy and Happiness Hub. We have had a charity evening (thank you Indian Nights), raised money from ticket sales and have had donations from other companies. If anyone in the village has any ideas for fundraising or would consider a donation please contact the school on admin@writtle-inf.essex.sch.uk. We were delighted to be accepted as a charity by the local Co-op; if you have a Co-op card and shop at Long Brandocks you can nominate us as your chosen charity.

Best wishes, Helen Castell, Headteacher.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO MOVE,FEEL AND LOOK BETTER? SG PILATES Offers Mat Classes for : beginners/intermediate/advanced level Spine safe classes gentle mat for back care&older adults(£7.50block booking) Gentle Chair Based – exercises sitting in a chair!(£6 pay as u go) Sue also offers 1-1 /2-1/ Private Mini groups and corporate PILATES – is a unique set of exercises which is designed to help you achieve a balance of the body and mind. Pilates is for everyone offering a wealth of long term fitness, health and well-being benefits. Pilates can help you increase core strength and stability, improve your balance , coordination flexibility and tone the body. MIXED LEVEL MAT : this is a great class for the great comprehensive class, working through Pilates exercises and building on the strength work and building blocks for the more advanced exercises . It’s a class for fast learners who love the strength and movement aspects of PILATES! Mon@9.45am/6pm/7.05pm Thurs@6pm/7.30pm Sat@10.05am GENTLE MAT : classes are aimed at the more mature adult, providing an excellent start for the anyone new to exercise. These classes are ideal for back care to reduce pain and stiffness for a strong supported spine. Mon@11.15am Wed@11.30am Thurs@11.00am CHAIR PILATES : Want to take up pilates or an exercise class but you’re looking for something gentle, perhaps you are not confident about getting on and off the floor? Then chair Pilates class is for you! Mon@12.20-1.05pm Contact Sue T:01245421961/07702236841 E: sue@sgfitnesschelmsford.co.uk

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• s MICHAEL GRAY

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Established 1989

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Blue Bridge Engineering Limited A vacancy is offered for a manager to head a marketing initiative to sell quails eggs and

associated products.

This person would need the ability to acquire a good client based network and to work

alongside others in a new sales team.

Products, produced locally at farms, would be marketed, supplied and delivered by mail and courier delivery or distributed at retail outlets. The manager position and sales team jobs on offer would suit people who already work in this field and are able to build a relaxed and friendly team, which is dedicated and happy working in a farming environment. Part-time or flexible hours would be negotiable, subject to

staff and customer requirements.

If you think that a job in this field would suit you, or others that you know in Writtle that have the appropriate skills sets, please get in touch on:-

01245 422498or

thejob@quails-in-essex.co.uk

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Lee Sullivan • Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating • Committed to professional, quality workmanship • Skilled, Cost-effective & Dependable Service • References Available • Fully Insured

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For all your Joint, Muscle & Sports Injury Needs

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For an Appointment phone Heather on

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46 Wilshire Avenue, SpringfieldChelmsford, Essex CM2 6QW

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L. C. MASON T/AWRITTLE LANDSCAPES

HARD LANDSCAPING PATIOS DRIVESWALLS FENCING LAWNS (TURF & SEED)TEL: 01245 420390 OR 07802 209173

Den’s Computer ServicesMicrosoft Windows 7 support ends mid-January 2020.

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ASSISTANCEEmergency number only: Ambulance, Fire, Police 999 or 112Fire non-emergency: 0300 3030088Chelmsford Counselling Foundation: (formerly Writtle Pastoral

Foundation): 42 Cedar Avenue, Chelmsford 284890Chelmsford Home Start: Voluntary home visiting for young families

under stress: Chelmsford 264047Chelmsford Community Transport: 477750Citizens Advice Bureau: Burgess Well House, Coval Lane,

Chelmsford CM1 1JE - Advice Line 01245 205656 - Main Line 01245 205605

Marriage Guidance Council: 79 Springfield Road, Chelmsford 258680 (am)

Mobile Customer Information Services Team: 01245 606891N.H.S. Direct: 111 Ambulance: Essex Ambulance Service & NHS Trust 01245 443344Police: Police Chelmsford can be contacted by telephone on 101Parking Wardens: 01245 606626 or 01245 606710RELATE: 47 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford 258680 ext. 485950Samaritans: In distress or despair? - Ring Chelmsford 116123Talking Newspaper: contact Pat on Chelmsford 354079

LOCAL FACILITIESChristian Centre: email: writtlechristiancentre@gmail.com

07949 060567 contact name: Andrew BrewsterDoctors’ Surgery: 421205Hylands School: 266766Library: Monday 9am-5pm, Tuesday 9am-5pm open by volunteers

1pm-5pm, Wednesday 9am-1pm, Thursday 1pm-5pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm. Renewals/enquiries 0345 603 7628

Longmeads: 420676Pharmacy: 422357

Village Hall: Booking Secretary: Wendy Risdon 07394 663636; email: writtlevillagehall@gmail.com Chairperson: Roger Bailey: 421508

The Writtle Dental Surgery: NHS & Private 421781Walk-in Hearing Help Session: 9.30-10.30,

3rd Thursday of the month, Parish Council Offices: 348440Writtle College: 424200Writtle Archives: Wendy Hibbitt 421265Writtle Community Care: Mick Townley 07704 603271Writtle County Infants School: 420963.Writtle County Junior School: 420592Writtle Green Pre-School: Val Wilson 07950 944612Writtle Sports & Social Club: 420332 Small sided artificial pitch bookings: Lisa Bailey 07979 427938Writtle Sports & Social Club: 432332 after 8pm.

4G multi-use games court bookings: Sherry Paterson writtle4gbookings@gmail.com / 01245 443025. Hall Booking Secretary: Sherry Patterson hallhire@writtlesportsandsocialclub.co.uk / 01245 443025

LOCAL GOVERNMENTMember of Parliament: Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Walden

Constituency) Tel: 02072191943County Councillor: John Aldridge 421524City Councillors: Tim Roper 421977, Malcolm Watson 422808Parish Councillors: Clerk: Lauretta Fox, 420066 North Ward: Sue Bell 07866 239043, Ralph Bray 422460,

Andrew Carter 422232, Paul Costello 07841 342972, Chris Hibbitt 421265, Thomas Kinloch 763720, Renato Schmit 420866 and Wendy Walker 420147.

South Ward: Sue Emery 420297, Peter Cracknell 421392, Louise Gannicott 422962, Sandra Massey, Ian Nicholls 07791 832894, Matt Soden and John Young 07719 387363

WRITTLE DIRECTORYWrittle News website: http://www.essexinfo.net/writtle-news Writtle News email: writtlenews@gmail.com

Please inform the Editor if an entry in this Directory needs updating or removing

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Conservative Party: Sec: Summer Sands 01799 506349, The Old Armoury, 3 Museum Street, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1JN

Liberal Democratic Party: Stephen Robinson 423084

SPORTS CLUBSChelmsford Croquet Club: Chairman: David Bateson 442291Gym Club: Coz Yates 420393Writtle Badminton Club: Paul & Ann Norris 283632Writtle Bowling Club: Hon. Sec: Mrs Wendy Harvey 01245 421608Writtle Carpet Bowls Club: Sec: Heather Bourdon 07826 559257Writtle Cricket Club: Hon. Sec: Mike Faulconbridge, 601138;

mobile 07746 290947Writtle Darts Club: Hon. Sec: Dave Elliott 420015Writtle Football Club: Hon. Sec: Paul Gallacher 353023Writtle Minors F.C.: Chairman: Matt Soden 07847 327622;

Sec: Alistair Patient, 07979 648626Writtle Table Tennis Club: Hon Sec: Mathew Brown, 07814 323611Writtle Tennis Club: Sec: Mrs Sue Emery Chelmsford 420297

ORGANISATIONSAll Saints Bell Ringers: ‘Tower Captain’, Andrew Brewster 421166All Saints Church Choir: Organist Michael Little 421023Brownie & Rainbow Waiting List: girlguidingessexne.org.uk/

Join+Us/Chelmsford Marquetry Group: Margaret Bonnett 420415Chelmsford Morris Dancing: Celia Kemp 263753Chess Club: Chairman: Ivor Smith 421193Friends of Writtle Parish Church: Membership Sec: Pauline

Montague 250999Garden & Allotment Society: Chairman: John Rouse, 421350

Secretary: Bob Harvey, 421608Guides: 1st Writtle: Mrs Nikki Bird nikki.bird@gmx.co.uk 3rd Writtle: Mrs Margaret Loster 420958 Zodiac Rangers: Mrs Josie Mullender 630190Heritage Writtle: Membership Sec: Mr Dave Stock 421515Heron Bridge Club: Sec: Angela Cheek 462412

National & Folk Dance Centre: Annette Clark 469197Parents Association (Infants School): School number 420963Parents Association (Junior School): 420592Photographic Society: Peter Graves 421240 Chris Bell 421482Red Cross: Welfare Office, 200 London Road, Chelmsford 490090Screen on the Green Community Cinema: Caroline Cox, 07552

619834 St. John Ambulance: Loan of Medical Comforts: 625678Sequence Dance Club: Mr D Card 440730Scouts, Cubs and Beavers (6-14 yrs): Mr Andrew King 421431The Crafty Sew and Sew Club: Tracy King 07731 120338;

Suzanne Earthy 422089 or 07892 716805Explorer Scouts (14-18 yrs): Mr Nick King 421431WEA: Sec: Anita Curtis 420365W.I. (Evening): Mrs Mavis Awcock 422668Writtle Art Group: Lin Wells 352082Writtle Bridge Circle: Sandy Smith 443096Writtle Cards (Drama Group): Daniel Curley 07743 322209Writtle Community Association: Longmeads,

12-14 Redwood Drive, 420676Writtle Handbell Ringers: Mrs A. Bailey 421508Writtle International Scooter Collective: Contact - Ozzie Burrows

07973 781765Writtle Manor Football: Sec: Barry Long 420558Writtle Relief-in-Need Charity: Clerk: Mrs Christine Aldridge 421524Writtle Sewing Club: Angela Robinson, 07549 184636;

Catherine Jones, 07730 611687Writtle Singers: Chairperson: Mr. Steven Clews, 01277 218790Writtle Tappers (Adult Tap Class): Annette Clark 469197Writtle Wives: Leader Mrs Barbara Cooley, 420854Writtle News Policy Board: Chairman: John Aldridge 421524;

Parish Council: Andrew Carter PCC 422232; Catholics: Nora Smith; CA: Peter Smith 421587;

Designed and printed by Simmons Printers, Bilton Road, Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford CM1 2UJ - 01245 352480

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Wear Pond, February 2012.Photograph by Christine Knight.Please see pages 14-15, Nature.