Bingo at the village hall
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February newsletter
MARGARETTING NEWS - FEBRUARY 2010 Inside this issue: Parish Council and Village Hall Reports Local Clubs and Organisations Publicity Officer wanted for Village Hall Housing Exchange Request How to report Highway Defects Coach Outings What's on in February ST MARGARET'S CHURCH SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Sunday 7th 10.00am Parish Communion Sunday 14th 10.00am Morning Prayer Wed. 17th 10.00 am (Ash Wednesday) Communion Service Sunday 21st 10.00am Parish Communion Sunday 28th 11.00am Mattins
BINGO IN THE VILLAGE HALL - CHANGE OF VENUE The bingo session on the 17 February will be held in The Chelmer Room in the Village Hall. 7.30pm - same time as usual.
VILLAGE POND There is no such thing as safe ice! A few years ago when the village pond was emptied and cleared of debris the depth of the pond at that time was noted as being over 10 feet deep in parts. And, nowhere in the pond did the depth of water measure less than three feet. So, you can imagine the horror and concern of local residents when during the recent cold spell young and unaccompanied children were seen playing on the frozen surface of the pond . Especially since the national news had recently reported the death by drowning of a small boy who had fallen through thin ice on a pond. Ponds are not playgrounds. The deceptive dangers of frozen water can't be emphasised enough.
NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION PANELS The dates of the Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) meetings for our area can be found on the parish council and village hall notice boards. NAP provides an opportunity for people in the community to raise issues which are important to them. They were set up to give power to the people to solve ‘community headaches' People with a local interest come together with members of the Neighbourhood Police Team and work out the answers and priorities and identify the action needed to tackle them At the NAP meeting held on 20 January it was reported that there have been a number of burglaries in Margaretting. As a result there is to be increased patrols in the area and leaflet dropping to local residents The next NAP meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10 March. More details are available from our PCSO Kay Fleming Telephone 0300 333 4444 Internal Ext: 69240 Fax: 01245 329551 Email: kay.fleming@essex.pnn.police.uk VILLAGE HALL SECURITY PROBLEM The village hall has suffered from intermittent episodes of vandalism over the years. Recent discussions with the police have resulted in Kay Fleming organising regular surveillance visits to the area and all episodes are reported to her. The village hall committee are in the process of discussing whether this supervision should be enhanced by having hidden, vandal proof cameras that will enable anyone on the internet to see firsthand what is happening in the hall grounds and in addition a record can be kept. The cameras will work at night and be movement triggered. However there is quite a high cost involved as it requires a digital video recorder which takes up to four cameras. A lap top running Microsoft XP is required for recording the video and transmitting the pictures. Does anyone have any views, ideas or experience whether this is worth the outlay? Please contact Michael Scott 01277354821, Susan Keeble 01277353973 or Grace Albon 01277354204
ATTENTION ALL DOG WALKERS Recently, a new dog owner in the village approached the parish council and offered to pick up the litter she found on her regular dog walking route. She is now armed with a mechanical picker supplied by the parish council and is ready to go! Do you agree that the amount of litter to be seen in the village has increased recently? Would you be interested in becoming part of a litter picking team? Members of the WI have been discussing the idea of co-ordinating such a project. There are members of the community who litter pick on a regular basis and their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the parish council. It would be good if we could map out the village into areas and with the help of dog walkers and the existing litter pickers keep our village clean and beautiful! If you are interested in helping please contact Penny Savill on 01277 356182.
VILLAGE HALL MEETING - JANUARY At the January meeting, it was reported that the hall floor had been resealed satisfactorily. The new P.A. System had been installed, and the installation of the induction loop was in hand. The possibility of having a CCTV system at the hall was discussed. A donation had been made from the profits of the Fashion show, although regrets were voiced that it had not been well attended by the local community. It was reported that the school had been contacted regarding the loss of their storage space due to the new building plans, which they would consider a problem. The committee considered the possibility of holding a quiz night, if it is found that there is enough interest. In line with the committee's action plan, it was agreed to seek a person to act as a publicity officer for the Village Hall. Susan Keeble (Chairman) PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY DEMOCRATIC TIME One member of the public present. The parish council was asked whether it would be possible to install a roadside mirror near the Maldon Road railway bridge to enable motorists to see oncoming traffic. We advised this would not be possible as Essex County Council Highways do not install or support mirrors on public highways or footpaths. TELEPHONE BOXES BT is to be asked to provide an insurance valuation for the telephone box at The Tye. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE Quotes are still being sought for the list of repairs already agreed. New leads received for the war memorial renovations are being followed up. VILLAGE POND Received reports that young children had been seen playing on the frozen surface of the pond. The children had been warned away and told of the dangers of playing on frozen ice by the neighbours. See front page VILLAGE VERGES Due to the bad weather it has not been possible to carry out any site visits. VILLAGE TREES Received reports about trees being felled within the village conservation area at the far end of Parsonage Lane. This matter has been referred to Chelmsford Council. VILLAGE ROADS Concerns were expressed about the number of pot holes appearing in the roads after the recent bad weather. In particular potholes near Whitesbridge and at the Wantz Road/Main Road cross roads. We were reminded that the public can report faults directly to Highways. See next page. The suggestion received at our last meeting that the flow of traffic using The Saddlery Roundabout could be improved by having a dedicated lane marked up for Margaretting traffic has been rejected by Essex Highways. The Highways Engineer after making a site visit concluded there was insufficient room to allow for the extra markings. MALDON ROAD ALLOTMENTS Agreed the increase for the annual rent for the allotments. This increase will not come into effect until January 2011. Cllrs Young and Cant, our allotment representatives, will be discussing the proposed increase with the allotment holders. MALDON ROAD PLAYING FIELD Received latest inspection reports. There were no reported incidents. The small copse at the far end of the field (to the rear of the shelter) is to be extended into the allotments. Financial assistance for the planting of new trees is available from Chelmsford Council. ACCOUNTS The following expenditure was noted: £116 - quarterly broadband charges for the village hall. PLANNING (i) Applications The following were received:: 09/01829/FUL - Bishopscourt, Main Road - Single storey rear extension. (ii) Decisions 09/01309/OUT - Spread Eagle, Main Road - Construction of two semi-detached properties to replace the public house. Application withdrawn. 09/01304/LBC - Spread Eagle Main Road - Demolition of Listed Building. Granted Planning Permission 09/01567/OUT - Land South of Martins Farm, The Tye - Construction of two detached dwellings. Refused Planning Permission DATE OF NEXT MEETING Thursday, 11 February at 7.30pm
Wanted - Publicity Officer The Recreation Ground and Village Hall Committee is seeking a person to work with us to raise the profile of Margaretting's Village Hall. The right person would be able to locate new and exciting ways to advertise and make the most of publicity opportunities. If you feel you would like to contribute in this way, please call Susan Keeble on 01277 353973 HOUSING EXCHANGE Is anyone who is currently renting a Chelmer Housing three bed roomed house in the village interested in exchanging their house for a two bedroom bungalow also in the village and rented from Chelmer Housing? If yes please contact Joanne Taylor on 07717 672867.
MARGARETTING WI We have changed the day and the week in the month for our meetings to the third Monday evening of every month at 7.30pm. Although February's meeting on the 15th will be held in the Chelmer Room all our other meetings will take place in the meeting room. Our 2010 programme of activities are available from Rosemary Carter on 350553 or Sheila Blurton on 840493.
MOTHERS UNION Margaretting Mothers Union Meetings are held in St Margaret's Church. The next meeting is on 18th February at 2.30pm. For more information please contact Jill Needs on 627078.
MARGARETTING AMBLERS February Sunday 28th will be the next village walk with everyone welcome. We meet at the village pond at 11am and for a change we will walk West along Main Road and down to Maldon Road and under the bridge. We walk on the road until we get to the bridleway to Hopes bridge and out to the Green Lane on the border of Margaretting. We will turn off the green lane for refreshments at the White Hart and then return to the green lane that will eventually take us to the church. Then it is a short journey home via Canterburys. One of the beauties of this walk is we can extend or shorten it to suit the weather and our mood. Michael Scott 01277354821
BOOK CLUB The book for our February meeting is ‘A Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde. If you are interested in joining our group please telephone Penny Savill on 356182.
MARGARETTING SCHOOL NEWS The school's New Year had an erratic start, having to shut one day due to snow. However, those students who trudged in on the other days played happily in the playground, making snowmen. There are plans to give the school playground a ‘spring' feel, by creating and hanging a range of planters on the fence and walls. At the beginning of February the children of Margaretting School are participating in ‘Forest Schools', an organisation that encourages appreciation and conservation of the countryside. And coming up on 10th February is.... Margaretting's Got Talent! The teachers are to perform a pantomime entitled, ‘Goldilocks and the Three Scares' whilst the children perform a range of variety acts. All are welcome. Contact the school for details.
BEAT SURGERIES 2010 Don't forget the new location for the monthly beat surgery is in Maldon Road (lay-by opposite the recreation field). PCSO Kay Fleming will be there on Saturday, 6th February between 12:30 13:45. FEBRUARY COUNCIL COLLECTIONS Black Bins - Mondays Brown Bins - Mondays, 8th and 22nd
Green box, paper and plastic sacks - Tuesday 9th Green box, cardboard, paper and plastic sacks - Tuesday 23rd REPORTING FAULTS TO ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHWAYS There are several ways to report a highway fault or defect, email, letter, telephone or via ECC's website - www.essex.gov.uk. A list appears on the right hand side of the home page, scroll down to ‘Report a Highway Fault'. Another list appears with examples of defects - such a kerb defects etc. If your particular fault is not there then an email to the Mid Area Highways office at midarea@essex.gov.uk or contactessex@essex.gov.uk describing the defect and giving a precise location will also suffice.
Alternatively, you could call the help line on 0845 603 7622 or FAX to 01245 240028 (the Mid Area Office).
OVER 60s CLUB On February 10th we look forward to an entertaining afternoon with the staff and children of the school and their seasonal performance, starting at the earlier time of 1.30pm - see ‘School News' above. Please be prompt! On the 24th there will be a demonstration on Information Technology, together with our usual afternoon tea, bingo and a good chat.
Do join us; new members are always welcome
ESSEX WATCH There appears to be many reports of people receiving unwanted calls just recently. These are generally large company generated calls and not an actual person. Usually your phone will ring and there is no one there, but you may just hear a clicking sound. If some one does call you, never say your name and if someone asks you for yours, put the phone down. One thing that should be noted is that any Police Force would never call anyone and tell them that they have 'Bad News'. If someone does then they are not genuine. You can prevent a good many of these coming through by registering with the following company - The Telephone Preference Service. You can register on line or by calling 020 7291 3320 Website - www.tpsonline.org.uk You can also register to stop silent calls on 0844 372 2325. Please note that registration will not prevent calls coming in from outside the UK. Brenda Cross, Essex Watch Quality of life Team Tel: 0300 333 4444 ext 60604 Mobile: 07970 599923 brenda.cross@essex.pnn.police.uk
Ingatestone & Fryerning Horticultural Society Coach outings in 2010
This year we are offering the following outings:
RHS Garden Wisley - Thursday 13 May 2010 Departing Ingatestone 09.30; leaving Wisley 16.00 Cost: £12 IFHS members; £15 non-members
We are visiting the Garden in early May hopefully to catch the best of the Spring colour. There are various facilities at Wisley i.e. Restaurant, Cafe, Shop and Nursery.
Merriments Garden, East Sussex - Thursday 12 August 2010 Departing Ingatestone 09.30; leaving Merriments 16.30 Cost £18, includes coach, entrance and guided tour
Merriments is a four acre garden in East Sussex and has been highly recommended to the Society. There is a Garden Terrace Restaurant where it is possible to enjoy a coffee/a pot of tea, and partake of a snack or a meal. Merriments also have a Plant Nursery and a Garden Shop.
Bookings are now being taken for all outings; please contact Ann Monk on 01277 352869 for reservations/further information. MARGARETTING WI CHRISTMAS QUIZ Members of Margaretting WI would like to thank everyone who bought our quiz and to congratulate Mrs Peggy Button our quiz winner! IT'S ALL CHANGE FOR MARGARETTING In the spring or early summer there will be a general election to determine who will form the next government for this country. As a result of changes imposed by the boundaries commission, Margaretting will be voting as part of the Maldon Constituency and not Chelmsford, our base for many years. Our present MP, Simon Burns who has served us so well for the last 22 years will no longer feature on the Margaretting ballot paper.
The current MP for Maldon, and a prospective candidate at the General Election, is John Whittingdale OBE. John has been an MP since 1992 and has represented the Constituency of Maldon and East Chelmsford since it was formed in 1997. He has served on various select committees, been Political Secretary to Margaret Thatcher, Parliamentary Private Secretary to William Hague, held various shadow cabinet positions and currently is Chairman of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. He also holds a very wide range of local appointments.
Once the election date has been announced John will be visiting Margaretting to meet as many residents as possible. If you want to know more about John then visit his website: www.johnwhittingdale.org.uk
Councillor Ian Grundy Tel: 01277 840737 Ward Member for South Hanningfield, Stock and Margaretting WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY 2010 TRUST BUS - Margaretting to Chelmsford - Tuesday 16th leaving Orton Close at 10.00 - returning from the Market Bus Stop at 12 noon TRUST BUS - Margaretting to Ingatestone - every Friday leaving Orton Close at 10.00am PILATES - Mondays in the village hall - 9.30-10.30am; 10.45-11.30 (beginners course); 6.30-7.30pm. Also, Thursdays at 9.30-10.30am; 7.00-8.00 and 8.15-9.15pm BALLROOM DANCING - Monday evenings in the village hall at 7.45 - 8.45pm. LATIN AMERICAN AND BALLROOM DANCING FOR BEGINNERS - Monday evenings in the village hall at 8.45-9.45 ART GROUP - Wednesday mornings in the village hall at 9.30 - 12.00. OVER 60s CLUB - Wednesday afternoons - 10th and 24th at 2 - 4pm. . BINGO - Wednesday evenings - 3rd and 17th at 7.30 - 9.30pm in the village hall. MOBILE LIBRARY - Thursday afternoons in Maldon Road (opposite recreation field) - 11th and 25th at 3.20-3.35pm. VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE - Thursday, 4th in the Meeting Room in the village hall at 7.30pm HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEETING - Wednesday 10th in the Chelmer Room at 7.30pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - Thursday 11th at 7.30pm in the Meeting Room in the village hall MOTHERS UNION - Thursday 18th at 2.30pm in St Margaret's church MARGARETTING W.I. - Monday 15th at 7.30pm in the Chelmer Room in the village hall. AMBLERS - Sunday 28th - meet at the pond at 11.00am.
COPY FOR THE MARCH EDITION BY 18 FEBRUARY PLEASE Margaretting News' is published by the PCC of St Margaret's Church. Editors Roy and Penny Savill, ‘The Martins', Main Road, CM4 9JB. Tel /Fax 01277 356182 or email: penroy.savill@virgin.net. Distribution to every household in the village is accomplished by a team of volunteers. Printed by
Supporting the local community for all its property needs, including commercial, sales, surveys, financial services and lettings. Offices throughout Essex, Havering and London, commencing with our recently opened Colchester office following the A12 to Pall Mall, London
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