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WRITTLE NEWS 237AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2020

WRITTLE NEWS PRODUCTION TEAM

EDITOR: Christine Knight (420045) Writtle News email: [email protected]

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

Copy for Issue 238 (email: [email protected] or typed) to Christine Knight, (420045)

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

B&W Advertising Rates1⁄8 page £12.00 per issue1⁄4 page £22.00 per issue1⁄2 page £35.00 per issueWhole page £65.00 per issue

Colour Advertising Rates1⁄8 page £16.00 per issue1⁄4 page £30.00 per issue1⁄2 page £50.00 per issueWhole page £90.00 per issue

Advert Sizes (Type area only)1⁄8 page 30mm x 90mm1⁄4 page 60mm x 90mm1⁄2 page 132.5mm x 90mmW/page 132.5mm x 190mm

If you wish to change your advertisement, will you please put it in writing. Please note that opinions expressed in articles in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the Editor and production team.The Editor reserves the right in her discretion to amend or abbreviate articles for reasons of space and to refuse to accept material which in her opinion may be regarded as offensive or inappropriate.

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

COVID-19

COVID-19, these are words and numbers, like so many other words and numbers, which conjure up important events in the history of the world. COVID-19, 2020 will always be remembered as a war on a tiny virus, an enemy we cannot see, hear, smell, taste or feel. It is a frightening time and a life changing time for most people, with some losing family and friends to this deadly virus, our thoughts are with you. Due to the virus and social distancing we were unable to deliver the Writtle News, April/May issue 236 magazine until June/July, consequently we have not produced a June/July magazine, the August/September publication will therefore become issue 237. The Writtle News team would like to commend, Parish Councillor, Ian Nichols, who delivered over 2,000 copies and County Councillor, John Aldridge and Tony Palmer, who delivered over 300 copies of the April/May magazine, at the beginning of June during ‘Lockdown’. Well done guys! Mary Steadman, our distribution manager, assures me that our regular distributors, of whom there are sixty in total, will be up and running to deliver the August/September magazine. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them for their perseverance and loyalty over the many years the Writtle News has been in production and also to thank our advertisers for supporting our lovely village magazine, which aims to chronicle past and present life in the village of Writtle. During this historic time of COVID-19 we must all remember and never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who have put their lives on the line to enable life to carry on. Keep safe.

Christine Knight, Editor Writtle News.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Please 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.

Writtle News email: [email protected] News website: http://http://www.writtlenews.btck.co.uk

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From the VicarFREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY What is it about our understanding of freedom that thinks it means we can do anything we like? I ask that in relation to the increasing relaxation of lockdown and the way our country (and others) has at times shown what looks like an unusual disregard for the mores of personal and communal responsibility. For example, the tonnes of litter left at some coastal venues over the hot week just gone. And while there are bins to put rubbish in, the amount of people on the beaches far exceeded the capacity the bins could cope with. So is the logic of those who leave litter something like “Well, it’s not my responsibility that the Council hasn’t got enough bins out”, and then proceed to leave their rubbish by the bin, or just where they were sitting? But the fact is that they brought their rubbish with them, though it wasn’t rubbish then as it had a purpose (e.g., a plastic bottle had drink in it), but once the item’s purpose was used up and had no further use it suddenly becomes useless and therefore to be discarded without thought for any consequences. There is a freedom to go somewhere and take something with you, but a concomitant responsibility to behave in a way that brings and sustains life to the rest of the human community and natural environment. Littering neither brings nor sustains life. Freedom and responsibility are inseparable. Take away one of them and life is diminished and no longer flourishes. At this point you’re probably expecting me to say something religious because I’m the Vicar. So here it is. As Jesus said, “Whoever who has ears to hear, let them hear it”.

Rev Tony.

ALL SAINTS WRITTLE WILL BE OPEN FOR SUPERVISED PRIVATE PRAYER The Church will be open for Supervised Private Prayer on an ongoing basis from Tuesday, 30th June 2020. We welcome all who want to come and pray and are glad to be

ALL SAINTS CHURCHPARISH OFFICE: Tuesday-Friday 10.00am-12.00 noon (422846)CHURCHWARDENS: Margaret Bruce (699782), Dianne Collins (07812 162715). Email: [email protected], website: www.allsaintswrittle.co.ukPRIEST IN CHARGE: Rev’d Tony CantSECRETARY: Andrew Brewster Email: [email protected] CENTRE BOOKINGS:Email [email protected]: 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: [email protected]) or by phoning the Parish Office (422846).

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able to offer our building to our community again. We will do our best to keep all who come to church safe, but also need everyone to take responsibility for their own behaviour to keep themselves and others safe too. The details to note are as follows: • Days and times: Tuesday 9-11am; Friday 1-3pm. • There will be 2 Supervisors on duty at each session. • Numbers inside the church at any one time will be limited to

enable Social Distancing and safety, so please be patient and follow the directions of the Supervisors.

• People are requested to bring and wear a form of their own face covering when entering the church.

• Please follow all instructions given by the Supervisors. • Contact details from all who come to pray will be taken by the

Supervisors for emergency contact tracing only and will be held in accordance with GDPR.

We will keep things under constant review as time goes on, so if the details above need to change then we will do so. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a warm welcome back to All Saints.

Rev Tony.

LOCKDOWNI have just been looking at my diary for January and February 2020. What I read was strangely alien as if I was reading about someone else’s life. Who was this person who met for coffee, lunch and film making? Yet this was just under six months ago as I write. Most of us had not heard of Coronavirus or Covid-19. If I had been asked back then to exercise ‘social distancing’ I would have assumed that they wanted me to stay off Facebook. Now, in June 2020, I know only too well what ‘sheltering’ implies and I might ask if there is sufficient PPE. So how does it feel to be in lockdown, ordered by the government to ‘stay at home’? I would use words like ‘weird’ and ‘extraordinary’. I have not been in the same room as my grandchildren for 13 weeks. I have to greet my daughter at 2 metres distance. In our house shopping is done by Sue and she

comes back with tales of queues and goods like flour and rice not being available. The Ongar Road is eerily quiet at rush hour and the traffic queues at Preston’s corner have almost disappeared. We have been encouraged to go out for a walk or cycle ride once a day. Luckily the weather has been wonderful and the bird song has been loud and clear. But in this new regime if we meet other walkers, even on the narrowest paths, we find a way of passing them at a distance. Dog walkers will cross the road to avoid walking closely past me. There is often much greeting, ‘good morning’ and ‘how are you?’ and a sense that we are all in this together. Community has become a very important part of our ‘new normal’. All of us have been affected by the virus, many with close family members falling sick. Some have lost loved ones to Covid-19 and have suffered the trauma of being unable to be at the bed side of a dying relative or friend. My close family, thank God, are all well. In Back Road many of us have turned out at 8.00pm on a Thursday to applaud the NHS. The images of workers on the front line in gowns, gloves and masks have filled our TV screens and made us very aware of the dedication and care these extraordinary people have shown. I have to share the slightly uneasy feeling that those who govern are not always sure of what they are doing. Sometimes the exact interpretation of the rules has become blurred. But I also have a sneaking admiration for our government for putting in place a whole host of measures that have kept us safe. As we come out of lockdown - 2 metres or 1 metre apart - I know that I have changed. I have truly retired again. The diary, once full, is mostly empty. I have made 5 films inspired by the pandemic and have realised that family and community are far more important than anything else. Sue and I have watched the plays, operas, ballets and musicals that have been streamed for us, and thoroughly enjoyed most. I do not like wearing a face mask! How will the future look? Who knows? But one thing is sure, we must build on the care that has been shown in the community, and we must never again doubt that the NHS is the best health service in the world and should be cherished. If you have read this far, thank you, please let me or Writtle News know what you think. God bless you, see you in church sometime.

John Howden, June 2020.5

Longmeads House, Redwood Drive, Writtle CM1 3LYTel: 07787 479228 or 01245 420676 (please leave a message)Email: [email protected] are being taken for 2020.

END OF AN ERA So this is it. After a partnership of over 50 years, The Writtle Community Association will be moving out of Longmeads House and taking up residence in the new Beryl Platt Centre. Sadly, this will be the end of Longmeads House, literally, as the new owners have decided not to keep the name, and the old building will be renamed Redwood Place, and it will eventually contain ten flats. We had originally expected to hold one last event in Longmeads House, to celebrate its history and to thank all of those who had been involved with the building over the years. It would also have allowed the residents of Writtle to say farewell to this historic place. Fate has intervened, however, and due to the Coronavirus, this will not be possible. We are due to take possession of the new centre in early August. Shortly after this The Writtle Green Preschool will move in. Unfortunately, at the time of writing I cannot give any details of when we will be able to resume normal activities in the new building. I am sure that in the foreseeable future, life will return to normal for all of us, and we shall be able to have a re-opening ceremony.

Until then, keep safe, and we on the WCA Committee hope to see you all again soon.

Peter Smith, WCA Chairman, 30th June 2020.

NEW LIFE OF WRITTLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE’S CAMPUS FARM, MARCH 2020LAMBS AND CALVES BORN ON CAMPUS FARM

More than a dozen Ladlers Red Poll calves have been born at Writtle University College’s (WUC) well-established campus farm, with more expected over the next few weeks. By late March, the experienced staff, supported by WUC students, will have delivered around 20 calves and more than 200 lambs. Ladlers Red Poll pedigree cattle, owned by James Rea, overwinter at WUC’s Sturgeons Farm each year to help educate the next generation of farmers and benefit from the facilities and farm team’s expertise. They spend the summer grazing at Hatfield Forest, a National Trust property with 500 acres of open ancient woodland that the cows and public thoroughly enjoy. James commented: “Thank you to Writtle’s Farm Manager, India, for her hard work and dedication - she loves the cows! - and to the staff and students.” A sheep flock, consisting of North Country mules and Suffolk Cross North Country mules, remains at WUC all year round. The farm also includes Large White pigs. Farm manager, India Wellings, said: “Calving got off to a strong start and we’re looking forward to welcoming our lambs. This is a very exciting time for us. We’re supporting calves, lambs and their mothers through the birthing process, and giving our students the chance to get hands-on and see good practice in action.” WUC was founded in 1983 as a land-based institution. Over the years, it has expanded to offer university and college courses in a wide range of subjects. The extensive estate covers approximately 200 hectares, and includes a sport science centre, a specialist animal centre, greenhouses and an equestrian campus (including a working stud) in addition to labs, art, design, floristry and landscape architecture facilities. Around 200 animal species are cared for on the estate, including alpacas, emus and coati.

WRITTLE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONEmail: [email protected]

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New born calf, Writtle University College’s Campus Farm, March 2020.

Dear Friends, In the Church, the last few months would normally see the celebrations of Lent, Holy Week and Eastertides. This year, the churches were empty for those great feasts. Throughout the world, Christians have been unable to worship together in order to help stop the spread of this terrible virus. Churches have been locked, pews have been empty. In the midst of this, we need the gift of hope more than ever. As Christians, we believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that life conquers death. Not for us the path of despair, but always the way of hope. Each Easter, we celebrate the gift of new life; that Christ broke the bonds of death in order to restore us to life. Easter is God’s great invitation to life and to the simple truth that life is worth living. Yet, in the past few months, we have witnessed images and heard news from around the world of lives being lost during this terrible pandemic. What does Christ have to say to us in the face of so much pain and fear? First, remember the words that the angel said to Mary Magdalene in the garden at Easter “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen” (Matthew 28.5-6). The Lord says the same to us today. In the midst of all our worries and concerns, do not be afraid. Fear and anxiety rob us of the peace that Jesus places in our hearts. We start to look with suspicion at others, we start to look at other people with fear and dread. This is not the way of Christ; this is not the way of the Christian. Christ calls each us to “be not afraid.” Then, secondly, reflect a little on the road to Emmaus. This moment in the gospels takes place after the resurrection. Some of Christ’s followers were walking away, feeling dejected and alone. Jesus drew near to them as they walked along. He accompanied them with His loving presence. He asked them about their situation. He listened to their experience. He gently corrected their mistakes. He taught them about the truth of the Scriptures. He revealed Himself in the Eucharist. He thus restored their hope and led them to conversion. They had been “going the wrong way!” He “turned them around!”

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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In the Emmaus story we see the abiding kindness and compassion of Jesus. Before he did anything else to help, he walked with them. As we go forward now, all of us are called to show the kindness and compassion of Jesus. We should walk with that same tender mercy and help each other. This is how we show the world what it means to be a Christian. As the Romans said of the first Christians “look how these Christians love each other.” May that be said of us now, today, in this present crisis. “Look how the people of Writtle love each other.” Thirdly and finally, we should remember to pray. We should never be afraid to ask God for things that are beyond our own imagination. Remember that to God everything is possible. How do we know this? His Son, his only begotten Son, rose from the dead. For us in our Christian journey, we have no fear of death. Christ has conquered death. Alongside our kindness and generous compassion, we need to give the world the gift of our prayers. My personal experience during this time has, perhaps, been different from many. For the priests and brothers in St Philips Priory, “lockdown” has not been a quiet time. We have been the “on call” Catholic priests for the Covid-19 cases in the hospital. It has been truly humbling to go up to the ICU and see the hard work, dedication and compassion of all the nurses and staff. Of all those moments in hospital, one sticks out in my mind. It was on Holy Thursday, just before Easter. After lunch, a call came in to head up to the ICU at Broomfield Hospital. A Polish lady, dying from this horrible virus, needed a priest. Nothing unusual in this, sadly. What made the difference was the day, Holy Thursday, when the Church rejoices in the gift of the priesthood. Many of the nurses on the ward are parishioners and my heart bursts with pride at seeing them caring for others (even if they laughed their socks off at the sight of me swathed in PPE). One of the nurses, however, didn’t laugh that day. She looked up, saw me and said “It’s Holy Thursday; Jesus has sent his priest.” Well, those who know me well will know how easily I blubber. You try blinking back tears through PPE goggles! It sticks in my mind because, even in the darkest moments, we should allow God to send us the gifts we need, but we need to open our eyes to see them.

So, from this extraordinary time, please take these three things to heart: • Be not afraid • Be kind • Be at prayer God love you! Abbott Hugh.

WRITTLE GARDENS OPEN DAYSUNDAY 13TH JUNE 2021

With a wet spring followed by lots of warm and sunny weather this year, many of the gardens in our village have never looked better. With so much time on our hands during lockdown, several of us who have not previously been particularly green-fingered have turned into keen gardeners and enjoyed seeing our gardens burst into bloom. We may have even felt we would like to share the results of our labours with others. If so, you might like to consider opening your garden as part of next year’s Writtle Gardens Open Day, which is currently scheduled to be held on Sunday 13th June 2021. The organisers are always keen to include new gardens on show. More information will be published in future issues of Writtle News, but certainly a date to put in your diary, when hopefully things return to something more normal.

Peter Pegg.9

Peter Pegg’s garden in lockdown.Photograph by Peter Pegg.

VE75 DAY CELEBRATIONS VE75 DAY CELEBRATIONSOn 8th May 2020 the nation was set to celebrate Victory in Europe Day, VE75, commemorating the end of the Second World War seventy five years previously. All over the country people planned to hold street parties and other events, mirroring the celebrations held in 1945 when the final victory over Germany signalled the end of hostilities in Europe. The government made the 8th a Bank Holiday, pubs were granted extended opening hours, and a special committee was set up to assist, coordinate and publicise events, including at 3.00pm a national toast to World War II Heroes, ‘‘To those who gave so much, we thank you”. Here in Writtle a family picnic on The Green was planned, with people bringing their own food. Music was to be provided, and there would be stalls and an exhibition, all co-ordinated by Wendy Hibbitt. Then along came Covid-19 and, on 23rd March, lockdown. We were told to minimise contact between people other than our families, stay indoors, observe social distancing whenever we did go out, and avoid any events grouping people together. Bang went VE Day celebrations in Writtle, the UK, and all over Europe, even in Germany who keep it as a day of commemoration (did you know that in 1975 France’s President Giscard d’Estaing abolished VE day and moved it to mark the next day, the 9th, to commemorate the foundation of the E.U.? VE Day was reinstated under Mitterrand). However, we in Writtle still decorated our houses with bunting and flags. I took a walk around The Green and photographed about twenty houses garlanded to celebrate the day. I didn’t walk all round the village because of the lockdown restrictions, but I am sure that the whole of Writtle had ‘‘the flags out” for VE Day. I went out of my front door for the 3.00pm toast, and saw family groups, some with tea, others wine, and socially distanced waves were exchanged. Apparently the “official” toast was led by Joan Collins from her balcony(!), but we in Writtle did our bit to celebrate and commemorate those who really “did their bit” fighting on our behalf to achieve Victory in Europe.

David Ransom. 10

Flags out during ‘lockdown’ around Writtle Green for VE75.Photograph by David Ransom.

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

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

THE BLITZThe Luftwaffe failed to gain control of the skies over Britain in the summer and early autumn of 1940 - essential if an invasion was to have any success. So the Germans changed tactics and thus began the Blitz, an attempt to destroy our infrastructure and to break the country’s resolve. Day after day and then night after night, the bombers rained down death and destruction on London and other towns and cities. Out in the countryside it was a reasonable bet that you were a lot safer than in an urban setting, so surely one of the unluckiest victims of the bombing was Ernest Warren of Moor Hall Cottage, Newney Green. The 29th December 1940 saw one of the heaviest bombing raids on London - it was described as the Second Great Fire of London. Much of the City of London was destroyed. One of the returning planes jettisoned a remaining bomb which on exploding scattered shrapnel over a wide area. One piece passed through an apple tree, through a shed and out the other side, ricocheted off a brick wall and struck Ernest who was standing in the yard, fatally injuring him. Ernest died two days later. He was 62 and had worked on

farms in and around Writtle all his life. He left a widow, Ada, and seven children. He is buried in Writtle Churchyard. Doug Hobart recalled a bomb dropping where the school is now situated. It did not go off, but the bomb disposal crew were unable to defuse it on site. Everyone had to open their windows to lessen the risk of glass flying about from the blast. A substantial number of houses did lose their windows when a landmine was dropped by parachute close to Paradise Road. But every cloud has a silver lining; Doug was told that ladies rushed out to get pieces of silk from the parachute to turn into clothing! Whilst Writtle only experienced a fraction of what London and so many cities and towns were facing, nonetheless our proximity to Chelmsford and the great factories of Hoffman, Marconi and Crompton meant that many villagers employed there faced daily danger. Ethel Chinery cycled to and from work at the Crompton factory and recalled coming home one afternoon and, as she got nearer to Writtle, there was more and more debris and glass scattered about. A bomb had exploded by King’s the coal merchants near the river. Dealing with this sort of thing became matter of fact. When the sirens warned of an air raid, she and her sister Doris and their parents had the relative safety of a Morrison shelter in the front room of their home in Clifton Cottages on St Johns Green. Ethel’s philosophy was that despite all that was happening “you just got on with things”. Amidst all the dangers life had to go on. The factories were working at overdrive, the farms were producing as much food as they could. Those unable or ineligible to serve in the armed forces took up positions in the Home Guard, the Special Constabulary, as Wardens and Firewatchers. Women joined the Land Army, the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Then there were the people responsible for keeping society functioning, the doctors and nurses, the delivery workers, the office workers, the factory workers - increasingly women. And, just as important, those women who looked after hearth and home and then not forgetting the children whose young lives had been upturned by the war. The Home Front of a nation geared to the war effort; a generation that faced real danger and often incredible hardship in the cause of freedom but, as Ethel said “just got on with it.”

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Newgate Street looking towards Cheapside. Photograph by Arthur Cross and Fred Tibbs, from the Museum of London. By kind permission of the Commissioner of the City of London Police.

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From: John Trusler [email protected]: Article

Date: 17 June 2020 at 12:04To: Writtle News [email protected]

This is photo 4 -it is one picture not two separate ones



This is photo 4 -it is one picture not two separate ones

…and the post goes.Defending a straggling village.

From a contemporary Home Guard booklet.

The milk comes…

We had the ability to actually do something, to do our bit. But in a cattle truck heading who knew where, young Zosia Lesniowska had no control over her destiny. The Poles had been living uneasily with their Ukrainian neighbours since the outbreak of war but, in 1940, Zosia and her family were forced from their home and, like many others, were herded into trains. The journey lasted for weeks and although there were stops they were kept locked in. Eventually they reached their destination, fortunately not a death camp but a labour camp somewhere in Tomsk in Siberia. Following the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland in 1940, Stalin deported 1.7 million Poles to camps such as this - only one third of them survived. The adults and all children over the age of ten had to go on daily work felling trees and digging ditches. As the winter of 1940/41 gave way to spring the younger children went out foraging in the woods. Later in the year they gathered mushrooms and bilberries. In the camp there was a communal kitchen for the children. They were given one bowl of soup and bread. Within the family all four of them shared the same bowl. Zosia’s brother Romek, as the eldest, was in command and on his order they all dipped their spoons into the soup; the bread was shared out equally. They were hungry but

compared to what so many of their fellow countrymen endured life was bearable. The children even had some rudimentary education including Russian language lessons. However, that summer their lives were to undergo yet another change, a change which would take the family on a remarkable journey. And here in Writtle there were many men who were also beginning their own journeys and who were to find themselves sent to different parts of the world as the war became a truly global conflict. As a postscript to the Second Great Fire of London, I just had to include this photograph of men of the Pioneer Corps removing dangerous structures in Lower Thames Street - no worries about Health and Safety then!

John Trussler.

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Christine - this is the last one and goes at the very end of the article. It will need a copyright acknowledgement "Photo from theMuseum of London. By kind permission of the Commissioner of the City of London Police"No caption needed as I've referred to it in the article. Article will be sent shortly John

Labour camp, near Tomsk, Siberia.

Photograph from the Museum of London, by kind permission of the Commissioner of the City of London Police.

AVOIDING TRADESMEN DISPUTES“We are not little men, and there is nothing that we are afraid of except Drink, and we have signed a Contrack on that. Therefore, we are going away to be Kings.” Rudyard Kipling, ‘The Man Who Would Be King’.

Many of us have been in dispute with a tradesman. Disputes can cause distress and sometimes lead to significant financial loss. But short of refusing to engage a tradesman, how can we minimise this risk? Firstly, ask the tradesman to provide a written quotation or estimate. A quotation is preferable as the price is fixed. For piece of mind, ask the tradesman to add “the total price for the works shall not change unless agreed in writing by both parties.” Beware of tradesmen who insist on estimates as the price may change. When a tradesman agrees to undertake specified work for an agreed price, a contract is formed, even if nothing is in writing. Whilst verbal contracts are legally binding, the problem is that in the event of a dispute, it is difficult to evidence the precise terms agreed. One solution is to maintain a trail of email or letter exchanges between you and the tradesman detailing the job specification, timescales and payment terms. These exchanges may be produced as evidence of the agreement. The limitation is that the terms may be ambiguous and key terms may not have even been considered. The best approach is to insist on a professionally drafted contract, signed by both parties. The contract should include detailed Schedules of the works and payment terms. Sometimes unforeseen issues arise, or you may want to change the specification, in which case you should ensure that these Schedules are amended and agreed in writing by both parties before any additional work commences. Any dispute can be averted by referring to the contract. Whilst the expense of a written contract is inappropriate for small jobs, extensions and other significant projects do warrant the cost. Given the advantages of a written contract, it is surprising how few of us insist on one before a project commences. Unfortunately, disputes are more common than you think! The above is intended for general interest only. It does not constitute legal advice. Always seek qualified legal advice where appropriate to do so.

Andrew Thorpe-Apps (Solicitor).

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Christine - I'm making a bit of a pig's ear of my photos. The one of the milkman and postman is no. 3. The school report I'm nowattaching is No. 4. Sorry for the confusion and hope all is now ok. John

Excerpt from an Essex School Diary 1940.Acknowledgements to Essex County Council.

FLAGS FLYING FROM THE CHURCH TOWER22nd July Birthday of Prince George of Cambridge Union Flag15th Aug Birthday of HRH Anne, Princess Royal Union Flag3rd Sept Merchant Navy Day Union Flag20th Sept Battle of Britain Union Flag

ERIK’S FAVOURITE WALKSTHE CHEQUERS PUBLIC HOUSE(Some routes may have changed, so please check OS map).

1. With your back to the pub, cross over the road and turn right into East View Road, then out onto the Ongar Road. Turn left and walk to the mini-roundabout, going straight over to stay on the Ongar Road.

2. At the very end on your left (opposite Bush House) is an opening in the hedge. Carefully cross the A414 and head right.

3. Ignore the first turning and footpath on your left and continue into the small slip road beyond. Between Oxney Grove and The Conifers, take a left footpath into the field. Then bear diagonally right over the field to a footpath marker and cross the footbridge.

4. Turn left (ditch on left) for ¼ mile to reach another footbridge near woodland. Cross and head diagonally left over a field towards the houses. Exit onto Highwood Road.

5. Turn right and soon reach Lee Farm (on your left). Go down the drive and just before the buildings go left through a gap in the fence. Turn right following the property boundary to the back of the house and then continue ahead on a grass path (ditch on right) for ¼ mile.

6. At a marker post on your right (and a concrete farm track ahead of you now) turn left onto a footpath (hedge on left).

7. In the field corner at a marker post, cross the footbridge, then arc right and then straight ahead for ¼ mile. Exit onto Highwood Road.

8. Turn right, passing Causeway Cottages to reach the roundabout at Greenbury Way (A414).

9. Go straight across into Bulmer’s Way and then soon right onto a tarmac track and footpath leading to the houses on Lodge Road.

10. At the T-junction, go left onto Chequers Road and back to the pub.

Hellen Brown.

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ERIK

ERIK’S WALKS - THE CHEQUERS PUBLIC HOUSE WALK (2.85 MILES)

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As a lot of you already know we are back in business at the trading hut with a dedicated team to serve and help you albeit from the door, as we have to still be careful with the virus still hanging about. We are trying to keep our stock levels up for your convenience but it’s not so easy to source some products as only small orders have extra charges and delivery charges added, which means price rises to cover, which is not what we want. We have extended our opening times from 10am till 12.30pm, which should help those who have a lie in on Sunday mornings. I have had some very bad news this morning when completing this article and would like to send this message to the person or persons who stole the soft fruit from plot 56 at the Oxney allotment site - may you choke on your ill-gotten gains - and to all plot holders watch your own and other’s plots and see if we can catch these people. This is the second year running that this has happened - it was reported that two ladies were taking an interest in what was growing on the plots and if caught will be referred to the police to take further action. We are so sorry we have had to cancel our Flower and Vegetable Shows this year, but we had no option owing to the situation we are in. Next year all being well and Covid-19 has gone away we will run both our summer and autumn shows, and our trips and talks again - details will be announced as things become clearer. We will be buying our seeds from Kings again this year, so if you have last year’s catalogue have a look through and start thinking about what you are likely to need for next year. We need to get our orders in before the end of November for delivery in January and to get our very favourable terms we have a target value we need to achieve. Looking around the allotments, people are doing wonderful jobs on their plots and welcome to all of you who have recently taken on plots and have put a great deal of hard work on them. If you haven’t already visited the hut, come and see us on a Sunday morning, have a look around and get to know the products we have available for you.

Finally, I would like to thank the teams who man the hut on Sunday mornings: Ivor & Ben, Owen & Bruce, Maureen & Ray and I am with Ian. You are all doing a great job. Thank you.

John Rouse.SARA’S KITCHENIt goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the world this past six months. In this country alone tens of thousands have lost their lives, leaving family and friends devastated and grieving. Many others have suffered

due to the virus, but the impact of it has extended way beyond matters of health. Millions have been affected financially, socially and emotionally. I suspect that very few households have escaped unscathed. Our domestic lives have been rocked by the knock-on effects of it in so many different ways. Many adult children have returned to their parents’ homes to “isolate” with their family, whilst other people have had to isolate at home alone. Many people have lost their jobs or been furloughed with the job insecurity that brings, many have been forced to work from home, schools closed leaving parents trying to home school their kids whilst, at the same time, working themselves and running a household. On top of all this the panic buying by many at the start of the crisis resulted in empty shelves at the shops, rationing and shortages of food and other products previously taken for granted - toilet rolls, rice, pasta, tinned goods and flour to name but a few. Suddenly we were forced to think differently about shopping, cooking and eating. A great many adaptations had to be made due to the unavailability of ingredients. Whilst this was, at times, annoying and frustrating, I know from speaking to friends and family that many have embraced the challenges posed by this situation. Throughout the period of lockdown I have had my 22 year old twin daughters home permanently pretty much 24/7. Although they usually live at home with me, they are, more often than not, elsewhere - out visiting or staying with friends and boyfriends. I would go so far as to say that we have not spent this much time together since their primary school days and that too has been a challenge for each of us. When they were primary school age we used to make pizzas

GARDEN & ALLOTMENT SOCIETYChairman: John Rouse, Tel. 421350

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every Friday night when they returned from school. They loved it. I would make the dough and tomato sauce when they were at school and, upon their return, they would chop up toppings. They loved making shapes with their pizzas and would put a great deal of thought and effort into it. For example, they would do cats heads and cut the salami slices into really thin strips as whiskers, they would make eyes, noses and mouths out of peppers and would use herbs to assist with finer details. A round pizza was out of the question and positively forbidden. As they grew up, this Friday ritual slowly disappeared as they had better things to do on a Friday night. Until Covid-19 that was. Early on in lockdown my daughter Natasha suggested we resurrect this Friday night tradition. We had always followed the same recipe for our pizza bases, but suddenly this became a problem. We soon ran out of strong white bread flour (or any other flour for that matter!) and it became a personal mission for my other daughter Jasmine to source some. When she came back from a food trip without flour we were all sullen and gloomy. Things were looking desperate but one day she returned with a mixed bag of different flours from the Italian shop at the Waterhouse Business Park and we were positively jubilant to the point of dancing round the kitchen. Especially as she had bought tinned tomatoes as well! It was like we had won the jackpot. And so it was that we started to experiment with pizza dough recipes. Over the weeks we tried all sorts of combinations of flours, quantities and yeasts and from now on we will only use the below recipe for our pizzas. We love how it tastes as well as the ease with which you can shape it. Necessity really is the mother of invention!

PIZZA DOUGH FOR 4 PIZZAS Ingredients• 200g strong white bread flour• 200g semolina flour • 2x 7g sachets dried fast action easy blend yeast • 1 tsp salt • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil • 280ml warm water • Cold tomato sauce for topping. (we make ours from sweated

onions, garlic, dried oregano, dried basil and bay leaves to

which we add tinned tomatoes. We cook it for 40 minutes and then blend it until smooth after removing the bay leaves and season with a bit of sugar, salt and pepper).

• Whatever you like on your pizzas in terms of ham, bacon, salami, vegetables, herbs and cheese

• a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil • fresh chopped basil to serve.

Method1. Put both flours in a large bowl. Add the yeast to one side of the

bowl and the salt to the other. 2. Make a well in the centre of the flours. Add the oil to that well

and then slowly pour in the water. 3. Mix using the handle end of a wooden spoon until it comes

together producing a slightly wet dough. 4. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until

smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl and leave to prove at room temperature covered with clingfilm and a tea towel for half an hour or so.

5. Pre heat the oven to 225ºC. 6. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just

3 or 4 times to knock out the air. Divide into 4. With each piece either use a rolling pin to roll it out or use your fingertips to stretch it into the shape and size you want - in your own home I suppose you can even make it round if you must! This dough is more elastic than most doughs which means you really can get it very thin without it tearing if that is how you prefer your pizza base.

7. Dust your baking sheet with a little semolina flour and put your dough base on it. If it shrinks a bit from being moved just push it back out to the shape/size you want.

8. Spread a thin layer of your tomato sauce over the surface evenly leaving a good 10-12mm rim. Scatter with your toppings, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and bake for 12-14 minutes depending on your oven and how thick you have made your pizza.

9. Place your masterpiece on your hot plate, sprinkle with basil and dream of one day holidaying in Italy again!

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VEGETABLE GARDENING DURING LOCKDOWNIf you are a member of the Allotment Society, or are self-sufficient in vegetables, or know how to grow vegetables properly, look away now! I have always had a sort of vegetable garden surrounded by box hedges. A very dilettante, tinkering kind of place to grow stuff I fancied and like to eat. Potatoes, asparagus, beans (borlotti), some salad, and maybe tomatoes. However, I neglected the essentials because there were other things to do. I was irregular with watering, and the weeding was haphazard, as was the sequential sowing, consequently the crops were low. I recently retired and decided that a new leaf needed to be turned over, as did the compost heap. My daughter also decided that she wanted to get her vegetable garden under control. So early in the year we both looked at what we wanted to grow, checked our stock of seeds (mostly out of date), bought some new packets, and did swapsies. Then along came Covid-19. Lockdown. Stuck at home. What to do? Obvs! Get seeding, weeding, chitting and shoveling compost. And the weather! What a spring! What sun! Everything took off; even my trousers (replaced by shorts). I am writing this in June. The asparagus has been eaten and now needs to be left to grow and recover; the first peas are already swelling in their pods; the beans are away up the poles; the early potatoes are twitching to be eaten, and the first salads have been. The second sowings are already underway. I may never be a self-sufficient, fully competent, vegetable gardener, and my plot is far from ideal, but the pleasure that I have derived from growing my own produce is immense. All I have to do now is; do battle with slugs, aphids, asparagus beetle, box moth, lily beetle, oh and of course, the compost heap (maybe next year).

David Ransom.

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Vegetable gardening during lockdown.Photograph by David Ransom.

Vegetable gardening during lockdown.Photograph by David Ransom.

EDITOR’S GARDEN IN LOCKDOWN

Having experienced a mild winter and time during lockdown for love and tender care, my garden has flourished this year. Covid-19 and the bleak reported news every day, about the hardship and the devastating consequences for many people, has heightened my appreciation of nature and the pleasure it affords in times of stress. Pleasure from just observing the life and growth which takes place in my garden, from the little field mice who live under the rhubarb cloche during the winter, they are very shy and chatter amongst themselves in the potting shed when they think no-one is listening, to the blackbird and robin who follow in my footsteps while I am gardening. ‘Going with the flow’ will be my new mantra from now on and, as my grandmother used to say, “live life today and tomorrow will take care of itself”. Nature does!!

Christine Knight.

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From: Christine Knight [email protected]:

Date: 23 June 2020 at 09:35To: Christine Knight [email protected]

Sent from my iPhone



Sent from my iPhone



Sent from my iPhone

Potting shed. Editor’s garden in lockdown.Photograph by Christine Knight.

Editor’s garden in lockdown.Photograph by Christine Knight.

Editor’s garden in lockdown.Photograph by Christine Knight.

PRESTONS 1919-2019In the early 1900s, Herbert and Agnes Preston lived in the house next to the doctor’s surgery in Lordship Road. Herbert worked for Crompton Parkinsons, Writtle Road, Chelmsford as an accountant. In 1908 they had a son, also called Herbert, but shortened to Bert. In 1914, Herbert joined the British Army where he stayed until the end of WW1. In 1919, when he went back to Crompton Parkinsons to work, he found someone else had taken his job, so he returned home. After a lot of thought he decided to go into business himself, so he

purchased a large piece of land fronting Lordship and Mayfield Road. On this land he built a block of eight large garages and a yard that could also be used as workshops and storage. Herbert also ran a small trucking business. He sold a lot of petrol from the premises in two gallon cans, so there was no need for pumps. Herbert also built a tearoom facing Lordship Road, and I believe Agnes had quite a lot of cycling customers. As the years progressed Herbert and Agnes had a son, Bert. They realised they needed more useful premises for car repairs, petrol sales and other related businesses, so Herbert purchased the triangle of land at the southern junction of Lordship Road with Ongar Road and The Green. Eight cottages and space to build a workshop, forecourt and two shops on this site, hand pumps were installed and benches and a pit in the workshop. One of the shops was for selling new and used bicycles and parts. The work they carried out was very varied - apart from the cars, bicycles, mowers and tractors, anything else that turned up was dealt with. Herbert had closed the tearooms and had built a new bungalow for himself and Agnes and, by 1934, Bert was living in one of the cottages with his wife Winifred. Herbert died in 1934, leaving Bert in

charge. Later that year, Herbert William (usually called Bill) arrived. Soon Bert, Winifred and Bill moved into the bungalow with Agnes, and the following year Agnes moved to Clacton with her brother. When WW2 broke out, Bert was called up to join the army. By this time the workshop was used by a group called the WARAG, agricultural engineers. The pumps and tanks were used by the army stationed at Roxwell. At the end of WW2 Bert was demobbed and took over the garage again. A few years later electric petrol pumps were installed, along with a better air compressor and a tyre and tube vulcanizer. In 1955, the third Herbert (Bill) joined the firm. A total of five persons were working on the site. In 1960, road improvements were going to mean the triangle site was to be reduced to improve the road junction, so Bert had to make a decision on how to keep the business running. An adjoining property came up for sale which would be large enough to build another garage on the site. It had belonged to a Mr Wallace, blacksmith, wheelwright and undertaker. Bert bought the site at auction. The old buildings were demolished and what you see now from the forecourt was the original building, but it has been altered many times behind and in front of the façade to accommodate the changes in business. Several car franchises have been run from the site. Firstly, it was Morris and MG, then after the demise of Morris, Mazda was taken on, together with Reliant and Scimitar. These were dropped in favour of Suzuki and then Skoda, with Ssanjong now added. Bert retired and Bill and Rosemary took over. They were later joined by their daughter, Suzanne, in the office and later by son Richard, who you will find in reception and parts. Bill still has overall control of the business and will be seen there most days to make sure everything is alright. He can sometimes be seen on the till in the shop when there is a need. He also has some classic cars he often works on.

Derek Cooley.

EDITOR’S NOTEDue to the unfortunate circumstances (re Covid-19), we were unable to print this article at the appropriate time, but 100 years is still an important event to mark, even if it is a little late.

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From: Richard [email protected]: Bill Preston

Date: 10 June 2020 at 20:27To: [email protected]

HiChris(ne,

Pleasefinda1achedpictureoffatherasrequested

KindRegards

RichardPrestonA=ersalesManagerPrestonsGaragesLtd01245420262

Bill Preston.

CHELMSFORD CROQUET CLUB IN WRITTLEA BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CLUB. At the Chelmsford Spectacular on August Bank Holiday 1989, Tom and Judy Anderson of the East Anglian Croquet Federation (EACF) ran ‘Come and try it’ sessions in the ‘Sport for All’ section of the event. They were collecting names and addresses of those who were interested in learning more about the game. Jackie and Grahame Goodacre put their names down for further information. The following May, 1990, they were invited by Chelmsford Council to partake in four free lessons in Central Park on Monday evenings. They attended along with about a dozen others. At the end of the final session, council leisure services representatives were present and asked if there was enough interested in forming a club. The council would allow them to have two under-utilised tennis courts to use, along with a patch of grass outside the boundary of the courts. The EACF would loan some mallets; balls and hoops to start them off and the council offered to provide a £400 interest free loan to be paid back within three years. To obtain the loan they needed to form a club, draw up a constitution and have three officers (Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer) to sign as guarantors for the loan. Thus, on that night, the inaugural meeting was held; Grahame Goodacre became the Chairman, Andy Cripps Secretary and Peter Yates Treasurer. They signed up for the loan and the club started with eleven people. The constitution was quickly constructed with advice from the council. The four summer months of 1990 was the club’s first season of play, when half-size lawns on park grass were big enough. Over the next few years the club grew and by 1995 the club was ready to enter the EACF; however, to do this, two full-size lawns were needed. The council was approached but could not find the required space, so a move was necessary. Many options were investigated. In 1996 Cheryl Stephenson, who had worked alongside Grahame Goodacre preparing the lawn in Central Park, paid for herself to attend a groundsman’s course at Writtle College and negotiations began with Eddie Neath, the groundsman at the college, about a suitable area for croquet. Following discussions with Professor Alder, Principal of

the College and Richard Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Sports and Turf Management, the club held an Extraordinary General Meeting, when it was agreed that the club would move to its current position in Writtle, as the provision and maintenance of the lawns would provide a project for students to work upon. The autumn of 1996 saw Cheryl Stephenson, Jackie and Grahame Goodacre, Peter Yates and Marlene Lawrence spending many hours digging and levelling the top lawn and much more. The final preparation was given over to the students. The club finally moved to the site in the summer of 1997. The club can be found at Writtle College on the sports field. New members are welcome, to come and try either or both of the two types of croquet, Association or Golf croquet. Association croquet is played on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while Golf croquet is played on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Both are 10am-4pm, April to October. For more information call Tony (Secretary) on 01245 443398 or Judith (Chairman) on 01702 294798.

CAFÉ AT HIGHWOOD VILLAGE HALLWe don’t anticipate a speedy return for Catch-up-Cafe unfortunately, as we have so many friends coming each month, and many of a vulnerable age. Social distancing would be impossible. It is a very sad time for all of us as social activities change. We will keep you informed of any updates, but for now we send best wishes and keep safe until we can catch-up again. Take care.

Jean Latham.

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

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

WRITTLE VILLAGE HALL UPDATEAt the end of March this year, Writtle Village Hall had to temporarily close their doors to the public due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. The Committee decided to use this time, whilst the hall was unoccupied, to make refurbishments to the whole of the Village Hall, thanks to grants received from RCCE (Rural Community Council of Essex) and Essex County Council which have allowed us to commence this work. I am pleased to say that Phase One has been completed, with the installation of a new kitchen, fitted by Andy Hems, a local tradesman to Writtle. We are delighted with the end result and am sure that this will be appreciated by all future users of the hall. Andy is now engaged on the next phase of the refurbishment, which will include re-decoration of both halls and an LED lighting upgrade in the main hall, similar to that installed in the small hall. The flooring in the main hall is being restored back to its original

parquet and new flooring is to be laid in the small hall, with work set to start on this in mid July. I hope by the time the next Writtle News is circulated, I will be in a position to tell you all that the work is complete and a much used hall will be ready to take future bookings when we are allowed to safely re-open.

WRITTLE VILLAGE HALL

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

Email: [email protected]

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New kitchen, Writtle Village Hall.Photograph by Christine Knight, June 2020.

New kitchen, Writtle Village Hall.Photograph by Christine Knight, June 2020.

WEAUnfortunately, due to Covid-19, our Spring Term courses had to come to an abrupt halt, but the head office offered all members a chance to listen to lectures on various subjects via Zoom. So most of us had to quickly learn this new technology and join in with the lectures. These were on a wide range of subjects including one on Science Fiction and how near to the truth it is. According to the lecturer, the most true to life programme was a children’s programme, Thunderbirds, which he reckoned educated the children with true facts as well as entertained them. The audience for some of the Zoom lectures went into the hundreds. The WEA have now confirmed that we will not be arranging any face-to-face lectures for the autumn term. Zoom lectures have been arranged starting on 15th September 2020 and 16th September 2020 and the cost will be £3.20 per hour making it £48 for the 90 minute course for 10 weeks. All courses are on the WEA website, where you can book if you have not already done so.

The courses for Writtle Branch are as follows: Tuesday 15th September 2020, 11-12.30am, Ben Pestell with Greek Tragedy Tuesday 15th September 2020, 3-4.30pm, Bex Harper with Film and Nostalgia Wednesday 16th September 2020, 7-8.30pm, British Art with Sue Pownell

Of course you can book on any other courses if spaces are available. The WEA hope to start face-to-face courses in January 2021, but so far we have not yet received confirmation. Should you require any further information, please contact Anita Curtis on [email protected] or 01245 420365.

WISince lockdown, Writtle WI have kept in touch with members by producing a monthly newsletter, with articles provided by some of the members including poems, quizzes and reports. These were sent on-line to most of the members with those few not on-line

having their newsletters delivered by hand. Also, thanks to President Caroline Wheeler’s brainwaves, we have also delivered ‘goodie bags’ to our members, one especially for VE Day complete with scone, jam, butter and other goodies. Another one that was delivered was on a slightly Indian theme, as that would have been our proposed talk at our next monthly meeting. Some of our members have made many articles for the NHS, whilst others have carried on our Book Group using Zoom, a learning curve for some of us! At the time of writing we have not heard when our meetings will be resumed.

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING, LATE SEPTEMBER 2020 At the time of writing, late June, it is not known whether this event, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, will be able to take place. If the situation improves information will appear on village websites. If you wish to contribute to this worthwhile cause you may donate online at macmillan.org.uk or telephone 0808 808 00 00. For further details contact Pam Butt on 01245 421410.

Thank you.

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WRITTLE ARCHIVESAlthough the Archives room hasn’t been open during the lockdown, I have been kept busy answering enquiries and researching various Writtle families to compile their family trees. One of the collections we have been making over the years is of old postcards of Writtle and they have shown how the village has changed. Most of these are bought by auction from eBay and some of the rare ones are expensive. However, in February I received a notification from eBay about something quite different. It was a ceramic candle holder and snuffer with a picture of Writtle church on the front. We don’t normally buy artefacts as we don’t have room to store them, but I was intrigued and, on enquiring, I found that the owner’s husband was a descendant of the Barlow family of Writtle. Luckily, I was successful in bidding for the piece and have been in contact with the owner who is pleased that it has been returned to Writtle. On the back had been stuck a label, ‘Writtle Church 1802-1883’. The date 1802 was an important one for the church as the tower had fallen down in 1800 due to lack of repair and the tower was rebuilt in 1802. Had the candle holder been produced for the

opening of the new tower or produced at a later date? It is difficult to date, but photos of the church in the early 1900s show the same arrangement of windows and school buildings in the background.The seller doesn’t know exactly how the candle holder came to be in her possession, but she is related to the Barlow family and it seems that there must be a connection there. However, the dates on the back may refer to one person in particular. Looking through the Writtle Parish registers, one name stood out and fitted the dates on the back.

Sarah Poole Barlow, 1802-1884. Sarah was the daughter of William (1768-1846), known as Captain William Barlow, who lived with his wife Louisa in Motts, the listed house beside Writtle pond. There was a large family of 14 children, but of these three boys and four girls all died as infants. William had married Louisa (née Poole) in 1789 in Writtle and all the children were christened in the church between 1790 and 1807. Louisa came from the extensive Poole family in the village. Her parents Robert and Sarah had been living in Motts up until 1788 when he died and William and Louisa probably took over the house when they married and all the children were born there.

26Ceramic candle holder and snuffler.

Photograph of Writtle church, early 1900s.

Sarah married Richard Jennings, a clerk from Ludlow, in 1836 in Shoreditch, London and they had two children, Richard (1838) and William (1841). Her younger brother Robert Poole Barlow (1804-1894) became a farmer at Monks and Barrows farm on the outskirts of Writtle at Highwood. In the 1881 census, Sarah was a widow aged 78 living off ‘dividends and farm’ in Hackney. She died in Hackney in 1884.

The Barlows in Writtle Capt. William Barlow (1802- 1846) was one of several members of the Barlow family who were doctors and he took

over as a surgeon in Writtle from his uncle, William snr. (1739-1810). Sarah’s eldest brother, William Robert (1791-1874), followed in his father’s footsteps, attaining an MRCS. He lived on The Green in the large house beside the village hall called Sunnyside with his wife Hannah Leapingwell and the seven children who survived into adulthood. His younger brother Nathaniel MRCS (1799-1846) had a practice in Blackmore. William Robert’s two eldest sons continued the family tradition as surgeons; William Frederick FRCS (1816-1853) in Westminster, and John Nathaniel MRCS (1817-1881) lived at Greenbury House on Writtle Green. William’s youngest daughter Mary (1830-1924) remained single, living at Greenbury House till the great age of 94. There is a Barlow vault in the churchyard and a window in the church is dedicated to William Robert and his family. Beneath a window in the South Chapel of the church there is the following family inscription: “To Hannah the deeply lamented wife of William

Robert Barlow, of this Parish, Surgeon, who died in November 1851”. It also records the birth and death of their ten children including “William Frederick FRCS, eldest son of the above, who died to the great loss of his profession and friends in June 1853 (aged 37)” and “In memory of William Robert Barlow, husband and father of the above, skilful in his profession beloved and respected who died in July 1874”. Sarah’s father, Captain William, who lived at Motts, was well known in the village both as a surgeon and Captain of the Writtle Loyal Volunteers. The Volunteers were formed in 1803 to help the country combat the threat of invasion from Napoleon, and Captain Barlow and Captain Berkeley were in charge of the 120 men who paraded on The Green until they were all discharged in 1813. A silver cup weighing 54 oz was presented to Captain Barlow when the Volunteers were disbanded, with a list of men who formed the corps and drilled on The Green, and the punch bowl used to refresh the corps after their drills. Part of Captain William’s uniform still survives in the United Services Museum in Whitehall. It consists of a red coat with a velvet collar and one epaulette finished with a long crimson silk sash. The coat is so small “that one is led to suppose that the Captain had more enterprise than inches” (from family sources). Acquiring the candle holder has led to more research into the Barlow family, but we still don’t know if any of them owned it and how old it is. It is in almost new condition, so hasn’t been used. Was it issued by the church to raise money for some project? Perhaps somebody in the village can give a date for this, or has another one like it somewhere at home? I would love to hear from you. On our WW2 War Memorial we have found no information or connections to Writtle for one person in particular. His name is George S. Hume. If you know anything about him or his family please let me know. At the moment the Archives room will remain closed, but if you have any enquiries or interesting photos please contact me.

Wendy Hibbitt 01245 421265 [email protected]

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SCRUFFY AND CRAZY BIRD Scruffy and Crazy Bird are two Blackbirds who live in some Writtle gardens and don’t have a problem dominating the local area. In

addition, they certainly live up to their names. Scruffy looks as if he’s been through a wringer and is rather tatty with some greyish feathers hanging out of his chest and back. His partner, Crazy Bird, is just that - absolutely crazy - because she has no fear or it may be no common sense. Most of the time Scruffy keeps a low profile and just appears on the garden fence from time to time. But Crazy Bird is different, she thinks that she owns everything in the local area and is oblivious to the danger to her safety from cats or dogs. “You’ll get yourself killed if you are not careful”, warned Scruffy. “I’m fine”, replied Crazy Bird. “You worry too much”. Then she flew into a garden where a cat called Amber lives. Amber has a kennel in her garden which contains a bowl of cat biscuits - just as a light snack for her to enjoy during the day. Crazy Bird is addicted to the biscuits and puts her life on the line to steal them. For example, without a sideways glance, Crazy Bird wanders in and out of the kennel with her beak full of biscuits - all the time being watched by Amber who is only a cat’s length away from her. “l can’t believe my eyes”, Amber said to herself. “The cheek of that bird is unbelievable”. When Amber’s owner discovered what Crazy Bird was up to she stopped putting cat biscuits into the kennel. She thought that Crazy Bird could be trapped inside the kennel if Amber felt like a bit of hunting. “I need my daily fix of cat biscuits”, Crazy Bird said to Scruffy. “I can’t live without them”. “You need to be careful or they will be the death of you”, replied Scruffy. “I don’t know what you like about them. Bird food, snails and worms are so much better for you”. “Nah, I’m going to search for those biscuits”, said Crazy Bird. “I won’t stop searching until I find them again”. After a while Crazy Bird discovered a dish of cat biscuits outside

the kitchen door - after all, Amber shouldn’t be penalised for bird behaviour. So, Crazy Bird marched up to the door every morning and stole biscuits. As time passed Crazy Bird’s behaviour became more brazen - she ignored all risks in her desire to eat cat biscuits. When Amber’s dish was empty and the back was door open, Crazy Bird would march into the kitchen demanding the biscuits. That approach usually worked and the surprised cat guardian gave Crazy Bird her much loved biscuits. It’s true to say that some birds are cool, while others are just crazy. Copyright ©2009 Jean Cakebread and protected under UK and international law. All rights reserved.

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MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT THE PARISH OFFICE, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATEDDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, meetings are being held on Zoom. Notice will be given of any additions or amendments.

MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGSMonthly Parish Meeting 7.30pm Monday 7th SeptemberMonthly Parish Meeting 7.30pm Monday 5th October

COMMITTEE MEETINGSPlanning & Development 7.30pm Monday 17th AugustPlanning & Development 7.30pm Monday 21st SeptemberHighways and Transport 8.15pm Monday 21st September

CITIZENS ADVICE CHELMSFORDGet help applying for Universal Credit.Our 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 advisors 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

PLANTING AROUND THE WAR MEMORIALI am pleased to say that the ongoing planting of the area around the war memorial has continued despite Covid-19. In late June, a group of volunteers, including parish councillors, planted out the memorial with some lovely summer bedding plants which were kindly donated by Writtle University College. The college usually carries out the planting for the parish council, but due to staff shortages were unable to help this time around. Writtle Parish Council would like to thank Writtle University College for their ongoing support.

Lauretta Fox, Parish Clerk.

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

Telephone: 01245 420066Email: [email protected] website: www.writtlepc.co.uk

29Planting around the War Memorial.

FROM THE COUNTY COUNCILCORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)In the few weeks since I last wrote for parish magazines, there continue to be enormous changes to the way we lead our lives. Covid-19 has changed the world and will sadly carry on doing so. Many of us, though, have so many others to be grateful to from the NHS, to the carers in all our homes, the postmen and women, the refuse collectors,

the supermarket staff and all volunteers; indeed, the list is almost endless. Closer to home we also owe so much to those in our respective communities who have given of their time and at some risk to themselves to help others live from day to day. To all I would like to say thank you and well done! But if you or someone you know still needs help do go to the Essex Welfare Service https://www.essexwelfareservice.org.uk/support-request? However, if the internet is not available to you, it is also possible to call 0300 303 9988.

CHANGES TO ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO EASING OF LOCKDOWN 1. The County Council has been allocated £57 million funding for

track and trace support which will develop outbreak control plans, working with local hospital trusts and other partners. This provision is additional to the national activity and is specifically to respond to identifying and containing potential outbreaks in, for example, workplaces, housing complexes, care homes and schools. See https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/essex-county-council-underlines-importance-of-social-distancing-and-regular

2. The county’s parks are back to normal opening hours. All parks will be open from 8am to dusk and the car parks and toilets will be open to the public. However, the children’s play equipment, visitor centres and cafes will remain closed for now, in line with government guidance. See more on https://www.explore-essex.com/covid-19-updates-may-2020

3. A phased approach to re-open libraries, in line with government guidelines, starts from Monday 6th July with sixteen libraries

and then rolling out to all libraries in the County. See further on https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/phased-approach-to-reopening-essex-libraries?

4. The new “Family Innovation Support Fund-Xtra” offers a range of early support services. These are available to help children and young people aged between 0 and 19 years (up to 25 years for young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) and families during the pandemic. They are aimed at those who are not already receiving specialist or statutory support. See https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/new-support-services-launched-for-children-and- families?

5. Work is taking place in Chelmsford and other towns in Essex to provide bigger, safer spaces in key locations for city centre shoppers, residents, workers and visitors to social distance. Current cycle lanes and pavements have been enhanced, as well as new lanes and pavements created. See further on https://www.essexhighways.org/getting-around/safer-greener-healthier.aspx

6. Recycling centres are open for restricted use - but there are still long queues, as I have seen for myself. See more at https://www.loveessex.org/news-and-ideas/recycling-centre-temporary-restrictions/

7. Registration services have resumed, see https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/essex-registration-services-resume.

Meanwhile, if you have any problems about these or any other County Council matters, please let me know on 01245 421524 or email [email protected].

John Aldridge CC.

MAKING SCRUBSFor the past few months of lockdown, three villagers have passed the time making scrubs for a local care home. Elizabeth Baker, who is more usually to be found sewing costumes for the Chelmsford Ballet Company, made a pattern and found willing helpers in Maggie Parsons and Maxine Rosser. Material was scrounged and it has been a very satisfying task. Around 40 sets have been made so far and delivered to Madelayne Court Care Home. The future is unknown, so the sewing continues, although more slowly, but “every little helps”.Please see photograph, page 31 .

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31

Making scrubs for local care home.From the left: Maggie Parsons, Elizabeth Baker (wearing ‘scrubs’)and Maxine Rosser.Photograph by Christine Knight, June 2020.

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Supporting you to remain comfortable and safe in your own

home Personal Care Aged Care Household support Meal Preparation Medication Companionship Dementia Care Respite Care

01245 422520 [email protected] https://wilsons.care

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Offering newspapers and a selection of your essential needs

2-4 Lordship Road, Writtle, Essex. CM1 3EH Suzanne Earthy [email protected] Financial Director Richard Preston [email protected] Service Manager

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SSgg PPiillaatteess ccllaasssseess 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 (£7.50per session paid in a block booking) Gentle Chair Based classes – 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! GENTLE MAT/BEGINNERS: classes are aimed at the more mature adult(seniors) providing an excellent start for anyone new to exercise or a complete beginner. These classes are ideal for back care and to reduce pain and stiffness for a strong supported spine. 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! DUE TO COVID-19 Days, times & venues have changed so for timetable: PLEASE :CONTACT SUE GILTNANE T:01245421961/07702236841 E: [email protected]

Writtle Green Pre-School

Longmeads House, 12-14 Redwood Drive Writtle, CM1 3LY

Ph: 07950 944612 email: [email protected] Website: www.writtlegreenpre-school.org.uk

The preschool will be moving into our new home, The Beryl Platt Centre, once it is

completed in the summer. We are looking forward to this very exciting move and are hoping that some local business’

may be willing to support us. Financial sponsorship and resources, would be

hugely beneficial in creating a safe and stimulating outdoor play area & garden for our children.

Please contact the preschool on the above number/Email for more information

Registered Ofsted number: 650172 Registered Charity number: 1023360

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L. C. MASON T/AWRITTLE LANDSCAPES

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

Sian Douglas Gardening ServicesLady Gardener / RHS Qualified

Public Liability Insurance07547 705149

[email protected]

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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: [email protected]

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: [email protected] 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 [email protected] / 01245 443025. Hall Booking Secretary: Sherry Patterson [email protected] / 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 Schmid 420866 and Wendy Walker 420147.

South Ward: Sue Emery 420297, Peter Cracknell 421392, Louise Gannicott 422962, Sandra Massey, Ian Nicholls 07791 832894, John Rayner 07767 607210

WRITTLE DIRECTORYWrittle News website: http://www.essexinfo.net/writtle-news Writtle News email: [email protected]

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:Brownie & 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: 422846Garden & Allotment Society: Chairman: John Rouse, 421350

Secretary: Bob Harvey, 421608Guides: 1st Writtle: Mrs Nikki Bird [email protected] 3rd Writtle: Mrs Margaret Loster 420958 Zodiac Rangers: Mrs Josie Mullender 630190Heritage Writtle: Membership Sec: Mr Dave Stock 421515Heron Bridge Club: Sec: Angela Cheek 462412National & Folk Dance Centre: Annette Clark 469197

Parents Association (Infants School): School number 420963Parents Association (Junior School): 420592Photographic Society: Peter Graves 421240 Chris Bell 421482Red Cross: Welfare Office, 200 London Road, Chelmsford 490090St. 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 422232; PCC: Mike Rose 420946; Catholics Nora Smith; CA: Peter Smith 421587; Garden & Allotment Society: John Rouse 421350; Village Hall Committee: Peter Pegg 420200

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

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Lawford Lane, Writtle. One of many delightful open spaces in and around Writtle.Photograph by Christine Knight.Please see Erik’s Favourite Walks, pages 16-17.

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