A newsletter for Parish Councillors and Clerks
Issue 11
May 2013
www.chelmsford.gov.uk
Welcoming the new Mayor of the City
of Chelmsford
At the Chelmsford City Council Full Council meeting on
15 May 2013 Councillor Kingsley’s year as Mayor of
Chelmsford came to an end and Councillor Trevor
Miller and his wife Maureen began their term of office as
Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford for 2013-2014. The
Mayor appointed Councillor Jude Deakin to be his
Deputy and she will be supported by Mrs Jill SmithHughes (wife of the late Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes)
as her Escort. The Mayor’s chosen charity for the year
is the J’s Hospice – a charity which provides hospice and
respite care services throughout Essex to young adults
aged 16-40 with life limiting conditions.
Mayor of Chelmsford Councillor Trevor Miller and his
Councillor Trevor Miller has been a Councillor for
wife Maureen, Mayoress of Chelmsford
Great Baddow East Ward since 1995 and a Parish
Councillor and School Governor since 1993/4. On becoming Mayor Councillor Trevor Miller said, “In
my year as Mayor, I hope to reinforce the Council’s partnership with other agencies and voluntary
organisations and to encourage more members of the public to take an interest and become more
involved with the work of the Council.”
During the same meeting, Judge Charles Gratwicke was sworn in as the Honorary Recorder of the City
of Chelmsford. The Honorary Recorder is an office designed to maintain and develop important links
between city councils, their people and the court. It is a civic and ceremonial role which does not carry
any formal powers or duties. His responsibilities will include attending ceremonial and civic functions and
inviting members of the council to attend judicial events. The Full Council meeting was the first meeting
to be held in the newly refurbished Council Chamber at the Civic Centre which was officially opened by
the Leader of the Council, Councillor Roy Whitehead.
How we reach you
Currently, ParishLife is sent to the Parish Clerks to distribute. If any councillors would like to receive a copy
directly please let the Policy and Performance Team at Chelmsford City Council know by contacting them on 01245
606619 or email policy@chelmsford.gov.uk.
If you have any ideas for topics you would like to be covered in ParishLife, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
In this issue
Page 3 : Emergency Planning workshops
Page 4-7 : Parish news
Affordable warmth most needed in rural homes
Chelmsford City Council recently commissioned the Building Research Establishment to compile data
on the private housing stock across the Chelmsford area. The Council have just received the results
which focus on health and safety hazards relating to the design and maintenance of homes, notably
homes that cannot be kept warm enough and where residents may be facing difficulties meeting heating
costs. They show that many of the rural areas in Chelmsford have a much higher percentage of cold
homes where people are more likely to suffer ill-health due to cold indoor temperatures. These include
Chelmsford Rural West (59%), Bicknacre and East/West Hanningfield (23%), Broomfield and The
Walthams (20%), Rettendon and Runwell (20%), South Hanningfield, Stock and Margaretting (20%),
Little Baddow, Danbury and Sandon (18%) and Boreham and the Leighs (16%). The combination of
expensive heating (off-mains gas) and poorly insulated homes (often solid walled) form the backdrop to
these figures and this becomes a greater issue where residents have lower incomes.
The Council is concerned that residents may become seriously ill during the winter months because
their homes cannot be maintained at the recommended 18-21oC. Colder indoor temperatures can
cause heart attacks and strokes amongst elderly or vulnerable people. Local NHS figures show that
excess winter deaths were around 25% higher than the national average in the Chelmsford area
between 2007-2010.
To help raise awareness of this issue the Council is working with NHS colleagues, Village Agents, Parish
Councils, voluntary organisations and the energy industry to:
• Give residents information on the need for
healthy indoor temperatures to reduce the
risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Identify and assist residents who are
particularly at risk from living in cold homes
• Reduce the health impact of cold homes on
residents and reduce the cost to the NHS
• Direct funding for energy efficiency and
heating improvements to the homes that
most need it. For example, energy companies
are now under an obligation to provide large
amounts of funding to insulate solid walled
properties and the Council is working on a
scheme with other councils in Essex to bring
as much of that funding to Essex as possible
from early 2014.
The Council can also help residents by providing an interest-free loan, subject to a means test and
property inspection, to help low income homeowners to address hazards arising due to the condition
of their home such as inadequate heating, old and dangerous electrics, unsafe staircases and leaking
roofs. The loan is interest free and does not have to be repaid until the property is sold. Please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/healthy-homes-loans for more information or call 01245 606906 to make a
referral. Where similar problems exist in rented homes, the Council can investigate and help tenants
to resolve them with their landlord. Please visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing-health or call 01245
606906 if you would like a member of the Housing Standards Team to assess and advise on the
condition of a rented home.
Page 2
Workshops to help build resilient communities
Community Resilience is at the forefront of Emergency Planning for Chelmsford City Council, in its drive
to create communities that are better prepared for and more able to deal with an incident which affects
them. The Council’s response to an incident is delivered in partnership with other agencies and often
relies on the assistance of volunteer council staff and local communities.
Over the last 3 years the concept of community emergency plans has been promoted to Town and Parish
Councils. To take this a stage further the Emergency Planning Team, together with partners from the
Environment Agency and Red Cross, intend to deliver a number of Community Emergency Planning
workshops. The aim is to bring together those communities which have plans in place and those that are
seeking to develop plans.
These workshops are not only about new communities writing new plans; they are a great opportunity to
network with other likeminded communities. The workshops will enable communities to share
experiences with new groups, improve existing plans and to help new communities in writing their own.
There will also be an opportunity to tell the Council how you want Community Resilience, and the
agencies involved in responding, to support you.
Some training workshops have already successfully been delivered on related subjects and through these a
number of enthusiastic volunteers have been recruited. The Emergency Planning Team and other agencies
involved are dedicated to creating resilient communities and to help us achieve this we are asking for your
support in these workshops.
To aid planning, it would be helpful if those interested could indicate if representatives from your Parish/
Community would like to attend one of the workshops.
If you would like further information please contact the Emergency Planning Team. Either
email emergency.planning@chelmsford.gov.uk or phone 01245 606921/606233.
Chelmsford Housing Survey
Chelmsford City Council is currently updating their Strategic
Housing Market Assessment. The Assessment plans to identify
housing need in Chelmsford for future years. As part of the
Assessment requires a household survey, questionnaires are
currently being sent to randomly selected households in
Chelmsford. The questionnaires are asking for views on
whether current housing is adequate and what future housing
needs will be. Parish Councils are asked to remind residents
that if they receive a questionnaire, to please complete it as it
will help the Council assess and plan how to meet housing
need in the future.
If you would like to find out more information on the Strategic Housing Market Assessment
then please contact The Housing Strategy Team either phone 01245 606274 or email
Housing.Strategy&Enablingemail@chelmsford.gov.uk.
Page 3
Farleigh Hospice Open Gardens Sunday 23 June
New London Road Cemetery
Come and discover the history of the New London Road Cemetery. Short guided tours of interesting
graves within this cemetery will be available throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to discover
more about the Friends of New London Road Cemetery.
More information on this event can be found at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/cemeteryfriendsgroups.
Babies Remembrance Service
A special remembrance service is being held at Chelmsford Crematorium on Saturday 6 July at 11am for
parents and families who have lost a baby. The service will be held in the South Chapel and led by
Reverend Michael Child, with the names of loved ones being read out during an act of remembrance. If
you would like the name of your baby read out, please contact the Bereavement Services Team on 01245
606662. The White Dove Company has kindly sponsored the release of doves over the Garden of
Remembrance and this will take place immediately after the service, with refreshments available from the
North Chapel. Representatives from the Chelmsford branch of the charity SANDS and The Lighthouse
Family Trust will be available to speak with parents and families on the day and a collection will be taken
during the service for both charities.
For more information on this event, please call 01245 606662 or visit the website at
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/crematoriumevents.
Parish news...
...from South Hanningfield
New walking map
Working in close partnership with Essex and Suffolk Water
Company, Essex Wildlife and Essex Highways, South
Hanningfield Parish Council and their P3 (Parish Paths
Partnership) group have produced a map of the Parish. The
map includes two circular walks and marks out all the Rights
Way in the area. The circular walks will be clearly marked by
specially designed waymarkers and the longest, some 9 miles,
will guide walkers all around South Hanningfield Reservoir.
A local farmer and Essex and Suffolk Water have kindly
agreed for Permissive Paths to cross their land, thus avoiding
busy narrow lanes, which will come into use next year. Local
pubs were approached and have sponsored the guide and
will have maps for sale shortly. The plan is to distribute a free
copy to every household in the Parish.
Section of the new map
Page 4
of
...from Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre
Annual Parish Meeting
On Friday 10 May Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre Parish Council held their Annual Parish Meeting at the
Woodham Ferrers Village Hall. Guest speakers were John Whittingdale MP, Councillor Ian Grundy, Essex
County Council and Councillor Richard Poulter, Chelmsford City Council.
John Whittingdale MP gave an
informative speech covering the
economy, welfare reforms, health
and employment and also mentioned
his recent visit to the William de
Ferrers School in South Woodham
Ferrers. Councillor Ian Grundy
commended the Parish Council on
an organised and well attended event
and gave a speech on economic
growth, apprenticeship schemes and
superfast broadband. He then gave
details of the Essex County Council
Karen Kuderovitch, Clerk, Councillor June Saltmarsh, Chair , John Whittingdale,
Highways Panel and their
MP, Councillor Ian Grundy Essex County Council and Councillor Richard
responsibilities and hoped that
Poulter Chelmsford City Council
improvements to roads would be
delivered soon. Councillor Richard
Poulter spoke of this being his 12th Annual Parish Meeting and discussed local speed reductions and gave an
update on the Affordable Housing project with Hastoe, Chelmsford City Council and the Parish Council.
Councillor June Saltmarsh, Chairman of the Parish Council, gave the Annual report which covered the
Golden Jubilee events, Christmas events and gave her thanks to Karen Kuderovitch, the Clerk and the
Councillors for their continued support. Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre received Highly Commended for
their Annual Report in 2012. All volunteers and staff were thanked for their continued efforts and the
Chairman reported two recent resignations and that there were three candidates for the positions, to be
agreed at the Annual Council Meeting.
The Chairman reminded parishioners the Precept had a 0% increase for the third year and that the Parish
Council had managed to make grants to First Responders, Bicknacre Scouts and St Mary’s Church in
Woodham Ferrers. The Priory Acres group were reported as making necessary and urgent progress in
order to meet the Approved Planning Application for the proposed Community Centre/Church build. The
Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre Youth Group was commended on continuing to provide interesting and
varied events at Woodham Ferrers Village Hall.
The Chairman informed residents that the Parish Council had entered the Village of the Year Competition
run by the Rural Community Council of Essex and asked residents to tidy up their gardens. The Parish
Council web site has been restyled and is not being kept up to date by the Clerk in house. The Chairman
voiced hopes to make improvements to The Hooe Playing Fields in Bicknacre and invited any residents to
make contact with any issues they had.
The meeting was attended by approximately 80 residents and displays and information was made available
from several local organisations and groups.
Page 5
...from Galleywood
Phone Box Book Exchange
In 2009, Galleywood Parish Council purchased
the iconic red telephone box located at Pipers
Tye from BT at a cost of £1.00. On 11 May 2013
the phone box was given a new lease of life and
was officially opened as the ‘Galleywood Phone
Box Book Exchange’. The phone box has been
fitted with shelving and filled with books donated
by Councillors and Parishioners. The book
exchange is open 24 hours a day, seven days a
week and visitors are invited to take a book and
Councillor Bob Villa, Chairman of Galleywood Parish Council
leave one when they are next passing.
with Councillor David Stevenson, Vice Chairman
‘Pride in Our Village’ anti-litter poster competition
A competition was held this year and children from St Michael’s Junior School and The Galleywood Infant
School took part. Children submitted colourful and imaginative anti-litter posters which were judged and
certificates and an overall winning cup were presented by the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor
Christopher Kingsley at Galleywood Parish Council’s 26th Annual Parish Open Forum held last April.
Dedication to former Councillor
On 15 May 2013 a new wooden seat was dedicated to former Councillor George Allen and his wife
Brenda in celebration of the many happy years they have spent in Galleywood. George’s son very kindly
donated funding for the purchase and installation of the seat located along Watchouse Road. George and
Brenda moved to Galleywood in 1983, when Brenda was teaching at Rothmans Junior School (now
Larkrise Primary School). George became a Councillor for Baddow Parish in 1985 Goat Hall Lane Ward.
When Galleywood parted from Great Baddow in 1987 George remained in office and became part of
Galleywood Parish Council. One of his early duties was to walk the footpaths and ensure that the new
Chelmsford by-pass caused minimum disruption to existing paths. George also served on Chelmsford
Borough Council Western Wards and
was an Essex County Councillor in the
late 1980’s and 1990’s. George was
also Chairman of Galleywood Parish
Council’s Planning Committee for many
years, and when he retired from duties
his services were retained as a
consultant, and although he now lives
in Fowler Court, George continues to
walk on Galleywood Common.
George is pictured here with his family
together with Councillor Bob Villa, Chairman
and Councillor David Stevenson, Vice
Chairman and Councillor Mrs Janette Potter
Page 6
...from Chignal
New community orchard
opened in Chignal St James
Over 60 fruit trees have been planted
this season at the new community
orchard in Chignal St James. Over the
last 12 months villagers from the tiny
parish of Chignal and neighbouring
Mashbury have been working together
to turn a once unused and inaccessible
one acre site near the village hall into a
productive and wildlife friendly
attraction that can be enjoyed by
residents and visitors alike. The Chignals
& Mashbury Community Jubilee
Orchard was officially opened by Philip Philip Taylor from Lathcoats cutting the ribbon around the Mulberry tree
Taylor from Lathcoats Farm on 18 May. Photo by Simon Tarrant
Inspired and supported by the Rural Community Council’s ‘Edible Essex’ project which encourages
communities to increase local food production, the idea of an orchard was taken up by Chignal Parish
Council and rapidly gained support amongst Parishioners and residents from Mashbury. Sophie Blythe from
Edible Essex welcomed the Parish Council’s initiative, “The Edible Essex Project aims to increase the
number of people involved in growing their own food. We are delighted to have been able to have a part
in creating this orchard, which will be a fantastic and valuable community resource.”
According to Parish Council Chairman, Chris Philpot, “A potential site for a community orchard had been
earmarked in the Chignal Villages Design Statement and once there was clear support for this project from
local people, the City Council were approached to offer us a lease and set about applying for grants to
fund it.”
As there have been extensive gravel workings in Chignal St James since the 1960s which are now used as
waste landfill sites, the orchard project was eligible for an award from the Lafarge-Tarmac Landfill
Communities Fund. The funding award covered the costs of developing the orchard. Site preparation and
planting were carried out by contractors Transscape in spring and a planting ceremony in April allowed
residents, Councillors and funding organisations to put the last few fruit trees in the ground and to plant
some of the 420 perimeter hedgerow trees and shrubs donated by The Woodland Trust. Despite heavy
showers, some 50 people turned up to show their support, some meeting for the first time and enjoying
the chance to do something practical together.
There has been a focus on Essex and East Anglian varieties of fruit tree in the orchard. Enhancing the value
to wildlife was part of the vision as was creating a well-managed and tidy site. An area has been cleared and
seeded as a wild flower meadow and after a site survey, with the help of Chelmsford City Council’s NEAT
Team, further plants will be added as plugs in the grassland. Most importantly, the orchard will be a place
where local families can enjoy and learn about the trees, the fruit and the surroundings.
Every opportunity is already being used to engage as many people as possible in how the orchard grows
and develops with a dedicated email chignal.mashburyjubileeorchard@hotmail.co.uk and with regular
briefings sent to ‘Orchard Friends’ and placed on the Chignal website www.essexinfo.net/thechignals.
More information about the Edible Essex project can be found at www.edibleessex.org.uk.
Page 7