Headquarters
74 High Street
Billericay
Essex CM12 9BS

Affiliated to theCouncil for the
Protection of Rural Essex

Number 149

August 2003

CONFUCIUS SAID: "Study the past if you would divine the future."
It is unfortunate that historians chose to focus on the usurping greed and avarice of so-called noblemen and kings - whose actions are at best questionable and do not make for a good role model on how to conduct one's life. Could this account for why people fight first and think afterwards, if at all? I think it would have been a far, far better thing for the world's progress, and mankind in general, if historians had focussed on ideas and technical developments. Had they recorded and analysed the impact that these had on changing living standards and the quality of life for people, the world may have become more aware of technology and civilised.

THE HISTORY OF MANKIND IS THE HISTORY OF IDEAS
I propose to write short monographs or should I call them editorials on engineering subjects, to encourage you to embrace technology, and not to fear or be indifferent to it. Hopefully you may come to enjoy the excitement of discovering how the world around you functions. Remember you can elect a new chairman at the next AGM. Anyway, since it is summer, here goes with the first offering:

Sunshine, or What's With This Ultra-Violet?
In the shade of the old oak tree, and satisfied that he had covered his extremities with factor 15 against the ultra-violet rays, Henry lay back on the hammock and wondered what this ultra-violet was from which he had to protect himself. Close by, Helen, his wife was pruning the roses.

The Rainbow
"Helen, you studied Latin, what does ultra-violet mean?"
"Ultra, in Latin means above or beyond." She replied.
"But what is the 'violet' that it is higher or greater than?" He queried.
"The frequency of the violet light in the visible spectrum." She laughed, but went on to explain: "when it is raining, and the sun is behind you, a rainbow can be formed in the sky. The raindrops act as a prism splitting the normal white light that we get from the sun into its constituent colours. This is known as the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, or colloquially, the visible spectrum. First demonstrated by Sir Isaac Newton in 1672."
"I remember the order of the colours of the rainbow by that famous Scot: Roy G. Biv," Henry said, "You know: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet."
"Oh I remember them by a historical reference." Helen replied, "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain." Helen thought that Richard III had been given a bad press after the battle of Bosworth in 1485."In the rainbow", Helen said, getting more technical, "since the red light oscillates at a lower frequency than the blue it is refracted the least and appears at the top of the arch. Whereas the violet coloured light has a higher rate of oscillation than the red, and is therefore refracted more,
so it appears at the inner arch of the rainbow. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from a medium of a lower density to one of a higher density. So that light travelling at 186,000 miles per second from the sun in the vacuum of space is bent (refracted) as it enters into our denser atmosphere."
"Is that why the sky appears blue during the day, because the light is dispersed through a larger angle, coming from over head to a person on the ground," asked Henry. "Similarly, at dusk the sky appears red to orange because the sun is lower in the sky and so only the rays with the least refraction are seen in the sky?" "Yes," said Helen, "easy isn't it once you understand what is happening!" She went on to explain. "Just as infra-red applies to frequencies lower than the frequency of oscillation of the red light, ultra-violet refers to frequencies higher than that of the violet light. That is, infra-red and ultra-violet frequencies are outside the range of human vision or perception." She also mentioned, "nature, in terms of optimising the conversion of the sunlight into energy for plants (photosynthesis), cleverly chose the middle colour green for chlorophyll. And that the rainbow is curved because the source of the light, the sun, is so curved."

Qua Vadis? Ware! Where? Hertfordshire
And did those coaches in ancient time's journey through Hertfordshire's green and pleasant land. This experience was re-enacted by 36 members of the Billericay Society on Wednesday the 4th of June 2003 thanks to the organising skills of Marian Thilo.

The day started at Waltham Abbey after a coffee break in a cosy pub. Refreshed we toured the Abbey after our

guide Owen had outlined its history and pointed out architectural features. Built during the latter part of 1000 AD. (I refuse to use the ludicrous 'histerical' century notation. Don't historian know that counting starts with zero?) In the reredos there is still evidence of the damage caused to the figures above the altar during the 'axe attack'. An angled mirror allows one to view the fascinating paintings on the nave ceiling without damaging the neck muscles. Harold Godwinson, later King Harold of 1066 fame raised the Minster here in the late 1050's. The Abbey is the reputed site of king Harold's grave after Hastings. The parish church that stands today is about one third of the original Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross and St Lawrence of 1184. In 1540 the Abbey became the last English religious house to be dissolved. Henry VIII liked the church! Restoration continues.As we listened to the interesting local historical information from our guide, our coach squeezed its way through the picturesque Hadham villages to Ware, then onto luncheon at the clean, spacious Van Hage garden centre, at Great Amwell. Amwell is the source of the water forming the 'New River' dug in 1609 to provide London with fresh, clean, drinkable water. As those who are also members of the BAHS will know from the various talks relating to London's water, such water was desperately needed.The 'New River' was cut making use of the natural contoured fall between Amwell and London. It ended near King's Cross Road, Islington, whence it was distributed in wooden pipes. Although everybody knew that fresh water was needed, there was no popular will or government decision to make it happen. It was the initiative of one man, Sir Hugh Myddelton, who was prepared to take the financial risk to make it happen. He had exhausted his capital when King James VI of Scotland, (James I of the new Great Britain of Scotland and England) came to his rescue.The city knew that wars were profitable, but fresh water! We see this short-term thinking working today in the lack of long-term vision and investment. The demise of the farming and manufacturing industries endangers our ability to have a self-sustaining infrastructure for our island's survival. Passing papers about and moving others' money may be profitable but it won't help us in a crisis! London had to wait until 'The great stink' of 1858 for parliament to commission Bazelgette, a civil engineer, to replace the Roman sewerage system of London. The Romans had left England by 410 AD! After such depressing thoughts, the tranquillity of the cruise along the River Lee Navigation was most welcome. A cream tea enhanced the enjoyment and with the sunshine, it was 'just perfect'. Thanks Marian. The original River Lea, once the boundary between Danelaw and Saxon Wessex, now separates Essex from London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire.
Marian's initiative to employ a guide, I think, was a masterstroke. I know some didn't care either way, and it did increase the cost. But we obtained the best from the day's outing. The committee would welcome your feedback and opinion on this matter plus any constructive suggestions. It takes a great deal of time and worry to organise such a day's outing. So your support and co-operation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in anticipation of your feedback and future support. Equally, if you do not want to go on outings let us know.An Evening Stroll Through Mill Meadows
Mill Meadows is a 90 acre nature reserve of old meadows, wild flowers, including wild orchids even (the common spotted orchid is one), and other wildlife, including the human visitors, sub-species litter lout. The site was once part of the Lord Petre estate. For ease of identification the fields have been given names by the Mill Meadows Society, relating to their ancient names. That adjacent to Lockers is called Wantsfield. It has the cattle pens and a trough for the re-introduced rare breads of cattle. Grazing helps to prevent the meadows reverting to scrub and woodland. Mill Meadows was once part of Norsey Wood.In cross section (between Southend Road and Hillside Road) Mill Meadows is two valleys separated by a central ridge, forming a 'W'. The sand and gravel found here once formed the seabed. There are many springs in the valley areas indicated by 'soft rush' plants in the wet areas. You can identify the underlying geology by the flora. The springs are the result of geological joins in the underlying rock structure. Other areas are of Bagshot sand and clay. Archaeology finds include Neolithic flint tools. So there has been human habitation here for thousands of years.The large grass covered mounds one might accidentally walk over are ant nests. These hillock ant nests are also an indication of great age for the natural ground, indicating that it has not suffered under the plough for hundreds of years. The area was sold to the Council in 1991 as part of a deal when the Mill Grange estate was developed. It is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Mill Meadows covers part of Hurlocks Farm and Greens Farm. The site of Billericay's last windmill, on the Southend Road, is just outside the area. (For more details see: The Mills of Billericay, 'Billericay History Series No. 2' Obtainable from John Bath at our social evenings or the sales table in the High Street on Friday mornings, outside Somerfields.) The origin and naming of Gatwick House, on periphery of the meadows is not known. Any suggestions? The walk was lead by Countryside Ranger, Liz Appleton, and, of course, organised by our tireless president Norman Turner. Our thanks for a pleasant and informative evening go to Liz and Norman.
David Bremner, Chairman
HIGH STREET PANEL
Location
Review of Applications
Address

Stewart's

Argos
Size-Up
essensuals
Village Bar
Audit House
Use of pavement as outside dining area, if clearly marked, and within licensing laws.
Retrospective application for a new shop front.
Raised lettering shop sign.
Replacement shop front and sign.
Use of pavement for dining area
New doorway design submitted.
2 Western Road

32-36 High Street
54-56 High Street
65-67 High Street
120 High Street
151 High Street
Objections Were Raised to the Following Applications

Chandler Chase

Lloyds Bank
The Halifax

???

 Concern about disruption due to number of heavy lorries during demolition and construction of buildings
ATM projecting sign is out of keeping with conservation area.
Retrospective application for a projecting sign and shop fascia sign out of keeping with conservation area.
Retrospective application for a non-illuminated fascia sign and non-illuminated projecting sign out of keeping with conservation area



89 High Street
110 High Street

1 The Walk
Environs
Other Local Applications

Little Burstead House
Harts Corner
High Street

Chapel Street

Conversion of stables to cottages

Traffic lights do not function correctly. Action by ECC
Poor paving condition. County Engineer awaiting approval for repairs to be carried out. Action by ECC.
Clearer one-way sign positioning required.
Proposal install a roundabout at Sun Corner and make Laindon Road two way as far as the last house, Mawney. Of concern will be the position of the roundabout and the ability to see traffic coming from the High Street.
ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
Forty years ago the BillericayBulletin reported that the rapid growth of the district not only increased the work of the Society but fortunately brought an increase in the membership. The membership continued to mount but unfortunately very few offered themselves for active service. The Society was still without a Secretary, which threw an extra burden on the other officers and delayed correspondence. An appeal was made for a volunteer 'Don't be afraid to offer, as the Committee will rally round you'It was reported that the Society were pleased that one of the political parties had raised the question of the preservation of Billericay High Street and had promised support for a Civic Trust scheme. The Society had been invited to appoint representatives to serve on the 'High Street Consultative Panel' and the dates of the meetings throughout the year have been arranged.The Society had also made an approach to the Basildon Council to be allowed to take part in informal talks on the new planning proposals for the district.Mention was made of the Ford Motor Company's appeal against the Essex County Council's refusal to allow development of certain lands within the Green belt at Dunton. It was decided to give the County Council

support at the Public Enquiry. The principle involved was not only the actual planning aspects, but by the fact that many applications by private individuals for much smaller development had been turned down. It was not considered right that a large concern should receive preferential treatment and be allowed to encroach upon the Green belt. A good case had been presented at the enquiry and the Ministers decision was awaited.The Junior Section continued to grow in strength and have had several outings to places of interest. They have arranged a sideshow at the Hospital Fete and have entered a float in the Carnival. The juniors were also tidying up Ramsden Crays Churchyard and were to tackle the Old Meeting Burial Ground once again.A reminder of the High Street book was mentioned asking members to place their orders at Ten shillings and six pence with an extra shilling for postage.

FOOTPATH WALK
The following footpath walk was also published
(Walkers please note that these instructions are forty years old and it may now be impossible to follow the walk! If any one does attempt it, a report back would be of interest.)
Proceed down the Southend Road until the top of Bell Hill is reached. Cross the stile on the immediate left of the ruined windmill. Follow the line of the fields keeping

below Green's Farm on the right. The end of the footpath (number 31) is Jackson's Lane. Follow Jackson's Lane towards Great Burstead until Outwood Common Road is reached. Turn left down Outwood Common Road until footpath 30 is reached. This walk is about 1 mile of beautiful country lanes. Footpath 30 is signposted and is on the left. It is almost opposite Hummerstones. Again follow the edge of the fields until the Walthamstow Estate is reached. This walk is about three miles long. A 256 bus can be sought back to Billericay from here.

LOST FOREVER
There are many members and others who collect pictures, postcards and memorabilla of Billericay. Often I get asked to identify a picture or postcard. Mr. & Mrs. Hill have acquired the below postcard of 'York House'. I can find no reference to it. Does any member recognise or have any information relating to 'York House?'



MEMBERSHIP
2003 Subscriptions.
If you have not yet paid your 2003 membership (which was due on the 1st January 2003) you will find delivered with your newsletter a reminder letter.
The current subscription rates are:

  Family £ 6.00
  Senior Citizens and Under 18's £ 2.00 each
  Single £ 3.50

As well as delivering your subscription to the Cater Museum, 74 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9BS, or paying at the monthly meetings, it can be handed to any Committee member. As members will know, I can not personally attend all the monthly meetings so it does help if the subscription payments are delivered or posted to the museum. Any queries regarding membership can be left on my answer machine
Roger Green,
Membership Secretary (01277 652101

 

MONTHLY SPEAKERS
Thank you for supporting our monthly talks at the Billericay Day Centre. We have had a varied programme of speakers, so that eventually I hope to appeal to all tastes. In May Ron Cook presented a lively talk on London Ceremonies illustrated with his superb slide show. His snapshots of history showed how passed events and terminology still influence our language. By contrast in June Keith Pike explained his work within Trading Standards and how he and his fellow officers try to maintain a fair deal for all of us. He also told us how to recognise and protect ourselves from bogus callers. In July Fred Etheridge enthralled us with his wildlife pictures. It is amazing the details and images he manages to capture and convey with the aid of a camera. We must not forget our successful Lee Valley trip in June. Our expert guide met us at Waltham Abbey. He provided endless entertaining information as we explored the villages of the Lee Valley by coach, as described by our Chairman.Following a break in August, our next meeting will be on Wednesday 17th September when Tim Whitelock will tell us about the history of Barge Art with an illustrated talk. He will bring along some examples of his work to show how they are decorated. For the 15th October meeting we will be once again be entertained by Tony Curtis. Back from his world travels he will this time present an illustrated talk on Japan. With such a famous name he can't fail to entertain us. This will be followed by talk by Peter Lawrence on 19th November. He will open our eyes to Essex architecture with his slides of timber framed buildings of Essex.We will be rounding off the year on Wednesday 17th December with our traditional fish or chicken and chip supper where we will be once again entertained by singer and compere David Padwick. He will present songs from stage, screen and radio. So please come along and join in the fun. Tickets priced at £6.50 will be available from the October evening meeting.
Programme
All meetings are held in the Day Centre, Chantry Way. They start at 8.00pm.

17th September 'Canal Boat Art' Tim Whitelock
15th October 'Japan' Tony Curtis
19th November 'Essex Timber
Framed Buildings'		 Peter Lawrence

An Early Reminder
Don't forget the Christmas Social
Wednesday 17th December

 

Countryside Walks
Attendances in May and June were a little low due to holidays, we believe, which eases the pressure on leaders but does make it difficult to forecast numbers for lunch. It would assist in future if members could let the leader know in advance if lunch is likely to be required. It would also help if non-patrons would seek the leaders' advice about alternative parking when this is mentioned, as some pub car parks are quite small. Evening walks started quietly, partly due to weather but also lack of publicity, which has now improved. Quite modest numbers visited the Remus Horse Sanctuary but generously donated almost £40 for the upkeep of the animals, which has been acknowledged with a note of thanks.
Better publicity boosted the numbers at Norsey Wood to over 30 and this included some who had not actually visited the Wood before. The Warden and members of the Norsey Wood Society were able to show some important aspects of the wood even though our historians doubt the traditional belief that it was the site of the massacre which ended the Peasants' Revolt.The next programme of Tuesday morning walks will start on the 'glorious 12th' and David and Peter will be leading the way in the depth of the countryside between Great Leighs and Hatfield Peverel. Follow the instructions carefully and don't get lost! Our next venue is also new for an easy coastal walk with more visits to the coast to follow in between local walks.

Walks Programme
All walks are on Tuesday mornings, four miles or less, at a leisurely pace. They start at 10.00 am and finish about 12.30 pm. Boots and waterproofs are advised, no dogs please. Any changes of start point are announced on the previous walk, or telephone me beforehand, but not on the day.Please note: All participants in these walks do so at their own risk. Neither the leader nor the Society can be held responsible for any accident or injury suffered. 12th August FAIRSTEAD AND TERLING. Meet at Square & Compasses, Fuller Street. Can be reached from A12 by B1137 for Hatfield Peverel or from A131 at Great. Leighs turn right at St. Anne's Castle. Full details from David.26th August Gt. WAKERING Meet at Red Lion. Head for Shoeburyness then turn off A13 at North Shoebury, B1017. Red Lion is on right before reaching Church.9th September INGATESTONE HALL Car Park. Kate and Tony lead the way to Mountnessing Church.23rd September MARSH FARM Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers. Meet near Café at entrance.

(Park is signposted from A132). For lunch at Shaws Farm, notify Norman in advance.7th October STANFORD-le-HOPE. Park at Rainbow's End, Billet Lane (near Rainbow Lane). From Stanford Interchange on A13 take A1014 (CORYTON) for about 1 mile to Roundabout. Take third exit, first left then first right, then gates to sports ground are on left. Field, Creek and riverside. For lunch at The Inn on the Green, notify Norman in advance.21st October GALLEYWOOD COMMON, The Horse & Groom. At traffic lights on B1007 turn left then 400 yards, turn right into narrow track to pub. David and Peter lead the way, using part of the Centenary Circle to Baddow Park.4th November HOCKLEY WOODS details next New-sletter.

Mid-Week Walks with Other Groups
More details on request.
Tuesday 19th August, 10 am Fremnells Causeway - Hanningfield Water. 5 mile circular towards Stock.Thursday 4th September, 10.30 am Quilters Bar, Laindon Road - 4-mile circular.Tuesday 30th September, 10 am Grangewaters, South Ockenden - 5 miles circular via Mardyke Valley and Davy Down.Thursday 30th October 10.30 am Stadium Way Car Park, Rayleigh Weir.Tues. 11th November 10 am Westley Heights Car Park, Langdon Hills.
Norman Turner ( (01277) 622981

Dates for Your Diary
The Remus Horse Sanctuary open days will be held on the following Sundays: 3rd August, 7th September and 5th October. Car park entrance is situated to the right, just past Buttsbury Wash.Norsey Wood open day is on Sunday 5th October, from 12.00 noon until 4.00 pm..The Cater Museum is halfway through its programme of activities for the year. For the month of August you are invited to come and 'Cook with us this Summer.' A chance to try recipes from Victorian and World War II kitchens and compare wartime shortages with Victorian excess. 'School Days', in September to coincide with the end of the school holidays, is 'An Exhibition of Going to School in the Past.'. In October Students are invited to try a Short Story Competition. To be based on the recently discovered Tudor dagger found in Shenfield. You can support your local Museum and our headquarters by visiting these temporary events

Letter to Editor
Information wanted, please. Our Chairman's Quiz in the last Newsletter reminded me of some questions that I don't know the answers to, and would like to hear from any readers who do!The junction of London Road/Western Road/Tye Common Road used to be known as Harts Corner. Why? Was it a shop/café/other business, and if so which corner was it on? Has the corner anything to do with the milestone nearby (London - Southend) and who cleaned this stone recently and made the inscription legible?Another query concerns the site of a First World War army camp at Buckwyns. The remains of a wind-pump are still in the field. Does anyone have any knowledge of who was there, and when?

SOCIETY GOODS
These items are available at evening meetings and our Sales Table outside Somerfield on Friday mornings until 12th September. They can also be obtained from John Bath at 34 Chestnut Avenue, ( (01277) 651890.We still have an excellent range of goods for your own use, or as presents and, though I hesitate to say it, Christmas will loom up before very long. Also, of course, sales provide the Society with a valuable source of income.The full range comprises:
Notelets £1.50
Tea Towels £2.50
Aprons £5.50
Shopping Bags £4.50
Oven Gloves £5.50
Bookmarks 75p
Coasters 60p
Combs 75p
Key Tags 50p
Framed Pictures
(of old Billericay) £3.75
Mugs £2.95
Carrier Bag Handles £1.00
History Booklets:
No.1 £1.00
No. 2 £1.25
Nos. 3 and 4 £1.50 each

BRENDA CATHERALL
Brenda, one of our Vice Presidents, has recently moved from Billericay to Maldon. You will be pleased to know she is settling in at her new abode, and hopes her health

improves. If any member wishes to contact her, please ask the Secretary.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Councilor David De'ath, the Town Council's Footpath Representative, has secured £500 of funding from Essex County Council for the clearance and maintenance of Footpath No.4. This path connects Rosebay Avenue, Buckwyns Chase and Mountnessing Road. The funds will be used to clear overgrown areas, repair stiles and bridges and replace waymarkers.Councilor De'ath is seeking volunteers from local groups to help him with this work. Anyone who would like to help, even if it's only for a few hours, please contact him ( (01277) 658995.In the past the Society has undertaken this sort of work on its own initiative. So this is a good opportunity to revive this work.

CHAIRMAN'S QUIZ
The last quiz is repeated below with the answers:
In what year was the Society founded?
1935 1936 1937
What was the Society originally called?
An attempt to test you here since none of the answers to the next two questions were correct.
Billericay Society was first called:
The Billericay Area Group of the Essex Branch of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England.
And it changed its name in 1972
To which organisation is the Billericay Society affiliated?
Council for the Protection of Rural Essex
On which road is Perry Green?
A176, A129, B1007
In what year was the original 'Billericay' sign erected on Perry Green?
1949, 1951, 1953
How many of the Billericay History Series (BHS) booklets originally produced by W. P.Grant, have been republished by the Society?
3, 4, 5
In which years were the BHS published by W.P.Grant?
Early 1960's exact years were not published.
What titles of the BHS booklets have been republished by the Society?
'Early Billericay', 'The Mills of Billericay', 'Billericay and the Mayflower & the Place Names of Billericay' and 'The Inns of Billericay'.
How many of the BHS booklets are in YOUR bookcase?
They should all be in there.

PUBLISHED BY THE BILLERICAY SOCIETY 

President

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Secretary

Norman Turner

David Bremner

Leighton Bartram

Maureen Bartram

Billericay 622981

Billericay 626674

Billericay 654659

Billericay 654659