Great Baddow

Olympic Champion At Great Baddow Fun Run

2012-03-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

March 2012

Fatima Whitbread, the former Olympic and world champion javelin thrower has agreed to start this year's Great Baddow Fun Run. Fatima is also well known for recently appearing in the popular 'I'm A Celebrity' TV show.

The Great Baddow Charity Race is now in its 28th year and consists of two events - a two mile fun run around the village and a ten mile road race for more serious competitors (chosen as the official Essex AAA ten mile championship for 2012). Both events start and finish in Great Baddow Recreation Ground.

Organisers are keeping their fingers crossed that they can persuade Fatima to don her running shoes and take part in one of the runs. The event takes place on Sunday, May 20th.

For further details go to http://www.baddowraces.org.uk/

(Runners line up to take part in the Great Baddow Charity Races)

Great Baddow Enjoys A Winter Warm Spell

2012-02-23T07:05:00.001-08:00

February 2012

(St Mary's Church)

Just weeks after the snow in January the temperature in Great Baddow hit 17 degrees centigrade on 23rd February 2012.

(Village sign in front of White Horse pub)

So what is the price of property in Great Baddow in February 2012?

Estate agents are asking £165,000 for the grade II listed cottage (pictured below) in the High Street, Great Baddow.

The cottage is situated opposite the Essex Carpet Centre (pictured below).

New Entertainment At Baddow Club

2012-02-23T03:53:00.000-08:00

February 2012

The Great Baddow CA has planned a new programme of entertainment for 2012. Pictured above is singer Debbie Ray who performed on 18th February.

Throughout 2012 there will be a variety of acts performing in the members bar on a Saturday night at least every month. There will be something for all tastes, so it is definitely worth a visit. Forthcoming events will be advertised in the bar area. New members welcome.

What's Happening At The Great Baddow CA?

2012-01-19T00:54:00.000-08:00

January 2012

The Great Baddow Club has a wide range of events taking place in the coming months. Next up is Wolfie's 'Fun' Quiz Night on January 28th - one not to be missed!

In fact, there is 'live' entertainment in the members bar on a Saturday night every other week - watch this space for some great new acts that will be appearing this year! - and a very popular Bingo night on a Sunday (again fortnightly) with some great prizes.

Throughout the year there are snooker, darts and a crib team who play in the local leagues as well as, of course, football and cricket.

There are three TV screens in the members bar with Sky Sports and ESPN with full football coverage so you will never miss the big match!

The club also runs regular theatre trips and sightseeing visits. New members are welcome, so why not come and take a look at what's happening at your local community association.

For more information visit the club's website http://www.greatbaddowca.co.uk/

Forthcoming Home Fixtures

Crib (Thursday Nights)

Feb 23rd V RBL Great Baddow

Mar 1st V Writtle Bowls

Mar 15th V White Roding

Mar 29th V Little Waltham

Apr 19th V Springfield Cricket

Darts (Wednesday Nights)

Jan 25th V Wheatsheaf (Cup 1st Leg)

Feb 22nd V Star B

Apr 18th V Star A

Christmas Carols At The Vineyards

2011-12-09T03:25:00.000-08:00

December 2011

Back By Popular Demand - Christmas Carols At The Vineyards takes place on Wednesday 21st December 2011 at 7.00pm. Come along and sing your favourite Christmas carols with the Salvation Army Band.

This is the second year for this event. It began in 2010 and proved a huge success.

Chelmsford City Replay At Baddow Club

2011-12-08T02:01:00.000-08:00

December 2011

The Great Baddow Community Centre will be showing Chelmsford City's 2nd round FA Cup replay against Macclesfield Town live on TV on Wednesday 14th December 2011 (ko 8.05pm). The Great Baddow club has many City supporters eager to see if their local team can become FA Cup giant killers!

City drew 1-1 with Macclesfield at Melbourne Park (highlights above) in the first game and now face a trip to Macclesfield to face their League Two opponents in the replay. The winners will be rewarded with a home 3rd round tie against Premier League side Bolton Wanderers.

Members of the Baddow Club will watch the game free, guests need to be signed in by a member.

Inside the members bar at the Great Baddow Community Centre. Expected to be packed for Chelmsford City's FA Cup Replay.

Great Baddow Residents Lose Fight Over Marrable House

2011-11-18T01:15:00.000-08:00

November 2011

Angry Great Baddow residents have lost their battle to stop a new care home being built in the village.

The planning committee meeting held at the civic centre on 15th November was full to capacity with residents united against plans to demolish Marrable House at The Vineyards and replace it with a care home. The 1960's building has been described by locals as an 'eyesore' and was once voted in the press as 'one of the ugliest buildings in the country' but new plans are felt by many to be out of keeping and too big for the area.

Amidst angry scenes, the committee voted in favour of the plans for a new Marrable House and 58 extra care flats on Maldon Road. The development will result in the loss of eight trees and reduced parking from 210 to 175 spaces.

Meeting To Decide On Marrable House

2011-11-08T01:52:00.000-08:00

November 2011

Great Baddow residents interested in the proposed redevelopment at Marrable House, The Vineyards are reminded that the Chelmsford Borough Council Planning Committee will be holding a meeting at 6.30pm on November 15, 2011 at the Civic Centre to discuss the planning application and to decide its fate. All residents are welcome to attend.

The planning application reference nunber is 11/01093/FUL. Please click here for full details.

A Little Bazaar - A Shop With A Difference

2011-11-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

November 2011

'A Little Bazaar' the secondhand shop in Maldon Road, Great Baddow has recently celebrated its first birthday. Many Great Baddow residents will remember that it was once the location of a Lloyds Bank branch.

The shop has become popular in the village and sells a range of antiques, china, glass, furniture, jewellery and clothing. A Little Bazaar also provides a service allowing customers to sell their own unwanted items for a commission. The shop is owned by Paul Goodman, a resident of Great Baddow.

New BMX Track Opens In Baddow Hall Park

2011-10-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

October 2011

The new BMX Pump Track in Baddow Hall Park was officially opened on Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Riders won their fight to bring a track to the village in March, despite letters of opposition and concerns about anti-social behaviour being received by Chelmsford Council.

The planning application, put forward by Chelmer Housing Partnership, was approved but planning bosses warned if any problems arise from its use the council could shut it down.

Materials used to build the 50m by 30m track will enable riders to ride, jump, pump and perform stunts in a safe environment.

The term “pump track” describes a track that has been designed to reduce pedalling and will instead use the pumping action of a rider’s body weight and leg compressions to propel them round. It also includes a variation of jumps to suit all levels of ability.

Decision Expected On Vineyards Development

2011-10-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

October 2011

Chelmsford Borough Council are this month expected to make a decision on the future of Marrable House - the derelict building at the Vineyards.

The planning application details are as follows and can be viewed at the Chelmsford Borough Council website.

Redevelopment of site (with demolition of existing building - Marrable House) to provide 58 extra care residential flats with ancillary facilities in two new buildings; one to replace Marrable House and the other fronting Maldon Road, vehicle parking; refurbishment of ramp, temporary access and parking area, re-organising of existing parking areas and landscaping.

The planning application reference nunber is 11/01093/FUL. Please click here for full details.

Great Baddow Library Celebrates 20 Years

2011-09-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

September 2011

Great Baddow library will be celebrating 20 years at its current location on September 5th, 2011.

The High Street building was the result of a long campaign to move it from its former location in Bell Street. It was opened on September 5th, 1991 by Councillor Paul White, Chairman of Essex County Council.

The celebrations will include a display of the library's history, stories and songs for the under-fives and competitions for adults and children.

The photograph below shows the fromer library building in Bell Street. It is now used as a function room by Great Baddow Parish Council.

Great Baddow Charity Shops Huge Success

2011-08-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

August 2011

The Little Haven Charity Shop in the Vineyards, Great Baddow smashed all its targets by raising £112,000 for children with life limiting illnessses in its first year. The charity shop opened in July 2010 and receives generous support from the people of Great Baddow. As well as the steady stream of donations and customers the shop is staffed by 30 volunteers from the local community.

The Little Haven Charity helps around 170 Essex families, 20 per cent of whom come from Chelmsford.

Noakes Place, Great Baddow

2011-07-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

July 2011

Photographs in July - Noakes Place - this area of park is next to the Great Baddow Recreation Ground. In the distance you can see the Great Baddow Community Centre.

This photograph also taken in Noakes Place shows Roberts Court in the background, a residence for the elderly accessed from Baddow Road.

Ponds in Noakes Place.

New Opening Times At Great Baddow Library

2011-06-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

June 2011

With effect from Monday July 4th, 2011 Great Baddow Library will have new opening hours. It will now be open all day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and closed on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Great Baddow Library has been at its current location in the High Street for almost twenty years. It was opened on September 5th, 1991 by Councillor Paul White, Chairman of Essex County Council.

Many residents will remember that previously the library occupied the building in Bell Street (below) now named the Bell Centre and used by Great Baddow Parish Council as a meeting room and hiring out as a function room.

Great Baddow Charity Races 2011

2011-05-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

May 2011

The start and finish line in Great Baddow Recreation Ground

The home straight!

Participants run up Tabors Hill past the Blue Lion pub just minutes from the finish.

Huge crowds lined the streets of Great Baddow for the Great Baddow Charity Races which took place in the village on Sunday May 22, 2011. The day was warm and sunny with a strong breeze making for just about perfect running conditions. The event is now in its 27th year and has been organised for the past 16 years by The Rotary Club of Chelmsford Mildmay.

Starting and finishing in the Recreation Ground, there is a 10 mile race for the serious runners and a 2 mile fun run for others to join in.

The 10 mile race is run under the regulations of UK Athletics/BARR. Over the years the event has grown in stature and become a well respected race in the road running calendar.

This years winner was Paul Molyneux of the Springfield Striders winning in a time of 53 minutes 42 seconds.

Olympic Flame To Pass Through Great Baddow?

2011-05-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

May 2011

The Olympic Flame could pass through Great Baddow on its way to Chelmsford as part of the Olympic Torch Relay. Final details of the exact route have yet to be announced. What is known is that the Olympic Flame arrives in the County town on Friday, July 6 2012. An evening celebration will be held, possibly at Hylands Park, and is expected to attract 15,000 visitors.

With one year to go until the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK, London 2012 has announced the first 74 locations welcoming the Flame during the 70-day Olympic Torch Relay.

The Torch Relay will start from Land's End on May 19 2012, carried by 8,000 inspirational torchbearers. It will come within an hour of 95 per cent of the population of the UK.

The torchbearers will be members of the public nominated for their work in the community. If you know someone from Great Baddow who you believe deserves this honour you can nominate them at the London 2012 website

Great Baddow Celebrates The Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T03:48:00.000-07:00

April 2011

Millions of people throughout the UK enjoyed an extra bank holiday on Friday, April 29th when Prince William married Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. It was estimated that 2 billion people watched the event worldwide.

In Great Baddow, several street parties were organised to celebrate the Royal Wedding. The photograph above shows preparations being made in Tyrells Way. Thankfully, the weather was dry with sunny spells.

Beer Festival At Blue Lion

2011-04-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

April 2011

Landlords Dave and Anne Heelis celebrate their 6th anniversary at the Blue Lion pub this month.

Since April 2005 they have built the pub up into a fine establishment. Well known in the village for its great food and selection of beers, the Blue Lion has recently also caught the attention of real ale lovers by stocking up to 5 guest ales that have been very well received.

The Blue Lion will be holding Great Baddow's first Beer Festival from Friday, April 29th until Monday, May 2nd. There will be a hog roast, bouncy castle and of course, numerous real ales and ciders. Definitely worth a visit!

BMX Track Gets Go Ahead

2011-03-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

March 2011

The Chelmsford Borough Council Planning Committee approved the construction of a BMX track at Baddow Hall Park. It will measure approximately 50m X 20m and be enclosed with a perimeter fence.

Old Photographs of Great Baddow

2011-03-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

March 2011

This is a photograph taken at the Cricket Ground adjoining Baddow House, Great Baddow in 1892.

The team are as follows:
First Row:
F.Blanks, John Wilson, Wilson (Snr), William Lawes
Second Row:
T. Stock, W.Newman, J.Bush, E.Sharke, Avery, Brewster, S.H.Sharman, Tommy O'Linn, T.Ruffell
Third Row:
Dennis, Jack King, William Simmons, R.Terry, John Ockendon, Frederick Linn, Petter Hills, Charles Gowers
Fourth Row:
Stevenson, Charles Pixley, Coachman at Baddow Park, Pixley (Snr), Jimmy Linn, George Carter

Great Baddow Brass Band, 1906. Standing on the extreme right of the photograph is a Mr Shorter who was landlord of the Kings Head pub in Maldon Road, Great Baddow. Band practice was held at the pub.

Great Baddow Carnival 1945

Great Baddow Carnival 1945 (marching past St Mary's Church)

Henry Ambrose and Ted Jarvis at the Great Baddow Carnival 1945

High Street, Great Baddow

Junction of Vicarage Lane/High Street (where the village sign is situtated)

Junction of High Street/Bell Street

High Street, Great Baddow

(house on the right is now a childrens day care centre)

A flood in September 1958 caused widespread damage in Great Baddow including at the bakery.

Well House, High Street, Great Baddow was demolished in July 1961. It dated back to 1675.

Junction of Vicarage Lane/High Street (White Horse pub on the left)

Kings Head pub, Maldon Road, Great Baddow

Proposed BMX Track At Baddow Hall Park

2011-02-25T04:03:00.000-08:00

February 2011

The Chelmsford Borough Council Planning Committee will decide the fate of a proposed BMX track to be constructed at Baddow Hall Park. It will measure approximately 50m X 20m and be enclosed with a perimeter fence. A final decision is expected in March 2011. Great Baddow Parish Council are in support of the development.

Some local residents living close to the park have expressed concern over the extra traffic and parking problems the BMX track will cause. There are also no toilet facilities in the vicinity.

The current childrens play area at Baddow Hall Park.

Kings Head Pub Re-Opens

2011-02-13T00:47:00.000-08:00

February 2011

After being closed for just a week the Kings Head pub in Maldon Road re-opened on Friday February 11, 2011 with another new manager.

Kings Head Pub Closes Down Again

2011-02-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

February 2011

The Kings Head pub in Maldon Road, Great Baddow barely made 6 weeks trading since re-opening on December 22, 2010 having closed for business again on Saturday, February 5, 2011.

With two other pubs in the central part of the village (the Blue Lion and the White Horse) and with ever increasing beer prices it begs the question - does the village really need three pubs?

The price of a pint of lager at the Kings Head was £3.20.

Yasmin Indian Restaurant, Baddow Road

2011-02-01T02:12:00.000-08:00

February 2011

The popular Indian restaurant in Baddow Road was formerly the Carpenters Arms pub. Take a look at a photograph from the 1970's here and compare it with the photograph below.

Marrable House - Over 100 Attend Meeting

2011-02-01T02:03:00.000-08:00

January 2011

Over 100 Great Baddow residents attended a meeting held at Sandon School to discuss the future of Marrable House at the Vineyards, Great Baddow.

Rubicon West, owners of the Vineyards, put forward their revised proposals via a slide presentation (their original proposals were rejected by the Chelmsford Borough Council planning commitee in 2010).

These include a rebuild on the Marrable House site and a new building parallel to Maldon Road. The new proposals have reduced the scale and height of the original plan and set the building back from the road - thus saving the trees.

In the discussion that followed, serious concerns and objections were again raised about the project. Most residents who attended would like to see the redevelopment of Marrable House in a suitable style in keeping with the village and no new building in Maldon Road.

Launch Of New Great Baddow Website

2011-01-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

January 2011

by Maurice Crockard

As many of you will know, the Great Baddow On-line website ceases being "on-line" this week.

Chris Harvey has spent 5 years putting together the information on that site and Chris has now passed the baton on to myself and David Haddington, who have recently launched a new site at www.inGreatBaddow.co.uk incorporating much of Chris's web content.

This new site aims to provide locals with a one-stop shop for information about local businesses, organisations, history, news and events. Since most of the information is collected piecemeal from local sources, there are bound to be gaps. If you'd like to help plug these gaps, I would like to hear from you (email: maurice@ingreatbaddow.co.uk). If you are a small business based in Great Baddow, then you can have a mention if you tell us. We will even set up a micro web-site, or even just a single page, for you and promote it for a very nominal sum. Such site sponsors, get a front page mention on the site for a part of the year to help promote their business even more and a web address (URL) of the form

e.g. www.ingreatbaddow.co.uk/alittlebazaar

The development of the Local History section is on-going and would benefit from your input. Old photographs showing buildings that have been demolished are especially welcome, as are any items about local notable families. Well, actually, anything that's historical and interesting about the village or its inhabitants will be gratefully accepted.

If you spot any glaring gaps in the information available, just let us know.

Rising Fuel Prices

2011-01-16T02:38:00.000-08:00

January 2011

The country has been hit with extortionate fuel prices with petrol at £129.9 a litre and diesel £133.9 a litre. They are set to increase even more in April 2011.

The 'Jones of Chelmsford' garage in Baddow Road was formerly owned by the Jones brothers who sold the business in 2010.

The BP garage, also in Baddow Road, has recently been revamped.

Kings Head Pub Re-Opens

2010-12-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

December 2010

The Kings Head pub in Maldon Road, Great Baddow re-opened on 22nd December 2010. The pub had been closed since the beginning of November.

Great Baddow Hit By More Snow

2010-12-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

December 2010

On the afternoon of Saturday 18th December more snow arrived in Great Baddow causing terrible driving conditions. Most of the UK was affected in the same way with widespread traffic disruption including the closure of Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Baddow Road

Blue Lion pub

The Vineyards

Maldon Road

Christmas Carols At The Vineyards

2010-12-15T04:15:00.000-08:00

December 2010

Great Baddow celebrated Christmas at the Vineyards when over a hundred parishioners braved a cold, damp night to sing carols with the Salvation Army band.

This event was organised by the fellowship of St Mary's Church and was supported by the Vineyards owners, the Co-op supermarket and the card shop (Congratulations). The Co-op kindly provided mince pies for everyone as they sang. Even Father Christmas put in an appearance!

The evening was a great success and provided a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. Let’s hope it can become an annual event on the Great Baddow calendar.

(Apologies for the quality of the photograph)

Great Baddow Hit By Snow

2010-12-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

December 2010

The first snow of the winter arrived earlier than expected. Great Baddow residents awoke on the morning of 30th November 2010 to discover that there had been considerable overnight snow.

This was the scene in the park.

Local radio advised people to stay at home unless it was absolutely necessary to go out. Roads were treacherous, pavements icy and dangerous.

Fortunately, the buses were still running.

New Furniture At The Great Baddow Millennium Centre

2010-11-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

November 2010

The Great Baddow Millennium Centre (better known as the Baddow Club) recently purchased new furniture for the bar area. The club is a members only club situated in the recreation ground. It is particularly popular with sports fans. Football, cricket and other major sporting events are often screened on the club's two TVs.

There are also two large function rooms that are hired regularly for weddings, parties and other social gatherings.

'Junior Zooky And The Freak Flags' At The Kings Head Pub

2010-10-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

October 2010

The Kings Head pub, Great Baddow was full to the rafters to see local band Junior Zooky And The Freak Flags play a 'Halloween Special' on Friday October 29, 2010.

Check out the the bands line up here:

Tom Copson - lead vocals, guitar
Tom is a full time musician from Cambridge, and is signed to Chiwawa Records as a solo artist.

Graeme Tunnock - guitar, keyboards
Graeme is the head tennis professional at Great Baddow Lawn Tennis Club - and is Dylan Tunnock's dad!

Matt Hope - trumpet, harmonica, percussion, vocals
Matt Hope moved in next door to Graeme two years ago and while listening to the rest of the band rehearse 'Superstition' (instead of complaining) stuck his head out the window and played the trumpet parts for the band.

Peter Evans - bass, backing vocals
Peter is a professional photographer from Coggeshall.

Dylan Tunnock – drums
Dylan is just 12 years old and currently studying for his Grade 8 in drums!

Junior Zooky

Junior Zooky And The Freak Flags play something from every decade - from dance classics to indie anthems.

Take a look at their set list:

Junior Zooky And The Freak Flags are now available to book for your party.

Tel: 07833 144233 or email: thetunnocks@btinternet.com

Dates Set For Great Baddow To Go Digital

2010-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

October 2010

Dates for the shutting down of the old analogue TV signals affecting Great Baddow have now been released as broadcasting goes digital only from March and April 2011.

The Sudbury transmitter covering Essex and parts of Suffolk will stop analogue transmission in two stages on March 30 and April 13, 2011.

After these dates only TVs which are equipped to receive digital or are connected to a digital set top box will be able to receive programmes.

The government have set up a help scheme where you can find further information at http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk

A Brief History Of Great Baddow Fire Station

2010-10-06T02:22:00.000-07:00

October 2010

Most Great Baddow residents will know that the Great Baddow fire station is located on the corner of Maldon Road and Longmead Avenue but many will be unaware that it was previously in, what can only be described as, 'a green hut' (opposite Shepherd Motors) in Brewery Fields. This hut used to be part of Galleywood race course and was donated to the Fire Brigade when the course closed. The hut has now been removed to make way for additional parking spaces but the sign at the entrance to Brewery Fields still refers to 'The Olde Fire Station'.

The shift system at the old station was retained. This is still used in rural areas and personnel crewing the station would have lived or worked in the local area and would be summoned to the station by a siren in the event of fire or other emergency. This would have been heard all over Great Baddow.

The present fire station was opened on the 28^th October 1967. It then changed to a “day crewing” shift system and that is still operating today.

The shift consists of two watches of seven firefighters. Each watch covers a normal day shift (09.00 to 18.00) at the station. The watch that is on duty then provides fire cover from their homes between (18.00 to 09.00).

Eight of the firefighters and their families live in service provided houses in Tyrells Way. The other firefighters live in their own houses in the local area within 4 minutes of the station. Each firefighter does 42 hours at the station and 42 hours cover from home per week.

Great Baddow fire station covers a large area extending from Rettendon Turnpike to the other side of Danbury, The Hanningfields, Boreham and into Chelmsford as far as the Army and Navy Roundabout.

Due to the busy road network, a great deal of their work now involves road traffic collisions. Parts of the A12, A130 and A414 covered by Great Baddow fire station are some of the busiest roads in the country.

This information was kindly provided by Ashley Drage, a firefighter at the Great Baddow fire station. Thank you Ashley.

Thomsons TV and Hi-Fi

2010-09-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

September 2010

Thomsons TV and Hi-Fi is one of the most establised and respected businesses in Great Baddow. A family run business, it was founded by James Thomson and his son Leonard in 1959. James Thomson's grandson Alan took over the business in 1970 and still runs it today.

The shop permanently stocks major brands of television, DVD recorders, Hi-Fi's and many other forms of electrical equipment. They have a fine reputation for customer service and also provide aerial and satellite installation.

St Mary's Church, Great Baddow

2010-08-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

August 2010

The ‘Men Of Essex’ famously met in the grounds of St Mary's Church in 1381 and marched to London in the ill-fated Peasants’ Revolt led by Jack Straw.

Tiffany's Cafe Bar

2010-07-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

July 2010

Tiffany's Cafe Bar has proved to be a popular addition in the Vineyards, Great Baddow. Serving throughout the day it provides breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The bar is fully licenced.

New Charity Shop In Great Baddow

2010-07-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

July 2010

A charity shop has opened in the Vineyards, Great Baddow in support of the Little Havens Children's Hospice.
.
Little Havens Children's Hospice is located in Thundersley, just outside Rayleigh, Essex and cares for life-limited children and their families throughout the journey of their illness. They opened in March 1998 and were the first children's hospice in the south east of England. Since then the hospice has been able to care for over 1,000 families.

Plans To Demolish Marrable House Hit Setback

2010-06-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

June 2010

Plans to demolish Marrable House and replace it with 60 extra care flats for the elderly hit a setback when Chelmsford councillors rejected their own planning officer's recommendations for the scheme to go ahead.

At the meeting, the public gallery was packed with Great Baddow residents who despite wishing to see the derelict building demolished are unhappy with the scale of the proposed redevelopment.

A final decision has been deferred to the council's next meeting.

Great Baddow Charity Race

2010-05-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

May 2010

The 26th year of the Great Baddow Charity Race took place on Sunday May 23 starting and finishing at the Recreation Ground. There were two races, a ten mile race and a 2 mile fun run with around 2000 competitors taking part. It turned out to be one of the hottest days in the events history with the temperature reaching 29 degrees.

Ryan Prout of Chelmsford A C won the 10 mile race in a time of 54.50. Kate Mills of the Springfield Striders was the first lady to finish in a time of 01.09.08.

Demolition Plans Rejected

2010-05-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

May 2010

The Great Baddow Parish Council's planning committee have rejected a second attempt by developers to replace Marrable House, a derelict office block at The Vineyards, Great Baddow.

They voted against the developers revised plan to demolish the five storey building and build two blocks of flats for the elderly. Around fifty Great Baddow residents attended the meeting held at Baddow Hall School to protest against the application.

The application will now go before the planning committee at Chelmsford Borough Council for their decision.

Baddow Dental Practice, Maldon Road, Great Baddow

2010-02-03T04:19:00.000-08:00

March 2010

The Baddow Dental Practice in Maldon Road, Great Baddow is run by Adam Copsey whose family have a long history in Great Baddow. The Copsey family owned the slaughterhouse and butchers shop in the High Street (where the Merry Go Round Children's Nursery is now situated).

If you are going to visit this dentist, look out for the signed photographs of West Ham players that adorn the walls in the waiting room area. Adam is a big West Ham fan and a personal dentist to many of their star players.

The Co-op Arrives At The Vineyards, Great Baddow

2010-01-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

January 2010

The Co-op took over from Somerfields and after a brief closure for refurbishment the supermarket re-opened in the Vineyards, Great Baddow. The Co-op have two other stores in Great Baddow - in Beehive Lane and at Meadgate.

A Great Haircut - And Cheap Too!

2010-01-10T02:38:00.000-08:00

December 2009

You can't knock it. 'Graham's The Barbers' in Baddow Road, Great Baddow, takes some beating when it comes to getting a bloke's haircut. I stopped there a few minutes before 7.30am on Saturday morning. The ever cheerful owner, Graham, appeared from around the back of the premises having just parked his motor bike. 'The wife' he said 'has the car' (she runs the ladies hairdressers behind the shop).

Graham let me in and wasted no time in setting his razor to a number 4. I was out in under 10 minutes! Graham (who is assisted by fellow barber Mick) only charges £5 for a cut, OAP's just £4. You do a great job lads!

A little tip...the shop is usually busy but Graham tells me that the best time to visit can be when its raining or cold. The old fellas tend to stay away at these times and wait for the sunshine!

Vineyards 'Eyesore' Set For Demolition

2009-11-20T05:44:00.000-08:00

November 2009

Great Baddow's ugliest building is, at last, going to be demolished. Marrable House, better known as the old post office building at the Vineyards, Great Baddow, has been empty for many years and was voted one of the ugliest buildings in the country in a survey carried out at the turn of the millennium.

Developers Rubicon West, who own the entire Vineyards complex, are going to replace the building with 60 retirement homes as part of a £10 million project.

Kings Head Pub Re-Opens

2009-11-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

October 2009

The Kings Head pub in Maldon Road, Great Baddow has re-opened after an extensive re-furbishment.

The 'Kings Head' signs outside the pub are that of Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks. He was the first son of Henry III and reigned as King of England from 1272 to 1307.

Longshanks famously battled with the Scots, led by William Wallace (come on ..everyone's seen the film 'Braveheart').

The bar has been completely re-vamped.

The interior has been re-designed whilst keeping the original features such as the beams and the fireplaces. The carpet has been replaced with a wooden floor.

Businessmen Eddy Garty, Neal Green and Dom Pearce have taken on the lease at the Kings Head which is owned by the Enterprise Inns pub chain. Previous landlords Dave and Sally Trigg have moved abroad to Fuerteventura (Canary Islands).

Trevor 'transfers' to another Great Baddow Pub

2009-10-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

October 2009

Popular 'ex' White Horse pub manager Trevor Bone has recently moved up the road and taken over as landlord of the Beehive pub, Great Baddow. Good luck Trevor!

Refurbishment Underway At Great Baddow Pub

2009-10-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

October 2009

There's been a great deal of activity at the King's Head pub in the past few weeks. Workmen have been busy refurbishing the place from top to bottom (the colour of the exterior has already changed from yellow to a light blue).

Businessmen Eddy Garty, Neal Green and Dom Pearce have taken on the lease at the Great Baddow pub. The 'new look' Kings Head is set to open later this month.

Two of the skips used on the refurbishment (your carpet's in there somewhere Lou!)

Great Baddow Community Association - Sky Sports and ESPN!

2009-10-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

October 2009

Great Baddow Club is currently the only venue in Great Baddow to be showing football on the new ESPN channel (the company that took over from Sentanta when they went bust). They, of course, have Sky Sports as well.

The place was packed to watch a great game on Saturday when Man U snatched a 2-2 draw against Sunderand in the dying seconds of the game!

Kings Head Couple Say 'Goodbye'

2009-09-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

September 2009

Dave and Sally Trigg served their last drinks at the Kings Head pub on Thursday 10th September 2009. After 17 years at the Great Baddow pub they have sold up and have moved abroad to the island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). They have owned a property there for several years but until now have used it only as a holiday home.

Many of their regular customers joined them on their last night to bid them farewell. On a personal note, I have also decided to 'retire' and have pulled my last pint...although I expect to be drinking a few more!

I worked at the Kings for almost 5 years and enjoyed every minute of it (well almost).

Dave and Sally - you were a pleasure to work for and I wish you all the very best!