New BMX Track Opens In Baddow Hall Park

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

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

September 2011 

Great Baddow library will be celebrating 20 years at its current location on September 5th, 2011. (Tel: 478032).

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 former library building in Bell Street. It is now used as a function room by Great Baddow Parish Council.

Great Baddow Charity Shops Huge Success

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

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

 June 2011

With effect from Monday July 4th, 2011 Great Baddow Library will have new opening hours. It will now be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Tel: 478032.

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

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.