Priory Fields - Bicknacre, Chelmsford

Below is all the news from the Friends of Priory Fields.

Why are the Friends not working?

If you have been onto Priory Fields recently you were probably shocked by the way in which the area has been left generally unattended. You may have read in the Parish Council Newsletter that the Friends have been barred from working on the fields as the PC insurance no longer covers them, if it ever did. The Friends have offered to supply their own insurance cover but this was unacceptable to the PC. The only solution the Parish Council will offer is for the Friends to join a committee of the PC which would then be covered by the PC’s insurance. The Friends are not prepared to give up their independence and are aiming to form a trust, with the PC, to manage the land. This was the original plan, agreed by the PC, when the extra land was purchased some years ago. The PC is now against this idea and, in order to try to explain and resolve this stalemate, they are prepared to hold a public meeting in the near future. This meeting will be well publicised when the date is fixed and anyone with an interest in the fields is urged to attend.

Search for the Priory foundations

Visitors to Priory Fields have often asked, “What was the original priory building like and where was it positioned”. In order to try to answer these questions the Maldon Archaeological and History Group have been carrying out some research over recent months using their new electronic ground penetrating equipment. They are gradually gathering more results and hopefully before too long we shall have a better idea of the original layout. This assumes of course that not all the foundations were removed by later builders and roadmakers.

Model Flying display at the Fete - More photos on the Gallery

The Bicknacre Fete on Saturday 4th July was a great success with members of the Chelmsford Model Flying Association showing a display of some amazing fixed wing model aircraft. There was also a very impressive flying display of large model helicopters over the East Meadow. We are very grateful to the CMFA for providing such an attraction and the winner of their spot the aircraft competition will be announced shortly.

New Dog Waste Bin Installed

In response to a number of complaints about the amount of dog mess left around the fields, we have installed a new dog waste bin adjacent to the Moor Hall Lane entrance. We ask all dog owners to please consider other users of the fields and dispose of your dog's mess thoughtfully.

Memorial to Ted Saville

On Sunday 9th November a group of cast members from the Friends of Bicknacre Show met at Priory Arch to install a memorial bench donated in memory of Ted Saville. Ted was the longest serving cast member, having performed in every show since the first one more than thirty years ago. He was a leading light in the group and his famous drag act made him a popular and well known figure all around the area. Ted was much loved by all and will be sorely missed both on and off stage.

1 2 - Next >>