Letters to the Editor

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or of the BDRA. Information is published in good faith but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience arising from error or omission.

 Dear Editor 

BE WARNED 

When your vehicle encounters a hole/pothole on a road maintained by Essex County Council, i.e. Old Church Lane – beware. The cost to you can be several hundred pounds, from damage to suspension, alloy wheels and low profile tyres.
Regardless of where the blame lies all you receive is a letter advising you that they are “sorry” to hear of your accident. Have any other Resident readers had a similar experience when dealing with Essex County Council.

E.F. Staples
52 Bush Hall Road

Dear Mr Stansfield

As a resident of Billericay for the past thirty years I have received many years’ worth of “The Resident”. I would like to add my view that the latest editions have been a great improvement, both in context and format. The attractive design has really boosted our interest and we now look forward to the next issue.
In the past it would never have entered my head to contribute, but now I find the information regarding local clubs and activities very interesting. I am very keen to learn more about local groups and what they have to offer in the community.
I run a parent and toddler group at South Green Memorial Hall and have found that methods for promoting and advertising our group are difficult to find on a local scale.
We have been called the Club 0-3 since the group was set up over twenty years ago. It was created to provide a support network for parents and carers in the local area. Through two decades the club has welcomed very young children who bring along their parents, carers and grandparents.
During that time expectations have changed and the powers that be have begun to take notice of the wonderful support system that Toddler clubs offer. We are now considered more than just a provider of simple tea and chat sessions for Mums whilst the little ones run off and play.
The Pre-School Learning Alliance has been promoting and supporting such groups in all kind of setting. They have encouraged all groups to consider wider issues such as provision of quality play situations and appropriate equipment, training to improve child care knowledge and understanding insurance requirements. It is no longer sufficient to provide a hall, a box of toys and then sit back whilst the children have a free for all and Mum puts her feet up with a tea or coffee.
Club 0-3 has welcomed the new initiatives and our childcare provision and support network have become more interactive and efficient.
During the past year the volunteer helpers have worked hard to improve all aspects of the club’s routine and during that time the parents and carers have responded with support and willing acceptance of the changes.
At the Pre School Learning Alliance AGM in October Club 0-3 was awarded their certificate of “Good Practice” in recognition of the quality childcare experience provided at the club. Only two clubs received this certificate at the meeting. We were also delighted when the Essex region asked to include our “Welcome Pack” as an example of excellence at the National PSLA AGM in London.
So we may be blowing our own trumpet but there are many excellent groups run by volunteers in the Billericay area. Perhaps “The Resident” can offer an opportunity to support and enhance local knowledge of these groups. We just need to let you know that we are here. 

Yours sincerely

Mary Long
Club 0-3
South Green Memorial Hall
South Green 

The Editor would be more than pleased to give local clubs/groups publicity just let me have details of your group.

Dear Editor

I am not enthusiastic about Hallowe’en. On the evening in question I am raised from my armchair at 5.30pm by the sound of the doorbell. With goodies nearby I open the door. There stood three children, in normal dress, with accompanying adult.
“We are from the church in Western Road and have a gift for you”, handing over a small bag of sweets, “with love from Western Road Church”.
What did they want in return? Who would I like them to say a prayer for? How delightful.
Contrast that to one hour later. Seven noisy young children (with adult) each with a small bucket and each expecting a treat! 

Yours sincerely

LWB