Dear Trevor, 

The letter of Michael Turner, in the Resident of March 2008, has been brought to my attention. Hopefully, in acknowledging that money has been spent on the interior of the church, Mr Turner has taken the opportunity to look inside and see for himself the space which we intend will be put to use in serving the community of Billericay. 

Our priority has been to make the building warm, comfortable and welcoming, such that it can serve the community to the fullest extent. The level of expenditure required to effect the necessary improvements is considerable. When we can secure further funding we shall, in time, restore the outside of the church and its environs to a fit and more appealing condition. Our desire and intent is to achieve what Mr Turner and, I am sure other residents, seek, but to do so we must first find the money.  

Yours sincerely, 

Alan A Campbell
Chairman St Mary Magdalen Development Group

Dear Mr Stansfield 

I have been following, with interest, recent correspondence in The Resident concerning the neglected condition of the World War II Memorial in Billericay. In particular I must add my strong support to letters sent to you by both Mrs Jarvis and Mrs Deans. 

The campaign to reinstate the memorial has continued into its 3 year, yet positive action has still to be taken by Billericay Council’s War Memorials Committee. It is patently obvious that the Memorial could be dismantled and rebuilt in its present image, on the same site, using more durable materials- as suggested by Mr F Dunn in his letter. 

The cost for a new memorial should be borne by either Basildon District Council or Billericay Town Council. However, it is of interest that the new War Memorial at Ingatestone was mainly funded by the local Rotary Club. Perhaps our two Rotary Clubs in Billericay could assist. 

In conclusion I must add that both Mrs Deane and myself have a personal interest in the World War II Memorial as our brother’s name, George Thirkettle, is one of the engravings barely decipherable on the Memorial. He was killed whilst flying in Bomber Command. As an ex RAF pilot who laid his life on the line with many others during the war, I feel very strongly about this matter. 

Yours faithfully 

Mr M Thirkettle

Dear Sir 

With Basildon Council showing how “Green” it cam be we have recently had an addition to the waste collection to collect garden rubbish.

It would appear however that this new item is appearing as “Greenus Wheelibinus” in peoples’ front gardens. This will no doubt be judged when this is included in this year’s “Billericay in Bloom” competition.  

The bins are a good idea for rubbish but do not enhance the general appearance of the area.

Yours Faithfully

J. Bailey

Dear Trevor 

I was pleased to read the letter from Mrs Mary Deane which supports the suggestion of re-instating the World War II Memorial. As her late brother’s name is included amongst the nems on the Memorial it is particularly relevant and quite poignant.  

I was less impressed by the second letter published in the April issue of “The Resident” written by Mr Dunn. The sarcastic tone of the letter, embracing you as Editor and myself as a correspondent did him little credit (the old adage of “sarcasm is the lowest form of wit” came to mind). 

The only constructive suggestion by Mr Dunn related to his idea that “The World War II Memorial could be carefully dismantled and rebuilt in its present image, on the same site, using more durable materials.” 

The cost of reinstatement should be borne by either Basildon District Council, or Billericay Town Council. Perhaps local fundraising Charities i.e. Rotary, Lions or the Round Table could contribute in this respect. 

With regard to Mr Dunn’s inherently negative attitude towards the World War II Memorial, I believe that he is a prominent member of the Royal British Legion. If this is correct I feel sure that his views are not shared by most other members who regard with great respect the recorded names on the World War II Memorial and would in no way wish them to be weathered or to become indecipherable. 

Yours sincerely 

G.E. Jarvis (Mrs)