Following their recent visit to Billericay Terry and Mary Jo Johnson wrote to the Association and their letter is reproduced in full below:
"Our visit to Billericay was most impressive. We found many similarities in our community goals and yet some differences in the way we approach them. We were greatly impressed with Billericay's educational opportunities. The schools are staffed with people having a genuine interest in the future of "all" students. Information Technology courses begin early in a young students life. These studies seem to encourage a much needed creativity for all children.
Billericay is so rich with a wonderful heritage and history. We in Fishers find interest in a few of our buildings built in the early nineteenth century. A number of Billericay's buildings are much older than our nation. We were so impressed with Gt. Burstead Church and its' association with Christopher Martin, my heart jumped with joy because he was closely associated with several of my ancestors. The 13th century wall art was most exciting.
Ted Wright provided us with a quick overview history of Billericay. Our visit to Cater Museum was memorable, on our next visit to Billericay I'd like a whole day with Ted he is filled with genuine interest for his community.
Our visits to the Rotary Clubs, Norsey Woods, County Hall in Chelmsford, Basildon District Council Chief Executive, John Robb and his Chief Officers, John Dyke and David Fosh, the Unbar Rothon factory and meeting with Bill, Pat and Mrs Rothon Senior, the Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker provided us with excellent insight to the community of Billericay.
The people of Billericay were so gracious to us, we felt so much at home. I am convinced even more today the two towns can "Twin Our Futures". The people of Fishers are learning quickly about Billericay, Fisher's schools are much interested in "distance learning". Good communication is the key to success. The people of Billericay are great communicators, we hope they find the people of Fishers as kind, warmhearted and interesting as we have found the citizens of Billericay".
Regards from Terry and Mary Jo Johnson.
As many of you will know by now Laing Homes has bought (subject to contract) St Andrews Hospital site and will take vacant possession of the site in Spring 1998 when the regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre moves to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. This is a most satisfactory outcome for the people of Billericay the alternative, a retail outlet, was unacceptable and our thanks are due to the planning officers of Basildon District Council and members of the Billericay Area Committee for their efforts in bringing this exercise to a satisfactory conclusion. Overleaf is a plan which gives some idea of the proposed layout of the site complete with a brief description of the type of houses and flats to be built.
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