Annual General Meeting

This year the Association has existed in one form or other for 81 years and must therefore be considered one of the oldest, if not the oldest, organisation in town. It has achieved this status because of its members many of whom have served it well in many diverse ways, for example County Councillor, District Councillor, Committee Members, delivering the newsletter and collecting subscriptions, to say nothing of organising trips. The lifeblood of any organisation is its members.

However now that the town has a council one could possibly ask the question” What influence can the Association have in matters affecting Billericay?” Perhaps to answer this question the Association has to consider its objectives and, if necessary, change them to take advantage of the opportunities that may exist in the changed circumstances. It may be fortuitous to restructure the group to enable it to face potential threats and to ensure its continued existence.

Whatever the outcome we need human resources, people who are prepared to devote some of their time, however much, to consider our objectives, to help, if necessary, to provide a different strategy which will ensure an active, vibrant and successful Association.

Where is all this leading? Just to remind people that the Billericay District Residents’ Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday May 18 at 8pm in the Canon Roche Hall, Laindon Road. The guest Speaker will be Mr Steve Prewer, Open Spaces Manager of Basildon District Council whose subject will be the new development at Wat Tyler Park. Nominations for office and matters for discussion should be sent as soon as possible to the Executive Secretary Mrs Maureen Dann 10 Cranmer Close, Billericay, CM12 0YQ. The following people have agreed to seek re-election to the positions shown:-

· Mr John Buchanan Chairman

· Mr Trevor Stansfield Vice Chairman

· Mrs Maureen Dann Secretary

· Mr Graham Goodeve Treasurer

Light refreshments will be provided after the meeting.

Road Rep Wanted

Road Reps are required for the following locations:

· The Swallows – 10 houses Please contact Daphne Hill on 01277 659511

· Eccleston Gardens – 9 houses Please contact Trevor Stansfield on 01277 623519

Copy Dates for "Resident"

If readers wish to advertise an event or have an article printed in the newsletter the following gives dates by which copy should be received by the editor – Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Street CM12 0NX or e-mail Tremar@aol.com:

February issue copy by 15 January, March issue by 15 February, April issue by 15 March, May issue copy by 15 April, June issue by 15 May, July/August issue by 15 June, September issue by 15 August, October issue by 15 September, November issue by 15 October. December/January issue by 15 November, February issue by 15 January.

If an event is to be held before the 10^th of the month then, to ensure circulation, the advertisement should be included in the previous month’s issue e.g. an event taking place on 3 May should be advertised in the April issue. Similarly if an event is scheduled for 3 September then the advertisement should appear in the July issue.