OCTOBER 2000

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Whilst walking along the High Street the other day I saw an advertisement in the window of a travel agent advising people to book their holiday for the year 2001 now - book now for 2001, I haven't had my holidays this year yet. Although I am unlikely to consider booking next year's holiday so far in advance of the event I did think to myself that these days arrangements have to be made much sooner than was previously the case. Take for example the Christmas Lights. Already an order has been placed with a local contractor to install the motifs and cable and around 300 letters written to local businesses and traders asking for their financial help towards the cost of installation which this year is £9700.

Each year the Association makes up the shortfall between the cost of installation and that which is collected through donations obviously it is essential that everyone makes a contribution. Of course there are businesses that always help and to them we are very grateful, however there are others who are somewhat reluctant explaining that their business is not with Billericay but out of town. Naturally all people must follow their conscience but being a part of the town, part of a community, brings with it a social responsibility to play a part in generating a community spirit, in short to put something back into the town.

The Association plays its part in raising funds. This year we will be having a Flag Day on Saturday 18 November in the High Street where members of the public can contribute to the cause and if you feel like helping to collect perhaps you would ring Margaret Stansfield on Billericay 623519 and offer your services. If you would like to make an individual contribution please send a cheque , made payable to "BDRA Christmas Lights" to Margaret Stansfield, 174 Perry Street, Billericay, CM12 0NX.

The Christmas Lights give an extra dimension to the High Street, it certainly appears more festive and it would be a shame to turn the clock back some 9 years when all was dim, dull and dreary. Come to think of it Fun Night wouldn't be the same without the decorative lights - would it?

NEWCOMERS TO BILLERICAY

On Monday night 4 September I was privileged to attend the Service of Commissioning for Carrie Leslie at Christ Church, Perry Street. She is now the Outreach Youth Worker for The Billericay and Little Burstead Team Ministry. I welcomed Carrie to the town on behalf of the Town Council and found it so pleasing to be at the beginning of her involvement with the youth of Billericay. She appears to have so much enthusiasm and energy - quite invigorating in fact.

On Sunday 9 September I represented the Town Council at the Collation, by the Bishop of Bradwell the Right Reverend Dr Laurie Green, and Induction by the Archdeacon of Southend, the Venerable David Jennings, of the Reverend Elwin Wesley Cockett as Team Rector of the Billericay and Little Burstead Team Ministry. The service was enjoyable and gave an auspicious start to the Reverend Cockett's involvement in the town which I hope will bring him and his family much happiness.

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At the request of members the latest discount list is printed below, please keep this list for future reference.

DISCOUNTS GIVEN BY LOCAL TRADERS

PLEASE REMEMBER IT IS UP TO YOU TO ASK FOR A DISCOUNT

AND TO PRODUCE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD

NOTE: ONLY THE BUSINESSES LISTED ABOVE GIVE DISCOUNTS. NOT ALL THE COMPANIES ADVERTISING IN THE SUPPLEMENT IN THE RESIDENT.

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER - BILLERICAY TWINNING ASSOCIATION - TABLE SALE. SOUTH GREEN MEMORIAL HALL. 9.00am to 1.00pm. Cost £5.00 per table. Refreshments will be available. Contact Margaret Stansfield on 01277 623519 to book your table.

BILLERICAY CHORAL SOCIETY

Billericay Choral Society expects the coming year to be an exciting one. They begin the season with a new and very talented young conductor/musical director, Benjamin Rous.

Their first concert will be a joint Millennium performance with other local choirs of two tremendous choral works, Carl Orfe's magnificent Carmina Burana and William Walton's exciting Balshazzars Feast. This concert will be held in November at the International Hall in Brentwood. In December the popular Christmas Concert will be held and in 2001 the Society celebrates its 30^th Anniversary. The music for this event has yet to be chosen.

The Society is looking for new members in all voice parts and if you would like to join them you will receive a warm welcome and many enjoyable evenings rehearsal. All you need to have is a love of singing.

Rehearsals are from 8.00pm to 10.00pm on Tuesday evenings, during term time, at the Mayflower Hall, Chapel Street, Billericay. If you would like to know more please phone the secretary, Patricia Parkins on 01277 653338, or just turn up to one of their rehearsals.

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER - NORSEY WOOD SOCIETY - Norsey Wood Open Day. 12.00 noon to 4.00pm.

Craft demonstrations, guided walk, sale of plants, home made preserves and RSPB goods (including Christmas cards and gifts), children's activities run by the Education Team and more ------- come along and see for yourselves. Please note that car parking is very limited.

MONDAY 30 OCTOBER - NORSEY WOOD SOCIETY - Open Meeting at 7.45pm in the Day Centre, Chantry Way. Illustrated talk by Will Farmer, BDC Countryside Officer, entitled "Wildlife and Countryside of Basildon and District". All welcome.

SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER - 9.00am to 12.30pm - ST LUKES HOSPICE - ANNUAL BAZAAR in the W I Hall, St Ediths Lane, Billericay. Many stalls and side shows. If you can help in anyway please don't hesitate to contact Barbara Barter, 01277 623268 or Audrey Bird, 01277 625389.

SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER at 7.45pm in EMMANUEL CHURCH, BILLERICAY. CHELMSFORD STAR HARMONY CLUB who entertained at the Music from the Lake 2000, will be performing in aid of The Samaritans. The Group competes annually in the All England Barber Shop Championships. Please come and join us for an enjoyable evening. Admission £6.00 by programme. Phone 01277 651988 or 654843.

SOUTH GREEN MEMORIAL HALL - COMMITTEE

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER - TABLE SALE, 10.00am to 1.00pm. Tables £5.00. Ring 01277 653369.

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER - QUIZ NIGHT. Tickets £4.00 includes supper. Ring 01277 653369

GRENFELL PRESCHOOL - SOUTH GREEN MEMORIAL HALL

SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER - JUMBLE SALE, 10.00am to 12.00 noon. Admission 20p.

THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER - LADIES EVENING. 8.00pm. Tickets £1.50 includes wine and nibbles. Ring 01277 653369.

BILLERICAY ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE FOLD, 72 LAINDON ROAD, BILLERICAY. Tel 01277 659286

SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER at 7.30pm. - VIOLIN RECITAL - MOLA MOUSTAKOVA, Bulgarian student from the Royal College of Music will entertain with pieces by Brahms and Prokofiev. Tickets £5.50.

SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER - AUTUMN CRAFT MARKET - 11.00am to 4.00pm. Admission free.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY:

Cheques for trips organised by the BILLERICAY TWINNING ASSOCIATION should be made payable to BTA and sent to T & M Stansfield at 174 Perry Street, Billericay, CM12 0NX . Tel No 623519.

Cheques for trips organised by the BILLERICAY DISTRICT RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION should be made payable to BDRA and sent to D & B Osborn at 22 Raven Lane, Billericay CM12 0JA. Tel No 626287.

Please ensure when booking your trip you contact the relevant person.

BILLERICAY TWINNING ASSOCIATION - COACH TRIPS - TO BOOK PLEASE RING 01277 623519

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER - THE KNITTING AND STITCHING SHOW, ALEXANDRA PALACE. This is a "must see" show for the nimble fingered with over 200 exhibitors. There is a special display of 2000 Cushions made by members of The Embroiderers Guild and also The Quilt 2000 competition. New free Ten Minute Tutorials are available for you to learn the basics of new skills. Cost - Coach/Show £12.50, Coach only £5.50. Depart GG 9.00am, OA 9.05am, LR 9.10am, SG 9.15am. Back in Billericay about 6.30pm.

TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER - BLUEWATER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING - Last minute shopping for Xmas presents, Bluewater is the place. A little less tiring than Lakeside with plenty of places to sit and rest. Coach £5.50. Depart GG 9.00am, OA 9.05am, LR 9.10am, SG 9.15am. Back in Billericay about 6.30pm.

BILLERICAY DISTRICT RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION - COACH TRIPS - TO BOOK RING 01277 626287.

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER - ROYAL ALBERT HALL - CLASSICAL SPECTACULAR - 7.30 pm performance. Raymond Gubbay presents a brand new production of the UK's most popular Classical Spectacular with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Includes Nessen Dorma, Hallelujah Chorus, 1812 Overture with cannons, muskets, fireworks - the lot. Brilliant. Front Circle seats. Inclusive cost - All seats £25.00. Depart GG 4.30pm, OA 4.35pm, LR 4.40pm, SG 4.45pm. Back in Billericay about midnight.

THURSFORD - CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER, TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER, SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER. The ever popular Xmas show for all - need we say more. Inclusive cost £23.00 (Children under 8 years not permitted). Depart GG 9.00am, LR 9.05am, SG 9.10am and finally OA 9.15am. Lunch can be obtained in Swaffham. Back in Billericay about 9.00pm.

SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER - NORWICH CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. Historic Norwich Town along with the castle, churches and museums has an exceptional shopping centre packed with a mix of major department stores and small speciality shops. It also boasts one of England's largest open air markets and includes the showpiece Castle Mall shopping centre. The ideal setting for Xmas shopping. Cost £7.50. Depart GG 9.00am, OA 9.05am, LR 9.10am, SG 9.15am. Back in Billericay about 8.30pm.

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER- LONDON PALLADIUM THEATRE - THE KING AND I. Rogers & Hammerstein's dazzling production of the time-honoured classic starring Elaine Page. Mid/Rear Stalls - 2.30pm matinee. Time available for Xmas shopping, Xmas lights or evening meal. Inclusive cost £36.00. Depart GG 11.30am, OA 11.35am, LR 11.40am, SG 11.45am. Back in Billericay about 9.00pm.

TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2001 - PANTOMIME at CLIFFS PAVILION - PETER PAN. Starring Shane Ritchie, Peter Holmes (Breeze Radio) and Jeremy Sprake (BBC TV's Airport). Great show for all the family Oh no it isn't, Oh yes it is. Front balcony, 2.15pm matinee. Inclusive cost - Adults £18.00, Seniors £15.00, Children £13.00. Depart GG 12.30pm, OA 12.35pm, LR 12.40pm, SG 12.45pm. Back in Billericay about 6.30pm. Please book before the middle of November to ensure seat allocation.

FUTURE EVENTS planned but please do not book until advertised - Ice Show (February), Prince Edward theatre - Mamma Mia (February - Friday matinee), Ideal Home Exhibition (March), Lyceum Theatre - The Lion King (May - Saturday matinee)

THE RESIDENT is published by Billericay District Residents' Association Editor - Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Sreet, Billericay, Essex CM12 0NX. Tel: 623519 E-mail:vice.chairman@bdra.org
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