"Sir, I would like to thank the young couple who came to my assistance when I fell down and injured my face in the High Street on Friday (March 3). Their help and kindness to me was greatly appreciated."
Mrs M Nash ,36 Priors Road.
Thieves forced a side door at Galleywood Infants' School in Barnard Road with a crowbar and went straight through to the school office. Here they found a photo copier which was on loan to the school, and in the head's office next door they removed a small safe from a cupboard. Head teacher, Margaret Parsons, said "We do not keep much money here at weekends as my secretary always banks it before the weekend, but it is annoying when you get burgled because you always feel vulnerable and you cannot get your property back." Only a year ago, the school was ransacked by thieves.
Plans for an artificial sports pitch at Chelmer Park are to go ahead despite strong opposition from planning officers and some councillors. The full size floodlit pitch will replace two smaller pitches currently in use at the playing field in Beehive lane. It would primarily be used by Chelmsford Hockey club whose womens' team has just won promotion to the national league. But the decision to go ahead - taken by members of Chelmsford’s Borough Council planning committee - went against the recommendations of the Borough's chief planning officer.
In his report to councillors, the chief planner William Chippendale said the scheme should be turned down because the area is green belt, the intrusion of floodlights on people living nearby and unwanted precedent of letting such a development take place. Mr Chippendale added "I am very concerned about the plans. I am very concerned about the details and I am particularly concerned about the floodlights." But councillors who supported the building of the pitch, which would be surrounded by a fence and a landscaped mound, welcomed the proposal. Cllr Alan Dixon said "I would support this as a much needed extension to our Leisure and sports facilities. Chelmer Park is a formal recreation ground so a precedent has already been established of building sports facilities there."
Voting in favour of the application by Chelmsford Borough Council Leisure Services, councillors agreed that the planning sub committee would include restrictions on any further development associated with the artificial pitch in future.
The Parish council organised a buffet in Keene Hall to say thank you to all the people who help the village 'tick over' from day to day. The hall was decorated with flowers and entertainment was provided by Chrissie and comedian Paul Holgate.
Guests included Community policeman, PC Andy Loveridge, the wardens of Cottey House and Bekeswell Place and the Watch Scheme co-ordinators. Chelmsford Mayor, Cllr. Philip Firth with his wife Irene and deputy Mayor, Cllr. Wilf Davey and his wife Norma attended.
Around 1500 people went along to the St Michaels Junior School Fete which has been heralded an outstanding success by the head teacher, Jonathan Shiels. The occasion was organised by the school’s PTA - St Michaels Association for School and Home or SMASH for short. "It was a marvellously happy occasion with almost every section of the community participating. We've never seen crowds like it before." said Mr Shiels.
The entertainment included 40 stalls and sideshows plus displays in the main arena. Radio controlled cars, The Essex Buccaneers American football team, the Chelmsford Twirlettes majorette troupe and the school's gym club were among the arena events for the visitors to watch. Thanks to the record breaking crowd, £1600 worth of science and technology equipment is going to be bought for the school. SMASH organiser Elizabeth Harrison said the event was the most ambitious the PTA had organised yet and promised next year’s fete would be even better.
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1987