Country Promenade

Details

Category: 1990

"In order to make the countryside more available to the public, especially those with disabilities and the elderly, a small area of land has been chosen as a Country Promenade. This is located in an area off Brook Lane where a seat has been installed with a small parking area. It commands beautiful views over the southern part of Galleywood and the surrounding district and is the first of its kind in the Chelmsford area. It has been made available by the Chelmsford Borough Council in consultation with the Galleywood Parish council and with the kind cooperation of local farmers.

Alongside the Promenade, the Parish Council have purchased a piece of ancient woodland called The Spinney comprising about two thirds of an acre. The mature native trees are Oak, Ash and Hornbeam with a comparatively rare Wild Service tree growing on the east edge of the pond within the woodland. Other trees include Field Maple, Elm, Hazel, Elder, Dogwood, Holly, Hawthorn and Blackthorn. Paths have been constructed to assist people in wheelchairs and parents with children in pushchairs. A 'dipping' platform is being built by the side of the pool for children who wish to learn more about pond life."

Floodlights Complaint

Details

Category: 1990

The floodlights on the games courts at the Sports Complex in Beehive Lane have brought complaints from nearby residents. The owner of a business growing flowers said that the artificial lighting conditions were affecting the growth of his plants. To comply with the conditions imposed on the original development, the lights are to be switched off when the courts are not being used.

Homemead Flats Demolished

Details

Category: 1990

One of the less attractive aspects of Barnard Road was removed when the Homemead Flats were demolished this year. Built around thirty years ago, they were constructed by the much criticised system-style, using pre-fabricated concrete sections. More functional than elegant, these homes were judged to be below the standard required in the 1990s. Chelmsford Borough Council's plans to move out the residents and turn over the accommodation to mature students pending a final decision was attacked by Councillor Ray Thorne, who urged that the 'Colditz' type concrete blocks be demolished without further delay. The traditional brick built homes put up in their place present an altogether more pleasing environment.

London to Peking in a Morris Minor

Details

Category: 1990

"Once one of Britain's most popular and reliable small cars, the few surviving specimens of the Morris Minor are now lovingly preserved and retained for Sunday outings. Colin Moles and Michael Hoffman however, decided to raise the stakes for this ubiquitous little saloon and drive theirs 9,462 miles from Marble Arch to Peking. Their 1962 four-door model was bought second hand for £75. Stripped down to a bare body, the shell was strengthened, completely rebuilt and repainted. With the help of many commercial sponsors, the car was fitted with engine, wheels, seats and electrics. The suspension was upgraded and a roll bar and sump guard fitted.

The most gruelling part of the preparation for the trip was the one and a half year campaign to raise the £15,000 entry fee. Endless letters and visits to potential sponsors eventually paid off however, and the intrepid two joined around 100 other entrants at the start of the challenge organised by Voyages Jules Verne. The route took them across borders normally closed and areas previously forbidden to Westerners.

The car stood up well to the rigours of unmade roads, and the only major problem occurred when the clutch failed in Bukhara and the team had to endure clutchless gear changes for a week before a replacement could be flown out. The epic journey came to a successful conclusion when the faithful old 'Moggie' drove into Tiananmen Square on 29 May. Colin, who lives at Millfield, Margaretting Road, described the trip afterwards as 'one of the world’s most exciting drives.'"