Beeleigh Abbey Visit
Chairman Curt Brown organised a visit to Beeleigh Abbey near Maldon on Saturday, 2nd February.
30 Members turned up on a dry but cold day when the rest of England was
experiencing snow and were led into the Dorter Undercroft or the more aptly named
Warming House as it sported a lovely large log fire.
Danbury Society Members filing into Beeleigh Abbey.
Mr Christopher Foyle welcomed us & with his Wife supplied tea, coffee & biscuits.
He then told us the history of the Abbey starting with the fact that room we were standing
in was dated about 1220 and was obviously of Norman build using Purbeck Marble columns
supporting a Vaulted Roof (in near perfect condition) in-filled with Reigate Stone.
Originally it was a Monastery of the Premonstratensian Order or White Order as they wore
white habits - they were not quite as strict as Monks.
Christopher ran through the centuries and gave fascinating stories of the "comings
& goings" at the Abbey,
finishing with the fact that Mr Foyle purchased it in 1943 and moved in 2 years later.
He said that as children he loved being invited to the Abbey and being introduced the
"high living life" in the country.
When Miss Foyle died in 1999 he purchased it from her Estate & began a 4 year period of
restoration beginning with a completely new roof and rebuilding the chimneys.
He also purchased part of the Library - the remainder being sold at Christies.
Central Heating was installed sympathetically as was a new stone floor.
We were then shown through to the Chapel where a rebuilt Organ stood which
was reputed to have been used by Handel to compose his Largo - much to the
delight of everyone, Jenny Sharpe played part of it using the Electric Pump (newly
commissioned). It sounded lovely as it echoed along the stone walls.
Upstairs we were shown a very old bed (James 1st, 1604?) which, as many were in
those days, too small to sleep in today.
When the skilled Carpenters were about to extend it the top piece crashed
down - and was so poorly
supported could have done so at any time during the past 400 years!
Fire must be a major concern for such an old & famous building but there was
evidence of Fire Sensors & Fire Alarms.
After concluding our guided tour of the Abbey we were invited to look around the
extensive gardens passing the newer side of the house..
A modern extension to the Abbey.
A Peacock stands guard.
The River Blackwater looking towards Beeleigh Falls.
The River Blackwater at this point is tidal up to the Beeleigh Falls where it becomes the
Chelmer Navigation Canal.
Thank you Mr & Mrs Foyle for opening your lovely house to the Danbury Society.
"A New Zealand Adventure" by
Mr Dudley Chignall
Thursday, 27th March 2008
in the Church Meeting Room.
Curt introduced Dudley, seen here standing by his laptop, digital projector showing
a "Cauliflower Sheep".
Dudley & Curt Brown, Chairman (right)
Photos by John Bowen
In introducing his presentation, Dudley said that a few years ago he felt he
needed an adventure so he went to New Zealand for 42 days where he did all of
the mad things that are available to do (for money)! He left his lovely camera behind
but purchased a Canon Ixus 400.
When he got back home & he say the quality of the pictures he (like us)
was stunned with and so he turned them into a slide show.
Dudley used his digital projector to show us his walks in both North & South
Islands.
This includes 4 days traversing a snowy ridge in The Alps, walking between active
Volcanoes and a swim with wild Dolphins.
Part of the audience
A typical photograph of New Zealand, photograhed and prepared for viewing by Dudley
One of the many flower photos shown
A Bird of Paradise flower
He was able to convey in photographic terms why NZ is such a popular tourist
destination.
All of his photographs were of excellent quality & composition - a joy to watch.
Thank you Dudley for such an informative evening - how could you ever leave New Zealand?
After a lovely cup of tea/coffee and homemade cakes supplied
by Ivy Hare & Jean Brown, Dudley answered questions.
He was thanked by Curt & the audience showed their
appreciation with a good clap.
The Spring (Bluebell) Walk
This was on Sunday, 27th April
from the Community Centre Top Car Park at 2.15pm and was be led
by David & Wendy Moore.
The walk ended up by going to the very famous Blake's Wood
to see the Bluebells which were quite good but not as good as last year!
It is all down to the weather!
For most of the walk it was nearly dry but on the final leg it rained heavily.
An enjoyable walk - thank you David & Wendy for yet another event in the
year of the Danbury Society.
The 36th Annual Art Exhibition.
This was held at the Danbury Village Hall, Eve's Corner
Bank Holiday weekend, 22nd, 23rd & 24th August.
Entrance was free but a catalogue was charged at £1.00 (good value).
The front cover of the lovely colourful Catalogue
This year the Exhibition had a number of larger canvases displayed in a more relaxed manner,
which aided viewing - a very good show.
This is a highly regarded exhibition with both framed and unframed pictures for sale,
many by local artist and further a field in Essex, showing different media and a
variety of subjects.
Monies raised will help to promote the general charitable benefit of the inhabitants
of the Danbury area.
The Danbury Society Annual Art Show was headed by
Glad & John Deamer and her band of willing helpers.
Photograph of one of the stands
3 large paintings which all sold.
Also on display was the lovely painting of Danbury Palace by
A.R.S.A. Artist, Keeley Halswelle & given to Hon Mrs Claughton on 11th July 1889.
Mrs Claughton was the Wife of Dr Thomas Legh Claughton, 1st Bishop of St Albans.
It was presented to the Danbury Society by Robin Campbell, the Great Grandson
of Bishop & Mrs Claughton and now lives in Scotland. See the page on
Keeley Halswelle under "Danbury Palace", above.
Thank you very much Glad & John Deamer for all the work
you put in on behalf of the Danbury Society. Thanks also
to all the Stewards & Helpers who made this, the 36th
Exhibition such a social & commercial success.
Thanks also to Bakers of Danbury, from Eves Corner who collected & returned
the Art display screens, and Bairstow Eves, Danbury Office for their tremendous support.
The Autumn Meeting
This was on Thursday, 18th September
in the Church Meeting Room at 8pm when
Mr Stephen Nunn presented "Wartime Maldon and the Dengie Hundred".
Hon Sec Mr Norman Bartlett ably introduced Stephen and reminded the large
audience that this week was Battle of Britian Week - good timing for this subject.
Stephen then took the floor & introduced Geoff Clark, Founder Member of the
Maldon Historical Society & projectionist tonight.
He said he had spent 30 years researching the district and has published a
number of books including "Maldon, The Dengie and Battles in the Skies (1939 - 1945)"
and "Heinkeil over Heybridge" with a co-author from Danbury.
He had left on each chair a map of the Dengie with an indication where planes had
come down & the personel involved with keeping Maldon safe during the war years.
Dengie War-time events Map
This was used as the basis to tell us the role played by local people in Home Defence, the
Barges which went to Normady to rescue the troups, the Fishermen who sailed
throughout the War from Maldon and some of the aircraft stories - and some of the
106 aircraft crashes.
The talk, illustrated with slides taken of 1939 - 45 were augmented with more modern pictures.
A fasinating story was told - thank you Stephen.
The audience enjoyed a cup of English Tea/Coffee & superb (where is my
Sumistatins) Cakes at the break-time provided by Glad, ???, Ivy & Jean.
Mr Lambert trying a circus trick for the camera with his cup.
Part of the audience enjoying the Refreshment Break
David Bolwell & Stephen
During the refreshment Break, Stephen answered questions and
shared their experiences.
Thank you Stephen & Geoff for sharing your research with the Danbury Society.
The Autumn Walk
This was held on Sunday, 19th October and
started from the Community Centre Top Car Park - led by David & Wendy
Moore. Report & photographs by David Bolwell.
The weather in October in Danbury can be anything from snow to 20 degrees
C! Today was overcast but dry.
The walkers collected in the top Car Park before setting off across the Common
towards Gay Bowers and Tindles Farm.
Most of the walkers as they assembled ready to start the walk. David Moore is
to the right of the picture.
Photos by David Bolwell
They then double back crossing the A414 by the Royal Oak public house (now
a restaurant) to Thrift Wood and up to the entrance of the Warren Golf Course where
they had a few minutes rest.
Outside the entrance to the Warren Golf Course.
They then edged allong to side
of the Golf Course, passing the Timber Yard.
Having transversed The Ridge they entered Lingwood and walked up the
step road now named Moors Bridge Road to the Car Park.
Distance of 5.6 miles was walked in something like 2½ hours. A beautiful walk,
thank you Wendy & David.
The AGM and "Living Ghosts in the Tower of London"
This was on Thursday,
20th November in St John's Church Meeting Room at 8pm.
Mr Curt Brown opened the meeting by welcoming the many people who had ventured out
on this a windy & cool night.
He asked if everyone had read the Minutes of the previous AGM & this was passed and accepted.
In giving the Chairman's Report he mentioned the events (see above) and considered
it had been another successful year. He said that after problems with the previous
Christmas Tree it was felt that the Parish Council could run it so had made a contibution
so that power was installed on the Green.
Planning - he said the New Medical Centre had now been passed & the Village
should look forward to being able to use this instead of many trips to Broomfield.
The potential problem
involving access to the A414 was a "Highway" problem and the DS were waiting
to see what they suggest.
The proposal to build 11 flats behind the Bakers Arms was again contentious with
lack of parking spaces and poor access.
Danbury Palace was another contentious Planning issue.
The Treasure gave his report which highlighted that the Art Exhibition had returned slightly more
money than the previous year, they had made a financial contribution to the Danbury Flyer,
St John's Ambulance and of course the Christmas Tree Fund.
Bob said that they were always thinking of projects to spend money on they had nearly
£18,000 in the Bank - none in Iceland (quiet cheers).
The Accounts were Accepted as was David Spring to be the new Auditor.
The Secretary took control of the Meeting and proposed that as nobody else wanted
the job - Curt Brown should be Chairman - passed.
Curt then proposed that all the existing Committee except David Bolwell who was Resigning
should be elected "en bloc" - carried.
David Bolwell then gave a short report of his work during the 10 years he had been on the
Committee were he had been the Conservation Officer, planting bulbs, erecting
Christmas trees and running Coach Outings. He suggested that the organisation of the
Society needed the stimulus from new blood and
made a plea for Members to come forward and offer themselves for the
vacancies now existing on the Committee.
Curt thanked David and concluded the AGM at 9.20pm.
Curt then introduced Mr Brian D'Arcy, R.V.M.
Brian said that been called up for National Service but joined the Regular Army, 3 year engagement to
double his pay - he continued to do this until he had served 22 years, when he retired.
He was introduced to the service of the Yeoman of the Tower of London by a mate and
joined in November 1976.
The problem was living inside its gates - there were many rules and formalities to be observed.
He told many interesting stories of his experiences - he did not believe in Ghosts - he felt
there were explanations to all events but some of his audience were not totally convinced.
The Tower serves many purposes including housing Royal Residents, Royal Observatory,
Public Records Office, State Prison and of course, the Crown Jewels.
It appears that popular stories about the Ravens were only the tip of the iceberg! They
are more vicious than previously published. Brian went on to be a Curator of the
Crown Jewels and lived in the Tower for over 23 years.
He was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in the 2000 New Year Honours List
At 9.20pm the meeting adjourned for delightful wine/soft drinks & cheese & biscuits provided
by the Committee during which people could ask questions of the Committee.
Once the meeting was reconvened, Brian had a few more stories and then answered questions.
Who can join the Yeomen? Answer - Only Army, RAF and Royal Marines
who have served 22 years.
Are Police allowed in to the Tower? Answer - no, except by invitation of the Governor.
Who runs the Tower, the English Heritage? Answer, no - They are
independent - paid for by entrance fees.
Curt thanked Brian and all showed their appreciation with a good clap.
A delightful evening, well run with good food.
The Christmas Tree at Eves Corner
For the past 20 years or so the Danbury Society Committee aided by a number of volunteers
have obtained a Chritmas Tree locally and erected it at Eves Corner. They then dressed
it with 40 bulbs and the Salvation Army have come from Maldon or Chelmsford on a night
in December and played their Silver Band and up to 140 people have sung carols.
Afterwards they have walked to the URC Meeting Rooms and enjoyed Mince Pies & Mulled Wine.
Unfortunately the Danbury Society Committee are getting older and were very upset by the part
destruction of the trees in the past two years by the louts of Danbury so felt that their
efforts were not really being appreciated.
The Danbury Parish Council have taken on the task of providing the Tree this year with a grant
from The Danbury Society.
After much effort by the Parish Clerk a Lighting Pillar has been provided. This is a
good feature as it could be used at other times.
The Danbury Society would like to thank the Parish Council for all the work involved
in providing the Tree.
Please support the Danbury Society Activities
Daffodil Planting
Dave Bolwell is in charge of planting another
few hundred Daffodils in the verges around Danbury during
late September/October.
David Bolwell will identify & organise the new planting areas.
Click here to go back to the Top
Aims of The Danbury Society
To involve the residents of Danbury in interests and
pursuits to enrich village life.
To ensure that changes in the Village are undertaken with sensitivity
to the character of Danbury.
To protect the natural beauty of the local landscape and to promote
its maintenance and care.
To Work for the preservation and protection of buildings and features
of interest in Danbury.
To promote the general charitable benefit of the inhabitants of
the Danbury area by provision of such financial and/or material
benefit as the Trustees for the time being shall determine.
(Added by Charity Commission approval 2006)
Contact Information
This Web Site is hosted by
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The Danbury Society publish a Newsletter
every 4 months.
This is available to paid-up Members
The Danbury Society supports The Parish Plan.
Visit the Parish Plan Web Site:-
http://www.danburyplan.idps.co.uk
The Danbury Society supports The Parish Council.
Visit the Parish Council's Web Site for more
details:-
http://www.danbury-essex.gov.uk/
Danbury Palace Babies Contact Information
Telephone Marie Polley on 01245 356276
or Caroline Lambert on 01245 224661
Click
here to link to Danbury Park Babies Web Site
The Danbury Society Blog
The Hon. Secretary of The Danbury Society, Norman Bartlett, is running a Blog
on Danbury village matters. He tries to cover events and incidents that are
relevant to the objects of Danbury Society. Have a look for yourself at: -
http://danburysociety.blogspot.com/
You can add comments of your own to what Norman has written by clicking on
the 'comment' link at the foot of each blog.
Note, this is a Server based site and therefore not a "www" (World Wide Web site).
To return to this site - use the "Back" button (usually on the left) on your browser - NOT
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If you live in Danbury, please support The
Danbury Society by joining. It is only £1.00 per
household per year or £2.00 if we cannot deliver
your Newsletter on foot. See clickable link below: -
To join the Danbury
Society
To contact the Chairman: -
The Danbury Society,
Porlock, 116 Maldon Road, Danbury, CHELMSFORD. CM3 4RA
Telephone -- 01245 223306
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Click
here to e-mail Mr Curt Brown directly.
The Danbury Society Web Site Address is:-
http://www.danburysociety.idps.co.uk
