Residents in Fordham are being urged to get twice-weekly Covid tests.
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Thanks to John Kay for the masthead No: 24 May 2021
Residents in Fordham are being urged to get twice-weekly Covid tests.
The move is an important step forward to meet the aims of the national roadmap, allowing everyone to move safely out of
lockdown.
Twice-weekly rapid testing is a vital tool in identifying cases of Covid-19 that would otherwise be missed. With 1 in 3 people
with Coronavirus showing no symptoms and potentially spreading it without knowing, rapid testing helps to identify positive
cases quickly, preventing the spread of infection.
There are several ways you can access rapid testing. You can take a test at one of the rapid testing sites
locally. Your employer may be offering testing in the workplace. You can also collect tests to complete
at home or order tests to be delivered to your home.
Secondary school pupils are being asked to take a twice-weekly test.
You can find out more about all these options at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting
DISCLAIMER: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors
and contributors and not the Parish Council, the Editor nor the Publisher of the Fordham Times.
Items for inclusion in the FT must be with the editor by the 9th of the month by email to: fordhamtimes2018@gmail.com
FORDHAM PARISH COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’s ANNUAL REPORT 2021
In 1992, Her Majesty the Queen during her Christmas address coined the Latin phrase ‘Annus horribilis’
meaning a “horrible year” and no doubt the COVID 19 pandemic will certainly embrace the use of such
phraseology. 2020 – 2021 has been unprecedented in the way the Parish Council had to adapt to change its
business delivery/outputs. IT luddites like myself had to quickly comes to terms with programs never heard
off in the real world of George Branagh, TEAMS (15 players on a rugby team) ZOOM (camera lens). Undaunted
and very ably assisted by our learned Clerk Kathryn, since June 2020 all our Parish Council meetings, including
our interface with other Local Government
Agencies have been conducted through these IT programs. Great credit and thanks to those brave
Parishioners who have mastered the same technology and continue to join us each month. Though Fordham
maybe not as exciting as Hansworth Parish Council, we are blessed that all our members are committed to the
Community and not to their own agendas.
Covid certainly did challenge us in other ways, regarding, work parties ceasing, Speed watch not being active, our Organisa-
tions activities within the Village Hall being suspended, community lockdown, shielding, isolating, our Three Horseshoes Public
House closing and being put up for sale, the play park was temporarily closed, Church Activities
curtailed, the Remembrance Service, Carols on the Green at Christmas, the motor show and
many, many, more family and social activities. It is ironic that in February 202 (one month before
Covid 19 hit the UK) the Parish Council had drawn up a very comprehensive Emergency Plan
which was activated within days. We called for volunteers to help those in the Village who may
require assistance and immediately we had registered some twenty-two (22) volunteers. The
play park re-opened with advisory signage some of which was kindly donated by Atlas Signs. A
successful book swap was put in place by one of our residents. The Village Hall Committee very
kindly allowed the Parish Council to use their notice board whilst we were awaiting a joint Parish Council, All Saints Church and
Village Hall notice board. Wendy Shepherd and Mike Hamilton-Lacy continued to publish the Fordham Local
History Magazine.
The Remembrance Sunday Service at the Village Memorial clock organised by the Church and taken by Rev Paul Southern was
a total Planning success, many thanks to Rev Francis Blight and the organizing committee. The Church put on a truly splendid
outdoor Christmas Carol Service (even the weather was kind). Terry and Sandra Hills very generously provided a Christmas
Tree and Lights for the Village Green. Graciously Chris Cousins and his son Jack secured the tree on the Green and subsequent-
ly disposed of the same after the festivities. Lastly the Three Horses has opened again under the splendid direction/leadership
of Moira Edwards together with her son Sam and his girlfriend Abbie Frost. So, to quote a Chinese Philosopher and latterly
John K Kennedy, ‘One brush stroke stands for danger: the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger – but
recognise the opportunity’.
In January 2021, a detailed and comprehensive (some 30+ pages) village traffic calming re-
port was put together by the Parish Council and this was forwarded to our local Members of
Parliament, Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council, Essex Police, our local Coun-
ty and Borough Councillor reps and to prospective County and Borough Councillors standing
in the May 2021 Local Government elections. I must say at this juncture that I am under-
whelmed by the response we have received from the Deputy Leader of Essex County County
Council. Indeed, I am not alone in my frustration and we are thankful for the advice and
guidance we are receiving from Cllr Anne Brown the Chair of the Essex County Council Local
Highways Panel. Thanks, must also be given to those residents in our community who assist-
ed with the research for this report, Richard Gregory, Micky Cook, Dave Haynes, Ian Tyler-
Clarke, Jakki Sibley and Robert Fletcher.
CHAIRMAN’s ANNUAL REPORT 2021 continued:
Many will be aware that we have changed the monthly publication of the Fordham Times to that of bi-monthly. This was
brought about following us requesting ethical advice from the Legal Department at the Essex Local Associations of Councils.
The Parish Council no longer seeks outside sponsorship from the Local Business
Community for Funding. Our Editor Brian Jones does a tremendous job in pre-
paring this magazine for publication and I am sure like me you look forward to
receiving it every other month. Thanks also to Wendy Shepherd and her group
of volunteers who deliver the publication throughout the year.
The Parish Council during the past twelve months has for personal reasons lost two of our stalwart Councillors namely Richard
Gregory and Shirley Pallent. We certainly lost an immense amount of local knowledge and expertise and we give them our sin-
cere thanks and wish them well for the future. Unlike some of our neighbouring Parishes we have been able to co-opt our full
quota of Parish Councillors. This must be a first for a long, long time that Fordham has its full Councillor
Complement. We have published the Councillors role and responsibilities both on the new bus shelter notice
board and in the March edition of the Fordham Times. I would personally like to thank all our Councillors for
their huge efforts during this reporting period, they are, Nick Durlacher (Deputy Chairman), Christine Alexan-
der, Lou Pfander, Rob Turner, Dave Chapman, Cheryl Chapman, Mike Hamilton-Lacy and Cathy Evans. Re-
garding Cllr Nick Durlacher, the Deputy Chairman, I would like to personally thank him for his industry, sup-
port, wise counsel and friendship. Our other Team Member is our learned Parish Clerk Kathryn Cameron,
who is the glue that keeps us all in line and within the rules. Kathryn without doubt is an asset who certainly conducts an im-
mense amount of unpaid work for the benefit of the village and the Parish Council. Thank you, Kathryn.
As well as losing two Parish Councilors, our longstanding County Councillor Anne Brown, will not be seeking
re-election in the forthcoming May 2021 Local Government elections. On behalf of my colleagues on the
Parish Council we would like to thank you for all the support over the years to our village and we wish you
well for the future.
Our new Parish Council year commences in May 2021, we have a strong and diverse coun-
cil with an abundance of talent(s), and I am confident that we can achieve many things
together for the benefit of the whole village. We will immediately, with other interested
village organisations, form a working party to start planning how the village can celebrate
the June 2022 Queens Platinum Celebrations.
I started with a reference to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and I shall close with a reference to
the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, “Tomorrow will be a good day”. Personally, and on behalf of
all the members of Fordham Parish Council I am confident it will be.
Children’s Spot the Difference
Fordham History Society It is very unlikely that we will be meeting on 18th May, as the hall remains closed indefinitely. But the Society continues to involve our members by way of the monthly magazine which is published on the 1st of each month. Continuing our theme of Fordham pubs in the monthly bulletins, there were some snippets of information and photographs of the Vulcan Inn in the April issue. As many of you will know this pub used to be on Moat Road opposite the village Green which was originally a field. One of our members contacted me and added some more information to our archive by telling me about the licensees of the 1950’s and 1960’s. 1891 Census - Main Road Public House Henry Bullock who was a widower was the licensee. He lived there with his daughter Florence Bullock. 1901 Census - Henry Bullock is recorded as Licensed Victualler, a widower of 41 and he is living with Lily his daughter at the Vulcan Inn, they were both born in Little Horkesley. Living with them is Henry's housekeeper Emma Woodward, a widow with her sons Harry Woodward and Isaac Woodward. 1903 - Henry Bullock and Emma Woodward marry. 1911 Census - Henry and Emma Bullock with nephew Charles Bullock and Emma's son Harry Woodward are all recorded as living at the Vulcan. 1932 Electoral Roll - William and Margaret Wickens are living at the Vulcan with Joseph Walter Beard. 1939 Register - Percy Howard is Licensee and living there with his wife Annie Howard. 1950's - Bill Hammond was licensee. 1960's - Ted Crowe was licensee. 1968 - Licensees are Michael and Rose Hogarth. Rose died June 1982 and Michael in September in 1988, they are both buried at All Saints Fordham. 1982 - Licensees Antonio and Denise Rojo take over the pub
All Saints Church, serving
Fordham & Eight Ash Green
A message from Rev’d Francis Blight
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13).
Fordham Church is Now Open on Sundays, 10.00am - Attend In-Person or Watch Online
I am pleased to let you know that Fordham Church reopened for public worship services
just before Easter. We are currently focusing on seven messages from Jesus Christ to his
churches which can be found in chapters two and three of the Book of Revelation. We
want to know what they meant to the original recipients and then to consider their
meaning for churches today. I invite you to join in on Sundays.
Seating is still socially distanced, and facemasks must be worn during the service (unless
you have an exemption). We aren’t permitted to sing in the church building yet, but we
can now sing in the churchyard, so each week we finish the service outside with a final
song of praise to God. This weekly community singing is being enjoyed by the new owners
of The Three Horseshoes and their customers in the pub garden! The weekly services are livestreamed through
our church website and on YouTube and are then available to watch at any time.
For those without internet access we offer a catch-up telephone listening option. Please contact the church office
for details.
https://fordhamchurch.org.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyPlK7-eD6zyNFElZcehj-Q
All Saints Church Community Hub and Post Office
The community hub is now open at the John Owen Barn each Friday lunchtime
(11:45-13:45). It has been great to see local people supporting the project and con-
necting as they make use of the post office, greengrocers and refill den. Social dis-
tancing rules remain in place and masks should be worn in the post office and cart
lodge where the green grocers in situated. We look forward to seeing you over the
coming weeks
All Saints Church Care Team
The Church Care Team are available if you need help or would like someone to talk to. The team are also available to pray for
you or a person you care about. When people share prayer requests confidentially is important, so please clarify your wishes.
Please contact the church office (details below) who can put you in touch with a member of the care team.
421 Youth Group, Fridays 7.30 to
Our youth group for 11-18 year olds is meeting every other
Friday online. If you would like to join in for games, chat,
Christian teaching and discussion, please ask your parent/
guardian to send an email to the church office. He or she will
need to complete a consent form which can be emailed to
them. We hope to return to meeting in the John Owen Barn
soon.
Rev’d Francis Blight 01206 243266
Church Office: Open for email enquires Tuesday to Friday 9.30am/2.30 pm.
office@fordhamchurch.org.uk
Open for telephone enquires Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10.00am/2pm
01206 243261
www.fordhamchurch.org.uk
Gardener’s Surprise Find
I was recently contacted by a village resident from Ponders Road; who had made a wonderful discovery whilst digging in his
garden. Fred Waters came across a WW1 Victory medal awarded to Driver W. Garrod service number T4 - 144215 Army Ser-
vice Corps.
This name was familiar to Fred as Albert (Bert) Garrod had lived in Fred’s house before him. FLHS
also knew of Bert Garrod as he was one of our Home Guard men in WW2. Fred did his own bit of
detecting and contacted Bert’s son who then told him the wonderful story of how as a child he had
been given his grandfather’s medals to play with in the garden; he can remember his gran giving
them to him. But as we now know at least one, the Victory medal was lost in the garden.
Research has shown that the name on the medal was that of William Garrod father to Bert Garrod.
William served with the ASC and served as a horse driver; the T4 confirms this. His medal card shows
that he was in the war right at the start and fought in France. At first there was some confusion
whether the medal belonged to William senior or his son William. But all research leads us to believe
the medal was one of three awarded to William Garrod senior. Further research on Ancestry has enabled us, with permis-
sion, to access photographs of William Garrod in his service uniform with his family. These photos confirmed our research
with the ASC cap badge and a leather ammunition bandolier across William’s shoulder which was a common piece of uni-
form for horse drivers. The contacts made on Ancestry, were children of Ellen Garrod, Bert’s sister. Bert is the young man on
the right of the family photo and Ellen is the beautiful young woman second from the right. The medal and research has
been forwarded to Bert’s son Dennis with the contact information of his cousins on Ancestry, so that they exchange photo-
graphs and memories of the Garrod family. I wonder if the other medals are in the garden too!
William Garrod senior with wife Elizabeth Burrage,
daughters Ellen(Nellie), Bessie May & Elsie Margaret and
sons Albert Ellis (Bert), Ernest George and John Frederick.
Eldest son William is most likely away at war
www.fordhamhistorysociety.co.uk If you would like to be
included in our mailing list, please email me on
wendyhawk@talktalk.net
Our Fordham Hall Woodland Trust Benefactor
When I viewed my house back in 2012, the estate agent was keen to tell me that Fordham was sur-
rounded by Woodland Trust land. Overlooking a field towards Colchester, the estate agent told me
that this land had been purchased by an anonymous person and then it was donated to the Woodland
Trust on a 99 year lease; it was a good selling point.
Nine years later following the death of Leslie Mary Carter in 2020 at a grand age of 101, this mystery
benefactor has been revealed by her agent in a newspaper article. He felt that now, after her death it
was appropriate to reveal her extraordinary generosity.
Leslie Mary Carter, fondly know as Bobby had taken the name and spelling
of one her father’s middle names George Leslie Lewis Carter who died
before she was born in 1919. He died age 27 on 29th July 1918 from
pneumonia having caught the Spanish Flu. He was a naval instructor at
Dartmouth Naval College. Bobby’s mother was Ada Frances Ritchie, Bobby
and Ada lived together in Clacton in 1939. At the age of 20 Bobby joined
the Women’s Royal Naval Service serving as a WREN during the
Second World War.
Bobby had the same love of flora and fauna as our own David Baker; she
was also a keen birdwatcher and developed a love of the sea and East
Anglia. She was passionate about conservation, she had robust views, but
according to her agent; was also very modest. Not only did she have
interests in a Farm in Diss Norfolk and Fordham Woodland, but she had
also acquired 655 acres of reed bed, fen and grazing marsh at Hickling Broad for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust in order for it to be
preserved. Bobby spent her last years at Frinton on Sea where she lived modestly. Her agent said she was a shy philanthropist,
who never wanted any fuss and she never revealed her generosity.
On behalf of many Fordham folk I would like to thank Bobby for her generous gift and I for one will always treasure our won-
derful surroundings.
www.fordhamhistorysociety.co.uk If you would like to be included in our mailing list, please email me on
wendyshepherd9@gmail.com
Spring Garden Security Advice
Part 2 – Sheds, Garages and Objects
We spoke last time about garden security now we look at the shed, garages and objects within it. As mentioned before control-
ling access is your first line of defence and you may consider using good old gravel on paths and drives or round statues etc as
an audible warning and/or a “Driveway Alert Monitor” (can be found by internet search). Sensitively and effectively placed
lighting and CCTV may be considered to help protect outbuildings, ornaments, and statues but these should not be your only
thoughts. Don’t forget though motion activated lighting may be triggered by animals and shrubs moving in the wind.
Shed and outbuilding security: If you are installing a new shed try and find a place in
view of the house and neighbours. The padlock hasp fittings of a shad should be coach-
bolted to the frame and door, strengthen the fitting area with a metal plate inside and
out; don’t forget the hinges ensure they cannot be unscrewed. Cheap locks and pad-
locks are a poor investment; use good quality locks, look for a “Close Shackle” padlock
or a key operated mortice lock to at least “Sold Secure” Silver or Gold standard. Protect
windows with a wire mesh and fit a curtain or whitewash the windows to prevent pry-
ing eyes. NB some of this advice can apply to aviaries, kennels, barns and other build-
ings of similar nature.
On garage doors consider adding locking bolts to both sides of an “up and over door” or a garage door defender in the ground
in front of the door. Don’t forget other doors and windows in the garage secure them as you would in a house.
LOCKS ARE A WASTE OF TIME IF YOU DO NOT LOCK THEM.
When storing larger items like motorcycles, cycles, lawn mowers etc consider a fixing set/ground anchor into the con-
crete floor, a heavy chain and again a good quality padlock to secure it. If the chain or lock is lying across the floor it
could provide a surface for it to be smashed against so try and keep it tightly secured. Consider a shed alarm if you do
not have one, there are shed alarms available that contact you on the phone when activated such as
www.uwatch.co.uk .
Products that are fit for purpose can found by looking for the "Secured by Design" or "Sold Secure" logos, or on their websites
www.securedbydesign.com or www.soldsecure.com .
Tips for Statues, ornaments and pots:
Drill and secure with quality chain/padlock larger pots and ornaments to a secure surface.
Offenders will not want to break valuable containers- however they may still opt to lift out the plant --this is where the
Plant Anchors can help.
Make the plant pot heavier with a layer of gravel at the bottom.
Some planters/pots can be marked/post-coded /etched carefully with a small Hobbyist drill or an indelible pen can work
sometimes on the base.
Hanging baskets can be secured with chains or cable ties BUT there is a danger the
offender may simply wrench from the fixing point making even greater
damage.
Where possible position statues, ornaments etc in view of the house and neighbours.
Photograph more unusual ornaments with a scale rule included, and where possible
ensure these ornaments are in view of a house and have good lighting.
Consider using a property marking product
Only buy plants/ornaments from a reputable source and report any suspicions to
Police/Trading Standards.
For further garden security advice see the following webpages:
www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/
www.securedbydesign.com
www.soldsecure.com
www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=606
Before you venture out again
Naturally with more people being at home during the Covid19 pandemic
burglary numbers have fallen, and internet purchasing has increased
resulting in new desirables in our homes.
When you did get out maybe someone was left in the house so locking up would not have been needed. As restrictions begin
to be eased again and more of us venture out, we need to get back into our old habits ensuring that when left empty our
homes are secure. Burglars are opportunists seeking an empty house that is easy to enter. Whether just popping out for a mo-
ment, or longer make it look like someone is in even if no one is there; always making sure you lock up when you leave.
Just a few tips to remind you:
Ensure that windows, doors, outbuildings and gates are closed and locked correctly, make sure all tools are put away too.
Remember with uPVC and similar doors – when locking Lift the handle, turn and remove the key. If you have a night
latch and a mortice lock ensure that you lock both not just the night latch.
No keys outside in hidey holes please, the thief will find them no matter how well you think they are hidden.
Create the illusion of occupancy: A radio on, a chair that looks like you have just got up, book or magazine open with a pair
of spectacles and a mug next to it, a vacuum cleaner with the lead trailing out of sight (not plugged in), the
usual signs of habitation and don’t leave it too tidy.
Consider a doorbell that you can answer remotely on your smartphone. A lot of these you can add further
CCTV cameras that you listen and speak through too.
Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it gets dark, also consider a “Fake TV” unit dis-
cretely hidden from view.
If you have an intruder alarm make sure that you set it before leaving and ensure that your neighbours know who the key
holders are.
Keys to other cars; put them away and in a “faraday bag” if you have a keyless car.
If you do get away for a longer period:
Curtains open or curtains closed? – The worse thing is half open half closed, day or night the
thief will know you are out. I go by the principle that some people do not close all curtains
at night, but most are open during the day especially in those “lived in” rooms. So as long
as you have evidence visible that looks like you are in the house somewhere then it makes
sense to leave them open.
Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries, delay ordering online purchases before you go away or
Use the Royal Mail's 'Keepsafe' service - they keep your mail for up to 2 months while you're
away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that you are away.
Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post, opening and closing curtains and they could park their
car on your driveway.
Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites, watch what you are posting including photographs (they
may be date stamped) while you are away too or you may find you are giving useful information that the burglar or
fraudster may use.
Don’t forget the car when you leave it unattended:
Close the windows and lock it, verify it is locked by the sound, the flash of the lights or try the handle.
Leave nothing on show, remember to the thief even the empty bag or jacket is inviting, they don’t know what they may
contain until looking in it after damaging your car getting in.
Choose a safe place to park, with lots of visibility over it, if you can look for a “Parkmark” accredited car park http://
www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder .
Further advice can be found at
www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ or www.securedbydesign.com/
A grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson, who is coming to visit with his wife:
"You come to the front door of the apartment complex. I am in apartment 14T. There is a big panel at the door.
With your elbow push button 14T. I will buzz you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your
elbow hit 14. When you get out I am on the left. With your elbow, hit my doorbell".
"Grandma, that sounds easy, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?”
"You're coming empty handed are you?”Woods Bowls Club
Keepers Green, Braiswick
We are a small but very friendly lawn bowls club that is open to all ages and abilities throughout the spring & summer months
of April to September.
The club consists of a mixture of male and female members with ages ranging from ‘Thirty-somethings’ to sprightly Nonagenar-
ians! You are never too young or too old to play Lawn Bowls J
New to Bowls?
Most people find bowls an easy sport to start playing, the basic skills are not hard and it does not require any great physical
strength or athletic ability. We are always on the lookout for new members and we offer discounted membership fees for the
first year to all new members!
What’s happening in 2021?
Being an outdoor bowls club, the green light was given for Organised sport to recommence from 29 March. Therefore, we are
delighted to report that we are able to have a full season, competing against other clubs once again. Some minor restrictions
may be necessary until 21 June.
Like to have a go??
Our annual open day is SATURDAY 29 MAY from 12pm. There is no charge, all equipment will be supplied just bring some flat
shoes. If you are interested but cannot make our open day, please call our club secretary on 01206 863854 and he will arrange
a suitable time to meet you at the club. Alternatively email us at woodsbowlsclub@gmail.com . We are on Facebook ‘Woods
Bowls Club’ and our website is https://www.hugofox.com/community/woods-bowls-club-8629/home .
We look forward to seeing you soon!
A Texan was taking a taxi tour of London and was in a hurry. As they
went by the Tower of London the cab driver explained what it was
and that construction of it started in 1346 and was completed in
1412. The Texan replied, "Shoot, a little old tower like that? In Hou-
ston we'd have that thing up in two weeks!" Next they passed the
House of Parliament - started in 1544 and
completed in 1618. "Well boy, we put up a bigger one than that in
Dallas and it only took a year!"
As they passed Westminster Abbey the cab driver was silent.
"Whoah! What's that over there?" asked the Texan.
The driver replied, "I don't know, it wasn't there yesterday."A big thank you to all the folk in the village for the support on the opening of our new community hub project. We finally opened the hub on the 16th April with our ribbon cutting and launch of the community Post Office, Greengrocers and Refill Den. It was a busy day with lots of visitors from both villages and many pleasant conversations. As part of the community hub we are now in a position to restart our walking group again on the 14th May starting at 10am leaving from the John Owen Barn. Should you wish to join us for some exercise, a chat and a bit of fun please contact Jacqui Griffiths on 07717 472796 or email Jacqui.griffiths@fordhamchurch.org.uk All information and any updates on the community hub can be found on the church website at www.fordhamchurch.org.uk and also the Fordham village Facebook page. The success of a community project is dependant on community support. We look for- ward to meeting more of you over the coming months. www.fordhamchurch.org.uk
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