News in Maldon

IN her latest regular contribution to Maldon Nub News, nature writer Jo Phillips talks all about the bees.

Autumn may seem to be an unusual time to discuss bees as spring is normally the time when they hit the local social media pages with their swarming habits, but more on that in spring - for now they are without doubt the pin-up stars of the insect world and with their pollinating superpowers they deserve some attention, awareness and a spot of planning if we are to help them as much as possible.

THE idea that building more new homes in Maldon will make them more affordable for local people is behind government plans to more than double the number each year, councillors heard today (Thursday, 17 September).

Speaking to Maldon District Council's Strategy and Resources Committee, the council's lead specialist for place, Matt Leigh, said: "One of the big problems is the adjustment to the market calculation - where it's about house prices being quite expensive compared to salaries in the district.

On Monday 14 September, we were pleased to welcome Mr John Whittingdale, MP, into our Mill Road Campus where our Executive Principal, Mr Carl Wakefield, provided him with a full operational tour whilst over 600 Years' 7 and 8 students were in lessons.

Mr Wakefield also clarified with Mr Whittingdale that it had been a superb start back after a near six month lay-off as a fully operational academy and that attendance was currently sitting at 96% - for our new Year 7 on day one it was 99.3%!

THE people of Maldon have been asked to pay their respects to the town's war heroes by remembering their sacrifices from the safety of their own homes this year.

Maldon Town Council has appealed to residents to stay at home on Remembrance Sunday ( 8 November) and watch a broadcast of the service, as well as a special video to mark the occasion as it is the 75TH anniversary of the end of World War Two.

MALDON patients are being reminded that their GPs are still there for them – and are urging people not to put off seeking advice for health issues as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has issued a statement on behalf of GPs throughout the area to reassure patients.

THERE are no Covid marshalls in Maldon just yet – and no clarity on whether there will be any at any point in the future.

The Covid Marshall scheme was introduced by the Government last week as part of the plan to ensure people stick to Covid-19 safety guidelines, including the new 'rule of six'.

MALDON people may be interested to know that Essex stereotypes will be challenged in a new campaign by the county council.

Award-winning chefs and a Paralympian are among the personalities being featured in a new film challenging the Essex stereotype, while showcasing the real Essex.

MALDON Town Council is likely to be left in place by government plans to reform local authorities while the district council may not, a meeting heard last night (Tuesday, 15 September).

A white paper expected to be presented to Parliament in the course of the next few weeks is set to detail plans for abolishing district, borough and county councils in order to create unitary authorities. It is likely three such unitary councils will be proposed for the area currently served by Essex County Council.

AN open garden event in aid of the life-saving local RNLI will take place next Friday (25 September) in Maldon.

The Blue House at 19 Chelmer Terrace, close to the riverside, will have its beautiful and unique garden open to the public from 2pm to 5pm – though booking is essential so that Covid-safety rules can be fully observed.

AN airshow featuring large model aircraft will take place over both days of this weekend (Saturday 19 an Sunday 20 August) at a popular historic aerodrome close to Maldon.

The model flying displays at Stow Maries in Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, will feature fighter planes of the type that would have been flown when the site was an active World War One aerodrome, through to present day jets. The war plane display will be put on by the Dawn Patrol Team.