Editorial

First - An Apology

In case you are wondering why the word SECRET appeared at the top and bottom of each page in the last newsletter I can explain. Before taking the CD with the newsletter to the printers I checked it at work and found there was a problem. So I copied it to a new on my office computer. Unfortunately Essex Police require all documents to have a security classification and this is done automatically by the computer. No problem choose secret (the shortest word) and then change the font to white so that it won't appear when you print. You've guessed I forgot to change the font to white.

What complicated lives we lead.

The committee have finally arranged the programme for the forthcoming year and you should have received it by now. We hope there is something of interest to you.

Wearing my police museum hat I recently received a letter from a Peter Cameron from Hockley, who is 86 years old. He was the son of Sgt Alex Cameron who was the police sergeant at Stanford Rivers in the 1920's (retiring in 1927.) I went to see Peter and had a long talk about his time as a child in Stanford Rivers and also when he returned to the village during World War Two when he was stationed at the searchlight unit near the church. To cut a long story short I have asked him to write down his memories for publication in the next magazine.

Our new year got off to a good start with two events in September. Firstly the trip to the Postal Museum attracted some 21 members and the visit to Blackmore 16 members who had an enjoyable visit around the church and village. Our thanks to Andrew for showing everyone around.