Stock Parish Council held its monthly meeting at Stock Cricket Club pavilion on Tuesday 8 September.
Parish Councillors were joined by Essex County Councillor Mike Steel and Chelmsford City Councillors Gillian Bonnett and Roy Whitehead, who each gave a report regarding local authority matters and the recent withdrawal of plans to replace existing councils with unitary authorities.
New Parish Councillors Jo Charnley and Graham Kingston attended their first meeting, making up our allocated quota of nine Councillors following the departure of Sophie Clark resigned. Sophie had served the Parish Council for over ten years and made a major contribution. Councillors thank her for her service and wish her every success for the future.
The main topic of Parish Council discussion was the ongoing plans to purchase six plots that form the previous football ground in Mill Lane, which have been pursued by travellers to purchase.
Stock Parish Council has been appealing for donations by way of promissory notes to raise £500,000 for the purchase the six plots and return them for the use of sports and leisure.
Any surplus funds would go toward the construction of a sports pavilion on the site.
The purchases of the plots would be undertaken through a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which has been set up, but waiting for registration.
The use of the site would be for football, cricket, padel, plus indoor leisure activities. This would be for perpetuity.
Should you wish to make a donation, a promissory note can be downloaded from the Stock Parish Council website. These notes have also been delivered on the reverse of leaflets which have been delivered to homes in the Parish.
A villagers-only meeting will be held at Stock Village Hall on Saturday 3 October between 11am and 1pm to provide residents with full details and an update on this project.
The Parish Council can also report that Essex Rangers have cleared all the footpaths in the Parish and other repairs are underway.
Six Memorial Trees have been planted. Residents can have a Memorial Tree planted for their loved ones at a cost of £500 which includes the choice of one of four species of tree, a plaque and ongoing care. Details can be found on the Stock Parish Council website.
Lastly, the 2026 Stock Christmas Fayre poster will be held on the Common on Saturday 5 December between 12noon and 6pm, supported by Stock Cricket Club.
This year, for the first time, the Fayre will be held under cover in three marquees, including one for children’s activities, Father Christmas and an entertainer, one for food and refreshments, and one for local crafts. There will also be a band entertaining villagers with live music.
