I’m grateful to Councillor Andrew Schrader for bringing this to my attention on social media. Andrew wrote:-
Really sad that, not for the first time, the iconic statute of ‘Child in the Park’ in Lake Meadows has been stolen.
The theft appears to have occurred some time on Sunday night.
If anyone has any information, please contact either Essex Police – Basildon District or the Parks Service at Basildon Borough Council. You can also speak confidentially to any of the Billericay councillors or the Friends of Lake Meadows, if you’d feel more comfortable.
The statue was installed over 20 years ago and has become a much loved and admired feature of the park for an entire generation of Billericians, particularly the children who visit the little garden in which the statue is located. This theft is an outrage.
Previously, the statue was stolen but subsequently returned. I hope the thieves in this instance similarly grow a conscience and return this beloved piece of public art for the people of Billericay to continue to enjoy.
Also on today’s show:-
Almost 6,000 residents have voiced their views on a “disastrous” recycling scheme at the halfway point of a consultation into Basildon’s waste management plans.
Sabrina Carpenter scores her first Official Chart Double; earning both her first UK Number 1 album with Short n’ Sweet and third Number 1 single with Taste.
A self-confessed milk enthusiast has collected 20,000 glass bottles during an unwavering 40-year commitment.
Song for Daphne – “I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much)” is a 1941 song. It was written for the 1941 film That Night in Rio, and was popularized by Carmen Miranda.
Michelle Ward – World Happy. The song looks at the world of social media, conversations and dreams. All anyone wants is to be happy and for the world to be a happier place.
Birthdays –
1975 – Mark Ronson, English DJ, producer, and songwriter
1981 – Beyoncé, American singer-songwriter, producer, dancer, and actress
1990 – James Bay, English singer-songwriter and guitarist
You can listen to the show here –
One 2 Three
Bob Simpson
