Pandan Wood

PANDAN WOOD

Pandan Wood stood on the land managed from Gifford’s Farm. Today it is remembered in the name of Pandan Close, in West Hanningfield.

The wood was named, but only as ‘Pandan’ in the Field on the 21st January 1882. A hunt unsuccessfully chased a fox across Billericay, Ramsden and Pandan before losing it in Norsey.

On the 10th November 1933 the Chelmsford Chronicle reported that the Essex Union Hunt had visited the area, passing through Pandan and west towards Great Preston’s. ‘The hunt was ultimately unsuccessful.’

SIGN

The fox-hunting season was opened at Fremnell’s on the 3rd November 1934. The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News stated that a fox was found at Pandan and was chased along Seaman’s Lane, passing Little Preston’s where it eventually escaped.

Another fox was also tracked through Fremnell’s Farm, but it also escaped.

The Essex Union Hunt were again mentioned in the Chelmsford Chronicle, this time publish on Friday 5th April 1935.

The hunt rode through Crowsheath Farm, Fremnell’s and Pandan, but had to admit defeat and go home empty-handed.

Whether ‘Pandan’ was the name the wood was referred to or the area was not recorded.