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West Bergholt – Introduction to us & our website

Welcome to West Bergholt

Welcome to West Bergholt sign

West Bergholt is a large rural Essex village located amongst open countryside.  Country walks include the stunning Hillhouse Woods & St Mary’s Old Church.  It is located near the border of Essex & Suffolk and just outside and to the North-west  of Colchester – Britain’s Oldest Recorded town. The village:

In 2016 the village won the Class 2 prize in RCCE’s Village of the year and overall 2nd, read more.

Local Government

The village is in the Colchester City Council ward of Lexden & Braiswick, and has its own Parish Council.  All official documentation of the Parish Council, its committees and finances (including the precept) can be found on this site through the main menu under Parish Council.

Community

This site also aims to deliver news, social and other local event and community information around West Bergholt.  If you have anything you would like to see recorded here please contact the parish clerk or webmaster.  Please do also contact us with anything you feel to be missing.            

Are You New To West Bergholt?

If you are new to the village, the following ‘guided tour’ of on-line information might be useful:

  1. This ‘Home’ section of the website includes a brief introduction to the village. It includes many detailed pages on the village history. You will also find upcoming events and some useful local contacts,
  2. Village Life explores the local community, events, schools, churches, businesses, voluntary groups, play areas, walks, pubs, restaurants and much more,
  3. Clubs provides details of, and news updates from, many of the clubs based in the village,
  4. Orpen Hall will tell you about Orpen Hall & the Social Club including how to book facilities,
  5. The News section includes local news hosted on this site. It also has some news feeds from Facebook and local News services. Finally, there is an archive of all published Village Bulletins and Newsletters going back to 2006,
  6. The next two menu links are the ‘official’ Parish Council and Neighbourhood Plan sections of the website including details of how they operate and copies of all official documents, and
  7. The final menu item is a list of links that might be of interest.

Social Networks

Many in and around West Bergholt also use Facebook, there are 3 main Facebook Pages to consider following:

  • https://www.facebook.com/westbergholt – this page is administered by the Parish Council and links to all news and other reports as they are posted on this website;
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/west.bergholt.np – this is a closed group (you can apply to join it) where it is possible to enter into debate about the new Neighbourhood Plan; and
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/1457946441130612/ – which is the West Bergholt Hub & Community Group open to any having an interest in the village (including several from well outside the village, some of whom are looking for sales opportunities), where there is free and open discussion on many matters of local interest.

The Parish Council also has an X/Twitter Page although have recently also opened a BlueSky Account as well..

What’s Happening in West Bergholt

April 3, 2025
  • Open House Coffee Morning

    April 3, 2025  9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 3, 2025

    Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.

    See more details

  • 5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)

    April 3, 2025  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 3, 2025

    5T's fellowship for over 60's @ St. Mary The Virgin Church. Cake and company every Thursday afternoon at 2.30 pm in the Church hall. Contact Ron Seymour on 07772 241178

    See more details

  • Guides

    April 3, 2025  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - April 3, 2025

    See more details

April 4, 2025
  • Waste & Recycling Collections

    April 4, 2025  7:00 am - 7:00 am -
    - April 4, 2025

    Find out more about what to recycle when at https://westbergholt.org/village-life/rubbish-recycling/

    See more details

  • West Bergholt Training Band (Term-time only)

    April 4, 2025  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
    - April 4, 2025

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    April 4, 2025  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - April 4, 2025

    See more details

  • West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)

    April 4, 2025  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
    - April 4, 2025

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    April 4, 2025  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 4, 2025

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

April 6, 2025
  • Holy Communion at St Mary's

    April 6, 2025  9:30 am - 10:30 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 6, 2025

    See more details

  • Bowls

    April 6, 2025  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 6, 2025

    Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301

    See more details

April 7, 2025
  • Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)

    April 7, 2025  9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 7, 2025

    The group meets in the St Mary's Church Hall every Monday during term time from 9.30am to 11.15am. Parents and carers are invited to bring pre-school children and babies giving them an opportunity to meet up for a chat and the children to play.

    For more information please contact  Sarah on  07780 540345 or Lucy on 07814 489414 for further details or email [email protected].
     

    See more details

  • 60+ Dance4Health

    April 7, 2025  11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - April 7, 2025

    Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.

    For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.

    See more details

  • TinyTalk baby signing class

    April 7, 2025  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - April 7, 2025

    TinyTalk offers a unique service to introduce babies (and toddlers) to signed language based on British Sign Language (BSL), this helps babies to communicate before speech. TinyTalk runs classes that are fun and relaxed whilst learning a vital skill. Half an hour of singing and signing followed by half an hour playtime, coffee and a chocolate biscuit!

    Classes take place between 1:00pmand 2:00pm on Fridays in the West Bergholt Scout Hut, Lexden Road and are led by Deborah Taylor, a qualified BSL Level 2 instructor. Debs can be contacted either by phone, 01376 573241 or by email. You can find out more about TinyTalk on their website http://www.tinytalk.co.uk.

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    April 7, 2025  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - April 7, 2025

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    April 7, 2025  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 7, 2025

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

April 8, 2025
  • Pilates

    April 8, 2025  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
    - April 8, 2025

    Contact [email protected] for more information.

    See more details

  • Vocal Zones Choir (Term time only)

    April 8, 2025  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 8, 2025

    New members are always welcome.

    For further information please contact 

    our Chair - Julie Richardson on 07775 896 494.14 

    or our Secretary - Roxy Boyce-Brown on 01206 240 421

    Fees for the year are £180 and are paid as six half termly installments.

    See more details

  • Badminton

    April 8, 2025  8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 8, 2025

    See more details

April 9, 2025
April 10, 2025
  • Open House Coffee Morning

    April 10, 2025  9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 10, 2025

    Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.

    See more details

  • 5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)

    April 10, 2025  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 10, 2025

    5T's fellowship for over 60's @ St. Mary The Virgin Church. Cake and company every Thursday afternoon at 2.30 pm in the Church hall. Contact Ron Seymour on 07772 241178

    See more details

  • Environment & Highways Committee

    April 10, 2025  4:30 pm - 5:30 pmSocial Club Meeting Room, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 10, 2025

    The Environment Committee meetings normally review Handymen activities and maintenance/development plans for Playgrounds, Ponds, Trees & Local Highways.

    See more details

  • Guides

    April 10, 2025  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - April 10, 2025

    See more details

  • British Legion

    April 10, 2025  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Beehive Pub, Little Horkesley
    - April 10, 2025

    See more details

April 11, 2025
  • Waste & Recycling Collections

    April 11, 2025  7:00 am - 7:00 am -
    - April 11, 2025

    Find out more about what to recycle when at https://westbergholt.org/village-life/rubbish-recycling/

    See more details

  • West Bergholt Training Band (Term-time only)

    April 11, 2025  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
    - April 11, 2025

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    April 11, 2025  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - April 11, 2025

    See more details

  • BYG - Bergholt Youth Group

    April 11, 2025  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
    - April 11, 2025

    Now established as a fortnightly event with all school years 6 - 10 welcomed.

    See more details

  • West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)

    April 11, 2025  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
    - April 11, 2025

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    April 11, 2025  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 11, 2025

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

April 13, 2025
  • Methodist Service at Mile End - transport available

    April 13, 2025  10:30 am - 11:30 am - Methodist Church
    - April 13, 2025

    Transport available leaving the village at 10-00am, contact Judith (01206 241969) or Andrew (01206 242511)

    See more details

  • Bowls

    April 13, 2025  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 13, 2025

    Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301

    See more details

April 14, 2025
  • Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)

    April 14, 2025  9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 14, 2025

    The group meets in the St Mary's Church Hall every Monday during term time from 9.30am to 11.15am. Parents and carers are invited to bring pre-school children and babies giving them an opportunity to meet up for a chat and the children to play.

    For more information please contact  Sarah on  07780 540345 or Lucy on 07814 489414 for further details or email [email protected].
     

    See more details

  • 60+ Dance4Health

    April 14, 2025  11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - April 14, 2025

    Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.

    For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.

    See more details

  • TinyTalk baby signing class

    April 14, 2025  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - April 14, 2025

    TinyTalk offers a unique service to introduce babies (and toddlers) to signed language based on British Sign Language (BSL), this helps babies to communicate before speech. TinyTalk runs classes that are fun and relaxed whilst learning a vital skill. Half an hour of singing and signing followed by half an hour playtime, coffee and a chocolate biscuit!

    Classes take place between 1:00pmand 2:00pm on Fridays in the West Bergholt Scout Hut, Lexden Road and are led by Deborah Taylor, a qualified BSL Level 2 instructor. Debs can be contacted either by phone, 01376 573241 or by email. You can find out more about TinyTalk on their website http://www.tinytalk.co.uk.

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    April 14, 2025  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - April 14, 2025

    See more details

  • Planning & Development Committee

    April 14, 2025  7:30 pm - 8:30 pmJohn Lampon Hall, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 14, 2025

    The standard Agenda for these meetings include:

    1. To receive any pre-application representations regarding proposed Planning Applications.
    2. To discuss and make decisions on applications.
    3. Review Planning Decisions.

    Members of the public are welcome to attend.  The full agenda is published online in advance of each meeting.

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    April 14, 2025  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 14, 2025

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

April 15, 2025
  • Mobile Library - Click for details

    April 15, 2025  1:55 pm - 4:45 pm - Albany Road, Lexden Road, Queens Road & Chapel Road
    - April 15, 2025

    Location                          Arrive          Depart
    Albany Road                   13.55         14.20
    Lexden Rd, Scout Hut    14.45         15.30
    Queens Road                  15.35         15.55
    Chapel Road                   16.00         16.45

    For renewals, enquiries and information any time, day or night https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/home

    Tel: 0845 603 7628 (The Answers People),
    Textphone: 0845 758 5592
    Email: [email protected]

    See more details

  • Pilates

    April 15, 2025  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
    - April 15, 2025

    Contact [email protected] for more information.

    See more details

  • Vocal Zones Choir (Term time only)

    April 15, 2025  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - April 15, 2025

    New members are always welcome.

    For further information please contact 

    our Chair - Julie Richardson on 07775 896 494.14 

    or our Secretary - Roxy Boyce-Brown on 01206 240 421

    Fees for the year are £180 and are paid as six half termly installments.

    See more details

  • Badminton

    April 15, 2025  8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - April 15, 2025

    See more details

April 16, 2025

See more events here.

Contact Information

This website provides many links and contacts for clubs and other organisations involved in supporting village life.  Should you wish to contact the parish council, the following contact details are for the Clerk to the Parish Council.  Direct any queries about the website to our webmaster whose email details are also provided below:

Telephone
07726 424419
Postal address
80 Chapel Road, West Bergholt, CO6 3HL
Electronic mail
General Information – [email protected]
Webmaster – [email protected]