Welcome to West Bergholt
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:
- has a population of around 3,500 consisting of about 1,400 households,
- dates back to mediaeval times and has a well-documented history, and
- has 2 pubs, 2 churches and numerous clubs and groups.
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:
- 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,
- The next link is to the ‘official’ Parish Council section where you will find contacts, policies, accounts, minutes and much more,
- The News section includes local news hosted on this site. It also has some news feeds from Facebook and local News services. This is also where we keep you up to date with any campaigns we are engaged in. Finally, there is also an archive of all published Village Bulletins and Newsletters going back to 2006,
- Village Life explores the local community, events, schools, churches, clubs, businesses, voluntary groups, play areas, walks, pubs, restaurants and much more,
- Orpen Hall will tell you about Orpen Hall & the Social Club including how to book facilities,
- The most recent section is Climate & Energy, set up in early 2022 when the Parish Council approved a motion declaring a Climate Emergency
- Finally there is the Neighbourhood Plan where you can find details of the plan adopted by the Parish Council & CCC following a referendum held in 2019,
Social Networks
Many in and around West Bergholt also use Facebook, there are 2 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; 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 has recently also opened a BlueSky Account as well.
What’s Happening in West Bergholt
- July 13, 2025
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Methodist Service at Mile End - transport available
July 13, 2025 10:30 am - 11:30 am - Methodist Church
- July 13, 2025Transport available leaving the village at 10-00am, contact Judith (01206 241969) or Andrew (01206 242511)
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Bowls
July 13, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 13, 2025Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301
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- July 14, 2025
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Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)
July 14, 2025 9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 14, 2025The 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].
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60+ Dance4Health
July 14, 2025 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
- July 14, 2025Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.
For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.
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TinyTalk baby signing class
July 14, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- July 14, 2025TinyTalk 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.
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1st West Bergholt Cubs
July 14, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 14, 2025 -
Planning & Development Committee
July 14, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - John Lampon Hall, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 14, 2025The standard Agenda for these meetings include:
- To receive any pre-application representations regarding proposed Planning Applications.
- To discuss and make decisions on applications.
- Review Planning Decisions.
Members of the public are welcome to attend. The full agenda is published online in advance of each meeting.
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Orpen Players
July 14, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 14, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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- July 15, 2025
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Pilates
July 15, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
- July 15, 2025Contact [email protected] for more information.
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Vocal Zones Choir (Term time only)
July 15, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 15, 2025New 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.
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Badminton
July 15, 2025 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 15, 2025
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- July 16, 2025
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Knitting & Crochet Group
July 16, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Members' homes
- July 16, 2025Call 01206 242015 for details
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1st West Bergholt Beavers
July 16, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 16, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Scouts
July 16, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 16, 2025 -
Colne Valley Flower Club
July 16, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 16, 2025More club details at https://westbergholt.org/clubs/flower-club/ or call Alison on 973563
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- July 17, 2025
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Open House Coffee Morning
July 17, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 17, 2025Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.
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Love to Move
July 17, 2025 10:30 am - 11:15 am - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- July 17, 2025Find out more at Fitness - West Bergholt
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5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)
July 17, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 17, 20255T'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
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Guides
July 17, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- July 17, 2025
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- July 18, 2025
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Waste & Recycling Collections
July 18, 2025 7:00 am - 7:00 am -
- July 18, 2025Find out more about what to recycle when at https://westbergholt.org/village-life/rubbish-recycling/
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West Bergholt Training Band (Term-time only)
July 18, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- July 18, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Cubs
July 18, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 18, 2025 -
West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)
July 18, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- July 18, 2025 -
Orpen Players
July 18, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 18, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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- July 20, 2025
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Holy Communion at St Mary's
July 20, 2025 9:30 am - 10:30 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 20, 2025 -
Bowls
July 20, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 20, 2025Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301
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- July 21, 2025
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Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)
July 21, 2025 9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 21, 2025The 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].
-
60+ Dance4Health
July 21, 2025 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
- July 21, 2025Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.
For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.
-
TinyTalk baby signing class
July 21, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- July 21, 2025TinyTalk 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.
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1st West Bergholt Cubs
July 21, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 21, 2025 -
Gardener's Association - September to May only
July 21, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Orpen Hall
- July 21, 2025 -
Orpen Players
July 21, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 21, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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- July 22, 2025
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Mobile Library - Click for details
July 22, 2025 1:55 pm - 4:45 pm - Albany Road, Lexden Road, Queens Road & Chapel Road
- July 22, 2025Location 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 16.45For 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] -
Pilates
July 22, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
- July 22, 2025Contact [email protected] for more information.
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Vocal Zones Choir (Term time only)
July 22, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 22, 2025New 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.
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Badminton
July 22, 2025 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 22, 2025
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- July 23, 2025
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1st West Bergholt Beavers
July 23, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 23, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Scouts
July 23, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 23, 2025 -
Parish Council
July 23, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - John Lampon Hall, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 23, 2025The Agenda for each Parish Council meeting is published online in advance, normally on the Friday prior. Normally this will include some 'housekeeping' items, like prior minutes, apologies etc... and will then go through reports from any Borough/County Councillors present, committee minutes etc...
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- July 24, 2025
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Open House Coffee Morning
July 24, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 24, 2025Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.
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Love to Move
July 24, 2025 10:30 am - 11:15 am - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- July 24, 2025Find out more at Fitness - West Bergholt
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5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)
July 24, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- July 24, 20255T'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
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Guides
July 24, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- July 24, 2025
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- July 25, 2025
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Deadline for submission of Bulletin articles next week
July 25, 2025 -
- July 25, 2025 -
Waste & Recycling Collections
July 25, 2025 7:00 am - 7:00 am -
- July 25, 2025Find out more about what to recycle when at https://westbergholt.org/village-life/rubbish-recycling/
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West Bergholt Training Band (Term-time only)
July 25, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- July 25, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Cubs
July 25, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- July 25, 2025 -
BYG - Bergholt Youth Group
July 25, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
- July 25, 2025Now established as a fortnightly event with all school years 6 - 10 welcomed.
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West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)
July 25, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- July 25, 2025 -
Orpen Players
July 25, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- July 25, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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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]