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,
- Village Life explores the local community, events, schools, churches, businesses, voluntary groups, play areas, walks, pubs, restaurants and much more,
- Clubs provides details of, and news updates from, many of the clubs based in the village,
- Orpen Hall will tell you about Orpen Hall & the Social Club including how to book facilities,
- 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,
- 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
- 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
- February 14, 2025
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Waste & Recycling Collections
February 14, 2025 7:00 am - 7:00 am -
- February 14, 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)
February 14, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- February 14, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Cubs
February 14, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 14, 2025 -
BYG - Bergholt Youth Group
February 14, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
- February 14, 2025Now established as a fortnightly event with all school years 6 - 10 welcomed.
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West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)
February 14, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- February 14, 2025 -
Orpen Players
February 14, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 14, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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- February 16, 2025
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Holy Communion at St Mary's
February 16, 2025 9:30 am - 10:30 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 16, 2025 -
Bowls
February 16, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 16, 2025Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301
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- February 17, 2025
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Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)
February 17, 2025 9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 17, 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
February 17, 2025 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
- February 17, 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
February 17, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- February 17, 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
February 17, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 17, 2025 -
Planning & Development Committee
February 17, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - John Lampon Hall, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 17, 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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Gardener's Association - September to May only
February 17, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Orpen Hall
- February 17, 2025 -
Orpen Players
February 17, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 17, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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- February 18, 2025
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Mobile Library - Click for details
February 18, 2025 1:55 pm - 4:45 pm - Albany Road, Lexden Road, Queens Road & Chapel Road
- February 18, 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
February 18, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
- February 18, 2025Contact [email protected] for more information.
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Vocal Zones Choir (Term time only)
February 18, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 18, 2025New members are always welcome.
For further information please contact
our Chair - Carol Bush on 07762 701 601.
or our Secretary - Jane Sturdy on 07860 654 735
Fees for the year are £180 and are paid as six half termly installments.
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Badminton
February 18, 2025 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 18, 2025
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- February 19, 2025
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Knitting & Crochet Group
February 19, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Members' homes
- February 19, 2025Call 01206 242015 for details
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Ladies Badminton
February 19, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 19, 2025New members welcome - contact Pat Butcher for details 242075
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1st West Bergholt Beavers
February 19, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 19, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Scouts
February 19, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 19, 2025 -
Colne Valley Flower Club
February 19, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 19, 2025More club details at https://westbergholt.org/clubs/flower-club/ or call Alison on 973563
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- February 20, 2025
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Open House Coffee Morning
February 20, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 20, 2025Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.
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5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)
February 20, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 20, 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
February 20, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- February 20, 2025 -
Bowls
February 20, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 20, 2025
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- February 21, 2025
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Waste & Recycling Collections
February 21, 2025 7:00 am - 7:00 am -
- February 21, 2025Find out more about what to recycle when at https://westbergholt.org/village-life/rubbish-recycling/
-
West Bergholt Training Band (Term-time only)
February 21, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- February 21, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Cubs
February 21, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 21, 2025 -
West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)
February 21, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
- February 21, 2025 -
Orpen Players
February 21, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 21, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
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- February 23, 2025
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Bowls
February 23, 2025 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 23, 2025Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301
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- February 24, 2025
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Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)
February 24, 2025 9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 24, 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
February 24, 2025 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
- February 24, 2025Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.
For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.
-
TinyTalk baby signing class
February 24, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- February 24, 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.
-
1st West Bergholt Cubs
February 24, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 24, 2025 -
Orpen Players
February 24, 2025 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 24, 2025Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers
-
- February 25, 2025
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Pilates
February 25, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
- February 25, 2025Contact [email protected] for more information.
-
Vocal Zones Choir (Term time only)
February 25, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 25, 2025New members are always welcome.
For further information please contact
our Chair - Carol Bush on 07762 701 601.
or our Secretary - Jane Sturdy on 07860 654 735
Fees for the year are £180 and are paid as six half termly installments.
-
Badminton
February 25, 2025 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 25, 2025
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- February 26, 2025
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1st West Bergholt Beavers
February 26, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 26, 2025 -
1st West Bergholt Scouts
February 26, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
- February 26, 2025 -
Parish Council
February 26, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - John Lampon Hall, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
- February 26, 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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- February 27, 2025
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Open House Coffee Morning
February 27, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 27, 2025Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.
-
5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)
February 27, 2025 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
- February 27, 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
February 27, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
- February 27, 2025
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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]