Community, Parish Council & Village
The Parish Council would like to thank James Owers for his contribution and wishes him well as he leaves the council due to work & family commitments.
Notice is hereby given under Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 that James Owers has ceased to be a member and a casual vacancy exists in the office of Councillor for West Bergholt Parish Council.
Continue reading “Parish Council Vacancy”
Following a recent meeting with Zoe Swainston, British Cycling Community Coach based at Northern Gateway, we are delighted that she has volunteered her services to lead our proposed ride around the West Bergholt area.
A suggested route is shown below. This would potentially consist of two rides, including a shorter route for families, depending on demand. More information will be available in a few weeks, so please sign up below if you are interested in joining us.
Continue reading “Cycling ‘Join a Ride’ Leader & Route Announced”
Lay Minister Liz Dixon starts off this Season of Creation edition of St Mary’s News by introducing the Season of Creation. This is followed by:
… the usual listings of services and contacts.
St Mary’s is taking part in this year’s Season of Creation during the month of September, and details of our events can be found below.
The Season of Creation is a global and ecumenical Christian movement, established in 1989, to celebrate and care for God’s gift of Creation. Each year, from 1st September through to St Francis Day on 4th October, Christian Communities from all over the world come together to pray and act for our common home.
The Wellbeing Benefits of Gardening are just one of many topics West Bergholt Gardeners hope to cover. Last month Colchester Hospital opened their Wellbeing Garden designed by a top RHS designer. Are you passionate about gardening? If so, why not join them and dive into a world of horticultural wonders! They host a variety of engaging speakers who cover a wide range of fascinating topics.
Become a member for just £25 a year, or simply drop in for the talks that pique your interest at £5 per evening. Payments can be made by card or cash.
We gather on the third Monday of each month from September to December and February to May. Doors open at 7:15 PM for a 7:30 PM start.
West Bergholt Parish Council, with the support of its County Councillor Lewis Barber, has been trying since the adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan in 2019 to obtain agreement from Essex County Council to provide a crossing, of some sort, across Colchester Road. A crossing and/or traffic calming will allow residents, especially those from the new and proposed housing sites, to safely access all the village’s facilities, including children and families walking to Heathlands School. In fact, a crossing of Colchester Road and/or traffic calming was part of the Neighbourhood Plan proposals which ECC generally endorsed. Money has already been or is being collected by Colchester City Council towards the cost through s106 contributions1 from the developers of Colchester Road.
Continue reading “Safe Crossing for Colchester Road”
Following the installation of a new Defibrillator at Orpen Hall there are now four available in the village, the others being at:
The most recent is the result of the Parish Council working with the Football Club to deliver a service that could prove critical. The Football Club had obtained a defibrillator with a grant from the Premier League but found they had no suitable place to install it.
This is where the Parish Council were able to step in by offering a spot at Orpen Hall. The Parish Council upgraded the electric supply for the defibrillator. They then registered it with “The Circuit” so those in need can be directed to it. The Parish Council will also fund any ongoing maintenance required.
The Parish Council has set up a Cycling Working Group, with its own terms of reference, under the Neighbourhood Plan Action Plan, in April 2024, to determine the need for cycle facilities/ additional facilities in West Bergholt.
Its remit also includes promoting cycling routes, including off-road, and investigating the reinstatement of village-to-village cycle rides/rides to places of attraction.
The group, under the Chair of Andrew Ross, includes a wide variety of cyclists from a triathlete, a former world-level cyclist, a member who has cycled from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, and a member who loves no more than to take her children on a ride to local hostelries for Sunday lunch.
Continue reading “Cycling – Join a ride”
Meeting on 15th July 2024 the Planning & Development Committee elected a Chair & Vice-Chair before considering planning applications.
The committee commented on 2 appeals (there being no new applications) being from Scarletts Quality Plants in Nayland Road and Fairfields Farm in Fordham Road.
Read the official minutes below:
The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th July 2024 with topics including:
Read the minutes in full below:
Continue reading “Environment & Highways – 11th July 2024”
The Resonate Choir will be performing at St. Mary’s Old Church on Sunday, July 14th at 4 pm. This free event, hosted by the Friends of St. Mary’s Old Church, promises an enjoyable and unusual concert.
All cash and card donations made on the day will go towards the upkeep of the church. Free parking.
RESONATE, a group of singers originally from a world music choir in Colchester, has embarked on a unique musical journey. After spending approximately 15 years in the choir, these vocalists decided to explore a distinct repertoire. Their main focus includes the “Sacred Harp”, a musical tradition originating in the southern United States during the late eighteenth century. Additionally, they delve into traditional Slavic songs (including Bulgarian, Croatian, and Georgian melodies) and the rich musical heritage of South Africa and other African countries.
Listen to an example of Sacred Harp music below:
Continue reading “Resonate Choir at St Mary’s Old Church 14th July”