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Solar Panels & Batteries

Solar Panels & Battery System for the Orpen Memorial Hall complex

Orpen Hall

Background

The Orpen Memorial Hall was on an electricity tariff that was due to end in September 2022.  The replacement electricity contract would result in a 4-fold increase in the unit cost. Our task was to see how we could reduce the financial impact and improve the sustainability of the Hall.

Proposal

To install a solar panel and battery system paid for by a grant.

The Process

We were aware that our 2-year fixed rate deal would soon be ending. We, therefore, started getting system quotes and looking around for potential grant sources earlier in the year. 

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Tree Survey Results in Decision to Fell 2 Trees

The Oak Tree to be felled is on The Heath in front of Heathlands School
The Oak Tree on the Heath by Heathlands School

Recently West Bergholt Parish Council commissioned an independent Arboriculturist to undertake a tree survey. The aim of the tree survey was to assess the Wellbeing & Safety of trees under the Council’s care. This initiative stemmed from the Council’s regular review of the buildings and grounds under its management.

The Council invited quotes for the task and were pleased that a Local Business, the Tree & Lawn Company (TLC), offered the most competitive, and timely (outside of school hours), quote to carry out the work. Subsequently, the Arboriculturist surveyed the trees at Lorkin Daniell Playing Field, The Heath, Poors Field and the Allotments. They had the task of investigating signs of declining health, dead or broken branches, decay, or fungus, etc.

Reported in June

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New Accessible Toilet at Orpen Hall/Daniel Lorkin Field

The opening of the new outside Accessible Toilet at Orpen Hall

West Bergholt’s Orpen Hall/Daniel Lorkin Field boasts excellent facilities, now including a brand-new external Accessible Toilet catering for all. The toilet is designed with ramps and accessible features, and it even provides baby changing facilities for added convenience. Visitors can access the toilet during daylight hours.

Hub of Activity

The field is a hub of activity, frequently used by West Bergholt Football Teams with their enthusiastic spectators. Fitness Instructors also conduct workouts and bootcamps here, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, other onsite amenities, such as Tennis Courts, Children’s Play area, and Zip Line, offer other active opportunities.

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Vocal Zones ‘End-of-Term’ Update

End-of-Term Summer 2023

Vocal Zones at their Coronation Concert in St Mary's Church features in their 'end-of-term' report.

Vocal Zones Choir looked back on their two concerts at their end-of-term session in July. Jacqui from Vocal Zones reports:

Christmas & Mulled Wine

A big thank you to all those who turned out to support our Christmas concert in December.

Sea of Scarfs & Hats

Unfortunately, the heating system in the church wasn’t working on the evening of the concert. Consequently, as we looked out on our audience, all we could see was a sea of hats, scarfs and coats. We really did appreciate everyone’s support that evening. Regardless of the cold we all had a lovely evening, singing our hearts out to combat the chill and then drinking our mulled wine to keep warm and enjoying our mince pies.

Coronation Concert

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Abbey Road come to the Orpen Hall

Dance to Beatles Tribute Act – Abbey Road

The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are hosting a dance with Abbey Road on Saturday 16th September. Tickets will cost £12.50 with doors opening at 7:30pm. Bring your own food & drink.

The money raised from this event with go towards restoring the Mediaeval Paintings found during the church’s redecoration.

There will also be a raffle and a short auction. pc.gov.uk

How to book

You can buy tickets by contacting any of the following:

Penny L – 07940 546646
Penny C – 07941 946410
[email protected]

About Abbey Road

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Environment & Highways – 13th July 2023

Environment meeting image for 13th July 2023

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th July 2023 with topics including:

  • Remedial work required with the Zipwire cable,
  • The “Mayors” trees on Poor’s Land requiring more frequent watering,
  • Water levels in village ponds,
  • Establishing a priority list for potholes,
  • Addressing parking on grass area near Uncle Kams F&C Shop.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 13th July 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

Members present: Cllrs John Gili-Ross (JGR), Katie Pulford (KP), Harry Stone (HS), & David Short (DS)

1.   Welcome & Apologies

Apologies from Cllr Manya Barrow & James Owers.

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St Mary’s News – the Summer Holiday Edition

Summer Holidays

In this edition Revd Heather reflects on Summer Holidays

After discussing Summer Holidays, this edition continues with:

Rev. Heather’s Summer Message

It is that time of year when, for many of us, our minds turn to summer holidays.

Weather House - Hot or old?

Whether we are escaping to far flung places and the promise of hours of uninterrupted sunshine, sweltering temperatures, and beautiful beaches, or opting to take our chances with the British weather, staying in this country, whilst also being assured that wherever we go we are blessed with a beautiful country with plenty to see and to learn about. For me and the family this year it is a holiday in Northumberland that we are looking forward to.

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Environment & Highways – 8th June 2023

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th June 2023 with topics including:

Environment image to accompany 8th June 2023 minutes. Bee on thistle.
  • Appointing Transport and Public Rights of Way Representatives,
  • An update on Handymen including a number of relatively minor issues to rectify in the playground following ROSPA inspection also some concerns about mowers, truck and other equipment,
  • Progress on wildlife areas on parish council owned land,
  • Discussion of a tree inspection with some mixed news,
  • The condition of village ponds,
  • How to continue undertaking some local works given the cessation of the Essex Highways Devolution scheme.

Environment Committee Minutes

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St Mary’s News – the Midsummer Edition

This edition starts with Rev Heather’s Midsummer Message

This edition of St Mary’s News starts with Revd. Heather’s “Midsummer” message and then continues with:

St Paul's Cathedral

Midsummer Message from Rev. Heather

Our Father

It seems hard to believe, that the midway point of the year is approaching, our days are so much longer now, as we enter June and summer begins, but still time seems to rush on and there is never enough time to get things done.

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