Join the Friends of Hillhouse Wood to Hunt for Fungi
Wrinkled Peach Fungi seen last year
The Friends will be going on a “fungus hunt” to seek out elusive fungi next Saturday 16th. They will aim to find a variety of mushrooms and toadstools in and around the wood, and explain something of their fascinating life cycles and why fungi are essential for a healthy woodland. They will also keep an eye out for visiting winter birds.
Nearly 20 hunters scoured the woods, hedgerows and fields last year and were rewarded with some stunning finds. You can see the report, including a video slideshow of their finds, here.
The walk will start at the Old Church, leaving at 10am on Saturday 16th November. The walk will take in Hillhouse Wood and surrounding hedgerows. You should wear strong boots or wellies, as you may encounter wet conditions underfoot !
Read on for a report from the last guided walk on 28th September.
Autumn Fruits Walk 2024 did better with flowers! – Steve Hallam Reports
Nearly 50 Species!
Eight of us scoured Hillhouse Wood and surrounding fields for evidence of nature’s bounty. We were rewarded by finding nearly fifty species of plants showing fruits or flowers. However, I believe that this walk is arguably mis-named, in that we usually see more flowers than fruits. This proved to be the case again this year.
Posada originates from Mexico where people dress as Mary and Joseph and re-enact the journey to Bethlehem, travelling from house to house asking for a place to stay (the word Posada means an inn). In recent years, this idea has been modified by churches in this country by sending the figures of Mary and Joseph and the donkey from house to house during Advent.
Meeting on 14th October 2024 the Planning & Development Committee first reviewed actions from the previous meeting. They then appointed Cllr. Chamberlain as the new Vice Chair. The Committee then discussed an application and an appeal, supporting the application in Mumford Road and opposing the appeal in Nayland Road.
Read the official minutes below:
Minutes of the Planning and Development Committee Meeting
Held on Monday 14th October 2024 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall
It is the aim of the Parish Council to seek a high standard of design for all new developments and extensions in the Village.
The Parish Council will take into account the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, Government National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and CBC Planning Policies when commenting on individual applications.
Chair:
Cllr Bob Tyrell
Parish Councillors:
Cllrs Brian Butcher, Paul Chamberlain, Andrew Savage
Also in attendance:
Julie Gillott (Clerk Assistant) and 2 members of the public
The one member of the public present was there, as an interested observer of proceedings.
5. Handymen’s report:
A full report was not available due to unforeseen circumstances, but it was reported that the Handyman had carried out their full range of routine duties.
6. 2025-26 Budget and/or Env. Committee projects
Cllr. Gili-Ross had provided a list of potential additional provision for future maintenance to equipment and in particular to the requirement for more robust equipment/tools/ machinery etc., this in light of the fact that it may be the case that CCC will further curtail their grass cutting programme in 2025.
7. Ponds
It is understood that Cllr. Pulford is researching an appropriate window of time to undertake spraying of the ponds which will be carried out by the suitably qualified handymen as discussed at the September meeting. Next year’s budget for the pond maintenance was discussed but see Para. 11 below.
8. Annual hedge cutting.
The contractor has confirmed that routine hedge cutting will take place during the October half-term, precise dates yet to be advised. Clerk has contacted CCC to arrange for a sweeper to attend following completion of the work. The handymen are to be present to drop the various barriers in order to allow access for the tractor flail. The residents of Henderson Close are to be advised of the relevant date as previously discussed.
9. Flagpole
Completion of this project is in hand.
10. VE Day celebrations
The Parish Council was invited by Bruno Peek the nation’s Pageantmaster to participate in the forthcoming celebration of VE Day on 8th May 2025. The celebrations will mainly consist of beacon lighting, church bell ringing, choral singing and band playing. Whether or not West Bergholt will participate is yet to be decided and placed before the full PC, but in the meantime Cllr. Stone and Short will sound out various organisations and individuals to ascertain the level of interest in participating and will report back to the Env.Com. in due course.
11. Upcoming items
Consideration should be given to requirements for the upcoming Parish council budget to include such items as the purchase of new tools for the handymen (see Paras. 7 and 8 above). It was decided that the Env. Com. would undertake detailed discussions in order to present to Cllr. Savage and the PC, the committee’s recommendations (which are anticipated to be substantial), for the forthcoming budget.
12. Date of next meeting
The next Environment Committee meeting will be on Thurs 14th November 2024, at 4.30pm in the SC Meeting Room.
West Bergholt Parish Council’s own Harry Stone was presented this month with the Essex Councillor of the Year Award. Cllr Frank Belgrove, a member of the Essex Association of Local Councils‘ (EALC) Executive Committee, presented the award during the EALC’s 80th Annual General Meeting.
Photo Credit – David Jackman – Everything Local News
Harry’s fellow councillors nominated him in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the Parish Council and his tireless support for the younger members of the community. His notable contributions include the establishment of the new Drop-in Café and his involvement with the BYG (Bergholt Youth Group).
Exceptional Commitment & Service
A judging panel, composed of EALC Executive Committee members, decided who should win the award. It was open to councillors from all 270 councils affiliated with the EALC. West Bergholt Parish Council expressed their pride in having such an esteemed councillor in their ranks, highlighting Harry’s exceptional commitment and service to the community.
If not, let Steve Hallam help you! Steve will lead the guided autumn fruits walk 2024 to seek out berries, soft fruit, nuts and seeds, that are now out in abundance. He will explain their folklore and advise you which ones should not be eaten (and what will happen to you if you do!) You should expect to see around 20 types of berries, fruits and nuts.
Meeting on 16th September 2024 the Planning & Development Committee first reviewed actions from the previous meeting. The Committee then agreed updates to the Neighbourhood Plan and discussed a hearing on the Planning Appeal at Fairfields Farm. They then discussed 3 applications, with minor observations only, in Colchester Road (2), & Lexden Road.
Read the official minutes below:
Planning and Development Committee Meeting
Meeting held on Monday 16th September 2024 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall
The Parish Council would like to thank Sara Cullis for her contribution and wishes her well as she leaves the council to focus more fully on her charitable projects.
UPDATE
Given that ten electors did not request an election in time, the Parish Council will now follow their co-option policy.
The Official “Notice of Casual Vacancy”
Notice is hereby given under Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 that Sara Cullis has ceased to be a member and a casual vacancy exists in the office of Councillor for West Bergholt Parish Council.
