Tag: essex

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Funding, Energy Switch & More

Funding, Energy Switch & More

Funding is just one of many subjects in the numerous news updates Essex County & Colchester Borough Councils issue every week, the following are extracts that might be of particular interest.

Funding available for community projects

Colchester’s Big Choice funding application process is now open! Bid for a share of £200,000 to fund new or existing community projects in Colchester. Finalists will be entered into a public vote at the end of February 2016 to decide on the winners.

If you have a project that could be eligible CBC needs to know more about it. Not all applications will go through to the final vote but in order to qualify CBC needs to know who you are, what you do and how your idea will benefit the residents of Colchester Borough.

Completing this online application form will guide you through the information CBC needs so please complete it carefully and take note of the deadlines as CBC has to stick to them. The online application form needs to be completed and received by CBC by 12 noon on the 15th January 2016.   Click here to find out more

Save hundreds in the Essex Energy Switch

An energy-saving initiative which has already saved Essex residents almost £1 million has reopened for new applications. Register now for the Essex Energy Switch to potentially save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills.

Registration is open till 1 February 2016. After this, energy providers will bid against one another in an auction with the winning bidder being the company offering the lowest price to all applicants. Following last year’s Switch, residents saved approximately £263 per household.

Anyone who pays for energy is eligible to take part. Signing up takes just a few minutes online. Visit www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch for more information and to find out how to take part.

How to avoid a cold (caller) this winter

Free “No Cold Caller” stickers are now available at Essex libraries to help vulnerable people protect themselves from rogue traders.

#InstaEssex – Capturing the culture of Essex

What best describes Essex culture to you? Is it some of our buildings and architecture; our artwork and theatres; local street and contemporary social culture; or perhaps there’s an iconic image you think sums up the county? Whatever it is, the #InstaEssex campaign wants to capture it with a photography competition that’s open to both amateur and professional photographers.

15 winning images will be displayed at London Liverpool Street station and at branch line stations across Essex. From these winners the top three will be awarded cash prizes of £1,000 (first prize), £500 (second prize) and £250 (third prize).

If you’re stuck for inspiration why not take a look at the Explore Culture website.  Or if you’d like to brush up on your photography skills, why not take part in one of the #InstaEssex workshops.

If you don’t fancy submitting a photo but still want to share your thoughts, you can join the discussions on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #Instaessex.  The competition is open until Mon 15 February 2016 so there’s plenty of time to get snapping!

Boost Your Online Skills

If you were fortunate enough to receive a new smartphone, tablet or PC at Christmas and you’d like help to get online, then why not brush up your IT skills for free at CBC’s digital bazaar events and online drop-in sessions beginning this month and running throughout 2016.

At CBC’s digital bazaar events and online drop in sessions, you are encouraged to bring your own device where you will receive professional help with setting it up.

Computers are available at all of the events and staff are there to support and teach you and undertake tasks such as setting up email addresses. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of CBC’s dedicated multi-skilled Zone Teams who have in-depth knowledge of local areas.

One to One Support

CBC also offer one-to-one support at any of the library hubs across Colchester. To book a free one hour session please complete CBC’s online form or call 01206 282222.

Local Health Matters Meetings

Taking place twice a month in various parts of the North East Essex area, these meetings are free to attend without prior booking and give you an opportunity to discuss matters of concern or interest to you regarding Local Health matters.  The minutes of the recent meeting in Colchester will give you an idea of what they are about:

Winter’s on its way

The unseasonal mild spell is coming to an end. Are you ready for wintry conditions on the roads? Keep up to date with road conditions via Essex County Council’s website or Twitter accounts.

Visit ECC’s winter travel web page for useful information about salt bins, salting (gritting) routes and links to other winter-related advice about school closures, flooding alerts and health. Follow @Essex_Travel and @EssexGritters for all the latest winter road updates from Essex County Council on Twitter. ECC does not manage the A12, A120, M11 and M25. Visit the Highways Agency website for information about these roads.

At midday every day during winter a weather report comes in to Essex County Council and the decision is made whether to send gritters out onto the Essex roads.  Essex County Council has 59 gritters which grit 2,500 miles of roads in the county using a mixture of salt and brine. Find out how the gritting service works in a feature which appeared in the East Anglian Daily Times this week.

Remember to always drive to the weather conditions to keep safe on the roads this winter.

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Hillhouse Wood 21st AGM

21st AGM of the Friends of Hillhouse Wood

It’s now twenty one years since the Friends was formed and, since then, they have worked closely with this piece of ancient woodland and the Woodland Trust.  The 21st AGM of the Friends of Hillhouse Wood will be held on Wednesday 9th December in the Orpen Hall, Lexden Road, starting at 7:30pm.

We are happy for anyone to attend our AGM so, even if you are not a member, just turn up.  The only thing you won’t be able to do is vote!  As well as an illustrated talk you’ll hear about what’s been going on in the wood over the last year.  This includes the various public events as well as the achievements of the working parties.

Following the formal business there will be an illustrated talk by Darren Tansley, Water for Wildlife Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust, on the subject of “The Mammals of Essex”.

Otter in Essex a subject of the talk at the friends' 21st AGM
“Mammals of Essex” is the subject of the talk being given at the Friends AGM

Any enquiries for more information to M.R. Pluck, Honorary Secretary, on 01206 514173.

 

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Essex & Colchester Updates – July 2015

Essex & Colchester News updates – July 2015

This is a summary of a number of recent announcements made by Essex & Colchester Councils during July 2015:

Listen to council meetings how and when you want

A new audio webcasting system is now in place streaming live from some of our council meetings and debates, available through our website and twitter feed, or you can choose to catch up later.

Links to the audio are from the ‘Your Council’ tab of essex.gov.uk with recordings available alongside meeting details and agendas. You can jump straight to a specific agenda item if that’s all you want to hear again.The Full Council meeting broadcast is planned for 14 July and committees of the council have also started to come online. Look out for tweets with links to the audio stream at the beginning of each meeting on the @ECC_DemSer twitter feed.

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Transparency on calls to ECC’s Contact Centre

Telephone calls to Essex County Council’s Contact Centre now start with a recorded message about call charges. This follows new legislation introduced by the communications regulator Ofcom and the Advertising Standards Authority for 084, 087,09 and 118 numbers, as part of the national UK Calling scheme.

Callers to the Contact Centre on all 0845 numbers are informed that calls cost 5p per minute plus the access charge from respective service providers.

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Essex ahead on pothole repairs

Road rollerThe number of unrepaired potholes on county roads has fallen.

In the three months leading to June 30, unrepaired potholes and carriageway defects on the county’s busiest roads have reduced by 70 and 75 per cent respectively, compared with the same period last year.

According to Essex County Council figures, potholes and other carriageway defects were maintained at under 350, with 137 on the county’s busiest roads and 206 on main and key roads.

Outstanding carriageway defects on local roads have also fallen over the same period, from 5,212 to 4,626, with 2,581 potholes repaired, continuing the positive trend seen over the previous three months.

Since the same period last year, carriageway defects on local roads are down by 23 percent, from 6,001 to 4,626.

To report a pothole or carriageway defect visit http://www.essexhighways.org/tell-us-pothole.aspx.

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Have a summer holiday to remember with Essex Outdoors

Essex outdoorsEssex Outdoors exciting 2015 summer holiday programme for 8-16 year olds has been released. Centres in Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea will be running School Holiday Activity Days, which include up to four activities in one day, between 23 July and 28 August.

Activities include aerial trekking, archery, bouldering, BMX, canoeing, caving, climbing, kayaking, low ropes, orienteering, zip wire and much, much more. Harlow is running additional climbing days as well as canoe and kayak days between 23 July and 28 August, with Bradwell also running a canoe day on 18 August.

Activity days are the perfect way for children and young people to try the challenge and excitement of new activities. Activity days cost £30 per day or buy four days and get the fifth free.

Dates, times and activities vary per centre so please check the website for full details or contact your nearest centre.

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Aiming High for Disabled Children – summer programme

Essex Outdoors will be running the ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ programme this summer. The programme offers a range of day and overnight activities for free to disabled children and young people who are aged 8 to 18, as well as their carer.

The programme includes:

  • Activity days at Harlow from 24 July to 28 August
  • Activity days at Danbury on 28 and 30 July
  • Sailing/crabbing day at Bradwell on 25 July
  • One night break in either Bradwell or Danbury on 15 August.
  • Mersea Island Festival overnight (five nights from 23 August)
  • Mersea Island Festival day visits from 25 to 30 August

Please note participants must live within the administrative boundary of Essex County Council to qualify for free places. For eligibility as well as dates, times and activities per centre please check the website.

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Family fun at Bark in the Park

Bark in the parkJoin us at this special dog themed fun day for dogs and their owners on Sunday 9 August in Colchester’s Castle Park.

Bark in the Park will transform the open space in Colchester’s park into a dog and dog owner’s extravaganza.  This event, led by Colchester Borough Council’s Animal Control Team, will offer everything man’s best friend needs.

There will be plenty to keep the whole family (and their dogs) amused throughout the day and visitors are assured of a great day out.  Owners will also have the chance to enter their pet pooches into the various dog show events that will take place during the day.

Dog Show Categories

  • Best Young Handler
  • Smiliest Staffy
  • Most Gorgeous Rescue
  • Handsomest Dog
  • Prettiest Bitch
  • Calmest Tail
  • Best Trick
  • Overall Best in Show

 There will be entertainment and demos, competitions and prizes, K9 Aqua Sports, dog agility, doggie trade stands and much more! Make sure you register online (for free) to enter one of the seven pet Dog Shows on the day!  Find out more here.

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Have you watched CBC’s latest video?

A brand new tourism video promoting Colchester has been created to showcase everything that the Borough has to offer! If you haven’t had a chance to watch it on their YouTube channel yet, then here it is:

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Latest News from Essex County Council

ECC-NewsLatest News from Essex County Council

Burning questions

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service wants your views on how it keeps you safe in your home and community.

Residents are being urged to have their say in the future redesign of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), through a 12 week consultation that starts today (Monday June 15) and ends on Sunday September 6.

The consultation process, the main element of the Fire Authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), aims to address several key issues impacting on the fire service such as the declining number of call-outs and the need to increase the focus on preventing fires and emergencies from happening.

It will also look at major issues such as response times, and the ambitious target of having a working smoke alarm in every Essex home.

Have your say here.

If you’re happy and you know it

Baby and Toddler Rhymetime veteran volunteer Peter Cave is 91 and is living proof you are never too old to volunteer; Peter Cave has been volunteering at the Baby and Toddler Rhymetime session at Chelmsford Library since earlier in the year and intends to carry on his sterling singing and storytelling role after he turns 91 – why not get involved yourself?

Better service, same price

Frozen prices, more options and an improved Meals on Wheels service is coming your way.  Essex County Council (ECC) took a decision that will see prices for Meals on Wheels frozen and the service improved, following today’s Cabinet meeting.  As part of the decision, a one year extension has been agreed to the county’s existing Meals on Wheels service.

Get exploring!

Go on an adventure in one of our country parks and send us a picture from your trip to win free parking for six months!

Colchester Local Highways Panel funding

Colchester Local Highways Panel (LHP) is set to benefit from a £1million boost which will enable a variety of small highways schemes to get underway.  Essex County Council is allocating the funding to Colchester LHP for 2015/16.

Projects will include upgrading the public footpath near Wivenhoe railway station to provide disabled access, building a new wooden bus shelter on St Ives Road in Peldon and pedestrian crossing improvements on Plume Avenue in Prettygate.

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Essex News update – May 22nd 2015

Essex County CouncilEssex News update – May 22nd 2015

Essex County Council has issued the following news update covering half term events, their Let’s Get Moving scheme promoting healthier lifestyle, Foster Care fortnight,  Small Grants Scheme update and grass verge trimming:

Have an action-packed half term with Essex County Council

Join in the fun at our huge range of action-packed activities for children of all ages this half term. From canoeing to a dinosaur recycling day, there is something for everyone (and all weathers!) taking place near you at Country Parks, Essex Libraries, Essex Outdoors centres and Hadleigh Park Mountain Bike Centre –  some activities are free!

Date Activity Location Cost
Saturday 23 May Nature Club. Monthly club for children aged 7 to 11. Danbury Country Park £3 per child
Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May Magical Mysteries Trail. Have fun exploring and experiencing the woods, enjoying the magic and mystery. Thorndon Park South £3 per trail guide
Animal Detective Trail. Work out which animals have been visiting the park and what they’ve done. Belhus Woods Country Park £3 per trail guide
Monday 25 May Iron Age Roundhouse open afternoon. Hadleigh Park Free
Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May Activity Days. Try four outdoors adventure activities in a day. Essex Outdoors at Danbury, Harlow and Mersea £30 per child a day (buy four days get fifth free)
Tuesday 26 May Nature Rangers Event. Wickford Library Free
Essex Summer Evening Series – Travers Bikes. Mountain bike race. Hadleigh Park £13 Senior Riders, £8 Under 16 (£2 extra if you need a day license)
Climbing Day. Essex Outdoors at Harlow £30 per child
Activity Day. Essex Outdoors at Bradwell £30 per child
Wednesday 27 May Wild Wednesday Danbury Country Park Free
Pirate and Princess Treasure Trail. Pick up a treasure map and lead yourselves through the woods. Come in costume. Thorndon Park South £4 per child
Kite making. Make your own kite, then test it in the park. Belhus Woods Country Park Free
Canoeing and Kayaking. Essex Outdoors at Harlow £30 per child
Survival for Softies: Make a shelter and light a fire. Cook your lunch on your own campfire. Hadleigh Park £7 per child
Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May Jester School. Juggling skills, jester themed crafts, scratch art magnet, make a mask/hat or follow the trail. Cressing Temple £7.50 per child
Thursday 28 May Climbing Day. Essex Outdoors at Harlow £30 per child
Canoe Day. Essex Outdoors at Bradwell £30 per child
Dinosaur Recycling Day. Colchester Library Free
Friday 29 May Canoeing and Kayaking. Essex Outdoors at Harlow £30 per child
Sunday 31 May Birds, Bugs and Blooms. Discover a wealth of plant life and wildlife. Hadleigh Park £4 per adult, £2 per child

Find out more here.

23,000 more people getting active across the county

The Essex Let’s Get Moving schemes aims to get up to 23,000 residents leading healthier lifestyles. Starting in a week’s time in the West of the county, we’ve got physical activity experts lined up and ready to help people benefit from getting more active. Support on offer includes one-to-one sessions with exercise professionals, community activities and peer-led group sessions.

Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Anne Brown said:

Evidence shows that nearly half of Essex residents do not take part in any sport or recreational activity. We know that inactivity can have a serious impact on people’s health, with an inactive person spending on average 38% more days in hospital than an active person.

More information about Let’s Get Moving can be found here.

Could you be an Essex foster carer?

Could you offer a child a loving home? Foster Care Fortnight kicks off on 1 June, and features a Fostering Fiesta on Sunday 7 June at Danbury Centre for Outdoor Learning. Activities are taking place across Essex where you can meet foster carers and their families and find out more.

Councillor Dick Madden, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

There are still many myths about who can foster but all that really matters is that carers have the time, commitment, space and personal qualities to offer a secure and stable home to a child or children who have been separated from their birth family.

Find out more about Foster Care Fortnight here. 

Culture benefits from cash boost

Essex Boys and Girls Clubs are the latest group to be awarded a grant of nearly £2,500 for cultural activities, thanks to the Essex Small Grants Scheme. The grant is one of 16 awards worth £30,000 which will benefit 16 culture-based projects.

County Councillor Roger Hirst, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Libraries, Planning and the Environment, said:

Culture in Essex is thriving and it is important that we contribute to it by encouraging and incentivising through grants such as these. I look forward to hearing outcomes from all of the projects that have benefitted during this round of grants.

Read about the other grants awarded here.

Summer grass verge and weed trimming programme begins

Motorists are being asked to be extra careful as Essex County Council begins its summer roadside grass verge cutting programme.  Grass verges on all of Essex’s priority routes are cut to improve safety and the appearance of the highway. The cutting programme includes verges next to footways and roads, as well as central reservations and sightlines at junctions. Around 6,100 miles of verge will be cut throughout the programme.

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NHS Warn of Cancer Hoax

NE Essex CCG issue cancer hoax warningNE Essex CCG issue cancer hoax warning

At least two GP practices in NE Essex have had patients phone in worried about a hoax email. The email looks as if it has come from NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and people are advised not to open it, and not to click on any links.

NICE says the contents are likely to be distressing and has reported the hoax to the police.  It is not clear exactly how many people are affected, but based on the high number of calls to the organisation it is thought to number thousands nationally.

Sir Andrew Dillon, the chief executive of NICE, said:

A spam email purporting to come from NICE is being sent to members of the public regarding cancer test results.

This email is likely to cause distress to recipients since it advises that ‘test results’ indicate they may have cancer.

This malicious email is not from NICE and we are currently investigating its origin. We take this matter very seriously and have reported it to the police.

NICE is advising people who have received the email – the subject line of which is important blood analysis result – to delete it without opening it and not to click on any links.

The NHS national website has information, as does the NICE national website and Twitter feed.

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Conflict in the 19th Century Essex Countryside

19th century threshing machine
The type of machinery targeted by the Swing Rioters

This subject of the WEA’s next 10-week course is led by tutor, Ted Woodgate who intends to use Essex newspapers of the time to help investigate such areas as:

  • the drama of the West Bergholt fires,
  • the Swing riots,
  • the formation of a national farm workers’ union, and
  • the birth of political rights for rural workers.
The venue is the Methodist Hall in Chapel Lane CO6 3EF and the course starts on Tuesday 15th January 2013 at
8.00 pm.
Everyone one is welcome and if you’re not sure whether this is for you, why not come along without obligation on the first night before deciding if to enrol?  Cost for the 10 weeks is still £45.  Further information from our Secretary on 01206 240791 or e-mail [antibot mailto=” [email protected]”]
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