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Update for Silver Surfers

Silver Surfers Update

Unusually two news updates have come through quite close together, both targeting our older generation(s), one from our regular correspondent at the Methodist Church and another from Colchester Borough Council.

Silver Sunday TeaSilver Sunday – 1st March

There has been considerable publicity about the fact that the proportion of our population that are elderly is increasing.  Also that there is a significant proportion of elderly people who live alone and can be lonely and become isolated.  A charitable trust has set up “Silver Sunday” in an attempt to raise this issue and try to take steps to address it (www.silversunday.org.uk).  We became aware of this and felt we as a Church would like to respond. The designated Silver Sunday is in October but we were not in a position to arrange something at that time.

As a first step we are holding a simple afternoon tea on Sunday March 1 at 3.00 and are inviting folk to attend.  If you are elderly, living alone and not fortunate enough to have family and/or friends living nearby this could be for you.  You are warmly invited to an Afternoon Tea with folk in a similar situation to yourself.  We will provide transport to pick you up from your home, bring you to the tea and return you to your home when the tea has finished.

If you, a neighbour or someone else you know, would like to come to the tea please contact Judith Fletcher (01206 241969) or Andrew Wilks (01206 242511). If you can let us know you are coming it will help with our arrangements.

Crucial Crew – 27th March

The FREE Crucial Crew event is taking place on Friday 27th March between 10am – 2pm at St Botolphs Church, St Botolpsh St.  and is targeting those over 55s who are members of established clubs or groups.

Several local organisations have joined together to organise, Older Persons Crucial Crew.  This event will bring together 130 ambassadors from clubs and groups serving older persons in the Colchester Area and involves 16 tables in an informal setting.

There will be a total of 16 speakers from 8 different organisations;

  • The Police Home and personal security,
  • The Fire service Home fire safety advice,
  • Trading Standards, Rogue traders and consumer advice,
  • Environmental Health for residents,
  • Colchester street wardens, street safety,
  • Gas safe,
  • Young people from Stanway School computer mobile phone advice, and
  • Red Cross.

Each speaker will sit at your table for 15 minutes giving advice and information in an informal setting, almost like a safety speed dating!!

A free buffet Lunch prepared, provided by Colchester Institute catering course students, will be served at your table by Students from Stanway School. After lunch the speaker’s organization plus several other service and help organisations will provide tables where you can go and talk in more detail on issues raised during the morning’s event.

This event is for the over 55s  and it is the aim that the members attending will take back the information gained, the contacts made to their respective clubs, ensuring that the information is cascaded through the whole area.

There will be limited free transport available on the day, but to save costs if you are able you can use your own or Public transport leaving this for the people who need it we would be very grateful.

As I am sure you will understand that with just 130 places available for the whole of Colchester we have to offer up to 5 places to each Organisation on a first come first served basis so if you are interested please return the linked ticket request to:

Les Nicoll
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire station,Fronks Road,
Dovercourt, CO12 4JE

Or by e-mail to [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Alternatively call 07779 129888

 

Half term Coffee & Craft

Half term coffee & craftHalf Term Coffee & Craft

West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding another of their popular half term Coffee and Craft mornings for young families.  This is taking place on Monday February 16 from 10.30 to 12.00 and promises fun activities for young families.  The session will take place in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane and ALL ARE WELCOME but, sorry, we are unable to accept unaccompanied children.  The cost is £2.50 per family.

Further details from Andrew Wilks on 01206 242511.

Action for Children Result 2014

Action for Children

As last year, the Methodist Church in West Bergholt organised their annual house-to-house collection for “Action for Children” (formerly National Childrens Homes) , the Methodist children’s charity.  Last year they nearly reached £1,000 (£934.79 to be precise), and whilst they would have dearly loved to break that barrier this year, once again they missed out by a small amount raising £930.19, which is very similar to last years.  This was achieved despite the fact that the shortage of collectors this year meant they were not able to cover as much of the village as they had done in previous years, as one of the organizers commented:

This is a very worthwhile contribution to the important work of Action for Children. Thanks to all who supported and particularly to the small band of collectors. We did not break the £1,000 barrier this year but maybe next year! 

Action for Children is a national charity founded over 140 years ago.  It is dedicated to supporting and speaking out for the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, for as long as it takes to make a difference in their lives…  In short they:

  • work directly with over 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers (a 20% increase over last year!);
  • run more than 650 services across the UK; and
  • tackle issues such as child neglect and abuse.

Their vision is:

For a world where all children and young people have a sense of belonging and are loved and valued.  A world where they can break through injustice, deprivation and inequality to fulfil their potential, shape their own destiny and experience the joy of life.

Family Inflatable Fun Day 16-17 August

Family Inflatable Fun DayWest Bergholt Cricket Club are holding a Family Inflatable Fun Day between 11am – 4pm over the coming weekend (16th – 17th August).  For those wanting to bounce the day away there will be a charge of £5 per wristband per day.  With free general admission there will also be access to:

  • BBQ
  • Ice Cream Van
  • Donut Stall
  • Licensed Bar
  • Toddler Area &
  • Kwik Cricket.

kwik-cricketKwik Cricket is a short, fun game, designed for youngsters (mainly under-11s) and is fast becoming a regular addition to team sport, encouraging fair play, in primary & middle schools.

Action for Children 2014

Action for Children

As last year, the Methodist Church in West Bergholt are organising their annual house-to-house collection for “Action for Children” (formerly National Childrens Homes) , the Methodist children’s charity, from 1st to 13th September. Last year they nearly reached £1,000 (£934.79 to be precise), and would dearly love to break that barrier this year.  To help them make this, they would be delighted to have some more helpers to do rounds, so they can cover as much of the village as possible. If you can help, even for only a small round, please contact Sylvia Wilks, 76, Mumford Road (01206 242511) as soon as possible.

Action for Children is a national charity founded over 140 years ago.  It is dedicated to supporting and speaking out for the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, for as long as it takes to make a difference in their lives…  In short they:

  • work directly with over 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers (a 20% increase over last year!);
  • run more than 650 services across the UK; and
  • tackle issues such as child neglect and abuse.

Their vision is:

For a world where all children and young people have a sense of belonging and are loved and valued.  A world where they can break through injustice, deprivation and inequality to fulfil their potential, shape their own destiny and experience the joy of life.

Cricket Festival – 28th June – 6th July

Cricket Festival 2014Cricket in many guises and several other activities are on offer from West Bergholt Cricket Club between 28th June and 6th July.

The cricket festival starts on Saturday 28th at 1pm with a league match against Maldon; expected to finish by 7pm the bar will be open from 6pm and a quiz night held from 7:30pm.   There will also be an Ice Cream Tricycle, raffle, BBQ & desserts and a sweetie table.

Moving on to Friday 4th July and it is time for the youngsters to have a go with Kwik Cricket between 6pm – 9pm.  Once again, the bar is open from 6pm and there will also be a bouncy castle, tombola, cake table, BBQ & desserts, bottle table, raffle and the Ice Cream Tricycle again.

An earlier start and later finish for Saturday 5th July with a six-a-side tournament running between 10am – 7pm and then World Cup football evening with large screen TV between 7:30pm – 11pm.  With an all-day bar, BBQ and raffle and bouncy castle, sweetie table and  Ice Cream Tricycle during the day there is something for everybody.

The festival continues on Sunday but detailed events are still to be announced (although the webmaster suspects there might be an Ice Cream Tricycle involved!)

 

Heathlands Fireworks 2013

Heathlands Fireworks 2013Fireworks 2013

The Heathlands School PTA annual fireworks display(sponsored by Hatfields Home Furnishers) is taking place on Saturday 9th November.  With advance purchase of programmes at just £3.50 this is great value (available from Heathlands Primary School, local businesses & other schools in Colchester).  Entry at the gate will cost £5 for adults and £4 for children.

With the gates opening at 5:30 there will be plenty to keep you occupied before the display:

  • bonfire lit at 6pm;
  • barbecue;
  • hot drinks;
  • real ale;
  • live band;
  • mulled wine;
  • glow sticks;
  • sweets.

To find out more visit www.heathlandsblog.co.uk or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Heathlands School PTA is a registered charity (10377284).

Christmas Coffee & Craft for families

Christmas coffee and Kiddies craftNow the school summer holidays have finished the Methodist Church in West Bergholt have completed their family fun mornings for the time being but they promise that:

WE WILL BE BACK!

The mornings they ran during summer were fairly quiet but they were not too surprised as these were a new venture for them. They were encouraged that there was at least one “new” family at each of the mornings, though, so perhaps this will help spread the word for the future.

They would like to thank the helpers who came along each morning and they certainly have sufficient support to “entertain” many more families next time.  We would particularly wish to thank Susie and Charlie Connor and family who prepared, organised and led the mornings.

So, why not put their special Christmas Coffee and Craft fun morning for young families on Monday December 23 at 10.30 in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, into your diary now.

Heritage Day at St Mary’s (Old) Church

Heritage of St Mary's Old Church
Heritage at St Mary’s Old Church, West Bergholt

The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are holding a Heritage Day in the Old Church in conjunction with the Churches Conservation Trust between 10am – 4pm on Sunday 15th September.

Heritage walk around

A walk round leaflet costing 50p will tell you more about this old building so come and find out more about the Old Church:
  • view the Royal Coat of Arms, which was painted over the chancel arch by order of King James 1 (reigned 1603-25) and only discovered in 1986;
  • examine the massive oak chest which dates from about 1400; and
  • try the seats in the 18th C gallery.

Other attractions

There will also be:
  • an exhibition by professional and amateur artists;
  • Christmas cards of the Old Church for sale; and
  • Refreshments available
Find out more about the Old Church on our webpage, the location for those unsure is St. Mary’s (Old) Church, Hall Lane, West Bergholt, CO6 3DU.

Gardeners AGM & Programme of Events

Gardeners Association is RHS AffiliatedThe West Bergholt Gardeners Association have released details of their 2013/2014 meeting programme.  This starts with their AGM which is to be held on 16th September.  The programme is:

  • 16 September   –  Thady Barrett   –  Selecting the right fruit for your garden.
  • 14 October   –  Eddy Harris   –  Introduction to cacti and succulents.
  • 18 November   –  Sally Hepher   –  Woodland Trust.
  • 09 December   –  Barry Kaufmann-Wright   –  Role of Wildlife Crime Officer.
  • 17 February   –  Eddy Harris   –  Looking for plants in South Africa.
  • 17 March   –  Geoff Hodge   –  Luscious Lawns – Lawn care for perfect lawns.
  • 14 April   –  Richard Ford   –  Hostas.
  • 19 April   –  Annual Plant Sale.
  • June    –   Member’s Open Garden Evening.
  • July   –   Coach trip.

For further information, please check out their webpage at https://westbergholt-pc.gov.uk/village-life/clubs/gardeners/ or contact the Treasurer on 01206 241256 – [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].