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Christmas fun & fundraising

The Methodist Church
Busy before Christmas – The Methodist Church

The Methodist Church had a busy run-up to Christmas

Carol Singing Friday 20 December

A hardy band of carol singers were outside the Coop store from 18.00 to 19.30. They entertained shoppers and Coop staff with a range of popular carols. Thanks to the generosity of the shoppers, and the singers, the sum of £52 was raised for Action for Children. The hot drinks and mince pies enjoyed after the singing were most welcome.

Candlelight Carols Sunday 22 December

The service by candlelight provided a very special Christmas celebration atmosphere with a mix of traditional carols and readings. Many of the congregation were also able to enjoy a chat with coffee and mince pies in the hall after the service.

Coffee and Craft Monday 23 December

Building on the events held in the summer this proved to be a popular morning for families. Twenty-four children, together with accompanying adults, enjoyed a range of Christmas crafts including make your own Nativity Scenes, Snow scene domes and flying reindeer complete with sleighs! There was also time to enjoy a chat and the drinks and cakes proved popular also. Encouraged by the response we will be looking to provide further Coffee and Craft mornings in the Easter school holidays – look out for our publicity nearer the time.

Thanks to all who supported and worked to make possible the above events, and best wishes for the New Year.

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.

Last call for family fun

Family fun - kiddies craft - colouring inDon’t miss the final session of  The Methodist Church’s  family fun activities for young families at their Coffee and Craft mornings on Monday 2nd September.   The session (£2.50 per family)  in the West Bergholt Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane from 10.30 – 12.00 is targeted towards children, ages 0-11, but please remember bring a parent along, sorry no unaccompanied children.

Starting slowly in it’s first week, the last session was much busier and a happy time was had by all enjoying a wide range of different craft activities with plenty of coffee, squash and cakes for everyone.

The activities vary each week including, such as mosaic coasters, painting, beadwork, fabric painting etc.. and are designed to allow families with differing ages to all be accommodated with age appropriate activity.  Look out for posters for further details or contact Susie Connor who started running these sessions near her own home some years ago because she found it so difficult to find a single activity that all ages could enjoy together.  Either call her on   07585 457215 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Family Fun, Coffee & Craft

Family fun - kiddies craft - colouring inThe Methodist Church will be providing family fun activities for young families at their Coffee and Craft mornings during the school holidays.   The sessions are targeted towards children, ages 0-11, but please remember bring a parent along, sorry no unaccompanied children.

These will take place in the West Bergholt Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane from 10.30 – 12.00 on the following Mondays:

  • Aug. 5th
  • Aug. 19th
  • Sept. 2nd

… and all for just £2-50 per family.  The activities will vary each week including, such as mosaic coasters, painting, beadwork, fabric painting etc.. and are designed to allow families with differing ages to all be accommodated with age appropriate activity.  Look out for posters for further details or contact Susie Connor who started running these sessions near her own home some years ago because she found it so difficult to find a single activity that all ages could enjoy together.  Either call her on   07585 457215 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day

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The whole village got together on Saturday 16th June to hold a Family Fun day on the Lorkin Daniell Playing Field in the village. The organisers and volunteers turned up to set out the fayre from very early on Saturday morning and were determined to put on a show to remember despite the very windy conditions.

Our event began as planned with an assembly of our children at Heathlands School all having decorated their scooters and “jubilee rides” ready for the parade to the playing field and ultimately the judging competition. Many were clutching their favourite Teddy Bears ready in expectation of the Teddy Bears picnic they would all enjoy following the scooter competition.

 The parade was led by Terry Doonan a long time resident of West Bergholt with his highly decorated mobility scooter who at times struggled to keep his powerful “ride” ahead of the excited children’s parade. As the parade entered the specially prepared field and arena they were greeted by the sound of Chariots of Fire and the applause of proud parents and spectators alike.

The winners of the decorated “ride” competitions were presented with their prizes by Neil Mathews, Head Teacher of Heathlands and the winners were;

  • Caitlin & Leandra Williams-Macklin – Best Decorated Scooter
  • Ben & Max Lemmon – Best Dressed Winners
  • Alexis – Best Overall Winner – Dressed as a Queen Bee

Over 250 children sat down to the Teddy Bears picnic where each child was presented with a Diamond Jubilee celebratory box of goodies including hat, flag, cake and drink all lovingly prepared by the Blue Bell team and village volunteers.

At the end of the picnic we were all treated to the sight and sound of an impressive fly past by the Royal Air Force who obviously hearing of our family event appeared to divert from their usual flight path to attend our fayre on the way to greeting Her Majesty on her official birthday.

We were all then treated to series of displays by the West Bergholt Dance Troupe, Zumba Class and Heathlands Choir where all were encouraged to take part at the appropriate time. To add further excitement we held our traditional family games competition including a Tug o War, Sack Race and Egg and Spoon Race with prizes for the winners in all categories.

During the afternoon the Woman’s Institute announced the winners of the Diamond Jubilee Card Competition where children were asked to design the front and inside of the card and a verse composed by an adult was selected to complete the greeting card which is to be sent to the Queen on behalf of the village to mark her Diamond Jubilee year. The winners were;

  • Front cover drawing – Olivia Knight 
  • Inside cover drawing – Lily Tyler 
  • Verse written by – Susan Walby (Barker)
Front cover drawing – Olivia Knight
Inside cover drawing – Lily Tyler

Your Majesty,
This card is sent on your Diamond Jubilee
with the heartfelt good wishes of the
people of West Bergholt, Essex


Thank you for your dedication,
Always working for our nation,
Doing lots to aid world peace
Constant schedules without cease.

Enjoy the love, the joy, the cheer,
In this Celebration Year.
West Bergholt folk would like to say
God Speed, Three Cheers, hip, hip Hooray!

Verse written by – Susan Walby (Barker)

The awards were announced by Susan Leng WI President and presented to the winners by John Gili-Ross Chairman of the Parish Council.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net