Community, Parish Council & Village
2018, Bluebells, it must be time for a spring flower walkIt’s 2018, Bluebells are blooming as are many more spring flowers so why not come along to the guided Spring Flower Walk at Hillhouse Wood on Saturday 28th April. Last year 47 walkers were Continue reading “2018, Bluebells, it must be time for a spring flower walk”
Last Orders for Trattoria ItalianaAfter being postponed due to the snow this event will now take place on Saturday 14th April. The doors to the Orpen Hall will open at 12.15pm. We look forward to welcoming everyone who bought or reserved tickets. After some cancellations there are still a few tickets available.
The Friends‘ latest fundraiser involves recreating a “Trattoria Italiana” in the Orpen Hall. You are invited to join them for a taste of Italy on Saturday 3rd March at 12:30 pm, there are still a few tickets available.
The Menu offers a choice of: Continue reading “Friends of St Mary’s Trattoria Italiana”
Old Church Update – Mulled Wine & Mince PiesThe Friends of St Mary’s Old Church can report that the repair work being carried out at St. Mary’s Old Church is underway. Unfortunately the church will not be open again until the work is finished; this is unlikely to be before mid-January 2018. The Churches Conservation Trust builders have found more decay in the belfry than they had hoped, so they and the architects are deciding on the best way to proceed.
Because of the ongoing building works, the Friends regret there will be NO Carol Service this Christmas. They will, however, be holding their usual Mulled Wine and Mince Pies gathering on Saturday 2nd December, 11am – 1pm in the NEW Church Hall.
As well as the mulled wine, there will be coffee, soft drinks and sausage rolls. There will also be an opportunity to renew membership of the Friends’ group to help maintain the church and churchyard. This is just £5 per family.
A new selection of Old Church Christmas cards will also be available to buy, and a display of photographs of the work being done at the Old Church will be on show.
Entrance is free. The Friends hope to see you there!
Antiques Valuation ResultThe Friends of St. Mary’s Old Church were very pleased with the support from the village when over 60 attended their Antiques Valuation Day. Although no one went home clutching a newly discovered valuable antique, our visitors were pleased to hear Continue reading “Antiques Valuation Result”
Friends of St Mary’s Antiques & Other UpdatesThe Friends have been busy lately and have news to share about the start of renovations work, their successful afternoon at the village fayre and a new initiative, an Antiques Valuation Day.
This is taking place on Saturday Continue reading “Friends of St Mary’s Antiques Roadshow?”
Bats in the Belfry?As previously announced the £10,000 target for repair of the roof and the tower at the Old Church has been reached. Unfortunately work has not yet started as a bat survey indicated that the bats were still roosting in the church. Apparently the bats are late leaving this year because of the cold spring but should leave soon. The Churches Conservation Trust have given assurances that everything is in hand and should start work by September.
The Friends of the Old Church continue to fund raise for the ongoing maintenance of the church. In time they also hope to have electricity laid on and install lighting in the building. At present they rely on the generosity of the owners of Bergholt Hall for a limited electricity supply.
In this vein they would like to express their thanks to the Co-op and their customers who supported the Old Church with their tokens. This has resulted in a generous donation of £500 to kick start the next wave!
You’ve Kept the Bell Ringing – Target Reached!The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are delighted to announce the success of their Keep the Bell Ringing Appeal. The initial target of £10,000, required to trigger the various grants needed for the Church restoration, has been achieved in the incredibly short time of 8 months. This is down to the hard work of the Events team lead by Jane Lloyd but even more to the generosity and goodwill of the community of West Bergholt who have wholeheartedly supported the appeal. We have seen great Continue reading “You’ve Kept the Bell Ringing – Target Reached!”
The Comrie Singers together with Jubilant Brass and The 3 Saxes (all amateur groups from Colchester), gave a concert in St Mary’s Old Church on Sunday 25th June. The audience were entertained with a varied and beautiful programme of music ranging from Continue reading “Comrie Singers at Old Church”
£200 to go! Keep the Bell RingingThe Friends of St Mary’s Old Church latest ‘Keep the Bell Ringing’ event, Maytime Melodies, was a great success. Taking place on Saturday 13th May it was a wonderful melange of music sung by Tom Cogan, Elizabeth Cobb and accompanied by Penny Marsden. They entertained us with Continue reading “£200 to go! Keep the Bell Ringing”
Nearing Target – Keep The Bell Ringing AppealNearing target, the appeal total now stands at £9,480.22, so it is quite possible that you can help it top the £10,000 over the next 2 weeks. The next event, in a series of events, is a Maytime Melodies concert. The concert programme includes Continue reading “Nearing Target – Keep The Bell Ringing Appeal”