Spring Flower & Winter Bird Walks

The Next Guided Walk at Hillhouse Wood is the Spring Flower Walk

Bluebells likely to be seen on Spring Flower Walk

Following the successful Winter Bird Walk in March (see report below), the next Guided Walk is the annual Spring Flower Walk on Saturday 27th April. Steve Hallam will lead the walk in and near Hillhouse Wood. Previously called the Bluebell Walk, it has become difficult to pick the optimum ‘bluebell’ date for the walk although there will always be plenty of Spring Flowers to see. The walk will start at the Old Church at 2pm.

Other upcoming Friends of Hillhouse Wood activities are:

  • Dawn Chorus Guided Walk on Saturday 18th May, and
  • Stall at the Village Fete on Saturday 6th July.

Winter Birds – Steve Hallam Reports

Of all the guided walks that I lead, the winter bird walk is the most unpredictable. The weather can be variable and off-putting, whilst at this time of year the birds move around looking for food. So, you can be never sure which species you will encounter and whether you will be able see or hear them through the driving rain or howling gale.

Continue reading “Spring Flower & Winter Bird Walks”

Steve Hallam leads Big County Birdwatch on a Dawn Walk

Once again, Steve Hallam led a successful Dawn Chorus walk through Hillhouse Wood on 6th May.  This year it was one of 19 bird walks taking place in Essex over the Coronation weekend. 

Steve Hallam reports:

Well, it looks as if I must have done the odd good thing in a previous life.  Despite the distinctly dodgy weekend weather forecast, we had a lovely morning for our 2023 Dawn Chorus walk.  Not that we could see this of course, at 03.45, but at least we knew we’d be staying dry.  A nice number of 14 people also turned out, despite the distraction of a certain Royal event later that morning.  Also different this year was that we had folded the walk into the programme of The Big County Birdwatch, organised by the Essex Birdwatching Society.  This had been moved to take place in Spring, rather than Autumn.  It was pleasing to welcome EBWS people to the walk.

Continue reading “Steve Hallam leads Big County Birdwatch on a Dawn Walk”

Walk the Dawn Chorus 2023

Dawn Chorus 2023 with Friends of Hillhouse Wood

Swift in flight

The Dawn Chorus Walk 2023 is taking place on a busy weekend with Bird walks all across Essex. It will form part of the “Big County Birdwatch ’23” which being organised by the Essex Birdwatching Society. First, though, a report by Steve Hallam on the recent Spring Flower Walk at Hillhouse Wood.

Click here if you want to jump to the bird walks.

Spring Flower Dilemma

Bluebells

It is always a dilemma as to which date to set for the Spring Flowers walk. This is because the timing of when the various species flower can vary considerably between early and late seasons.  This year I anticipated that the season would be early – so naturally it has been late.  The solution was obvious, and so the ‘Bluebell’ walk was re-christened as a ‘Spring flowers’ one.  The forecast for the afternoon was either for sunny periods or rain showers, depending on which forecaster you looked at.  Either way, undaunted, a pleasingly large group of 22 assembled at the appointed hour and starting point. 

Continue reading “Walk the Dawn Chorus 2023”

West Bergholt PC is pleased to welcome you to its website

Welcome to West Bergholt sign

West Bergholt is a large rural Essex village located amongst open countryside.  Country walks include the stunning Hillhouse Woods & St Mary’s Old Church.  It is located near the border of Essex & Suffolk and just outside and to the North-west  of Colchester   – Britain’s Oldest Recorded town. The village:

In 2016 West Bergholt won the Class 2 prize in the RCCE Village of the year competition and overall 2nd place, read the news item for more.

To find out more about us click here.  Click here to see recent news from the village.

What’s Happening in West Bergholt

Bear in mind some activities might still be affected due to COVID-19

October 4, 2024
October 5, 2024
October 6, 2024
  • Holy Communion at St Mary's

    October 6, 2024  9:30 am - 10:30 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 6, 2024

    See more details

  • Bowls

    October 6, 2024  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 6, 2024

    Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301

    See more details

October 7, 2024
  • Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)

    October 7, 2024  9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 7, 2024

    The group meets in the St Mary's Church Hall every Monday during term time from 9.30am to 11.15am. Parents and carers are invited to bring pre-school children and babies giving them an opportunity to meet up for a chat and the children to play.

    For more information please contact  Sarah on  07780 540345 or Lucy on 07814 489414 for further details or email [email protected].
     

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 7, 2024  9:30 am - 10:30 am - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 7, 2024

    See more details

  • 60+ Dance4Health

    October 7, 2024  11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 7, 2024

    Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.

    For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.

    See more details

  • TinyTalk baby signing class

    October 7, 2024  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - October 7, 2024

    TinyTalk offers a unique service to introduce babies (and toddlers) to signed language based on British Sign Language (BSL), this helps babies to communicate before speech. TinyTalk runs classes that are fun and relaxed whilst learning a vital skill. Half an hour of singing and signing followed by half an hour playtime, coffee and a chocolate biscuit!

    Classes take place between 1:00pmand 2:00pm on Fridays in the West Bergholt Scout Hut, Lexden Road and are led by Deborah Taylor, a qualified BSL Level 2 instructor. Debs can be contacted either by phone, 01376 573241 or by email. You can find out more about TinyTalk on their website http://www.tinytalk.co.uk.

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    October 7, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - October 7, 2024

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    October 7, 2024  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 7, 2024

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

October 8, 2024
  • Pilates

    October 8, 2024  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
    - October 8, 2024

    Contact [email protected] for more information.

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 8, 2024  6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 8, 2024

    See more details

  • Vocal Zones Choir

    October 8, 2024  7:15 pm - 8:45 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 8, 2024

    For more information, please contact either Ann Long (Chairman) on 07596-071636 or Julia Richardson (Secretary) on 07775-896494

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 8, 2024  7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 8, 2024

    See more details

  • Badminton

    October 8, 2024  8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 8, 2024

    See more details

October 9, 2024
October 10, 2024
  • Open House Coffee Morning

    October 10, 2024  9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 10, 2024

    Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.

    See more details

  • 5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)

    October 10, 2024  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 10, 2024

    5T's fellowship for over 60's @ St. Mary The Virgin Church. Cake and company every Thursday afternoon at 2.30 pm in the Church hall. Contact Ron Seymour on 07772 241178

    See more details

  • Mobile Library Visits

    October 10, 2024  2:55 pm - 3:55 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 10, 2024

    See more details

  • Environment & Highways Committee

    October 10, 2024  4:30 pm - 5:30 pmSocial Club Meeting Room, Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 10, 2024

    The Environment Committee meetings normally review Handymen activities and maintenance/development plans for Playgrounds, Ponds, Trees & Local Highways.

    See more details

  • Guides

    October 10, 2024  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - October 10, 2024

    See more details

  • Bowls

    October 10, 2024  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 10, 2024

    See more details

  • British Legion

    October 10, 2024  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Beehive Pub, Little Horkesley
    - October 10, 2024

    See more details

October 11, 2024
  • Waste & Recycling Collections

    October 11, 2024  7:00 am - 7:00 am -
    - October 11, 2024

    Find out more about what to recycle when at https://westbergholt.org/village-life/rubbish-recycling/

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 11, 2024  9:30 am - 10:30 am - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 11, 2024

    See more details

  • West Bergholt Training Band (Term-time only)

    October 11, 2024  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
    - October 11, 2024

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    October 11, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - October 11, 2024

    See more details

  • BYG - Bergholt Youth Group

    October 11, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
    - October 11, 2024

    Now established as a fortnightly event with all school years 6 - 10 welcomed.

    See more details

  • West Bergholt Concert Band (Term-time only)

    October 11, 2024  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Heathlands Primary School, 14 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JF, UK
    - October 11, 2024

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    October 11, 2024  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 11, 2024

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

October 12, 2024
October 13, 2024
  • Methodist Service at Mile End - transport available

    October 13, 2024  10:30 am - 11:30 am - Methodist Church
    - October 13, 2024

    Transport available leaving the village at 10-00am, contact Judith (01206 241969) or Andrew (01206 242511)

    See more details

  • Bowls

    October 13, 2024  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 13, 2024

    Contact - Eileen Brown - 243301

    See more details

October 14, 2024
  • Parent & Toddler Group (Term time only)

    October 14, 2024  9:15 am - 11:15 am - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 14, 2024

    The group meets in the St Mary's Church Hall every Monday during term time from 9.30am to 11.15am. Parents and carers are invited to bring pre-school children and babies giving them an opportunity to meet up for a chat and the children to play.

    For more information please contact  Sarah on  07780 540345 or Lucy on 07814 489414 for further details or email [email protected].
     

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 14, 2024  9:30 am - 10:30 am - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 14, 2024

    See more details

  • 60+ Dance4Health

    October 14, 2024  11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 14, 2024

    Building confidence, balance, core stability, strength, co-ordination and friendships.

    For information, contact Chloe Brooks 07984 739584 or 01206 617110.

    See more details

  • TinyTalk baby signing class

    October 14, 2024  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - October 14, 2024

    TinyTalk offers a unique service to introduce babies (and toddlers) to signed language based on British Sign Language (BSL), this helps babies to communicate before speech. TinyTalk runs classes that are fun and relaxed whilst learning a vital skill. Half an hour of singing and signing followed by half an hour playtime, coffee and a chocolate biscuit!

    Classes take place between 1:00pmand 2:00pm on Fridays in the West Bergholt Scout Hut, Lexden Road and are led by Deborah Taylor, a qualified BSL Level 2 instructor. Debs can be contacted either by phone, 01376 573241 or by email. You can find out more about TinyTalk on their website http://www.tinytalk.co.uk.

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Cubs

    October 14, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - October 14, 2024

    See more details

  • Orpen Players

    October 14, 2024  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 14, 2024

    Always a welcome for new actors or backstage helpers

    See more details

October 15, 2024
  • Mobile Library - Click for details

    October 15, 2024  1:55 pm - 4:45 pm - Albany Road, Lexden Road, Queens Road & Chapel Road
    - October 15, 2024

    Location                          Arrive          Depart
    Albany Road                   13.55         14.20
    Lexden Rd, Scout Hut    14.45         15.30
    Queens Road                  15.35         15.55
    Chapel Road                   16.00         16.45

    For renewals, enquiries and information any time, day or night https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/home

    Tel: 0845 603 7628 (The Answers People),
    Textphone: 0845 758 5592
    Email: [email protected]

    See more details

  • Pilates

    October 15, 2024  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW
    - October 15, 2024

    Contact [email protected] for more information.

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 15, 2024  6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 15, 2024

    See more details

  • Vocal Zones Choir

    October 15, 2024  7:15 pm - 8:45 pm - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 15, 2024

    For more information, please contact either Ann Long (Chairman) on 07596-071636 or Julia Richardson (Secretary) on 07775-896494

    See more details

  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 15, 2024  7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 15, 2024

    See more details

  • Badminton

    October 15, 2024  8:15 pm - 9:15 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 15, 2024

    See more details

October 16, 2024
  • Kelly's HIIT

    October 16, 2024  9:30 am - 10:30 am - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester, UK
    - October 16, 2024

    See more details

  • Knitting & Crochet Group

    October 16, 2024  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Members' homes
    - October 16, 2024

    Call 01206 242015 for details

    See more details

  • Ladies Badminton

    October 16, 2024  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 16, 2024

    New members welcome - contact Pat Butcher for details 242075

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Beavers

    October 16, 2024  5:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - October 16, 2024

    See more details

  • 1st West Bergholt Scouts

    October 16, 2024  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BW, UK
    - October 16, 2024

    See more details

  • Colne Valley Flower Club

    October 16, 2024  7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 16, 2024

    More club details at https://westbergholt.org/clubs/flower-club/ or call Alison on 973563

    See more details

October 17, 2024
  • Open House Coffee Morning

    October 17, 2024  9:00 am - 10:00 am - St Mary's Church West Bergholt, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 17, 2024

    Every Thursday morning in term time. Under 5's welcome.

    See more details

  • 5Ts (Tea Together on a Thursday @ Two Thirty)

    October 17, 2024  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - St Mary's Church Hall, 34 New Church Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JE, UK
    - October 17, 2024

    5T's fellowship for over 60's @ St. Mary The Virgin Church. Cake and company every Thursday afternoon at 2.30 pm in the Church hall. Contact Ron Seymour on 07772 241178

    See more details

  • Guides

    October 17, 2024  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Scout HQ, Lexden Road, West Bergholt
    - October 17, 2024

    See more details

  • Bowls

    October 17, 2024  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Orpen Memorial Hall, 45-57 Lexden Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3BG, UK
    - October 17, 2024

    See more details

See more events here.

Vacancy for Parish Clerk

Vacancy for Parish Clerk

With the impending retirement of our current Parish Clerk we are seeking a new, enthusiastic and forward looking replacement.  Salary pro rata £23k – £25k for a 15-20 hour week.

Clerk to the Parish Council – Vacancy

Owing to retirement, West Bergholt Parish Council is seeking a new Clerk for this busy and forward-thinking council.

West Bergholt Parish Council seeks a suitable experienced person with sound administrative and managerial skills and knowledge of local government who can assist in the formation and review of Council policies.

If you are a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual who is capable of running the Parish Council office whilst managing your own workload then we would like to hear from you. The Clerk’s roles and responsibilities are summarised in the Job Description below.

The role will require direct contact with not only parishioners but also a wide range of individuals towards building effective partnerships.   It requires a flexible approach with the determination to meet demanding deadlines.

Whilst the hours are negotiable and subject to review some evening meetings will be required.

Salary range: Initially £22,937 to £25,440 pro-rata for a 15 – 20 hour week dependent on experience and qualifications, with progression through bar to the range from £26,293 to £29,558 after meeting specific standards set out in our career grade salary structure.

The Parish Council offers nationally-based contract of employment terms and conditions and encourages further training and development applicable to the role.

Applications

Applications should be submitted in writing to Mrs Val Walsom either by e-mail in pdf format to [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or by post to 17 Armoury Road, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3JN.

Applicants are expected to supply relevant contact details; previous experience and employment details relevant to this position and why they qualify for the position.  We would be keen to understand what added value the council and the community can expect from the applicant in this role.  Whilst applicants may provide a CV if they wish they must specifically address each statement within this paragraph via an accompanying letter.

Applicants are expected to hold the CiLCA qualification or be willing to undertake this qualification within a reasonable time frame of the appointment.  Must be computer literate and accustomed to working with common Microsoft office applications (or equivalent) including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Office computer equipment will be provided.

Closing Date & Interviews

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 27th March 2015.

Interviews will be arranged following the closing date.

Job Description – Clerk to the Council

Overall Responsibilities.

The Clerk to the Council will be the Proper Officer of the Council and as such is under a statutory duty to carry out all the functions, and in particular to serve or issue all the notifications required by law of a local authority’s Proper Officer.  The Clerk will be totally responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the Council in connection with its function as a Local Authority are carried out.  The Clerk is expected to advise the Council on, and assist in the formation of, overall policies to be followed in respect of the Authority’s activities and in particular to produce all the information required for making effective decisions and to implement constructively all decisions.  The person appointed will be accountable to the Council for the effective management of all its resources and will report to them as and when required.

The Clerk will be responsible for all financial records of the Council together with the careful administration of its finances.

The Council has sole management responsibility for a number of Trusts within the village with all Councillors being Trustees for these Trusts.  The Clerk’s role and responsibilities summarised below, extend to administering these Trusts as appropriate.

Specific Responsibilities

  1. To ensure that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the Council are observed.
  2. To monitor and balance the Council’s accounts and prepare records for audit purposes and VAT.
  3. To ensure that the Council’s obligations for Risk Assessment are properly met.
  4. To prepare, in consultation with appropriate members, agendas for meetings of the Council and Committees. To attend such meetings and prepare minutes for approval, other than where such duties have been delegated to another Officer.
  5. To attend all meetings of the Council and all Finance, Policy and Personnel (FPP) sub-committee meetings.
  6. To receive correspondence and documents on behalf of the Council and to deal with the correspondence or documents or bring such items to the attention of the Council. To issue correspondence as a result of instructions of, or the known policy of the Council.
  7. To receive and report on invoices for goods and services to be paid for by the Council and to ensure such accounts are met. To issue invoices on behalf of the Council for goods and services and to ensure payment is received.
  8. To study reports and other data on activities of the Council and on matters bearing on those activities. Where appropriate, to discuss such matters with administrators and specialists in particular fields and to produce reports for circulation and discussion by the Council.
  9. To draw up both on his/her own initiative and as a result of suggestions by Councillors, proposals for consideration by the Council and to advise on practicability and likely effects of specific courses of action.
  10. To supervise any other members of staff as their line manager in keeping with the policies of the Council and to undertake all necessary activities in connection with the management of salaries, conditions of employment and work of other staff.
  11. To monitor the implemented policies and procedures whether these are statutory or otherwise of the Council to ensure they are achieving the desired result and where appropriate suggest modifications to the Council for change as appropriate.
  12. To act as the representative of the Council as required.
  13. To issue notices and prepare agendas and minutes for the Parish Meeting: to attend the assemblies of the Parish Meeting and to implement the decisions made at the assemblies that are agreed by the Council.
  14. To prepare, in consultation with the Chairman, press releases about the activities of, or decisions of, the Council.
  15. Establish and maintain clear communications for publicising Council business within an increasingly electronic age.
  16. To attend training courses or seminars on the work and role of the Clerk as required by the Council.
  17. To work towards the achievement and then maintain the status of Qualified Clerk as a minimum requirement for effectiveness in the position of Clerk to the Council.
  18. To continue to acquire the necessary professional knowledge required for the efficient management of the affairs of the Council: Suggested is membership of your professional body The Society of Local Council Clerks.
  19. Foundation-Quality-StandardThe Parish Council achieved Quality Status (Foundation level) in December 2014.  It is the Parish Councils intention to achieve Gold level in 2015 and the Clerk must make all reasonable efforts to ensure this award is achieved by December 2015.   In meeting this requirement the Clerk must, as a minimum, complete all training required of a Clerk if the Council is to achieve “Gold” level status.
  20. The Clerk is expected to manage all change requirements introduced by the NALC or the SLCC that may be introduced which are necessary for the Council to retain the highest level of “Quality” status.
  21. To attend sector related conferences and seminars or other relevant bodies, as the Councils representative when authorised by the Parish Council Chairman or designate.

 

 

Quality Standard for Parish Council

Foundation-Quality-StandardQuality Standard for Parish Council

The Essex & National Association of Local Councils (EALC & NALC) have recently accredited West Bergholt Parish Council as one of the first to be awarded their Foundation Quality Standard under a pilot scheme which is being launched formally on 6th January 2015.  The new Local Council Award Scheme has been designed to celebrate the successes of the very best local councils, and to provide a framework to support all local councils to improve and develop to meet their full potential.  The scheme offers councils the opportunity to show that they meet the standards set by the sector, assessed by their peers, and to put in place the conditions for continued improvement.

The Award Scheme has been designed to provide the tools and encouragement to those councils at the beginning of their improvement journeys, as well as promoting and recognising councils that are at the cutting edge of the sector.  It is only through the sector working together, to share best practice, drive up standards and supporting those who are committed to improving their offer to their communities that individual councils and the sector as a whole will reach its full potential.

Commenting on the West Bergholt application the judging panel said:

Panel Members agreed that this was a good application and the Council had provided excellent information on its web site.  The web site was well organised and easy to navigate.
The Bulletin was excellent giving up to date information.
The Panel unanimously agreed that Foundation Level of the Standards of Practice Scheme were met.
The Quality Standard will also have 2 further levels of accreditation, including a ‘Gold’ level, when launched but this was not a part of the pilot scheme that West Bergholt participated in; the Chair of the Parish Council, John Gili-Ross, in response to the award notification, said:
Achieving the foundation level is very satisfying from a Councillors perspective but our community deserves a “Gold Quality” Council and it is our objective to give them one in 2015.

We’re prepared for an emergency

emergency planAn Emergency Plan for West Bergholt

This is a plan which has been developed by the Parish Council with the help of Colchester Borough Council and the Emergency Services to help us in the village cope with an unforeseen situation which needs rapid and decisive action.  Emergencies can occur with little or no warning and could be caused by many different factors including:

  • Natural disaster,
  • Severe weather,
  • Technological / industrial accidents,
  • Power failures,
  • Failure of communications (e.g. telephones or broadband),
  • Transport disruption and village cut off,
  • Terrorism.

The risk to the village from any of these events is small and difficult to assess.  In the event of a situation deemed to be an emergency The Borough Council is the responsible body that will work with the Emergency Services.  Our role is strictly to support these actions.  The village plan focuses on how The Parish Council would assist in providing an emergency Reception Centre and how it could support vulnerable village residents.  The document  is deliberately short and hopefully of practical use, to view it click the link – West Bergholt Emergency Plan.

To carry out our role the Parish Council needs access to a team of volunteers who could carry out activities such as staffing a Reception Centre at the Orpen Hall.  Various village groups do already have such volunteers and these will be contacted but should you be willing to assist in such activity please contact Harry Stone through the Parish Clerk  [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

The Parish Council believes that in some emergency situations (e.g. prolonged power failure in severe weather) some vulnerable residents could be at risk. A list of such residents is to be compiled although it is appreciated that holding such information has to be handled sensitively and with the accepted protection.  Again existing organisations such as the Care Network and Churches will be contacted but also if a possible resident who it is known has no regular contact from relatives or friends please inform the Parish Clerk.  No name will be added without personal contact being made and their agreement.

St Mary the Virgin to get a new priest

St Mary the Virgin
St Mary the Virgin

The Archdeacon of Colchester, the Venerable Annette Cooper, has recently issued the following announcement which affects St Mary’s Church:

I am pleased to let you know that The Revd. Mandy Elmes has accepted my invitation to become the Priest in Charge of Langham with Boxted and West Bergholt with Great Horkesley.  Please make this announcement in all of your churches on Sunday morning. It is of course subject to the completion of all the necessary legal checks.  Currently Mandy is serving as a Self-Supporting Associate Priest in the West Mersea benefice.  Mandy, who is married to Paul will be moving to the Rectory at West Bergholt in the early summer following her holiday already booked in the first half of July.

Diocese-of-Chelmsford

West Bergholt celebrates its volunteers

Poster for Annual Parish Meeting 2013The Annual Parish Meeting takes place on 24th April starting at 7pm in the John Lampon Hall.   As well as affording an opportunity for informal discussions with your local Parish & Borough Councillors this is an ideal opportunity to join them in celebrating our many local volunteers who help make West Bergholt as good a place to live as it is.

Other items for the event include:

  • a report on Neighbourhood Planning, and
  • light refreshments!
Skip to content