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Category: Churches

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Light a candle Service

Light a candleLight a candle Service

All are invited to attend this service at 7:30pm, Thursday November 7th, in the West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road.

We are coming into the period when as a nation we remember loved ones lost in the various conflicts over the years.  At this time the West Bergholt Methodist Church is also holding a more general remembrance service.  This is an opportunity for all to remember loved ones lost through whatever cause.

This will be a short, quiet service led by Rev. Ruth Ridge.  A chance to remember and reflect.  All are welcome.

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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.

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Action for Children – village gives £934.79

Action for ChildrenThe Methodist Church in West Bergholt ran their annual house to house collection to raise funds for “Action for Children” from 2nd to 14th September and were delighted with the outcome.

£934.79

In all the house to house collection raised £934-79 to support the work of Action for Children. Thanks are due to the small team of collectors who managed to cover a significant  proportion of the village.  Thanks also to everyone who supported and contributed to this excellent result.

Action for Children, working with Essex County Council, has recently started a new project in Colchester. They are operating a multi-system therapy service for families to support positive change for those where there are concerns over anti-social behaviour.  Action for Children (formerly National Childrens Homes)  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 250,000 children, young people, parents and carers;
  • 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.

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The return of the Annual Village Quiz

Quiz in aid of Teenage Cancer TrustHaving missed last year we see the return of the Annual Village Quiz on Saturday 21st September this year.  Starting at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall teams of 4 are invited to compete for the Challenge Cup in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust:

Our vision is a future where young people’s lives don’t stop because they have cancer. We make sure they’re treated as young people first, cancer patients second and everything we do aims to improve their quality of life and chances of survival.

Around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’ We’re the only charity dedicated to making this happen.

Refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own drinks.  Teams consists of 4 people who can be from a village club or group, or just good friends, as long as at least one team member is a West Bergholt resident. Entry fee is £16 per team, with all proceeds to the Teenage Cancer Trust, cheques should be made payable to “West Bergholt Parish Council”  or pay on the night, as long as you have booked your team in by 14th September.  Please contact Susan Leng ([antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]) to book your team in or get more information.

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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.
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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]”].

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Action for Children

Action for Children

The Methodist Church in West Bergholt are running their annual house to house collection to raise funds for “Action for Children” from 2nd to 14th September.  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 (formerly National Childrens Homes) 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 250,000 children, young people, parents and carers;
  • 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.

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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]”].

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Are you planning an event?

Orpen Memorial Hall
Orpen Memorial Hall – a centre for village life

Then why not keep your money in the Village?  We have some great halls for hire that are suitable for a range of Functions, Birthday Parties, Meetings,  Socials etc.

  • Orpen Hall
  • St Mary’s Church
    • Main body of church – 60 persons;
    • Church Hall – 20-40 persons
    • Vestry – 12 persons.
    • To book: Phone Murray Harlow 07989720256
    • Link to St Marys website.
  • Methodist’s Chapel Hall – 20-60 persons.
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Friends of St Mary’s Old Church – AGM & Illustrated Talk

Exterior view of St Mary's Old Church, West Bergholt
Exterior view of St Mary’s Old Church, West Bergholt

Friends of St Mary’s Old Church will be holding their first AGM on Wednesday 20 February at 7.30pm in the New Church, New Church Road.

The AGM will be followed by an illustrated talk by John Vigar entitled “Churches in Retirement”.  John is a Trustee of The Friends of Friendless Churches, which is now the government body for redundant churches in Wales.  He also works for The Churches Conservation Trust in England, which makes him the ideal speaker on the subject.

Light refreshments will be served from 7pm.