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Better Internet in West Bergholt?

Better Internet in West Bergholt?

A Message from Chris Stevenson – Chair of the Parish Council

Chris Stevenson 2015For some time now people in the village have been enquiring about when we will receive Superfast Broadband Services (Internet).  As residents will know we already have access to this service via County Broadband, but we have asked to be considered for entry into Essex County Council’s Superfast Broadband programme & we await response to enquiries about progress.

Most recently a resident in the village made an enquiry to BT Openreach direct, and received a quotation to supply the village; some will have seen this reproduced on the Hub & Community Facebook pages, which received tens of comments as a result.  In order to shed some light on the matter, I have said, at the recent Annual Parish Meeting, that all the possible options need an airing so that people in the village can fully appreciate the situation.  In order to help do this a resident Aaron Williams has independently undertaken some research into our options and submitted his ideas to the Parish Council. He also attended the Annual Parish Meeting and gave a synopsis of this work.

The article below and the slideshow (download file) give an introduction to some options. Aaron will make a short presentation on this matter at the next Parish Council meeting (to which all are welcome).

Chris Stevenson

What we could do about this

Aaron Williams - keen to get faster Internet
Aaron Williams – keen to get faster Internet

Local villager, Aaron Williams is keen to get better internet in West Bergholt, so keen, in fact, that he is prepared to travel to Lancaster to find out how Rural Communities in the North of England got together to build their very own high speed fibre-to-the-door internet service.  The Broadband for the Rural North project (B4RN) now has over 800km of core network in Lancashire, North Yorks & Cumbria and offers fibre speeds of up to 1,000Mbps to every property in their area.

Obviously building your own network isn’t the only option for improving Broadband in West Bergholt and Aaron has written an informative presentation for those wanting to find out more about his researches on the subject.  He will be presenting this at the next Parish Council meeting on 27th April and all are, as with any Parish Council meeting, welcome to attend.  Other options include paying BT or working with existing altnets such as County Broadband.  You can download a copy of the presentation below.

B4RN are running a ‘Show-Tell’ day on Tuesday 26th April (9:00 – 16:30), which Aaron intends attending (leaving on 25th and staying overnight in the Carnforth area), and he would be happy to travel with any fellow villagers interested in seeing B4RN in action, as they say:

B4RN Emtelle Show Tell Day 9These now legendary events are an opportunity to meet up with like minded folk, to learn and share the knowledge of rural broadband deployment. These are great events for communities who want to learn how deploy a community based world class broadband network. They are free to attend thanks to our sponsors.

The date for the ninth Show-Tell day is set for the Tuesday 26th April 2016. These events have been extremely popular and have allowed valuable information to be shared. The day includes field visits to see various aspects of the B4RN community fibre broadband deployment.

The event, as before will be jointly hosted by B4RN and Emtelle in Lancaster and the surrounding B4RN area. The day will focus on sharing experiences and demonstrating installation techniques for rural fibre to the home/broadband initiatives.
Topics to be covered include:-

  • Customer Engagement
  • Product Selection
  • Network Planning
  • Content
  • Active Equipment
  • Hands on demonstrations
  • Field trip
  • Meeting volunteers

We hope you will be able to join us for a fully interactive day! It is advised that due to the locations visited on the field trip that delegates bring suitable clothing such as a raincoat and walking boots or wellies!

If interested, please register for attendance by emailing [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”], you will then be sent further details regarding the full agenda and location.

Aaron is happy to discuss any of this further if you have an interest and he can be contacted by email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or mobile, call 07910 007508; if you are interested in attending the Show-Tell day, you can also use these to contact Aaron and arrange to travel together.

Downloads

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The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration

Queen's 90th Birthday CelebrationThe Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration

On Thursday 21st April the Parish Council have organised an evening of festivities & fun at the Orpen Memorial Hall to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday.  Kicking off at 3:30pm with a birthday tea, the evening culminates in the lighting of the Queen’s Beacon and a Firework Display.

If the weather’s good why not bring your own Picnic Blanket & Deckchairs!  Red, White & Blue clothing is encouraged with a Prize for the Best Fancy Dress.

The full schedule is:

  • 15:30 – A Birthday Tea for Young & Old.
  • 17:00 – Balloon Race – whose will travel the furthest?
  • 17:30 – Live Music, Food, Drink, Inflatables (weather permitting), Photo Booth and Film Show.
  • 20:00 – Lighting of the Queen’s Beacon.
  • 20:15 – Firework finale.

Free of charge admission tickets for the birthday tea are available from Heathlands School, Bluebells Pre-School, the Co‑op & West Bergholt Pharmacy.  Please contact the Heathlands PTA directly for tickets for the Balloon Race.

For more details please contact the Parish Clerk on 07726 424419.

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Premises & Recreation – 7th March 2016

Premises & Recreation – 7th March 2016

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 7th March when, among other items, they discussed health & safety, bollards, licences, lighting, Poors Land, Orpen Hall toilets and Football Clubs.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Monday 7 March 2016 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Murray Harlow (Vice chair), Harry Stone and Bob Tyrrell.
Also in attendance Laura Walkingshaw (Parish Clerk)

 

1.

Apologies
Brian Butcher, Jenny Church and Rosemary James

2.

Matters from Last Meeting

2.1

 

Orpen Hall Signage

This item is on hold at the moment and will be removed as an agenda item. Will re-visit later in the year.

2.2

 

Health and Safety Questionnaire – Asbestos Report/Fire Extinguish Training

The Clerk has found documents relating to asbestos in switch room, Health & Safety Fire Risk Assessments, Site Specific Risk Assessments and also a Building Survey from 1999. The Clerk has now provided these documents to BB. Await to hear from BB if sufficient.

The Hall Administrator has spoken to Bluebells and they felt a fire extinguisher handling session would benefit them. Dependant on costs there is the possibility of extending that training to the Parish Council and the heads of the various groups. VB-C to find out about costs.

The need for a clear Assembly Point was noted and a reminder needed to the various users to clarify that & general housekeeping rules prior to each event. BB & VBC to liaise to discuss.

 BB, VBC

3.

Clerks & Administrator’s Report

3.1

 

Scouts – Asbestos Survey

Clerk has contacted Scouts regarding a warning notice on the area of asbestos in the Scout Hut. The Scouts have a committee meeting the week beginning 7th March. Will await reply and report back to Premises sub-committee.

 LW

3.2

 

Bollards

Clerk still waiting to obtain copies of two left-hand bollard keys from WBFC, will hopefully pick up on Sat 12th March. Handyman has moved bicycle rack to make it more difficult to drive over the ramp onto field. Committee need to discuss MUGA bollards.

Committee agreed that the small space accessed past the MUGA bollards is not an imminent problem.

 LW

3.3

 

Draft T&C for one-off hirers

VBC to draft additional Terms and Conditions to one-off hirers to be signed on day of hire – to note their responsibility on the day. Item in progress.

 VB-C

3.4

 

Bar Licence & Music Licence

Clerk spoke to PRS for Music, licences are no longer issued, the only proof is the invoice & statement of payment.

Bar Licence –  Clerk has been approached by the Orpen Players concerned that the Social Club will no longer be keeping the Premises Licence for the entire building. LW to check with Social Club.

 LW

3.5

 

Lighting inside and out at Hall

Outside – flood lights fixed, waiting for starter motors on others.

Inside – Hall Administrator to check through internal lighting to ensure all bulbs working and all grills re-applied.

 VB-C

3.6

 

Car Parking

An email had been received from Andy Tomkins of the Pentecostal Church regarding parking on Sundays at the Hall. The Church has had difficulties finding free parking spaces of late, due to the number of Sunday matches played by WBFC. They requested that an area of the car park be cordoned off to allow five spaces to be reserved for them and ensure their children’s safety.

VB-C obtained a fixture list from WBFC, there are 11 matches a year played on Sundays from Sept – May, 3 matches left this season. It was noted that no part of the car park is cordoned off on Saturdays, when the Football Club also play and often coincides with parties occurring at 2 pm.

It was agreed by the committee that the Orpen Hall Car Park is a public car park and that the Hall does not have the staff available to approve this request. VB-C to reply to Andy Tomkins.

 VB-C

3.7

 

Tables

The Hall Administrator has found lately that both Halls are frequently booked at the same time and has suggested that each Hall should have their own set of tables. The committee were happy for her to obtain some quotes regarding this matter and then report back to them.

 VB-C

4.

Poor’s Land – Countrywide
This item was already agreed at the Parish Council meeting on 24th Feb and therefore did not need to be discussed.

5.

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club
The committee agreed the wording on the draft T&C to BHYFC regarding the use of the Orpen Hall disabled toilet. However, following the response from BHYFC it is clear that the day needs to change to Sunday and the times from 9.30am-4.00pm. VB-C to make changes and go ahead with proposed T&C, which will be presented at the next Parish Council meeting. VB-C

Agenda Item
The committee discussed the viability of a lockable toilet being built on the Poors Land and the possibility of the PTA funding this. HS to liaise with the Headteacher, Mr Hallam when he next meets with him. HS

6.

Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets
Esposito McLean have been appointed as designers for the Orpen Hall toilet refurbishment. BT & VB-C await to hear from him regarding timescale and access to the building for measuring up.

7.

Storage Units
The Environment sub-committee will be discussing this item on Thursday 10th March, it will then be brought back to this committee next month.

8.

AOB
No other items were raised. Meeting closed at 8.15pm

 

Date of next meeting – 4th April 2016 – 7.30pm John Lampon Hall
 

 

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Influence & Inform – Village Meeting 23rd March 2016

West Bergholt PC's Annual Report 2014

West Bergholt village signThe Annual Parish Meeting on 23rd March 2016 is for all local residents to hear what is happening and, by raising issues and asking questions, to put their mark on the village’s future.

Formal Agenda for Annual Village Meeting on 23rd March 2016

Dear Resident,

You are invited to attend West Bergholt’s Annual Village Meeting, which will be held in the Orpen Hall (main hall) at 7.30pm on Wednesday 23rd March 2016.

Chris Stephenson
Chair – West Bergholt Parish Council

AGENDA

  1. Welcome and Introduction from the Chairman — Chris Stevenson.
  2. Heathlands School Council.
  3. Parish Safety Volunteers – Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.
  4. Presentation.
  5. Issues from the Floor.

 What You Say Matters – Make your point and ask questions.

Refreshments will be available.

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Neighbourhood Plan Makes Progress

NP Contents Page show how the group forges aheadNeighbourhood Plan Makes Progress

The Neighbourhood Plan meeting that took place earlier this month resulted in much progress with an almost completed first draft plan.  The picture on the right shows the Contents page to give some idea of what to expect when the final report is published (click on it for larger picture).

You will notice that a lot of the the section headings have blank ‘App Buttons’ and, since the plan will impact the children’s future, the NP group are running a competition for the pupils at Heathlands to design what the blanks should be filled in with.

There are 8 categories and these are listed below, there will be a winner and a prize selected for each App Button.  The Categories are:

Example of what the 'App Button' could look like for Housing & Planning
Example of what the ‘App Button’ could look like for Housing & Planning
  • Housing and Planning
  • Business and Commerce
  • Village Social and Community
  • Environment
  • Transport
  • Sport and Recreation
  • Community Safety
  • Communications

Download the entry form:

 

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Premises & Recreation – 1st February 2016

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 1st February when, among other items, they discussed Orpen Hall, Health & Safety, budget, storage, football clubs, licences and toilets.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Sub-committee meeting held on Monday 1st February 2016 in the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Brian Butcher (Chair), Murray Harlow (Vice chair), Jenny Church, Rosemary James, Bob Tyrrell.
Apologies Harry Stone

Also in attendance Victoria Beckwith-Cole (Hall Administrator)

2.

Matters from Last Meeting
2.1 Orpen Hall Signage
Work in progress, will update at next meeting. BT
2.2 Health and Safety Questionnaire
This has now been completed with the exception of obtaining a copy of the Asbestos Report – Parish Clerk to look further and to contact previous Parish Clerk to where the Report maybe located. LW
BB/VBC will organise unannounced fire drills throughout the year. BB/VBC
BB asked about fire extinguisher training – VBC confirmed that she has undertaken this in another employment. As Bluebells are the main users of the Hall – VBC to ask if their staff know how to use extinguishers. VBC
At this point reference was made to the chair clips (Panto Orpen Players) – that they were not functioning properly – VBC pointed out the correct positioning of the clips and confirmed that she will meet with the Orpen Players Friday night to show the Front of House the correct way positioning them.  We discussed the Orpen Players smoking, “instructing” Zoe etc, and agreed we would meet them to discuss. VBC

3.

Clerks & Administrator’s Report
3.1 Bar Licence and Dance/Music Licence – LW has sent off PPL and PRS paperwork.  Bar Licence: LW to check with Social Club. LW
3.2 Additional Bin Hire – This will only need to be considered when the CSH implement their “weighing payment” method. However, currently it will work out cheaper to have a 360l wheelie bin for glass and cans. LW
3.3 JL Hall Toilet/Boiler – VBC updated that the plumber had to come out and deal with a leak in one of the toilets (replacement ball valve) and a leak on the boiler.
3.4 Job Role of Hall Admin – H&S – VBC reported that all points are covered within her role at present apart from “ensuring a fire risk assessment is maintained”. VBC to implement this. VBC
3.5 Draft T&C for one-off hirers – in progress will update at next meeting. VBC
3.6 West Bergholt Website – has been updated with up to date information especially with making contact details more prominent – will be checked periodically.

4.

Cleaning
No further comments – this item can now be taken off the Agenda.

5.

West Bergholt Football Club – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field
Signed off – this item can now be taken off the Agenda

6.

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club – Saturday morning training proposal
Prior to meeting CS sent the Committee correspondence regarding this.  The Committee were to talk through the “Action Points” – As the first point was of utmost importance, this was discussed and agreed in principal that BHYFC could use the Orpen Hall disabled toilet – this was on the proviso that they agreed and signed the T&C which VBC will draft and send to BB for approval. VBC
The other action points will be followed up as and when necessary. ALL

7.

Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets
A discussion ensued about the layout whether to draw up as per plans or to refurbish what we have. It was agreed to go with existing plans but with option that “cosmetic changes” be made once tendered. Bluebells would like to have at least one lower basin for handwashing but its need was not agreed. BB has been in dialogue with three designers and is nearing obtaining quotes for this work. BB

8.

Storage Units
Measurements of the storage units have been done and concluded that there is not enough storage.  Various options to increase storage in the future were proposed, when funding is available. One being building another garage onto the existing two garages towards the football club.  Two, where the CSH bin is located to have a unit to house the rubbish, salt, equipment needed for the handyman, etc.  MH suggested racking out the current garages to optimise the space would help.  MH to speak with the Orpen Players, BYG and Bluebells who currently rent them and come up with drawings and costings for next meeting for the Committee to consider. MH

9.

Terms of Reference
BB forwarded to CS – this item can now be taken of the Agenda.

10.

Budget for next year
2016/2017 fees were approved at the Parish Council meeting. VBC to advise regular hirers of increases. VBC

11.

AOB
BB listed out various light bulbs not working and VBC will get these replaced VBC

12.

Date of next meeting

7th March 2016 – 7.30pm John Lampon Hall
(Brian Butcher offered apologies in advance)
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Environment & Highways – 11th February 2016

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th February 2016 and discussed a range of issues including litter & rubbish, hedge cutting, considerate parking, traffic safety, handymen, gardening equipment etc…

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 11th February 2016 in Main Hall

Sub-committee members present John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James, Phil Spencer, David Short
Apologies

 

1

Clerks Report
a)   Upturned soil left in wake of new water pipe across Heath to school. Concerns about sinkage. Following a letter from Chris to Atkins Global he was informed it was Anglian Water who did not fill the hole. He has sent them an email. We are awaiting a reply from them. LW
b)   Armoury Road – clearing of rubbish etc has been completed here.
c)    Hedge cutting at Chapel Road substation has been carried out. The cutting back required for laurel hedging along Colchester Road opposite village sign and roundabout is awaited. Laura will monitor this situation. LW
d)   A litter pick was carried out as “litter Warriors”, organised by Laura, on 6th February. Not many volunteers but a deal of litter was cleared. Other areas identified as a problem. The next date for “Litter Warriors” is on Saturday 5th March- volunteers required. LW
e)   Queen’s Road pond – litter here needs clearing. The Duck house has moved from its mooring and will need attention in the future. Also area around bus stop by Methodist Church needs to be kept under observation.
f)     Overgrown hedges on Chitts Hill have been cut back by landowner. Litter picking here is required. Handyman could do this. JGR & DH
g)    Land off Armoury Road, back of the Maltings, has been cleared by agents of the land and much litter was left behind. Laura contacted the agents and is awaiting to hear if this has been cleared. LW

2

Matters arising from last minutes
a)   Considerate Parking Scheme – Harry, John and Rosemary observed the parking situation round the school last Wednesday and made a list of 12 offenders for inconsiderate (illegal) parking. We hope this is having an effect and will repeat the exercise after half term. HS
b)   Traffic Safety Plan – awaiting 20mph signs. HS
c)    Plinth for Beacon – to be installed when weather permits. IB
d)   Lower end of Lorkin Daniell has been cleared of shrubbery – 2 Trees still require attention.
e)   Wheelie bin – to contact Marcus re progress MH, JC

3

Allotments
Report from Harry – invoices for rents to be sent out to plot holders.

4

Handyman work
David has been carrying out general work schedule. Will clear Chitts Hill area.

Footway along Colchester Road near car sales site needs attention.

Interviews have been carried out for second handyman. Selection process completed. Laura to deal with paperwork required for successful candidate.

5

Storage of gardening equipment
John will discuss with Planning Committee the possibility of putting up a storage facility near the entrance to Orpen Hall. JGR

6

Purchase of vehicle
The purchase of a vehicle has been completed. The MOT will be due in July this year. A policy needs to be written for information for all users JGR

7

AOB
a)   Repair of lawnmower is needed. Proposed cost is £180. This is an essential piece of equipment. Members of this sub-committee agreed the expense. JGR
b)   Purchase of a ride-on mower to be considered in the future
c)    Fallen Tree lying over Hall Road pond needs attention. John to discuss with Handyman. JGR
d)   Queen’s Birthday – plan to use beacon again – will need moving to LD field. Laura to register the beacon.
Possibility of a firework display.		  LW

Date of next meeting – Thursday 10th March 2016 at 5pm in JL Hall.
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Consultation on Lower Thames Crossing

Lower Thames Crossing Route MapConsultation on Lower Thames Crossing

Although this proposed crossing is distant from the village, many of you will either travel in that direction or wonder if it will impact other trunk routes.   The consultation on the project is open until 24th March 2016 so please feel free to add your views.

Highways England has launched the public consultation on proposals for a Lower Thames Crossing, a new road crossing of the River Thames connecting Kent and Essex.  The proposal is for a new road which would connect the A2/M2 in Kent with a tunnel crossing east of Gravesend and Tilbury, before joining the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.  There are three route options north of the river in Essex and two south of the river in Kent.

Find out more and have your say.

https://youtu.be/5YbK_04gFjk

This is your opportunity to let Highways England know your views before they make recommendations to the Department for Transport later this year. If you would like to find out more please visit the website www.lower-thames-crossing.co.uk where you can:

Alternatively, you can call on 0300 123 5000.

Your views are important to, please provide your response by 24 March 2016.

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Funding, Energy Switch & More

Funding, Energy Switch & More

Funding is just one of many subjects in the numerous news updates Essex County & Colchester Borough Councils issue every week, the following are extracts that might be of particular interest.

Funding available for community projects

Colchester’s Big Choice funding application process is now open! Bid for a share of £200,000 to fund new or existing community projects in Colchester. Finalists will be entered into a public vote at the end of February 2016 to decide on the winners.

If you have a project that could be eligible CBC needs to know more about it. Not all applications will go through to the final vote but in order to qualify CBC needs to know who you are, what you do and how your idea will benefit the residents of Colchester Borough.

Completing this online application form will guide you through the information CBC needs so please complete it carefully and take note of the deadlines as CBC has to stick to them. The online application form needs to be completed and received by CBC by 12 noon on the 15th January 2016.   Click here to find out more

Save hundreds in the Essex Energy Switch

An energy-saving initiative which has already saved Essex residents almost £1 million has reopened for new applications. Register now for the Essex Energy Switch to potentially save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills.

Registration is open till 1 February 2016. After this, energy providers will bid against one another in an auction with the winning bidder being the company offering the lowest price to all applicants. Following last year’s Switch, residents saved approximately £263 per household.

Anyone who pays for energy is eligible to take part. Signing up takes just a few minutes online. Visit www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch for more information and to find out how to take part.

How to avoid a cold (caller) this winter

Free “No Cold Caller” stickers are now available at Essex libraries to help vulnerable people protect themselves from rogue traders.

#InstaEssex – Capturing the culture of Essex

What best describes Essex culture to you? Is it some of our buildings and architecture; our artwork and theatres; local street and contemporary social culture; or perhaps there’s an iconic image you think sums up the county? Whatever it is, the #InstaEssex campaign wants to capture it with a photography competition that’s open to both amateur and professional photographers.

15 winning images will be displayed at London Liverpool Street station and at branch line stations across Essex. From these winners the top three will be awarded cash prizes of £1,000 (first prize), £500 (second prize) and £250 (third prize).

If you’re stuck for inspiration why not take a look at the Explore Culture website.  Or if you’d like to brush up on your photography skills, why not take part in one of the #InstaEssex workshops.

If you don’t fancy submitting a photo but still want to share your thoughts, you can join the discussions on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #Instaessex.  The competition is open until Mon 15 February 2016 so there’s plenty of time to get snapping!

Boost Your Online Skills

If you were fortunate enough to receive a new smartphone, tablet or PC at Christmas and you’d like help to get online, then why not brush up your IT skills for free at CBC’s digital bazaar events and online drop-in sessions beginning this month and running throughout 2016.

At CBC’s digital bazaar events and online drop in sessions, you are encouraged to bring your own device where you will receive professional help with setting it up.

Computers are available at all of the events and staff are there to support and teach you and undertake tasks such as setting up email addresses. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of CBC’s dedicated multi-skilled Zone Teams who have in-depth knowledge of local areas.

One to One Support

CBC also offer one-to-one support at any of the library hubs across Colchester. To book a free one hour session please complete CBC’s online form or call 01206 282222.

Local Health Matters Meetings

Taking place twice a month in various parts of the North East Essex area, these meetings are free to attend without prior booking and give you an opportunity to discuss matters of concern or interest to you regarding Local Health matters.  The minutes of the recent meeting in Colchester will give you an idea of what they are about:

Winter’s on its way

The unseasonal mild spell is coming to an end. Are you ready for wintry conditions on the roads? Keep up to date with road conditions via Essex County Council’s website or Twitter accounts.

Visit ECC’s winter travel web page for useful information about salt bins, salting (gritting) routes and links to other winter-related advice about school closures, flooding alerts and health. Follow @Essex_Travel and @EssexGritters for all the latest winter road updates from Essex County Council on Twitter. ECC does not manage the A12, A120, M11 and M25. Visit the Highways Agency website for information about these roads.

At midday every day during winter a weather report comes in to Essex County Council and the decision is made whether to send gritters out onto the Essex roads.  Essex County Council has 59 gritters which grit 2,500 miles of roads in the county using a mixture of salt and brine. Find out how the gritting service works in a feature which appeared in the East Anglian Daily Times this week.

Remember to always drive to the weather conditions to keep safe on the roads this winter.