Community, Parish Council & Village
Heathlands Midday Assistant VacanciesHeathlands are looking for enthusiastic, caring, Midday Assistants to join the school to promote positive behaviour and work well in their team, as well as support play leaders by organising and playing games with the children.
Successful applicants must be able to Continue reading “Heathlands Midday Part Time Vacancies”
Every Year the Rural Community Council of Essex holds a competition to determine the best Village of the Year. The award is based on the activities and work of the community as a whole, not just the Parish Council:
This is the only competition of its kind in Essex that focuses on the whole community rather than on the work of the Parish Council or one particular organisation or amenity. We will be looking to reward villages of all sizes that are doing most to enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants.
RCCE Website
St Mary’s Church update for 21st June provides listings of services, bible readings and other events and appeals for support for their stall at Heathlands School Fayre.
Heathlands School Fayre – Friday 1 July – Sweets needed!St Mary’s will be running a stall at the school Fayre on Fri 1 July and have decided to offer 2 activities Continue reading “St Mary’s Update – 21st June 2016”
The Queen’s 90th Birthday CelebrationOn 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:
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.
The 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.
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
Refreshments will be available.
Neighbourhood Plan Makes ProgressThe 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:
St Mary’s News update – February 2016The February & March edition of Good News, St Mary’s Parish Magazine, is reproduced below:
For quick access to different articles please make use of the following list:
The Missing PieceI used to love doing jigsaw puzzles when I had the time (before I became a parent and a working Mum!) but isn’t it frustrating when you realise that there is a vital piece of the puzzle missing?
Information published by a Christian group called ‘Journey into Wholeness’* indicates that although the percentage of the population who would describe themselves as Christians is in decline, the percentage of people who claim to have had a ‘spiritual’ experience is on the rise. These spiritual experiences may include seeing a pattern in events, being aware of the presence of God, answers to prayer and being aware of a sacred presence in nature. Apparently, over 90% of people in Britain believe in something.
Many people search in all sorts of places for that elusive feeling of inner peace, or purpose in their lives, not realising that Jesus could in fact be the vital missing piece which makes sense of their lives.
If you are curious to know more, you are very welcome to come to the Lent course on Tuesday evenings starting on 16 February, when we will be looking at personal prayer (see page 5 for more details). You will also be very welcome at the Good Friday service on 25 March at 10am, which is a time for quiet reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, or at our Easter Sunday service on 27 March at 9.30am, which is a livelier occasion!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Best wishes, Liz Dixon
* Journey into Wholeness, Essex Group, is a Christian group which seeks to connect with Spiritual Seekers who come to Mind, Body and Soul exhibitions.
Yes – I know I’ve missed All Saints’ Day (November 1st), but I had other things on my mind during the autumn. The main source of distraction for me was a course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer which took place from Mondays to Fridays for nearly two months. Although I wouldn’t have chosen this lifestyle for the relevant period, nevertheless it wasn’t a negative experience. For a start, I received the treatment in the radiotherapy department at Colchester General Hospital. This environment has been well-planned and is pleasant, relaxing and sociable. The equipment there is state-of-the-art and represents some of the most modern in Europe. If you want to know what £25 million looks like, then pop your head round the door! The staff were friendly, professional and efficient. It’s the sort of place that makes me feel pleased that I’ve been conscientious in paying my taxes throughout my life, as well as making me proud to be a supporter (and ex-employee) of the National Health Service.
But what particularly made my experience a positive one was the range of wonderful people I met there – people I wouldn’t otherwise have encountered. There were the members of staff, fulfilling various roles, all of whom were conscientious and caring. And there were my fellow-patients (and their families and friends), some of whom were facing difficult situations – but were getting on with their lives as best they could with a cheerful and positive outlook. There was a great deal of good-humoured support given to each other, without which I for one would not have completed the course of treatment as well as I did. When I needed some quiet time on my own, I could retreat to the chapel which is an oasis of calm and peace in the middle of a busy hospital – and which is maintained by another band of saints.
So although this wasn’t an experience that I would have chosen, I do give thanks to God for all the saints I met in this process – many of whom would be very surprised (and possibly offended) to hear themselves referred to as such! If you’re faced with the prospect of radiotherapy treatment then there really is no cause for alarm – and be prepared to encounter a number of living saints!
Michael
St. Mary’s will be holding a series of 5 Lent studies in the church hall on the following dates:
Tuesday evenings @ 8pm in the church hall:
The sessions will start with refreshments at 8pm and will finish by 9.15pm. The studies will be looking at the topic of personal prayer (this is in response to a need identified in the church survey). All are welcome – you do not have to attend each session – just come to what you can – you will be made very welcome.
As with last year’s Lent Group, folk from West Bergholt Methodist Church and Great Horkesley, Langham and Boxted parish churches will be joining us.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Our Annual Church meeting will be held this year on Sunday 17 April at about 12.15pm, straight after the 11.15am Communion service. More details will follow in the April Good News.
We would like to hold our popular Senior Citizens lunches more frequently, perhaps every 2 months instead of only once a term. The lunches are a much valued opportunity for the older members of our village to enjoy some company and a home cooked meal, particularly for those who live alone. If you can help with the organisation of the additional lunches, please contact Kate Penrose (210225) or Murray Harlow (07989 720256).
The River of God – Heathlands School Worship DisplayIn October last year, Heathlands School unveiled their new Worship Display for the school hall. The display focuses on a river and was lovingly created by Jo Jeffery from various shades of blue material. The photograph opposite gives an idea of what it looks like, although it’s a shame we can’t show it in colour!
In a whole school assembly, Jo explained to the children the key features of the river:
The plan is for all pupils, and staff, to add to the display so that eventually all pupils are represented on it. This term, each class has been asked to design a fish to reflect one of the school’s Christian values, such as hope, forgiveness and thankfulness. Every pupil and member of staff will then contribute in some way to the making of the fishes, so that the whole school will be represented in the Worship Display.
I look forward to seeing the fishes in due course and am grateful to Jo Jeffrey and head teacher Jeremy Hallum for allowing me to reproduce the article which appeared in the school newsletter last October.
Liz Dixon
Noticeboard
Easter is rapidly approaching!
This year Lent begins on Wednesday 10 February so we will soon be thinking about flowers for our church for Easter Sunday on 27 March. Hopefully by then, after our topsy turvey winter, there will be lots of bright spring flowers to choose from.
Please put Easter Saturday 26 March in your diaries now and come along to help from 9.45am on that day. Ideas and suggestions gratefully received at any time. Thank you.
Fiona.
[antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] , mob: 07866 485269
Women’s World Day of Prayer – Friday 4 March – 4pm at St Mary’s Church, West BergholtThis year we are doing something different for Women’s World Day of Prayer: we will be having afternoon tea here at St Mary’s at 4pm, followed by the service at 4.45pm. The service has been written by Christian Women from Cuba and the theme is ‘Receive children, receive me’.
Everyone is welcome, including men and children! So that we have an idea of numbers for catering, please contact Kate Penrose:
tel: 01206 210225, email: [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]; or Judith Fletcher: tel: 01206 241969.
Many thanks, on behalf of Kate Penrose.
The next edition of the monthly Diocesan newspaper is now available – please do pick one up from the back of the church – it’s well worth a read!
Being held at Christ Church, Ireton Road, Colchester this is a day’s course to think about your discipleship in the church and the world.
For further details please phone 01245 294453 or email Geoff Read – [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].
A reminder that Richard Chadborn is stepping down from his role as co-ordinator for the village Christian Aid collection and is looking for a team of 2 or 3 people to take over from him. If you feel you could help out in any way, please contact Richard on 01206 240541.
It is a very worthwhile cause and raises around £2000 a year to help people in need all over the world.
Sunday 17 April after the 11.15am service
Our home groups will continue on the following dates:
Thursday 10am (Rachel Hutchings): 4/2, then break for Lent.
Tuesday 8pm (Michael Foster) – continues after Easter on 12/4, 26/4, 10/5, 24/5 & 7/6.
16/2, 23/2, 1/3, 8/3 & 15/3 – see above for more details
Open House every Thursday morning at 9am in term times
5T’s – 2.30pm on 4/2, 18/2, 3/3, 17/3 & 31/3.
Youth Group for Secondary School Students
Fridays @ 7.45pm in the church on the following dates:
Contact Mark for further details (241617).
Our Bible readings for every Sunday are taken from the Lectionary, a table of psalms and readings authorised for use in public worship of the Church of England.
| Date | Reading | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 7 February | Luke 9:28-36 | Jesus is transfigured on the mountain |
| Sunday 14 February | Luke 4:1-13 | Satan tempts Jesus in the desert |
| Sunday 21 February | Luke 13: 31-35 | Jesus grieves over Jerusalem |
| Sunday 28 February | Luke 13: 1-9 | Jesus calls the people to repent |
| Sunday 6 March | Luke 2: 33-35 | Mary & Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple |
| Sunday 13 March | John 12:1-8 | A woman anoints Jesus with perfume |
| Sunday 20 March | Luke 19: 28-44 | Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey (Not the set reading) |
| Sunday 27 March | Luke 24: 1-12 | Jesus rises from the dead |
| 1st Sunday in the month | 9.30am Holy Communion + BUGS |
| 2nd Sunday in the month | 9.30am Family Worship 6.30pm (4.30pm in winter) Evening Prayer |
| 3rd Sunday in the month | 11.15am Holy Communion + BUGS |
| 4th Sunday in the month | 9.30am Morning Worship + BUGS (BUGS = St Mary’s Sunday school) |
| 5th Sunday in the month (when applicable) | Combined service with Methodist Church and the parishes of Great Horkesley and Langham with Boxted. The location and times of the service rotate between the 5 churches. |
| Thursdays at 9.00 am | Drop in for coffee during term time. |
| Thursdays at 2.30 pm | 5Ts (Together for Tea on Thursdays at Two-Thirty) 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays in the month. |
Rev Dr Mandy Elmes,
The Rectory, 1 Church Close,
West Bergholt CO6 3JZ
Tel 01206 240906
Mob 07872 649967
[antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]
Liz Dixon 01206 243683
[antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]
Richard Chadborn – 01206 240541
Michael Foster- 01206 241022
Ronnie Seymour – 01206 273579
Richard & Dorothy Chadborn – 01206 240541
The show that always goes with a bang proves to be even better this year as the Heathlands Fireworks 2015, taking place 17:30 – 20:00 on Saturday 7th November, are promising:
With gates opening at 5:30, music & entertainment will start at 5:45, bonfire lighting at 6:15 and the display kicks off at 7pm lasting about 25 minutes – the event closes at 8pm. Organisers ask that you arrive in plenty of time since parking will, as ever, be a challenge with some 4,000 expected to be attending!
Tickets go on sale from Monday 19th October and, with a continuing price freeze once again offer great value, which just gets even better with some of their special offers including BBQ food from the PTA stall. Advance ticket prices are £3.50 (under-5s free) or £5.00 including your BBQ option; if any are tickets left on the day the gate price will be £5.00..
Tickets can be bought from:
Follow the event on Facebook or the PTA website.
The following information about a number of road closures / traffic controls has been received from Heathlands Primary although will impact others as well – on verifying details on the Essex Highways website at 6pm on Friday 17th April (click link to check current status), each is considered to be of high impact with delays likely – it is usual for such works to maintain access for residents at all times although (Ed. speaking from personal experience), the route might sometimes be circuitous and bumpy.
The car park at the Orpen Hall should still be accessible although it is likely to be busy.
Sponsored this year by ‘Cinderella, A Traditional Panto at the Mercury Theatre’ (which runs from 5th December to 11th January), Heathlands PTA is pleased to announce that its renowned annual fireworks display returns this year on Saturday 8th November.
Advance purchase of programmes at just £3.50 offers great value and they are available from Heathlands Primary School, local businesses & other schools in Colchester from 22nd October 2014. Entry at the gate will cost £5.00.
The gates are opening at 5:30 pm and there will be plenty going on before the display including:
Pictures are from previous displays.
To find out more visit www.heathlandsblog.co.uk or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]. Heathlands School PTA is a registered charity (10377284).