Newsbites – Easter 2016 For Kids

Newsbites – Easter 2016 For Kids

The following are a selection of activities, mostly for kids and young people, over the upcoming Easter holidays, enjoy!

Easter fun at Colchester Leisure World

Leisure World will be running a full programme of holiday activities including our popular Kids Camp and Base Camp during the Easter holidays. There are extended opening hours for our Leisure Pool and extra Aquafun and Aquasplat sessions in the Fitness and Teaching pools. With fun in the pools, sports, dance and arts and crafts Leisure World can help you keep boredom at bay. More information online.

Easter fun at High Woods

This Easter you can also join in an Egg-travaganser, search for fairies, build a bird box, learn how to survive in the forest and much more.

Fenwick Treasure coming to Colchester Castle!

The Fenwick Treasure is set to be unveiled to the public at Colchester Castle with an open event on Thursday 24th March 2016. Found underneath the Williams and Griffin store on High Street Colchester the hoard has been dubbed the Fenwick hoard.

The hoard includes: 2 pairs of gold earrings, 1 gold bracelet, 2 gold armlets, 5 gold finger-rings, 1 silver chain and loop, 1 copper-alloy bulla, 1 silver armlet, 2 silver cuff bracelets, 1 glass intaglio, a collection of Roman republican coins, and the remains of a silver pyxis (jewellery box).It is presumed that the hoard was buried during Boudica’s sacking of Colchester in AD 60. Further details on the hoard can be found to the right.

Visitors to the Castle will be able to view first hand a fascinating display of these captivating archaeological finds, which are of international significance. The objects and their stories really bring the vivid tale of the Boudican uprising to life. Find out more here: www.cimuseums.or g.uk/fenwickhoard.

Eggs-ilerating fun at Sky Ropes this Easter

Great Notley Country Park’s Sky Ropes will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt over the upcoming Easter holidays between 25 March until 10 April.

Get the kids outdoors this Easter for less

Essex Outdoors is running a ‘five days for the price of four’ promotion over the Easter Holidays. The award-winning Activity Days offer children aged 8 to 16 years old a great way to keep active during the holidays. The activity days cost £30 per child but as a special offer this Easter, Essex Outdoors is offering a fifth day free if four School Holiday Activity Days are booked.

Transport Fest

27th March at the Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford nr Maldon CM9 6QA

Our special theme this year is ‘Retro Cars’ featuring all forms of 1950’s – 1990’s transport and classic vehicles. With live music, craft stalls 1950s -1990s transport displays, retro and vintage stalls, nostalgic live music, steam train rides, Steam Pump Tea Room and traditional Ice Cream Parlour.

Adult £6:00; Concessions £5:00; Children five to fifteen: £2:00; Children under five: Free.

Miniature steam train open for rides (extra charge applies)
Entry to Museum and ‘Astaria’ Model Village included.
Children’s Activities including Easter Egg Hunt
“Marshall” the Lilleshall pumping engine will be run by STEAM and other oil / diesel engines will be running.

More details at Museum of Power website.

British Science Week & Easter at the Museums

Join us for British Science Week at Hollytrees Museum as we celebrate all things clocks! Come along Saturday for activities from how to make electricity from fruit and veg to creating your own crafty clock face! Events are all FREE.

Looking for fun, engaging activities to inspire your family over Easter? Look no further than Colchester Museums. There’s so much to do, from an Eggstravaganza to animal activities, archery, dream catcher workshops and more!

RHS Hyde Hall Easter Fun

Chicks, bunnies and ducklings, interactive story trails, art and craft workshops and the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt are all part of the daily Easter activities happening on various dates between Sat 19 March and Sun 10 April at RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford CM3 8ET.

March 11, 2016March 11, 2016

Parish Safety Volunteers Sought

Essex Seek Parish Safety Volunteers

Further to the earlier news item (more details here), we have received the following update about Safety Volunteers from Essex Community Messaging:

The Parish Safety Volunteer Programme is a new community safety initiative, delivered in partnership by Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and volunteers from local communities.

Could you volunteer?

Parish Safety Volunteers are trained by experts from our organisations to deliver bespoke fire and crime safety advice and fit smoke detectors in homes. Parish Safety Volunteers will work in pairs, in a smart but comfortable uniform and visit people in their own homes to offer this bespoke service. A diverse range of people will benefit from the Parish Safety Volunteer programme from young families, to the elderly and those vulnerable to the risk of fire or fear of crime.

You must be over 18, know your local area well and be able to commit to an average of 10 hours each month. Everyone who volunteers as a Parish Safety Volunteer will be interviewed, provide two references, complete standard Police security checks and a confidential health questionnaire. Good all-round communication skills are also a must. Reasonable expenses will be paid.

If you are interested in finding out more about what is involved in becoming a Parish Safety Volunteer, please visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/volunteering or email [antibot mailto-=”[email protected]”] or ring 01376 576237.

March 11, 2016March 11, 2016

Essex Policing – The Way Ahead

Nick Alston, the PCC for Essex — Nick Alston will give lecture on Policing in Essex: The way ahead and the role of the PCC

Essex Policing – The Way Ahead

The future of policing in Essex will be the subject of a public lecture given later this month by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

In a public lecture as he approaches the end of his term in office PCC Nick Alston will reflect on his time as PCC as he looks ahead to how Essex police will need to respond to the changes in crime across Essex and to the many other demands on police resources.

The lecture, entitled “Policing in Essex: The way ahead and the role of the PCC”, will also look at the developing role of the PCC and at the crucial links between Essex Police and other agencies in seeking to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

The event takes place on Thursday March 17 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Chelmsford’s Anglia Ruskin University.
The lecture will take place in the Lord Ashcroft building at Anglia Ruskin University in Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ.

Refreshments will be available from 6pm with the lecture beginning at 6.30pm.

The event is free and open to all. To book your place visit the EventBrite website. If you have any questions please contact [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

February 11, 2016February 12, 2016

February Half Term 2016

With February half term next week Colchester Museums, Leisure World, Essex County Council and Essex Outdoors are all running extra activities to keep the kids occupied:

Colchester Museums

Colchester Museums have events running every day with art and craft workshops at Hollytrees Museum, storytelling and castle making at the Castle and monkey and fossil activities at the Natural History Museum:

Date	Venue	Description	Times	Cost	Booking
Mon 15 Feb	Hollytrees Museum	Portraits in Shadow Work as a group to turn your shadow into a striking silhouette portrait. Minimum age 4 years old	Workshops at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm	£3 per person	Required, please call 01206 282941
Mon 15 Feb	Colchester Castle	Queen of the Iceni Come and meet Boudica, the brave warrior Queen.	Storytelling at 11am, 1pm and 3pm	Free after normal admission price to the Castle	Not required
Tue 16 Feb	Hollytrees Museum	Mini Model Homes Be inspired by our Victorian doll’s house and make your own room in miniature.	Workshops at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm	£3 per person	Required, please call 01206 282941
Wed 17 Feb	Natural History Museum	Monkey Business Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Monkey with us at the Natural History Museum. Create, personalise and take home your own glove monkey.	Workshops at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm	£3 per person	Required, please call 01206 282941
Thurs 18 Feb	Natural History Museum	Go Live! Fantastic Fossils Are you fascinated by fossils? Come and meet the fossil experts and have your own fossils identified.	Drop in 10-12pm and 2-4pm	Free event	Not required
Fri 19 Feb	Colchester Castle	Crafty Castles From rubbish to ramparts, discover how the Normans built Colchester Castle out of recycled material. Make your own castle out of recycled items.	Workshops at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm	£2 per person after normal castle admission	Required, please call 01206 282941

Leisure World

As well as its regular activities, Leisure World (call 282000 for bookings and more information) offers further half-term ones including art & craft and sports related as follows:

Date	Times	Activity	Ages	Cost
Mon 15 Feb	1.30 – 3.00	Arts & Crafts – Fun and mess with hands on activities using creativity and imagination	5 – 11 yrs	£5.80
Tue 16 Feb	3.00 – 4.00	Creative Dance – Come along and sing and dance. Use your imagination while developing skills of movement and dance	1.5 – 4yrs	£4.20
	4.00 – 5.00	Mini Street	5 – 7 yrs	£4.20
	4.00 – 6.00	Whiz Kids – Fun activities for children with disabilities, including trampolining, bouncy castle, basketball, football and much much more	0 – 16 yrs	£4.60
Wed 17 Feb	1.30 – 3.00	Team Games – Join in with a variety of sports and games: running, jumping, throwing and catching, but most off all having fun!	7 – 12 yrs	£6.50
Thurs 18 Feb	1.30 – 3.00	Badminton & Short Tennis – Two fun ways to enjoy racket sports and learn new skills	7 – 12 yrs	£6.50
Fri 19 Feb	1.30 – 3.00	Arts & Crafts – Fun and mess with hands on activities using creativity and imagination	5 – 11 yrs	£5.80

Base Camp

With different activities every day including such as multi sports, leisure pool, cinema visit etc., Base camp runs from 58am until 5:30pm for £30 a day.

Kid’s Camp

For school years 1 – 6 only these offer action packed days running from 9am to 3pm for £25 or 8am to 5:30pm for £30 per day.

Essex Outdoors

Essex Outdoors’ action-packed activity day experiences run at our 4 centres during the school holidays and are the ideal way for young people aged 8-16 to try exciting new experiences in the outdoors!

Working in groups of around 10 young people, your child will have the opportunity to take part in up to four fun and challenging activities each day, ranging from archery, canoeing and climbing to mountain biking, high ropes and zip wire.

Constant supervision during the day by our professional instructors will give parents peace of mind and ensure kids have a memorable day! All technical equipment is provided – participants just need to bring, comfortable (and waterproof!) clothing and footwear as well as a packed lunch and a drink.

Special offer for February Half Term – School Holiday Activity Days will be just £15 per child, per day, a saving of 50%.

Bradwell

Tuesday 16th February – High Ropes & Archery. Book online.

Danbury

Monday 15th February – Archery, Aerial Trekking, Bushcraft & Obstacle Course
Tuesday 16th February – BMX, Zip Wire, Problem Solving & Climbing Wall
Wednesday 17th February – Low Ropes, Climbing Wall, Archery & Zip Wire
Thursday 18th February – Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Bushcraft & Aerial Trekking
Friday 19th February – Archery, Bushcraft, BMX & Zip Wire

Book online.

Mersea

Monday 15th February – Aerial Runway, Archery, Climbing & Team Challenge
Thursday 18th February – Climbing, Aerial Runway, Low Ropes & Team Challenge
Friday 19th February – Adventure Course, Aerial Runway, Archery & Caving.

Book online.

Short Breaks for Disabled Children

Saturday 13th February – Activity Day at Mersea
Thursday 18th February – One Night Break at Bradwell

More information here.

Essex County Council

Fri 12 Feb 5.30pm	Lantern Walk on Hadleigh Downs, Hadleigh Park	Make a colourful lantern then join other families in a lantern-lit walk across the Olympic mountain bike venue.	£5 per child Book now to attend phone 0345 603 7624. Suitable for age 3+
Sat 13 Feb 10am – 5pm	Raspberry Pi Event, Chelmsford Library	We will have interesting activities for all ages and abilities and activities suitable for primary school children/beginners upwards in using a Raspberry Pi. Put on by Essex Libraries and the Southend Raspberry Jam.	Book now to attend for free. Phone 0345 603 7628
Sat 13 Feb to Sat 21 Feb 10.15am – 2pm	Secret Story Walk, starts from Thorndon Country Park South Pavilion Café	Explore and experience the woods on this this self- guided trail. The story of your own creature develops as you enjoy our play activities in the outdoors. You can really use your imagination.	£3 per trail guide. No need to book. Suitable for children ages 3-9
Sat 13 Feb to Sat 21 Feb 10am – 3pm	Mini rangers trail, Weald Country Park	Buy a Trail booklet from the Visitor Centre, follow the map and stamp each page as you complete your Ranger jobs. Then return to the Visitor Centre to collect a well done gift. Please dress for a walk in the park with lots of mud. Body carriers are advised for small children as not all paths are suitable for buggies.	£3 per booklet, no need to book
Mon 15 Feb 10.30am – 3pm	Art Workshop at Loughton Library	Come along to lessons in drawing and colouring, held by professional artists.	£6 per person. Book now by phoning 0345 603 7628 Suitable for Ages 7+ (Parents welcome although they must book and participate)
Mon 15 Feb 10.30am – 3pm	Recycle Themed Dinosaur Events, Witham Library	Come and visit Steggy, the Stegosaurus Rex made up completely from recycled electronic materials. Come along for quizzes, treasure trails and more	No need to book; drop in any time for free entry
Mon 15 Feb 2 – 3pm	Harry Potter Night of Spells, Wickford Library	Join us to celebrate the magic of the Harry Potter series with crafts, colouring, and activities to entertain young witches and wizards aged 7 and up. It would be Riddikulus to miss this!	Ages 7 and over. No need to book; drop in any time for free entry.
Mon 15 Feb	Pop up Drama, Harlow Library	A unique drama and art workshop that will stretch your child’s imagination, build their confidence and teach them invaluable art and drama skills.	Book now by phoning 0345603 7628. £10 per child
Mon 15 Feb 11am	Teddy Bears picnic at Southminster Library	Make your own Paddington Bear, quiz trail and other activities. Bring a snack and decorate a cake for a teddy bears picnic storytime.	Free of charge, no need to book. Suitable for under fives However elder siblings are welcome.
Mon 15 Feb 10.30am – 12 noon and 1.30pm – 3pm	How to Draw and How to Colour, Loughton Library	Children’s workshops	Must book before-hand. Phone 01992 564000
Mon 15 Feb to Fri 19 Feb	Bear Hunt, Great Baddow library	Going on a Bear Hunt’ themed week including Teddy bears story time – bring your teddy, find the famous bear trail and teddy bear crafts.	Open to all children aged 0-11 years old. No need to book. Drop in for free.
Mon 15 Feb to Sat 20 Feb	Harry Potter Week, Chelmsford Library	Drop in to participate in a load of fun, Harry Potter related activities such as word scrabble, colouring, and making your own Hogwarts tie	No need to book. Drop in any time for free entry.
Tue 16 Feb 10am – 12pm	Knex workshop, Frinton Library	Create Knex models using your problem solving skills, imagination and communication.	Limited spaces. Pop in or phone to book a place on 01255 672581.
Tue 16 Feb 10.30am to 12.00pm	Bugs and Other Creepy Crawlies, Maldon Library	Event will involve story time, making bug related craft, and making fresh fruit kebabs.	Children up to 11 years old. Free entry and no need to book.
Tue 16 Feb 2pm – 3pm	Real Life Fireman, Sible Hedingham Library	Come and meet a REAL fireman, hear some great stories and make your own fire engine!	Aimed at under sevens and is free of charge. No need to book.
Tue 16 Feb 2pm to 4pm	Knex Workshop, Clacton Library	Create Knex models using your problem solving skills, imagination and communication.	Ticketed event. To book, phone 0345 603 7628.
Wed 17 Feb 10am – 11.30am	Where’s Wally? trail, quizzes, crafts and fun, Broomfield Library	Be the best dressed Wally in red and white	Free entry and no need to book. Suitable for ages up to eight.
Wed 17 Feb 11am – 1pm	Harry Potter Event, Rayleigh Library	Come in costume and join in with the activities for children	No need to book. Drop in any time for free. Suitable for children ages 5-9.
Wed 17 Feb 11am – 2pm	Wild Wednesday, Danbury Country Park	Free children’s activities, including making dens and mud pies, wading in the stream, splashing in puddles, kicking leaves, forest crafts, finding fish and more.	Free of charge. No need to book.
Wed 17 Feb 3pm	Paddington Bear story time and Activities Event, Wickham Bishops	Join in with story time, colouring and craft activities	Free entry and no need to book. Suitable for under fives. However, elder siblings are welcome.
Wed 17 Feb 2pm	Family Bike Ride, Hadleigh Park	This is a fun ride for families, taking in the beautiful landscape of the Hadleigh Downs and Thames estuary. Helmets MUST be worn – “no helmet, no ride”. Please ensure your bike is in a safe riding condition.	Book now to attend. Phone 01702 551076. This event is free if you bring your own bike. Alternatively bike hire is available – please reserve a bike in advance by phoning 01702 551076. Suitable for families with children aged 10+ (all children must be accompanied)
Thu 18 Feb 10am – 12 noon	Kite Making, Hadleigh Park	Make your very own kite with the help of the rangers, then send it soaring over the downs.	Suitable for ages 4+£5 per kite. No need to book.
Thu 18 Feb 10am – 12 noon	Drop in Pirate and Princess Event, Brightlingsea Library	Drop in Pirate and Princesses Event at Brightlingsea Library. Children welcome to dress up. Story time at 11am. Crafts between 10 –12.	No need to book. Drop in anytime for free. Children of all ages welcome.
Thu 18 Feb 2pm	Harry Potter Event, Brentwood Library	Come along and take part in our Harry Potter quizzes and join us as we make a spell trail	No need to book. Drop in any time for free entry.
Fri 19 Feb 2pm – 4pm	Owls From Plop to Hedwig, Danbury Library	Free children’s crafts – make an owl. Share a story. Learn more about owls by following our puzzle trail.	No booking required. Drop in for free.
Sat 20 Feb 10am – 12 noon	Hour of Code Event, Rayleigh Library	Take the opportunity to spend a fun hour learning to code with Star Wars, Minecraft or Frozen.	For children aged 7-11.
Sat 20 Feb 2.30pm – 4.30pm	Reading Dangerously, Colchester Library	Come along to an afternoon with the Year of Reading Dangerously team, who will be sharing their enthusiasm for writers from around the world, through a number of activities, including speed- dating with books. Includes afternoon tea and a chance to chat to other readers.	Drop in for free. No booking required.
Sun 21 Feb 1pm – 3.30pm	Iron Age Roundhouse Open Afternoon, Hadleigh Park	Explore our replica Iron Age roundhouse and learn how your ancestors lived 2000 years ago. Find out how charcoal was made – without it, there wouldn’t have been an Iron Age. Drop in event.	Free entry to Roundhouse.

January 29, 2016February 23, 2019

Consultation 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:

View and download maps and other information about the proposals,
Provide your views by completing the online questionnaire
Find out about one of their events where members of the team will be on hand to answer your questions.
Find out where you can view the proposals at a location where copies of consultation materials, maps and questionnaires are available.

Alternatively, you can call on 0300 123 5000.

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

January 8, 2016February 23, 2019

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.

December 8, 2015

Christmas Events Around Essex

As well as activities around the local parish local there are many other Christmas events around Essex, the following are a small selection:

Christmas at the Castle

As a seasonal treat, Colchester Castle will be opening its doors for FREE on Wednesday 9 December from 3pm. Come and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with Christmas carols, entertainment and an opportunity to meet Santa (£3.50 with gift). Capture the atmosphere with a professional festive photograph set in our specially decorated Christmas chapel.

All Aboard the Santa Special

12, 13, 19, 22, 20, 23 and 24 December. Epping Ongar Railway, departing from North Weald.

Mince pies, mulled wine, music and magician; juice and treats for the children as Santa makes his way through the carriages with his elves, handing out gifts to all good boys and girls.

Departures from North Weald are at 09:45, 11:25, 13:05, 14:45* & 16:25* (*excluding 24 December). Buses will depart from Epping Underground and locations in Ongar approximately 50 minutes earlier, so as to conveniently connect with these trains.

Our vintage buses will collect you from Epping or Ongar (if requested when booking) and will transport you to North Weald station, where our Santa Special trains will start. Here, adults will receive a complimentary mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, whilst children receive a juice drink and chocolate bar.

Once aboard the train, let the steam engine take the pressure; Santa will make his way through the carriages, accompanied by his elves, and hand out a gift to all the good boys and girls. There will be live music to add to the atmosphere, and a magician to entertain the children whilst they await their journey. Maybe there will even be time for a photograph with Santa at one of the stations…

Tickets are now on sale; standard prices for adults & children have been frozen at £16 & £13 respectively, but we have a slight increase in price on our busier days for adults. Full website details are at http://eorailway.co.uk/events/santa-specials/.

If you are interested in one of our compartments, please click here. Our compartments offer you an exclusive space away from the other passengers, where Santa will visit and present gifts by name! Limited compartments sizes are available for 6 or 8 people, and are priced at £130 & £150 respectively.

Late Night Shopping & More in Colchester

Late night shopping in Colchester is back every Wednesday in December. You can snap up all those special gifts and must-have essentials with Colchester’s fantastic mix of big name stores and independent retailers. Plus, you can park for FREE after 3pm (at selected car parks).

Other great winter attractions in Colchester include the Winter Wonderland and Ice Rink, new this year, located in Castle Park. You are advised to pre-book via the event’s website.

Jingle All The Way at Barleylands

Every day in December to 24th December – spend a day exploring the Farm Park and joining in Christmas activities including the brand new Giant Christmas Snow Globe that you can go inside to have a picture taken.

Father Christmas will be making a one hour appearance twice a day, meeting and greeting in the Festive Barn. There’s also Christmas Crafts, Snowy Owl flying displays and free hot chocolate! Open until 1pm on Christmas Eve.

To find out more or to book your visit go to their website at http://www.barleylands.co.uk/calendar.html.

December 2, 2015

Hillhouse Wood 21st AGM

21st AGM of the Friends of Hillhouse Wood

It’s now twenty one years since the Friends was formed and, since then, they have worked closely with this piece of ancient woodland and the Woodland Trust. The 21st AGM of the Friends of Hillhouse Wood will be held on Wednesday 9th December in the Orpen Hall, Lexden Road, starting at 7:30pm.

We are happy for anyone to attend our AGM so, even if you are not a member, just turn up. The only thing you won’t be able to do is vote! As well as an illustrated talk you’ll hear about what’s been going on in the wood over the last year. This includes the various public events as well as the achievements of the working parties.

Following the formal business there will be an illustrated talk by Darren Tansley, Water for Wildlife Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust, on the subject of “The Mammals of Essex”.

Otter in Essex a subject of the talk at the friends' 21st AGM — “Mammals of Essex” is the subject of the talk being given at the Friends AGM

Any enquiries for more information to M.R. Pluck, Honorary Secretary, on 01206 514173.

November 19, 2015November 19, 2015

Parish Safety Volunteers

Essex Police and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service are working together to help make a difference in local communities, helping people to live & feel safer. They are launching a brand new volunteer scheme and are looking to recruit two Parish Safety Volunteers per Parish in Essex, tasked with arranging and conducting home safety visits. These volunteers will deliver crucial fire and crime prevention advice, extensive knowledge of local support services and the ability to fit smoke detectors directly into the homes of those most in need.

If you’re interested, you’ll need to apply for interview and be required to undertake Essex Police vetting. You will receive comprehensive training from both Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police, a full uniform and all equipment required to carry out the role. To ensure volunteers are well supported, Parish Safety Volunteers from across the county will be invited to on-going training and networking opportunities throughout the year.

Scheme Information

1. What is the purpose of the Parish Safety Volunteer Scheme?

The purpose of this initiative is to make local communities safer, more resilient and better protected from fire and crime. It will do this by:

Reducing accidental dwelling fires in the parishes in which Parish Safety Volunteers operate.
Reducing burglaries in the parishes in which Parish Safety Volunteers operate.
Making people feel safer in the parishes in which Parish Safety Volunteers operate.

2. Why are Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service working together on this?

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service alongside Essex Police have a joint desire to increase community resilience and support the building of stronger communities in Essex.

2. What will Parish Safety Volunteers deliver in their Parishes?

Parish Safety Volunteers will be required to…

Conduct Parish Safety Visits and deliver Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service approved advice and support.
Have a comprehensive understanding of what support is already offered in the Parish and be able to signpost accordingly.
Be able to fit smoke detectors in the homes of local residents.
Participate in activities in order to generate Parish Safety Visits and promote awareness of the scheme in their Parish.

4. What else will Parish Safety Volunteers be expected to do whilst volunteering?

Parish Safety Volunteers will be expected to…

Liaise with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service in order to arrange visits and confirm volunteering availability.
Keep and maintain the Parish Safety Volunteer equipment provided by Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Attend Parish Safety Volunteer group information, training, review and update sessions
Complete the paperwork required of Parish Safety Volunteers and return it within the agreed timeframe.
Adhere to the policies, expectations and procedures required by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police at all times.

5. How will Parish Safety Volunteers find individuals requiring a visit?

Referrals will be generated by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police, through the processes already used by the organisations to arrange home safety visits.

Referrals will also be generated by Parish Safety Volunteers themselves, as they will be promoting the service and already have some local knowledge of areas and individuals that would benefit from a PSV visit.

6. How will Parish Safety Volunteers interact with the Parish Council?

Parish Safety Volunteers will not require co-ordination or management from Parish Councils as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will provide all support needed.

However, we will set up a direct line of communication between Parish Safety Volunteers and Parish Councils. This could mean that volunteers attend Parish Council Meetings to update on progress and activity. It could also mean a telephone or email update from volunteers. This will be a local arrangement tailored to the needs of the Parish Council in question and established when the scheme is introduced to the Parish.

7. How will Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police keep Parish Councils updated on the PSV Scheme?

ECFRS will send a bi-monthly progress update to all Parish Councils for whom the Parish Safety Co-ordinator holds contact details. This will be sent on approximately the final day of the month.

8. How will we know what impact the Parish Safety Volunteers have on their Parish?

The Parish Safety Volunteer Co-ordinator will carry out a robust evaluation of the PSV scheme. This will be completed in by October 2016.

9. Key Contact

Parish Safety Volunteer Co-ordinator: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service – Kieron Moir.

No: 01376576237

Interested?

Please complete an application form, or get in touch using [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Volunteer Role Description – Parish Safety Volunteer

November 18, 2015November 18, 2015

Storm Cowboys

Householders and businesses are being advised by Essex County Council Trading Standards against using cowboy builders or rogue traders if their properties have been damaged by the recent storms and high winds.

Legitimate builders, plumbers, carpenters and other craftsmen will be working at full stretch and Trading Standards is concerned that dishonest traders will take advantage of the situation to rip off vulnerable residents.

Traders who knock on your door or leaflet you may provide you with a false address or a pay as you go mobile number which cannot be traced.

Trading Standards advise people to speak to their insurance companies before engaging anyone to carry out repair work and to approach businesses approved by the insurers.

In the case of flood damage, electricity and gas companies may be able to make free inspections and advise on safety work.

If your house or property has been damaged by the recent storm, the last thing you need is a rogue trader adding to the problem. We would recommend using one of our Buy with Confidence traders, who have been audited and approved by Trading Standards.

You can find a Buy with Confidence trader or obtain advice and guidance on any consumer issue by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506, who handle calls for Trading Standards or look on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

We would also urge residents to ensure that family, friends and neighbours are not ripped off by rogue or doorstep traders.