Events Archives - Page 52 of 55

April 20, 2014April 20, 2014

Battle of the Ages

Colchester Castle re-opens on 2nd May following major renovation, and to celebrate they are holding a major event between 11am – 1pm on 7th June – the Battle of the Ages. There will also be a medieval festival in Castle Park where you will be able to roam amongst historic market traders, see live archery and watch a variety of displays.

Battle of the Ages

Six teams, sponsored by local businesses, will be taking part in the ultimate Battle of the Ages to find out which era will take the castle! Roman vs Iceni, Saxon vs Norman and Cavalier vs Roundhead will go head to head racing chariots around the castle bailey. There will be 3 rounds, each with two competing teams. There will then be the final between the three conquering teams of the previous rounds.

Design a Chariot

They are also running a competition (open to schools, community groups and individuals) to design one of the chariots. Romans by schools, Saxons by community groups and the remainder by individuals. This is your chance to look back in history, learn about different eras of Colchester’s past and create a design for one of six chariots. The winning designs will be used in the race and the winner will receive a prize worth up to £500.

Find out more on their website at http://battleoftheages.co.uk/.

Medieval Festival

Previously known as the Oyster Fayre, this festival runs over the weekend of 7th – 8th June between 10am – 5pm in Lower Castle Park. As well as historic market traders and archery competitons, there wi be falconry, mummers & puppets, combat & tourney displays, music & dance, storytelling and general ‘foolery’.

Find out more on their website at http://www.oysterfayre.magix.net/public/index.html.

April 13, 2014December 4, 2014

Bluebell Open Day & Spring Nature Walk

Spring is here…

The Friends of Hillhouse Wood, in conjunction with Woodland Trust, invite you to join Join Steve Hallam for their annual Bluebell Open Day and Spring Nature Walk. As the Woodland Trust say:

Hillhouse Wood is a mosaic of different woodland types making it particularly interesting. It has two ponds and two streams running through, but volunteers have been busy creating footbridges and drying out the path edges. A carpet of bluebells in Spring.

Starting at the Old Church at 2pm on Saturday 19th April, you will see the bluebells (looking like being a great show this year), and other spring flowers, butterflies and spring bird life, possibly including early nightingales.

You can collect your map, family nature trail, and flora and fauna guide from the Friends’ Information Point, by St Mary’s Old Church. Refreshments are available at St Mary’s Old Church.

March 27, 2014March 27, 2014

Gardeners March Newsletter

West Bergholt Gardeners Association – March Newsletter

This month’s meeting was devoted to lawns when Geoff Hodge came along to discuss the problem of maintaining our patches of grass which have all suffered from the appalling wet winter weather. He stressed that people should decide upon what type of lawn that they wanted to maintain as different needs did not require the same treatment. The types to bear in mind were the bowling green, the utility lawn and the second class lawn full of weeds, moss and bare patches. The latter was likely to have been a weekend lawn being cut as low as possible to avoid having to get the mower out again in the `foreseeable` future – a definite candidate for a new start from scratch policy.

You should regard grass as you would any other plant in the garden, needing good soil, aeration feeding, regular watering and scarifying after moss killer had done its job. Note that scarifying before the moss is dead will only spread the moss and cause further problems. The height of cut is important and 1.5” or 2.0” is recommended and you might well keep on mowing throughout the year weather/ground permitting. In shady positions a cut height of 2.00”.– 3.00” is recommended.

Using these guidelines a greener thicker grass should develop during the year, but do not forget the autumn/winter feed Established lawns are best cared for by raking out dead and creeping grass and finishing with a broom. If required overseeding can be done preferably in spring.

The presentation was well received by the members and Geoff after demonstrating several items gave them to the club for the usual raffle.

Club News

Annual Plant Sale

The ANNUAL PLANT Sale is on Monday 19th May 7.30 pm at the Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt. Most interests are catered for with bedding plants, shrubs, trees and vegetable plants. There will also be a gardening Bric a Brac stall.

Waddesdon Manor

The major outing of the year is a coach trip to Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, this is planned for the 19th June leaving Orpen Hall at 8.30am. and leaving Waddesdon at approximately 4.30/5.00pm. This will give time to see the house, the gardens including the aviary and water gardens and the wine cellars. .

Over 300,000 visitors visit Waddesdon every year to see the house and gardens as well as visiting the shops, restaurant, café, wine cellars and the plant centre.

Tickets are available to Members and non members £25 (coach and admission). National Trust Members £12.50

Deposit £12.50

More details and booking form contact Terry on 01206 241256.

West Bergholt Open Gardens

This takes place on 22nd June Sunday 13.00 – 17.00 at present 13 local gardens and allotment (small, medium and large) will be open to viewing. Programme is £4.00 person (accompanied children free) available for purchase on the day at any of the gardens or allotment.

Next Months Speaker

The April meeting on 14th April sees Richard Ford making a return visit to the Club to talk about one of his favourite plants –Hostas. All are welcome to our meetings – small charge for non- members.

March 24, 2014

Easter coffee & craft

Following the popularity of the Christmas Coffee and Craft morning, West Bergholt Methodist Church will be holding an Easter Coffee and craft morning for young families in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane.

This will be for one morning only, so do not miss it, on Monday 14th April from 10.30am -1200.

All families with children aged 0 – 11 are welcome.

For more information please contact Rev Ruth Ridge on 01206 242183.

March 22, 2014March 24, 2014

Model Railways Open Day

Colchester & District Model Railway Club are hosting an Open Day at the Orpen Hall on 6th April between 11:00 – 16:00. Entry is free, although all donations are welcomed, and refreshments are available.

Previous Open Days have seen a number of layouts, like the St Aida’s Quay layout pictured below, to either enthuse new followers or remind older generations of the fun they used to have. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions and there is also a second-hand stall that might just kick-start a lifelong passion.

January 21, 2014

Cinderella with Supper & Show

Cinderella at the Orpen Hall

Peter Cox has once again written and directed this fabulous interpretation of the classic Cinderella. This exciting and wonderful show will have you laughing and cheering right from the start. Our award winning cast return again and we also have some new faces to the Orpen Stage!

Cast

Scott Sophos & Ben Maytham as The Ugly Sisters,
Anne Sexton as The Fairy Godmother,
Holly Snowling as Buttons,
Phoebe Stringer & Kim Bennett as Prince Charming & Dandini,
Mike Poole as The Baron,
Niamh Bennet-Dix & George Dooley as Nip and Tuck,
Debs MacMahon as The Wicked Stepmother and
congratulations to Sophie Peterson who was a chorus member last year for securing the title role of Cinderella.

Tickets

This fabulous show will sell out so book early to avoid disappointment – as this news update is posted the matinee performances are already sold out! Remaining performances are:

31st January 8pm;
1st February 8pm;
7th February 8pm;
8th February 8pm.

Tickets for the panto alone are priced £7 adults and £5 children with a 50p booking fee if booking online. If you prefer you can buy your tickets from Ash’s store or by calling Orpen players on 01206 241048.

Supper & Cinderella

The Treble Tile and the Orpen Players have joined together in an initiative designed to provide a special night out in the village for their patrons. They are offering a special ticket that entitles the bearer to a meal followed by an evening’s entertainment.

The Treble Tile menu will consist of a choice from bangers and mash, fish and chips or a vegetarian option, a glass of house wine or pint of beer and a cup of tea or coffee. The combination ticket of £20 will get you a meal at 6pm giving you time to take your (included) seats for the show, these tickets must be booked in advance directly with the Treble Tile on 01206 241712.

January 14, 2014

Winter birds at Hillhouse Wood

Winter bird walk – Saturday 8th February

Weather permitting, Steve Hallam will lead a winter bird walk in and near Hillhouse Wood, offering a chance to see resident woodland and meadow species and some winter visitors. Stout footwear and warm clothing are advised, as well as a flask of hot drink.

If you want to join Steve then meet him at the Old Church at 09:30.

December 11, 2013

Festive crafts as Christmas Coffee & Craft is back

Festive crafts & coffee

As promised in September, Coffee & Craft is back for families in West Bergholt. Organized by the Methodist Church and running in their church hall between 10:30 – 12:00 on Monday 23rd December what better way to kick off the holidays with coffee & cake whilst the kids get to try a range of festive crafts. Catering predominantly for 0 – 11 year olds it is also great value at just £2.50 per family!

For more information please contact Rev Ruth Ridge on 242183.

November 25, 2013

Hillhouse Wood AGM & talk on Foraging for Fruits

Foraging for Fruits of the wood is the title of the illustrated talk being given by Mitchell McLean immediately after the Friends’ AGM.

The 19th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Hillhouse Wood will be held on Wednesday 11th December 2013 at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall, Lexden Road. Refreshments will be served from 7.00pm.

The meeting is open to members and non-members alike.

For more details contact the Friends Hon. Secretary, M. R. Pluck on 514173.

November 18, 2013

Christmas is coming

Christmas Coffee

West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding a special “Christmas Coffee Morning”on Saturday November 30th from 10.00 to 12.00 in the Church Hall, Chapel Lane. Entrance is free and all are welcome.

Coffee, tea, biscuits and mince pies will be available. There will be a variety of stalls including Home made cakes and preserves, books, jigsaws, cards and christmas wrap, bric a brac, mystery parcels and novelty gifts.

Candlelight Carol Service

There will also be a change in times for services on Sunday December 22 when there will be a Candlelight Carol service in the Methodist Church at 6.30pm, there will not be a service at 11.00am or 3.00pm.