Skip to content

Category: Events

Posted on

Open Gardens 2014 – have you a garden to be proud of?

Your village needs you - call for open gardensThe West Bergholt Gardeners Association are looking for gardeners in the village willing to take part in an Open Garden Day in June 2014.  The organizer, David Withnall, is looking for interested parties to contact him as soon as possible but preferably before March 2014.

The Association will consider all types of gardens whether big/small, formal/wild – if it is a garden you are proud of and willing to share they would be pleased consider its inclusion in the programme.

If you would like more information about the Open Garden day and how you can help, please contact David Withnall on [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or 07854 763977.

Posted on

Coffee for St Helena Hospice

Poster for St Helena Hospice coffee morning November 2013The Final Push is almost here!   On Tuesday 19 November there will be a Coffee Morning with a Christmas theme in aid of St. Helena Hospice, at St. Mary’s Church Hall, West Bergholt  from 9am – 12pm.

As well as a play area for small children, we will be serving hot and cold drinks and offering a selection of scones – donations of £2 are requested for a drink and scone.

There will also be an opportunity to buy Christmas foods, decorations, tickets for a grand raffle, St. Helena Hospice Christmas cards, diaries and calendars.

Our goal is raise about £600 to bring the total of money raised for St Helena Hospice in 2013 to £4,000, in memory of our friend Maria. Please come and support us.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Posted on

Results of Village Bulletin Annual Quiz 2013

Orpen Players - Winners of Annual Quiz 2013
Orpen Players – Winners of Annual Quiz 2013
Bernard Colbron presenting runners-up prizes
Bernard Colbron presenting runners-up prizes

Village Bulletin Annual Quiz

The Quiz Night organised by the Village Bulletin Team was held in September and was a great success, with twelve teams entering.  They were all from local organisations or a groups of friends, as the criteria for entry is that at least part of the team must be residents of West Bergholt.

The quizmaster was Susan Leng who also wrote the questions.  Some teams surprised themselves with how much they knew on certain subjects – and when they did well, they wished they had played their joker, which  doubles the team’s points in that round!  However, each team distinguished themselves in some way and the team with two teenagers congratulated themselves on having someone who knew an answer about  “Grand Theft Auto V”.

Quiz in aid of Teenage Cancer TrustBernard Colbron, editor of the Bulletin, kept the scoreboard up to date.  Other members of the team ably assisted with marking, and distributing answer sheets as well as refreshments and a big raffle.  With two extra helpers the evening ran very smoothly, and, thanks to the Parish Council who kindly allowed the use of the Orpen Hall free, the evening raised £270 for “The Teenage Cancer Trust” which is very dear to the hearts of many people in West Bergholt.

The final winners, after a closely run contest, who went home with the Challenge Cup, were  The Orpen Players.   They were also the previous winners – will they make it a hat-trick next year ?  The runner-up  prize went to a family team from Albany Road – they too are determined to capture the cup next year !    Come along and join us next time, and see if you can be “The Brains of Bergholt”

Posted on

Quizzing Methodists help raise church funds

church funds collection boxMaking over £100 towards church funds, teams had an enjoyable & challenging evening at the West Bergholt Methodist Church‘s autumn quiz evening last Saturday.

The quiz was won by a team comprising Revd. Ruth Ridge and family, with a team from Castle Methodist Church in second place.

As usual thanks are due to Anita and Mick Morrissey for preparing and presenting such an entertaining quiz.   The next quiz evening to be organized by the WEst Bergholt Methodist Church will be in the spring, look out for details nearer the time, it always proves a popular evening.

Posted on

Light a candle Service

Light a candleLight a candle Service

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

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

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

Posted on

Heathlands Fireworks 2013

Heathlands Fireworks 2013Fireworks 2013

The Heathlands School PTA annual fireworks display(sponsored by Hatfields Home Furnishers) is taking place on Saturday 9th November.  With advance purchase of programmes at just £3.50 this is great value (available from Heathlands Primary School, local businesses & other schools in Colchester).  Entry at the gate will cost £5 for adults and £4 for children.

With the gates opening at 5:30 there will be plenty to keep you occupied before the display:

  • bonfire lit at 6pm;
  • barbecue;
  • hot drinks;
  • real ale;
  • live band;
  • mulled wine;
  • glow sticks;
  • sweets.

To find out more visit www.heathlandsblog.co.uk or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Heathlands School PTA is a registered charity (10377284).

Posted on

Unfinished Business – a ‘whodunnit comedy farce’

Unfinished Business – a ‘whodunnit comedy farce’

whodunnitThe Orpen Players present The World Premier of a ‘whodunnit comedy farce’ Unfinished Business by local playwright David Wenden.

Directed by Andrew Bott.

Who killed the policeman? Who killed the treasure seeker? A stormy night, a lonely cottage and a sweet little old lady are the ingredients for this wickedly funny spoof ‘whodunnit’!

Performance dates

  • Thur  24th October 2013     8pm     £6
  • Fri     25th October 2013.    8pm     £7
  • Sat    26th October 2013     8pm     £7
Doors open 30 minutes before performance.

Venue: The Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt.

Tickets available NOW online at www.orpenplayers.co.uk  or by calling Roger Milne 01206 241048 also available at Ash’s Store West Bergholt from 12th October.

New!!  Special offer for Supper & a Show

Supper & Show in conjunction with The Treble Tile of West Bergholt – £20 buys you a show ticket and supper from special menu – for details contact The Treble Tile 01206 241712 www.thetrebletile.co.uk.

Posted on

Christmas Coffee & Craft for families

Christmas coffee and Kiddies craftNow the school summer holidays have finished the Methodist Church in West Bergholt have completed their family fun mornings for the time being but they promise that:

WE WILL BE BACK!

The mornings they ran during summer were fairly quiet but they were not too surprised as these were a new venture for them. They were encouraged that there was at least one “new” family at each of the mornings, though, so perhaps this will help spread the word for the future.

They would like to thank the helpers who came along each morning and they certainly have sufficient support to “entertain” many more families next time.  We would particularly wish to thank Susie and Charlie Connor and family who prepared, organised and led the mornings.

So, why not put their special Christmas Coffee and Craft fun morning for young families on Monday December 23 at 10.30 in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, into your diary now.

Posted on

The return of the Annual Village Quiz

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

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

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

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

Posted on

Heritage Day at St Mary’s (Old) Church

Heritage of St Mary's Old Church
Heritage at St Mary’s Old Church, West Bergholt

The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are holding a Heritage Day in the Old Church in conjunction with the Churches Conservation Trust between 10am – 4pm on Sunday 15th September.

Heritage walk around

A walk round leaflet costing 50p will tell you more about this old building so come and find out more about the Old Church:
  • view the Royal Coat of Arms, which was painted over the chancel arch by order of King James 1 (reigned 1603-25) and only discovered in 1986;
  • examine the massive oak chest which dates from about 1400; and
  • try the seats in the 18th C gallery.

Other attractions

There will also be:
  • an exhibition by professional and amateur artists;
  • Christmas cards of the Old Church for sale; and
  • Refreshments available
Find out more about the Old Church on our webpage, the location for those unsure is St. Mary’s (Old) Church, Hall Lane, West Bergholt, CO6 3DU.