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Essex & Colchester Updates – July 2015

Essex & Colchester News updates – July 2015

This is a summary of a number of recent announcements made by Essex & Colchester Councils during July 2015:

Listen to council meetings how and when you want

A new audio webcasting system is now in place streaming live from some of our council meetings and debates, available through our website and twitter feed, or you can choose to catch up later.

Links to the audio are from the ‘Your Council’ tab of essex.gov.uk with recordings available alongside meeting details and agendas. You can jump straight to a specific agenda item if that’s all you want to hear again.The Full Council meeting broadcast is planned for 14 July and committees of the council have also started to come online. Look out for tweets with links to the audio stream at the beginning of each meeting on the @ECC_DemSer twitter feed.

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Transparency on calls to ECC’s Contact Centre

Telephone calls to Essex County Council’s Contact Centre now start with a recorded message about call charges. This follows new legislation introduced by the communications regulator Ofcom and the Advertising Standards Authority for 084, 087,09 and 118 numbers, as part of the national UK Calling scheme.

Callers to the Contact Centre on all 0845 numbers are informed that calls cost 5p per minute plus the access charge from respective service providers.

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Essex ahead on pothole repairs

Road rollerThe number of unrepaired potholes on county roads has fallen.

In the three months leading to June 30, unrepaired potholes and carriageway defects on the county’s busiest roads have reduced by 70 and 75 per cent respectively, compared with the same period last year.

According to Essex County Council figures, potholes and other carriageway defects were maintained at under 350, with 137 on the county’s busiest roads and 206 on main and key roads.

Outstanding carriageway defects on local roads have also fallen over the same period, from 5,212 to 4,626, with 2,581 potholes repaired, continuing the positive trend seen over the previous three months.

Since the same period last year, carriageway defects on local roads are down by 23 percent, from 6,001 to 4,626.

To report a pothole or carriageway defect visit http://www.essexhighways.org/tell-us-pothole.aspx.

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Have a summer holiday to remember with Essex Outdoors

Essex outdoorsEssex Outdoors exciting 2015 summer holiday programme for 8-16 year olds has been released. Centres in Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea will be running School Holiday Activity Days, which include up to four activities in one day, between 23 July and 28 August.

Activities include aerial trekking, archery, bouldering, BMX, canoeing, caving, climbing, kayaking, low ropes, orienteering, zip wire and much, much more. Harlow is running additional climbing days as well as canoe and kayak days between 23 July and 28 August, with Bradwell also running a canoe day on 18 August.

Activity days are the perfect way for children and young people to try the challenge and excitement of new activities. Activity days cost £30 per day or buy four days and get the fifth free.

Dates, times and activities vary per centre so please check the website for full details or contact your nearest centre.

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Aiming High for Disabled Children – summer programme

Essex Outdoors will be running the ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ programme this summer. The programme offers a range of day and overnight activities for free to disabled children and young people who are aged 8 to 18, as well as their carer.

The programme includes:

  • Activity days at Harlow from 24 July to 28 August
  • Activity days at Danbury on 28 and 30 July
  • Sailing/crabbing day at Bradwell on 25 July
  • One night break in either Bradwell or Danbury on 15 August.
  • Mersea Island Festival overnight (five nights from 23 August)
  • Mersea Island Festival day visits from 25 to 30 August

Please note participants must live within the administrative boundary of Essex County Council to qualify for free places. For eligibility as well as dates, times and activities per centre please check the website.

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Family fun at Bark in the Park

Bark in the parkJoin us at this special dog themed fun day for dogs and their owners on Sunday 9 August in Colchester’s Castle Park.

Bark in the Park will transform the open space in Colchester’s park into a dog and dog owner’s extravaganza.  This event, led by Colchester Borough Council’s Animal Control Team, will offer everything man’s best friend needs.

There will be plenty to keep the whole family (and their dogs) amused throughout the day and visitors are assured of a great day out.  Owners will also have the chance to enter their pet pooches into the various dog show events that will take place during the day.

Dog Show Categories

  • Best Young Handler
  • Smiliest Staffy
  • Most Gorgeous Rescue
  • Handsomest Dog
  • Prettiest Bitch
  • Calmest Tail
  • Best Trick
  • Overall Best in Show

 There will be entertainment and demos, competitions and prizes, K9 Aqua Sports, dog agility, doggie trade stands and much more! Make sure you register online (for free) to enter one of the seven pet Dog Shows on the day!  Find out more here.

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Have you watched CBC’s latest video?

A brand new tourism video promoting Colchester has been created to showcase everything that the Borough has to offer! If you haven’t had a chance to watch it on their YouTube channel yet, then here it is:

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Summer Reading Challenge 2015

Guinness World RecordsSummer Reading Challenge 2015

Help make this a record breaking summer

Every year the national Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep the country’s children reading throughout the holidays and as this year’s theme is ‘Record Breakers’, Essex Libraries wants as many pledges of support as possible to set a new Guinness World Record™ for ‘the most number of pledges received for a reading campaign’, and to contribute to an Essex record.

Children pledge to visit their local library, read six books of their choice and collect stickers in six categories to secure medals. Adults and volunteers pledge to support children to read. Older children can take part in a reading and arts programme called ImagiNation.

Councillor Roger Hirst, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Libraries, Planning and the Environment said:

Getting more children to read for pleasure during the summer holidays will be a fantastic achievement. This record attempt will be used to highlight the importance of reading for pleasure as well as the importance of libraries in communities. I want to see Essex playing its part in creating this new world record.

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency in association with Guinness World Records™ and delivered by libraries, bringing together fact and fiction and helping young readers to discover some wonderful and truly amazing records from around the world.

Record Breakers and ImagiNation run from 11 July to Saturday 5 September in all Essex libraries and mobile libraries.

Note – the Mobile Library’s next visits are scheduled for 21st July, 4th August, 18th August and 1st September visiting Albany Road, Lexden Road, Queens Road & Chapel Road on each of those afternoons.

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Changes at Methodist Church

Changes at Methodist Church

We have received the following news update from the Methodist Church:

The Methodist Church
The Methodist Church

Sadly it is time for our Minister Rev Ruth Ridge to move on, having completed eight years service with us here in West Bergholt and the Colchester Circuit.  She came to us as a newly ordained minister in her first Circuit and has been a breath of fresh air to us all. Her tireless work and infectious enthusiasm have made an impact on so many. We are grateful for all she has done in our communities over this time and she will be greatly missed by us all.

Ruth is leaving the Circuit at the end of July and there will not be a new Minister in the Manse. The Manse is being let for a year, so please do not try and make contact at the Manse or deliver any messages there. The Rev Ken Chalmers will be joining the Circuit in September but will not be living in the village. He will join our Superintendent Minister, Rev Alan Jenkins, in providing a ministry to all the churches in our Circuit. They will be supported by three retired Ministers.  The Circuit was not able to secure a third full time minister for September 2015.  It is the intention to seek a third minister from September 2016.

All services and activities at the Methodist Church and Hall are continuing as normal.

Contact for the Methodist Church can be made initially through Church Stewards or by telephoning Judith, 01206 241969 or by e-mailing [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].  We will deal with local matters and also take initial enquiries for weddings baptisms and funerals. We can arrange for one of our Ministers to be in touch with you as needed. If you need to contact a minister directly in an emergency please phone Rev Alan Jenkins, 01206 793888.

See more on the Churches page.

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Summer Coffee & Craft

Summer Coffee & Craft with seaside funSummer Coffee & Craft

West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding some more of their popular fun activity mornings for young families during the school holidays.

The Summer Coffee and Craft sessions will all take place on Monday mornings from 10.30 to 12.00 in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt, CO6 3EF. There will be a variety of craft activities and free coffee, tea, squash, biscuits and cakes will be available.

There will be an entrance fee to cover the cost of craft materials of £2.50 per family (any number) but please note that, sorry, we are unable to accept unaccompanied children. Each morning will follow a different theme, which will be reflected in the craft activities.  The dates of the mornings are:-

  • Monday July 27th 10.30 to 12.00 – Seaside Fun,
  • Monday August 10th 10.30 to 12.00 – Animals,
  • Monday August 24th 10.30 to 12.00 – Sky.

All are welcome.

For more details contact Andrew Wilks on 01206 242511.

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Environment & Highways – 11th June 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th June 2015 when they elected officers & discussed a range of issues including handyman, traffic, beacon, field cutting, footways & scouts.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 11th June 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Harry Stone, John Gili-Ross, Rachel Howard, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James
Apologies

 

1 Welcome
Harry welcomed all to the new environment sub-committee.

Matters arising from last meeting:-
a)   Ditch at allotments has been cleared by Norhurst and should not cause further problems.
b)   Snow gritter has been replaced by the retailers as the old one did not work. HS
c)   Beacon needs to be placed on pole at village sign site. Steve and Ivor to be asked to do. HS
d)   Plan in future for this meeting to make recommendations on issues to send to the PC meeting.
e)   Terms of reference to be reviewed – to be sent to all members to be discussed at next meeting. JC
2 Election of officers
Chairperson:- John was nominated by Jenny and seconded by Phil and was elected as Chairman.
Footpath Officer:- John volunteered as Footpath Officer, all agreed. JGR
Transport Representative – Harry agreed to continue in this role. There is a meeting on Thursday 2nd July 1pm-4pm in the Quaker meeting house – Harry would not be able to attend so Rachel volunteered to go. HS, RH
TPO officer – it was noted that TPOs were available on CBC Planning website and all members could have access to this information. Phil volunteered to be TPO officer. PW
3 Traffic Safety Plan
All proposed yellow lines have been put in place.  20mph limits have been signed off and possibly signage will be put in place in July. We wait for further confirmation. TSP group will be John, Rachel, Murray and Harry JGR, RH, MH, HS
4 Handy man work schedule
Harry has this in hand. John proposed that we need someone to work extra hours particularly in the spring and summer to supplement Steve’s work in strimming and litter picking. John to investigate this. JGR
5 Field cutting and mowing surrounds
The Football club is now mowing the Lorkin Daniell field (see Premises meeting notes for more info). Poors land is cut by Countrywide. There is a problem with the timing of this – Phil will deal with this problem and investigate the Athletics white line painting. PW
6 Scouts
Asbestos survey of Scout Hut has been carried out by Scouts.

A letter from the Scouts has been received requesting that the PC should cut the grass surrounding the hut. Steve or Ivor could do this but we need more time to consider the request. Need to check with the Finance Committee

 JGR
7 Letter from St Mary’s Church
The Church Warden has requested help from PC with tidying the churchyard. The Church Warden will be asked for a specific proposal on this. HS
8 Letter from CBC Zone Manager
The letter raised concerns about too many posters on poles around the village. We need to monitor the situation and use sensibly by village organisations only. Removing posters when the date is passed. All
9 Letter from resident in Queens Road.
This is regarding road repairs. The Parish Clerk will need to deal with this. HS
10 Purchase of a garden blower
This would be for the use of the village handyman. Harry to investigate cost and take to Finance Committee. HS
11 AOB
a)   Dog bin at Old Church is full – Phil to contact Zone Manager. PW
b)   Surface of footway access across Heath could be a problem. John to investigate. JGR
c)    “No dogs” signs at entrances to LD Field need cleaning and highlighting. John to investigate. JGR
12 Date of next meeting – Thursday 9th July 2015 at 5pm in JL Hall,
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Premises & Recreation – 11th June 2015

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th June when they discussed a range of issues affecting Orpen Hall & playing fields such as The Heath, locking chairs, play equipment, puppy training and football.

Premises & Recreation Report

Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 11th June 2015 at the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Harry Stone, Rosemary James, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Phil Walby, Brian Butcher, Bob Tyrrell
Apologies No Apologies

Victoria Beckwith Cole in attendance.

1. Harry welcomed sub committee and proposed that Terms of Reference be sent to all committee members.
2 Election of Chair:
Jenny proposed Phil who was seconded by Rosemary, agreed by all.
3 Election of Minute Taker:
Brian proposed Rosemary who was seconded by Murray, agreed by all.
4 Responsibilities of Committee
Brian asked for clarification of committee’s role.  This will be covered by the issue of the Terms of Reference.
5 The Heath
Bob raised concerns re mowing of the Heath as could be considered an area of SSSI.  Brian to investigate and report back to committee at next meeting. BB
6 John Lampon Hall
Vicky reported back re installation of dado rail to be fitted in hall.  Existing quotes were considered unsuitable.  Recommendation new quotes be obtained from Scot and Ivor. PW
7 Locking Chairs
Bob raised concerns again re the need for locks on chairs in Orpen Hall.  Bob to clarify Fire Regulations. BT
8 Hire of Orpen Hall
Elections of PCC and CBC next May, charge for hire of hall recommended as £250.  Phil to take to Finance Committee. PW
9 Play Equipment
Health and Safety assessment still to be completed.  Phil to report back when completed. PW
10 Football Club
Club have purchased mower for £2500.and have requested reimbursement from the PC.  Committee discussed merits and benefits and recommended go to Finance Committee with proviso that a written agreement will be needed. PW
11 Puppy Training in Hall
Phil reported that hire tenure contract has been cancelled with effect from July.
12 Communication
Murray volunteered to act as Co-op notice board officer. MH
13 Orpen Hall signage
Bob again brought the attention of the committee the messy signage on the Orpen Hall.  Recommend Bob design integrated sign and submit to PC meeting. BT
Agenda
14 Health and Safety Issues
HSE leaflets were distributed to all members for the use in the future engagement of on site contractors.
Date of next meeting – Thursday 9th July at 6.00p.m. in JL Hall
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Vehicle Show 2015

West Bergholt Historic Vehicle RallyVehicle Show 2015

Once again over 500 historic vehicles will be making their way to West Bergholt for this great annual attraction.  Taking place on Nayland Road, CO6 3DG the show starts at 10am on 25th & 26th July.  The Vehicle Show 2015 has a great line-up of attractions on both days on top of trade stands, charity stalls, static exhibitions, funfair, licensed bar and high quality catering:

Attractions on Saturday 25th July

Historic Vehicle Show 1Historic Vehicle Show 2

Attractions on Sunday 26th July

Historic Vehicle Show 3Historic Vehicle Show 5

Admission & Enquiries

Admission is £6.00 or £5.00 for concessions, all enquiries to M.J. Culham on 01206 271253.

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What’s On Summer 2015

What’s On Summer 2015

Colchester Borough Council report on a number of activities throughout the upcoming Summer holidays ranging from comedy, activity workshops, events at country parks, doggy activities and more.  They advise you check their websites (links below) to find out more:

Activities at Leisure World Colchester include animation workshops, swimming, arts, crafts, dance, tennis and much more!  There’s also water fun for all the family – fly down flumes, travel along a crazy river of waves, plunge down drops in the crazy outside rapids, dodge the water cannons and more in the leisure pool!  As they say:

We’ll take care of the kids!

Colchester Museums have lots of fantastic events the summer, including Go Live! Week, mediaeval medicine, Roman Food, Archery and much more.  Don’t forget you can visit one of our three museums where history comes alive through displays, technology and hands on activities.  Their site has a handy calendar so you can see what is on any day of the holidays.

Colchester’s Country Parks offer a host of activities and events for you and your family to enjoy at from learning about foraging and making your own den or dream-catcher to wildlife and health walks. Why not make the most of warmer weather by coming along to one of our wonderful parks to enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer!

Jimmy CarrJimmy Carr – Funny Business at Charter Hall

On Friday 31 July Charter Hall, Colchester’s premier events venue, is excited to welcome back Jimmy Carr with his live show ‘Funny Business’. Tickets are £25, book now at www.charter-hall.co.uk.

Street Life! presented by School of Street (SOS) are performing on Sunday 5 July and tickets are now on sale for Robot Wars: The 2015 Live Show on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September.

Bark in the Park

Bark in the parkCome and have fun with your pet pooch on Sunday 9 August, from 10am in Colchester’s Castle Park. K9 Aqua Sports UK, three show rings, dog agility and doggie trade stands. £5 adults, kids and dogs FREE.

Enter your dog into one of our shows, for FREE, Best Young Handler, Smiliest Dog, Handsomest Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Calmest Tail and Best Trick.

Book your dog into a show & book tickets.

Past inhabitants of ColchesterLooking for something a little different?

Colchester’s Visitor Information Centre has a fantastic range of guided tours so you can find out more about Colchester’s fascinating history.
Listen to the lives and times of characters from Colchester’s past as they take you through the dread, drama and dismay of Colchester’s important history. Theme tours are great fun for all age groups!  Visit their website for themes, dates and booking information.

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Green Living – Food and Volunteering

Green Living – Food and Volunteering

Amongst other topics Food and Volunteering feature in Colchester Borough Council’s latest Green Living newsletter:

Love Food hate wasteSave big on tasty food this summer

Are you planning tasty garden BBQs and picnics out?  Make your money go further – get the most from the food you buy, store and cook.  Find easy tips, recipes and more to help you Love Food and hate waste. Over the year it could save you £hundreds – perhaps enough to enjoy a family holiday!  Visit the Love Food hate waste website to find out more.

Share your Green Home experiences

If you’ve already started greening your home through heating, lighting or power initiatives, big or small, why not show it off to others wanting to save £££ on energy bills?  Register as a Green Open Home host for the forthcoming September event. A great way to share tips, techniques and experiences of green technologies, and discover new sustainable living ideas.  You can see homes in the Colchester have already registered on the Green Open Homes website which also gives you the opportunity to register your own home.

Children at plant nurseryFresh air, new friends, feel great

This summer and year-round there are lots of ways to enjoy Colchester’s great outdoors, while giving a little back too. Whether you’re a budding gardener, enjoy walking or want to get stuck in to something practical there’s a volunteering opportunity for you!  From the town to the countryside and however long you’d like to be involved including:

  • Volunteering as a Countryside Volunteer Ranger,
  • Health walk leader,
  • The Big Garden – organic community garden (pictured right),
  • Castle Park volunteers,
  • Conservation volunteers.

Find out more on the CBC website.

Go green – go online

Did you know? Going online for services is better for the environment and can save you money on travel, postage and through online discounts!

Switch to take up core Council services online – whether you need to find information, make a payment or provide us with your details, its easy and secure with an online account. Plus if you need to, enjoy free friendly help at events borough-wide to brush-up your internet skills for shopping, finding local events, services and more.

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Concert Band Goes 1940s

Concert Band at West CliffConcert Bands Goes 1940s

The band’s 2015 started with a 1940s concert at Clacton’s West Cliff Theatre, with the Cavender Singers helping us to raise over £1,300 for St Helena Hospice. The concert also marked exactly 25 years since we performed a memorial concert for the band’s founder at the West Cliff, so it was both a successful and emotional afternoon. As ever at the West Cliff the band received fabulous feedback for both the programme and the performance, and we enjoyed the always interactive audience.

A few weeks prior to the concert we held the first of this year’s schools workshops, this time at Bishop William Ward school in Great Horkesley, which resulted in a number of musicians from the school joining Training Band, showing how popular and successful these workshops continue to be.

Band Stand

After the success of last year’s band stand concert and the fabulous weather we were blessed with, this year’s summer concerts again start with an outdoor concert. Just like the band stand last year, we’ll be playing at a brand new venue for the band, Marks Hall Estate on Sunday June 14th. We’ve got a varied and family-friendly programme including music from Batman, Frozen, and the Lego Movie, as well as music by Mancini, John Williams and Bizet for the grown-ups. It’s going to be a beautifully sunny day in a gorgeous venue so please come along for a really enjoyable afternoon of great music.

Coggeshall

We’re then returning to a wonderful venue for our Summer Concert on Saturday July 11th at 7:30pm – Coggeshall’s beautiful Church of St Peter ad Vincula. The programme includes our usual eclectic mix of music, this year ranging from Luigini & Shostakovich through to Sinatra, Sousa, Gershwin, Bon Jovi and more. Hopefully this year’s programme won’t result in the thunder & lightning we were subjected to when we played The Stripper there last year!

Can you play?

As ever the band continues to welcome woodwind and brass players of all ages and abilities, so if you’re interested in joining, or know anyone who is, we’ll be very happy to see you at any of our Friday rehearsals. Everything you need to know about the band is on our website www.wbcb.org, or you can call or email Graham on 01206 824157 or [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].