The Orpen Players of West Bergholt presents Ali Baba a traditional family pantomime with a brand new script by Peter Cox. This is Peter’s fourth pantomime with the group, so the audiences can expect the usual highly colourful show with plenty of slapstick and humour, balanced with a little romance, dancing and spectacle. As is Peter’s custom, there will be a link to a contemporary TV show and the audience is encouraged to be actively involved.
Tickets
Tickets available by calling Roger Milne 01206 241048 NOW!
Also available at Ash’s Store from 17th January, online and on the door subject to availability.
Supper & Show
Supper & Show in conjunction with The Treble Tile of West Bergholt – £20 (£10 child under 11) buys you a show ticket and supper from special menu – for details contact The Treble Tile 01206 241712 http://www.thetrebletile.co.uk/.
Show Times
Friday 30th January 2015 – doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm curtain,
Saturday 31st January 2015 – doors open 1:30pm for a 2pm curtain,
Saturday 31st January 2015 – doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm curtain,
Friday 6th February 2015 – doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm curtain,
Saturday 7th February 2015 – doors open 1:30pm for a 2pm curtain,
Saturday 7th February 2015 – doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm curtain,
Essex Police are asking everyone to help keep the roads of Essex safe this Christmas by:
Stopping family and friends getting behind the wheel if they’ve had an alcoholic drink.
Dialling 999 if you know someone is drunk and you see them getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Giving information about people who regularly choose to drink and drive by calling Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Adam Pipe, Casualty Reduction Manager, is heading up this year’s campaign. He said:
Every year I am shocked that some selfish and foolish people still choose to put lives at risk by drinking and driving.
Sleeping it off after a night out or drinking a strong coffee doesn’t mean you’re fit to drive. Alcohol takes time to work its way through your system and you could find yourself over the limit the morning after.
Christmas is a time for fun and celebration. We don’t want to spoil that but are asking everyone to remember the message of our campaign because the consequences of drink driving really do last much longer than a hangover.
Drinking driving risks lives, not just that of the driver and their passengers but other innocent people using the road. It can result in a criminal record, the loss of a driving licence or a fine of up to £5000. More seriously, it can kill or injure someone and leave the driver facing up to 14 years in prison and having to live with their actions for the rest of their lives.
Please be a safe and responsible driver this Christmas, please don’t drink and drive.
Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said:
Too many people lost their lives last year due to drink drive incidents. But, there are still people out there who regularly drink drive and refuse to change their behaviour. We want to make the roads a safer place for everyone and we would urge you to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously about anyone who is regularly drink driving.
Crimestoppers never ask for your name or take any personal details, we cannot trace calls or track information given online and we do not record our calls. You will not have to give a statement to police or go to court. We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know. By taking action you could be helping to save a life – whether it’s the driver or an innocent victim.
Essex County Council are running another Energy Switch auction in 2015, register interest now and share the savings that they hope to achieve for residents:
Earlier this year thousands of households and businesses signed up to participate in the Essex Energy Switch. It helped many people reduce their gas and electricity bills at a time of rising energy prices – with an average saving of £200 per year. Essex County Council are now offering residents another chance to make sizeable savings on their gas and electricity bills.
You have from 3rd December 2014 until 2nd February 2015 to register your interest (without any obligation) at www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch. It is a completely free, easy, safe and secure way to cut your energy bill without wasting valuable time endlessly comparing prices on comparison sites.
Once everybody has registered their interest an auction will take place on 3rd February 2015. The auction works by getting energy companies to bid against each other to offer the lowest rate for gas and electricity contracts. On 13th February 2015 you will receive an email containing a new gas and electricity offer, valid for one month. This offer will be calculated using your existing energy usage and costs.
Please be aware that if you have recently changed supplier, the savings may not be as big as for those who haven’t proactively managed their energy supplier. Only when you receive the offer will you need to decide whether or not to accept.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Infrastructure, Waste & Recycling and Member for Stanway and Pyefleet on Essex County Council said:
This year we hope that even more residents will benefit from making the switch and to achieve this I urge you to play your part in making residents in your area aware of the Essex Energy Switch whenever you are able to do so.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help householders and SMEs to save money without obligation in a safe, secure and proven manner. I hope that we can all work together to make this a success for residents, businesses and Essex as a whole.
If you are not connected to a gas main then Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) has an Oil Buying Scheme for domestic heating oil. It brings communities together to make the most of joint buying power so that significant savings can be made when purchasing oil. RCCE work with a national network of similar schemes in many other counties. If you would like to know more about the scheme and the potential saving for households, businesses and community organisations please visit: www.essexrcc.org.uk/oil.
After the performances of the past few weeks, Bergholt were full of optimism ahead of the last home match before the Christmas break. However, any festive cheer soon disappeared a few minutes after the kick-off as it was Bures who were quicker out of the blocks capitalising from an error from Bergholt and scored the first goal of the game. Bergholt tried to get the equaliser and had a couple of efforts on goal but it was Bures who scored again to go into the break 2-0 up.
After a stiff talking to at half time, Bergholt knew they had to step up their efforts but unfortunately it was more of the same as Bures were always first to the ball and seemed to have more desire. So much so they added another two goals without reply. Bergholt then did wake up and tried to get at least a consolation goal with Freddie spearheading the attacks but their closest effort was when Thomas L brought out a smart reaction save from the Bures keeper.
Final score 0-4. Disappointing score line given the great football Bergholt had been playing which they seemed to have forgotten this week – hopefully this is just temporary amnesia….
Bergholt Heath player of the match: Freddie Geiger – great drive and effort, some of which were lacking in others…
Halstead Town Reds vs BHYFC U12s
The Under 12s made the trek to Halstead and came away with a good 2-0 win thanks to goals from Jonah Murray and Ryan Harvey. Ben Sams was man of the match.
Wivenhoe Blues vs BHYFC U16s
On an increasingly cold afternoon, the Under 16s travelled to Wivenhoe for the return league fixture.
Yet again Bergholt started sluggishly and within a few minutes were 1-0 down when the Wivenhoe left winger was given far too much time to get a cross in, Connor let the ball slip from his grasp and the striker was on hand to tap into an empty net from inside the 6 yard box. Bergholt huffed and puffed through the remainder of the half without creating any chances of real note, although they did gradually start to cause the home team more problems going forward, with Chris and Tyler in particular looking dangerous on the ball as half time approached. HT:1-0.
The second half started with Bergholt again taking the game to the home team and within 2 minutes they pulled level with a superb lob from Tyler that evaded the ‘keeper and bounced into the corner of the net. Bergholt were by now playing the better football and the game was increasingly played towards the Wivenhoe goal, but a misplaced pass in midfield caught Harry at right back out of position and the fast left winger got away from him to run towards the area and calmly lift the ball into the net as Connor came out to narrow the angle, for 2-1. Yet again Bergholt came back into the match, however the cause was not helped when Captain Jamie limped off with a recurrence of his knee injury, closely followed by goal scorer Tyler, also with a knee injury which saw the attacking threat fade. Wivenhoe then gained a lucky third goal with a cross shot deflected off Harry and into the Bergholt net for an unfortunate OG.
Final score: Wivenhoe Youth Blues 3-1 Bergholt Heath
Bergholt Heath man of the match: Tyler Earl – non stop running capped by a fine finish for the Bergholt goal
Next weeks’ fixtures Sunday 16th December (final games of 2014):
The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are hosting their popular annual Carol Service this year on Sunday 21st December starting at 2:30pm. Ideal timing to get the whole family in the spirit for Christmas.
For those keen to look around the Old Church, or to take out or renew membership of the Friends, Rhys Lloyd, treasurer of the Friends of St. Mary’s Old Church will be at the old church on Thursday 4th, 11th and 18th December from 10 – 11 am. He will be serving coffee and wine and would be pleased to welcome you.
Autumn is nearly over and winter taking it’s grip, it is, then, perhaps timely to think about the prospects for snow especially since some papers are already forecasting serious drops in temperature with increased prospects for snow, for example, on 3rd December the Daily Mail (online) was saying:
Get set for coldest day of the year: Arctic blast set to sweep across Britain by the weekend with temperatures plunging to -5C.
As ever our village Snow Patrol volunteers will be preparing for serious snowfalls, but all can do their part in helping clear paths & footways. The Government publishes guidance about clearing snow outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces, this guidance (see link below) says that there is no law stopping you from doing this.
The advice confirms that despite some media reports to the contrary, it is extremely unlikely that someone who has attempted to clear snow in a careful manner will be sued or held legally responsible if someone slips or falls on ice or snow at their property. People should not be deterred from performing a socially responsible act, such as clearing a path of snow, by the fear that someone may subsequently get injured slipping on the path.
Though the person clearing the snow does have responsibilities when doing the job, mainly to ensure that they are not making the area more dangerous, it is important to note that those walking on snow and ice have responsibilities themselves. A common sense approach is encouraged as is community involvement.
Useful links
As well as HMG’s guidance on snow clearance, the Met Office also runs a useful website on behalf of the government that hosts a wealth of useful information:
November saw absolutely NO crime report for West Bergholt after what was also a quiet October.
Information Releases
A few information releases arrived though, mostly dealing with fraud/scammers, including caution to be taken responding to phone callers trying to elicit confidential information, security companies trying to pressure sale alarm systems and a spoof HMRC email offering a tax rebate..
New ‘number spoofing’ scam nets millions for fraudsters
A new phone scam – known as number spoofing – is netting millions of pounds for fraudsters, consumers are being warned. Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK) said the scam has become increasingly common in recent weeks. Typically criminals fool people into thinking they are talking to their bank, or the police, on the phone. To help gain the target’s trust, they display a fake number on the phone’s caller ID screen. They then persuade the victim to hand over details of their bank account, or passwords, or suggest that they move money to keep it safe.
Using those personal details, they then steal money from that person’s account.
Frequently it is businesses which are being targeted, as well as some well-off individuals.
There’s a big surge in criminals using this,
…said an FFA UK spokesman. He said they had seen hundreds of such cases, with some companies losing as much as a million pounds.
‘Not difficult’
When indulging in phone “spoofing”, criminals will often draw attention to the number that is showing on the recipient’s screen. Officials warn people to watch out for such odd behaviour, as it is a big clue that something is wrong.
Remember that if a caller is trying to draw your attention to the number on your phone display, it’s very unlikely the call is genuine as there is no legitimate reason to point it out,
…said Craig Jones of the FFA.
The technology being used has existed for a number of years, but fraudsters have only recently started using it.
It’s not difficult for the criminals to fake a caller ID,
… said Mr Jones.
Earlier this month some of Britain’s High Street banks launched a campaign to warn consumers about the dangers of “vishing” – otherwise known as voice phishing.
That is when fraudsters telephone victims, to try to get them to give out details of their accounts.
The campaign listed eight things a bank will never ask its customers to do, including asking for details of PINs or passwords.
Ask for your full Pin number or any online banking passwords over the phone or via email
Send someone to your home to collect cash, bank cards or anything else
Ask you to email or text personal or banking information
Send an email with a link to a page which asks you to enter your online banking login details
Ask you to authorise the transfer of funds to a new account or hand over cash
Call to advise you to buy diamonds, land or other commodities
Ask you to carry out a test transaction online
Provide banking services through any mobile apps other than the bank’s official apps.
Cold calling Alarm Companies
Stephen Armson-Smith, Crime Reduction Advisor for Braintree district, says:
There has been a rise in the number of unsolicited sales calls both on the doorstep and by telephone calls, especially to the elderly to sell alarm systems. These companies quite often make false claims and can be aggressive in their sales pitch.
Please always consider:
No alarm system will be free or very cheap.
Beware of high maintenance fees, monitoring fees or sometimes premium rate telephone numbers are used by the system in the monitoring.
Commercial monitored alarms systems are monitored by that or another company and if it is a confirmed activation it is that company that notifies the key holder and in some cases the police.
The police do not recommend or endorse alarm companies.
The police do recommend that if you are having an alarm fitted that you choose an alarm system that is accredited to SSAIB or NSI.
The police do not work in conjunction with any security companies.
Do get more than one quote, preferably three.
Consider joining the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unsolicited telephone calls – http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/ or 0845 070 0707.
If it seems too good to be true then it probably is.
If you do received unsolicited calls from security companies contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Security advice can always be obtained free from your local Crime Reduction Advisor by ringing 101.
Scam email from HMRC
Scam email that managed to get through spam filters
We have been advised that some unscrupulous scammers are sending emails purporting to come from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). It looks like the real thing (although for those who understand English grammar, the writing is a little bit ‘iffy’), but, as HMRC say:
We would never inform tax-payers of rebates by this method or request personal details.
Please be aware of any post/emails/phone calls that offer unexpected money or ask for payment that you weren’t expecting to make, and, in particular, do not click those links or download anything you are not 100% certain about.
The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th November to consider a range of issues and decisions affecting the general environment and highways within West Bergholt. Updates on hedge cutting, handymen, weeds, village ponds, Traffic safety, pot-holes, dog bins, beacon, budget & McNally Mews. The formal report to the Parish Council is as follows:
Environment & Highways Report
Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 13th November 2014 in John Lampon Hall
Councillors present
Harry Stone, Murray Harlow, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Rosemary James
Apologies
Rachel Howard
Andrew Savage attended part of meeting
1
Hedge cutting
The hedge cutting and bramble mowing has been carried out and has been very well done. The CBC sweeper followed on and cleared the trimmings. Verges still need attention particularly along New Church Road.
HS
2
Village handyman
The use of a chit book appears to be working. Unfortunately, Ivor has been called for jury service so some jobs are waiting attention at the moment.
PW
3
Overgrowth of weeds on footways
There has been an incident in New Church Road when a resident slipped on wet vegetation on the footway and broke an arm. Need to ensure village handyman or CBC Rangers keep footways as clear as possible at this time of year when it is wet and there are fallen leaves etc.
4
Village Ponds
The Queens Road pond has been cleared today. Arrange for Norhurst to clear away the cuttings.The Lexden Road pond will be cleared on November 23rd and the Hall Road pond will have to be left until the new year.
JC
5.
Traffic Safety Plan
The plan is apparently going ahead after it has been signed off for progress.
HS
6
Pot Holes
Increase in road markings but no work carried out as yet.
7
Dog bin
A bin is required for the Brewery site – check with Val if this has been ordered.
Val
8.
Beacon
The beacon has not been put back in place – to check with Chris about this.
JC
A plaque needs to be ordered to go on the beacon – Murray to organise this.
MH Agenda item
9
Areas of work in village
Plan to produce a map showing sites of our responsibility in the village.
HS
10
Budget for next year.
Andrew discussed preparation of budget for next year. He will forward a copy of agreed budget to sub committee
AS
11
McNally Mews
Thanks to Chris for researching the issue raised by Ashley Yates. The request for tree and hedge planting in the area appears to be in accordance with the covenant and there seems to be no objection to be made to this request.
Agenda Item
13
AOB
Rosemary requested information about a drainage problem caused by tree roots for a resident recently coming to the village. She will contact CBC for advice and information.
The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th November to consider a range of issues and decisions affecting the Premises and Recreational facilities under their jurisdiction. Updates on Play equipment, Practice Goal, Orpen Hall & Annual Fireworks display. The formal report to the Parish Council is as follows:
Premises & Recreation Report
Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 13th November 2014 at the John Lampon Hall
Councillors present
Phil Walby, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James, Andrew Savage
Apologies
Rachel Howard
Victoria Beckwith Cole in attendance.
1.
Budget for next year
Andrew in attendance to discuss preparation for next year’s budget for Orpen Hall. He will forward the agreed budget to sub-committee.
AS
2
Orpen Hall
a. Letting for New Year’s Eve agreed. Vicky is able to unlock and lock up after the event. Hirer is responsible person, it is a charitable function. Agreed to levy increased deposit of £200 to cover risk of damage.
VBC
b. Cleaning problem appears to be resolved. Mike has now taken on a new cleaner. To be monitored for the next month to assess improvement or need to still have a meeting with Mike.
PW
c. The problem with the locking chairs has been caused by the wrong clips being supplied. The company will attend and rectify the problem.
VBC
d. “Snagging” problems following decoration of halls have been satisfactorily rectified by decorators.
e. PAT testing has been completed.
3
Practice goal area on field
Ivor has prepared the goal area and laid foundation work. The artificial turf will be laid when Ivor returns from Jury service.
PW
4
Film night
To be put on hold until the New Year. Discussions to be arranged with Bernard.
PW
5
Play Equipment
Inspection report has been read. Await talking to Ivor about what is required to make fully safe all equipment. The areas of concern are all low risk. The area is underused at this present time because of the weather.
PW
6
Heathlands Firework display
The event went very smoothly, good liaison with PTA. Posts at entrance were removed to avoid damage on entry. Reinstated on Monday following display and are now secure. All rubbish was picked up and skip removed. Minimal damage to grass, replaced with new turf.
Will you meet Mary and Joseph on their journey this year?
The churches in West Bergholt and Great Horkesley, as part of their Christmas preparations, are supporting Mary and Joseph on their journey around the villages.
They will be visiting the various West Bergholt Guide, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbow packs in the lead up to the Gift and Parade service with the Uniformed organisations on Sunday 7th December at 11.00am. This will take place in the West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road and all are welcome to come to this celebration service.
Mary and Joseph will also be visiting other groups/organisations that are happy to offer them hospitality. Their itinerary is still being finalised but it is already known that among others they will be visiting:-
Bluebell pre-school,
Christmas tree festival at Great Horkesley,
St. Marys for young people’s activities.
This custom of the figures of Mary and Joseph going on a journey in the local community stems from Mexico where it is known as ‘Posada’. As we welcome the figures of Mary and Joseph we are encouraged to remember those who are homeless and outcast today and to reflect on how we might offer hospitality to others this Christmas. These figures of Mary and Joseph are travelling around West Bergholt and Great Horkesley to remind us of that first Christmas journey to Bethlehem. When they arrived no room could be found for them, except in a stable, but hopefully this year they will receive a warm welcome in the groups that they visit and there will be places for them to stay. They are keeping a diary of their travels which will be available at West Bergholt Methodist Church from their Candlelight Carol service at 6.30pm on 21st December onwards. All are welcome to join us on December 21st.
If your group is interested in having a visit from Mary and Joseph and would like to welcome them please contact Andrew Wilks to arrange this (01206 242511; [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]).
West Bergholt Methodist Church, St Mary’s Church West Bergholt and All Saints and St John’s Churches Great Horkesley.
Other Christmas Events not to miss are:
Christmas Coffee Morning 29th November
West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding a special “Christmas Coffee Morning”on Saturday November 29th 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.
Wired Christmas Party 5th December
Being held at St Mary’s Church starting at 7:45pm for Youth Group members.
Gift & Parade Service 7th December
The Gift and Parade service at the Methodist Church on Sunday December 7 at 11.00am led by Rev. Ruth Ridge is one of the Posada events. Gifts of toiletries will be distributed after the service to the Colchester Womens Refuge, the Night Shelter and Beacon House. All are welcome to join in, with the youngsters from the uniformed organisations and their families, for this special young peoples service.
Carol Singing at the Coop 19th December
A group from the Methodist and Anglican churches will be Carol Singing outside the Co-op in Chapel Road from 6.15 to 7.30 on Friday evening December 19th. More voices are always welcome so come and join us if you can for all, or just part, of the time – you will be very welcome.There will be coffee and mince pies available afterwards.
Candlelight Carol Service 21st December
On Sunday December 21 there will be a Candlelight Carol service in the Methodist Church at 6.30pm led by Rev. Ruth Ridge, followed by coffee and mince pies in the hall. All are welcome.
