Village News - Page 126 of 199

January 10, 2014October 12, 2014

December Speed & Crime Update

Community Speed Watch

With 56 Community Speed Watch groups in Essex undertaking 45 speed check sessions in December (3 of them in the West Bergholt/Eight Ash Green Area), Essex Police have reported statistics as follows:

766 1st warning letters issued,
57 2nd warning letters,
5 incidents which will result in either a police visit or specific enforcement action.

Last Sunday a regular police speed check was also carried out in the village and they stopped one driver for speeding (40ish) who was also twice over the legal drink drive limit.

Crime Update

Definitely a case of no news being good news. The regular Crime Report issued by the Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer, covering ‘beats’ in and around Colchester over the Christmas/New Year period, ran to 41 pages (roughly 250 incidents) covering events such as Assault, Criminal Damage, Burglary, Theft etc… Fortunately not one took place in West Bergholt!

December 31, 2013December 31, 2013

Christmas fun & fundraising

The Methodist Church had a busy run-up to Christmas

Carol Singing Friday 20 December

A hardy band of carol singers were outside the Coop store from 18.00 to 19.30. They entertained shoppers and Coop staff with a range of popular carols. Thanks to the generosity of the shoppers, and the singers, the sum of £52 was raised for Action for Children. The hot drinks and mince pies enjoyed after the singing were most welcome.

Candlelight Carols Sunday 22 December

The service by candlelight provided a very special Christmas celebration atmosphere with a mix of traditional carols and readings. Many of the congregation were also able to enjoy a chat with coffee and mince pies in the hall after the service.

Coffee and Craft Monday 23 December

Building on the events held in the summer this proved to be a popular morning for families. Twenty-four children, together with accompanying adults, enjoyed a range of Christmas crafts including make your own Nativity Scenes, Snow scene domes and flying reindeer complete with sleighs! There was also time to enjoy a chat and the drinks and cakes proved popular also. Encouraged by the response we will be looking to provide further Coffee and Craft mornings in the Easter school holidays – look out for our publicity nearer the time.

Thanks to all who supported and worked to make possible the above events, and best wishes for the New Year.

December 18, 2013December 18, 2013

BHYFC Results 15th December and Fixtures 9th January

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 15th December

The Under 9’s are on their mid-season break until January.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Feering Falcons Blues

A tough fixture lay ahead for the boys today. They battled really hard in the first half with some excellent tussles going on all over the pitch.

We could have taken the lead , when Ty raced onto a clearance by Jo. With the defender breathing down his neck and the keeper racing out to him Ty was under some pressure and took the wrong option at the vital moment. We went in to half time one down when we conceded to a well converted corner by their excellent striker.

Still all to play for in the second half though. Matt equalised after 10 minutes with a superb free kick from the right side of the box high into the opposite corner. For the next 5 minutes things were looking OK and there was a feeling we could get something out the game.

But then a defensive error let Falcons retake the lead. From here it started going downhill especially at the back. There were some good periods of play by the boys near the end but Feering ran out deserved winners.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 1 – 5 Feering Falcons Blues.

Bit of a disappointing end before the extended Christmas break. Hopefully the boys will come bouncing back in the new year.

MOM went to Harvey for another fine display.

BHYFC Under 15s vs Heybridge Swifts

Bergholt were again without a key player for this match, with Ollie Sanderson missing. However Sam Clark was back at the centre of defence. The match started evenly some play mainly in the centre of the pitch, however it was the visitors who took the lead when their striker was left unmarked at the far post to hit home after around 8 minutes. Bergholt were struggling to get their passing game going and generally the final pass option seemed to be the wrong one, and were tending to stand off the visiting players a bit too much, allowing them time to pick their own passes. With 10 minutes to go before half time Bergholt equalised when James Hirst powered his way through from the left of midfield to life his shot over the advancing ‘keeper and into the far corner for his first goal of the season. HT 1-1.

The second half started more brightly for Bergholt and they began to get on top, with most of the early play taking place in the visitors half. Against the run of play, it was Heybridge who took the lead again: a long ball over the top sent the striker away towards the area with the Bergholt central defender pressurising him away from a direct run through on goal. However as they jostled each other for the ball, the Bergholt ‘keeper decided to come out and try to claim the loose ball and collided with the defender – leaving the striker to place the ball into the empty net.

Bergholt did not deserve to be behind and immediately took the game to Heybridge. Within 5 minutes they equalised again when Luke got on the end of a lose bouncing ball on the edge of the area and managed to lob the ‘keeper first time with a right foot shot, the ball dropping into the back of the net. A superb instinctive finish. Within a minute Bergholt almost took the lead when a misplaced clearance was picked up by Max who burst between the defenders and lifted the ball deftly over the ‘keeper – only this time the ball dropped agonisingly over the bar rather than into the net.

The remainder of the game was an open affair with both teams going for the win – which was finally taken by the visitors when their striker neatly turned Harry just outside the area and hit a first time shot into the roof of the net before Connor had time to really set himself in goal.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 2 – 3 Heybridge Swifts

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Max Booth – another all action midfield display

Next scheduled matches: Sunday 5th January 2014

Under 9 vs Rowhedge Juniors KO 11am
Under 11 – No game
Stanway Rovers vs Under 15

Wishing all players, parents and supporters of Bergholt Heath YFC a very Merry Christmas

December 16, 2013

Speed Watch & Crime updates, Xmas precautions

Speed Watch News

Throughout the Colchester area Community Speed Watch Checks resulted in:

1,120 first warnings,
70 second warnings, and
10 requiring further action (officer visits and possible enforcement).

The West Bergholt Speed Watch team undertook the 10th highest number of speed checks out of the 60 teams and will have contributed much to those numbers.

Mick Green of Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction section, further reported to the Speed watch groups:

BRAKE week was a great success and I can’t thank you enough for all your effort during the week despite the rain! 53 groups were visited, if you were not one of them then I can only apologise I understand that demand was greater than the officers available, but on that note our new Community Engagement Sergeant Graham Freeman will be tasking his Community Officers with arranging more CSW visits in the new year.

The Casualty Reduction section are trialling a new speed detection laser that records the offence which is then processed in the back office the offender then receives the details in the post. This device is capable of detecting hundreds of offences per hour and is now being used to great effect.

December’s activity is largely around drink and drug driving offences as we move towards the Christmas period, if you know of a regular drink driver or pick up any information we would love to hear from you, information will of course be treated in the strictest confidence.

Adam Pipe the Casualty Reduction Section manager continues to forward information via Twitter if you want to receive these tweets then log on and connect with him.

Crime Update

The Essex Watch Liaison Officer has reported on crimes committed between 9th to 15th December including one local crime, and offers a range of ‘Festive Security Tips’.

New Church Road

This “Burglary in a building other than a dwelling” took place between late afternoon on 6th & early morning on 9th December. Suspects unknown have gained entry to secure class room by forcing the door, no search made, property removed from within.

Festive Security Tips

With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, you are probably in the process of buying presents and stocking up on supplies for the festive season. However, at this time of year rich pickings can be found.

We want you to be able to relax and enjoy the festive season, so here are some useful tips to ensure that you don’t become a victim to an opportunist thief.

Make sure gifts and valuables, wrapped and unwrapped, are out of view and not visible from any windows. This applies in the car as well as in the home.
Photograph valuable property and log any serial numbers. Don’t store the information on a laptop, as that might be stolen too – keep it on a memory stick in a safe place.
Don’t put gift packaging out for recycling or leave it sticking out of your bin – thieves will notice boxes for branded products like laptops, TVs or accessories that could indicate an expensive piece of kit somewhere in the house. The safest thing to do is to break down any cardboard boxes or fold them inside out so that you cannot see the branding. You can then store them out of sight inside your home until you can dispose of them at a local recycling site.
Mark any expensive gifts you receive for Christmas with a UV pen or property marking service. This will make it harder for burglars to sell the items and allow police to return them to you. Call your local policing team on 101 for advice about property marking products. You can register your property with www.immobilise.com which is endorsed by a number of police forces.
Lock all doors and windows, leave a light on and draw the curtains when you go out at night. Keep your doors and windows locked from the inside even when you are inside your home.
Visible burglar alarms, exterior security lighting, timer lighting switches and leaving the radio on help to deter thieves and give the impression that somebody is at home.
Bolt and padlock garden gates and make sure you don’t leave ladders out, or other things that burglars could easily use to climb on. Remember to lock your garden shed and store your tools inside; it stops burglars using your tools to break into your house. Consider fitting extra padlocks to gates, sheds and garages. Don’t keep presents in the garage or shed.

If you’re going away, we always recommend asking a trusted neighbour to pop in to your home every now and then to turn the lights on and off, draw the curtains, collect the mail and make the house look occupied. It goes without saying, make sure everything is properly locked up before you leave and the burglar alarm – if you have one – is set. We advise cancelling your newspapers, magazines and milk deliveries. We also recommend that you don’t advertise the fact you are away from your home on Social Networking sites – thieves use Social Media too!

You don’t have to be a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to be a good neighbour, and even if you don’t have much contact with your neighbours, Christmas could be the perfect time to break the ice, have a friendly chat and get to know them a bit better.

Burglars wander around looking for chances. The best opportunity for the police to catch them in the act is for you to spot them before they break in. Wherever you live, remain vigilant and if you see anything suspicious, call 999 immediately. You can also call 101 to contact your police in a non-emergency situation.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has also produced a guide on how to keep safe during the Festive season, which can be viewed and downloaded here:

http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/resource_centre/document_library/festive_season_safety/

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.

December 10, 2013December 9, 2013

Neighbourhood Crime Reports – 8th December

The latest Neighbourhood Crime Report issued by Essex Police identifies one crime in the West Bergholt & Eight Ash Green area over the past fortnight (and none in the prior fortnight).

4th December – Colchester Road

Burglary in a dwelling

Suspects unknown have gained entry to second floor flat by means unknown, tidy search made and items removed from within.

Tips for a Crime Free Christmas Shop

The tips for a crime free Christmas shop start before you leave your house, after all you don’t want come home to find the house broken into.

Garden tools securely locked away in the shed – Burglars will be happy to use your tools to break into your house.
Create the illusion your home is occupied – Radio and lights on a timer in rooms you would normally occupy, there is even a device called “Fake TV” that flashes a series of lights when it gets dark that looks like the TV is on.
Lock up properly, not just your windows and doors in the house but also any gates and outbuildings.
Choose a “Park Mark” car park where you can http://www.parkmark.co.uk/. By choosing a Park Mark® Safer Parking facility you are visiting a car park that the Police have vetted and has measures in place to create a safer environment for both you and your vehicle.
Leave nothing in sight within your car, remove the “Sat Nav” cradle and clean the mark on the windscreen.
When you lock your car with the remote, look for the light flash confirmation or better still try the door handle before leaving the car.
Now you’re starting your shop, watch your purse, wallet, mobile phone and handbag especially in busy places; don’t leave them on display in bags or on counters while you pay and while you’re paying, ensure that no one is watching you entering your PIN when making purchases or withdrawing cash.
Time to stop for lunch or a cuppa, don’t drop your guard. Mobile phone on the table, shopping by the chair, wallet or purse visible coat, jacket or handbag over the chair, a thief sees it, a thief will steal it.
Need to offload some of those purchases in the car, look around are you being watched? Back to (5 & 6) above again.
Time go home, don’t fall for any distractions while you load the car, i.e. “you dropped some money” pointing to cash on the ground, holding a map “can you tell me the way to….”. While you are engaged, the second person steals from your car on the other side.

You can get further crime prevention advice by contacting Stephen Armson-Smith the Colchester Crime Prevention Officer using the Police Non Emergency number of 101 and then extension 430386 or see http://www.essex.police.uk/home.aspx “Be Safe” tab or “My Neighbourhood” tab.

December 10, 2013December 18, 2013

BHYFC Results 8th December and Fixtures 15th December

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 8th December

The Under 9’s are on their mid-season break until January.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Feering Falcons Reds

The morning did not get off to the best start with both Ben and Richard phoning in sick. It got even worse when Harvey turned up feeling unwell and then took a knock in the warm up for good measures.

This meant we had 8 and a half players to face Feering who we had succumbed to earlier in the season. Thankfully this was as bad as it got as the boys put in a terrific show. The passing and teamwork was far better today.

Straight from kick off we took the game to Falcons and numerous chances were had and missed in the first half. Ty got through twice one-on-one with the keeper but showed too much at the crucial moment. Tom had a chance as did Fred and Alex. One of the better ones came from Matt who whose shot passed the keeper but was kept out by the crossbar.

Finally the deadlock was broken when after a corner, Tom put home from 10 yards. At the other end Nathan, Jonah and Jack kept the attackers at bay. Poor Harv was getting colder as time passed.

The second half was even better with the boys switching play about to move up field. The second came from a brilliant surging run by Jack whose ball in found Ty to knock it into the net. Tom got his second with a short range stab in to make it 3-0.

It was at this point we had to go down to 8 as Harv had to come off ill. Tyler took his place between the sticks. A man down but still the guys attacked and Tom finished his hat trick from another corner. There was just time for Matt to knock in a fantastic shot into the top left corner after missing several chances to make the final score 5-0.

Well done boys a great effort considering the shortage of players.

MOM went to Tom not for his hat trick; but for going the whole of the second half without his laces coming undone.

Cornard Dynamos Blues vs BHYFC Under 15s

It was a hard fought draw today, but our boys could easily have taken all 3 points had we had better luck and finishing.

We got a perfect start when James headed on to Ben and he shrugged off a couple of defenders to get to the ball first and slot it under the keeper to put us in front. Cornard drew level from a corner when their captain had a free header and powered it in. They were dangerous from set pieces and after this we did get to grips with their movement and kept them at bay, but from open play Cornard didn’t create a clear chance in the first half. We had a few efforts on goal, but hit them straight at the keeper or snatched at the shot and miscued it. About 10 minutes before the break, Max put James through and his early shot was saved well by the keeper as he tipped it around the post. Ollie took the corner and Jake made sure he won the header and scored from close in. It was good to be in the lead at half time and feel confident, but we knew Cornard would be determined to turn it around in the second half.

They did attack with more purpose, but our defence (minus Sam Clark this week), were working well and reducing them to long wayward shots. The only time they really worried us was from set pieces, with Connor tipping one shot onto the crossbar. It was quite end-to-end and we got into some good positions in and around their area without finding the final shot. Owen tried to find James, but could have had a shot himself and Jake failed to hit the target when 1-on-1 with the keeper. As we were having the better of the possession I felt we could see the game out and maybe extend our lead, but a little lapse in concentration and miss control gifted possession to Cornard’s best player midway in our half. He ran on and made space to fire right into the corner to level the scores. We battled on though; and James, Ollie, Max and Luke all had shots that were again straight at the keeper and in the last 10 minutes we really pegged Cornard back in their half.

With around 5 minutes to go a ball into the Cornard area was clearly handled by one of their defenders, but the referee (who made some poor decisions for both sides) waved play on. This spurred us on some more and we were all over them, eventually the chance came and Jake got clear and fired straight at the keeper again. So it finished 2-2 which is a decent result away to last year’s champions, but after that last 15 minutes where we worked so hard it was a bit disappointing not to win. It is one of those games where me might look back and think, if only we had taken one of those chances.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Jamie Bowden – held the makeshift defence together with a determined display.

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 15th December (last fixtures before Christmas)

Under 9 – No game (mid season break)
Under 11 vs Feering Falcon Blues, KO 10am
Under 15 vs Heybridge Swifts, KO 10.30am

December 4, 2013December 4, 2013

Drink Driving & other Xmas crimes?

Drink Driving

Adam Pipe, the Casualty Reduction Manager at Essex Police is asking all Speedwatch groups, and other community-minded folks, for any support they can give to the Xmas drink driving campaign. Such support is always much appreciated and could help save lives. He says:

We always look to the support of the community in providing us with intelligence relating to possible known drink drivers within your communities and this information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

As always you can stay in touch with our daily operations via following my Twitter page @EPAdamPipe.

As their poster cautions – drink-driving can have devastating consequences, don’t take the chance, make sure you arrange your lift home in advance.

Seasonal Fraud On-line

Criminals are always present in our lives and Christmas is no exception. The City of London Police recently issued a document detailing 12 top seasonal frauds being conducted on-line and how to protect yourself from them:

Shopping On-line? Beware bogus shopping sites – some may have nothing to deliver, others are shifting counterfeit goods;
Auction Sites are safe aren’t they? Only if used in the safest way and using trusted sellers.
Email links and attachments? Click them at your peril
Booking a holiday? If the price seems too good to be true it probably is.
E-card or e-virus? Many e-cards are safe – but not all are!
Social network special gifts & offers? Often just trying to capture personal data with nothing to offer at all.
It’s good to give to charity isn’t it? Of course it is – but make sure it is a legitimate on-line donation.
Paying on-line for presents and services? Safe only as long as you take precautions.
Transfer the money now to secure your purchase? Despite the financial institution involved, the ‘seller’ might be running a scam.
Voucher codes are good news? Possibly, but open to fraud as criminals spread ‘ransomware’ viruses.
Must-see event and cheap tickets? They might only be cheap because they don’t exist.
Paying with your mobile? Highly convenient but subject to hacking if not careful.

Read more about how you can protect yourself in 12 Online Frauds of Christmas.

December 3, 2013

Xmas Bulletin now online

The Xmas Bulletin is now available on-line here, highlights are:

First Responders (crucial emergency care) are in danger of collapse.
Village Traffic Safety Plan updates.
Crime Prevention update, preparing for Xmas.
NHS report on cancer services at Colchester being investigated.
Round-up of the West Bergholt Concert Band’s 35th Anniversary year.
Update on ways of handling a shortage of rectors in our area.
Colne Valley Flower Club celebrated its diamond anniversary.
Neighbourhood plan update.
Updates from many of the village clubs and associations.
News on street lighting, and
Dairy events and contacts.

December 3, 2013

BHYFC Results 1st December and Fixtures 8th December

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 1st December

The Under 9’s are on their mid-season break until January

Stanway Villa Greens vs BHYFC Under 11s

Once again work got in the way of another Sunday for Pete the manager so the baton was handed to Ash. Apparently the first half was a very even affair. The guys improved during the second period. Perhaps it took the first half to warm up from the avoidable and unnecessary delay at the beginning of the game.

Just when the away fans thought they were not going to see the bag bulge a cross in found Jack who volleyed it in GOOOAAALLL!!!

Well done boys a good win and well done Ash who keeps up his 100% record.

MOM went to Jack for a great finish

BHYFC Under 15s Vs Halstead Town

In round 2 of the league cup the Under 15’s were up against Halstead, who were relegated from the A league at the end of last season. For a change, Bergholt, started brightly and in their first attack only a last ditch tackle prevented the home team taking the lead. However from the resulting corner, Sam headed against the far post and the rebound fell nicely for him to knee the ball into the net to put Bergholt 1-0 up with only one minute on the clock. Halstead tried to respond but most of the play was in the visitors half with their defence and ‘keeper over worked.

Most of the Bergholt attacks were either finding the keeper, who had an excellent half making at least half a dozen crucial saves, or were put out for corners. Chances came and went with James and Sam both heading over and Owen and Max having the ball saved at their feet by the ‘keeper. Mid way through the half Bergholt extended their lead when Ollie curled a free kick towards the top corner of the goal only for the ‘keeper to yet again get across and make a superb save touching the ball onto the junction of cross bar and post. The ball bounced out to the feet of Sam who gleefully put the ball back into the net for his second of the match. Sam then scored his third – hat trick – goal by heading in from another corner. HT: 3-0.

The second half saw a change of ‘keeper for the visitors, and it was only two minutes old when Owen made it 4-0 following up after his initial shot was cleared off the line. Soon after, James scored his first, heading powerfully into the net when left unmarked from a corner. He then followed this up by scoring his second when he chipped the out rushing ‘keeper after being put through by Ollie. Max got on the score sheet, finishing powerfully from a cut back by Ben, James completed his hat trick with a near post finish and Owen scored his second when left alone in the box to poke home from Jake’s cross. In the last couple of minutes Leo scored 2 further goals – one set up by an unselfish Owen who passed to him rather than try to score his own hat trick, and then tapping in from almost on the line as James hit a low ball in from the left.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 11-0 Halstead Town.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: James Holden

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 8th December:

Under 9 – No game
Under 11 vs Feering Falcon Reds, KO 10am
Cornard Dynamo Blues vs Under 15