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Drink Driving & other Xmas crimes?

Police Drink Driving poster

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:

  1. Shopping On-line?  Beware bogus shopping sites – some may have nothing to deliver, others are shifting counterfeit goods;
  2. Auction Sites are safe aren’t they? Only if used in the safest way and using trusted sellers.
  3. Email links and attachments?  Click them at your peril
  4. Booking a holiday?  If the price seems too good to be true it probably is.
  5. E-card or e-virus?  Many e-cards are safe – but not all are!
  6. Social network special gifts & offers?  Often just trying to capture personal data with nothing to offer at all.
  7. It’s good to give to charity isn’t it?  Of course it is – but make sure it is a legitimate on-line donation.
  8. Paying on-line for presents and services?  Safe only as long as you take precautions.
  9. Transfer the money now to secure your purchase?  Despite the financial institution involved, the ‘seller’ might be running a scam.
  10. Voucher codes are good news?  Possibly, but open to fraud as criminals spread ‘ransomware’ viruses.
  11. Must-see event and cheap tickets?  They might only be cheap because they don’t exist.
  12. 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.

Xmas Bulletin now online

xmas-bulletinThe 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.

BHYFC Results 1st December and Fixtures 8th December

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt 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

Traffic Safety Plan news update

Traffic Safety Plan - Appendix 2a
Overview of measures (click to enlarge)

At a special meeting of the Parish Council held on 6th November, the traffic safety plan designed to help alleviate some of the traffic problems in and around New Church Road, particularly around school times, was approved.

In brief the plan is to put restrictions on parking at the junctions along New Church Road, including the end junctions where inconsiderate parking can cause dangers at any time.  Part of the plan is to raise awareness of the need to take extra care in the vicinity of a school and to achieve this the Parish Council will seek the imposition of a 20mph limit along the road.   Also the part the school can play in influencing drivers’ behaviour was discussed and so it is hoped that working with the Parish Council and local residents a campaign to impact on the problem will be launched as the above measures are put into place.

The full plan is now published on the village web site, also available with the plan is a summary of the way it has been developed and the consultations that have taken place, particularly with local residents.  Links to these are posted below:

BHYFC Results 24th November and Fixtures 1st December

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 24th November

Bures United vs BHYFC Under 9s

Bergholt played their last league match before the December break against local rivals Bures United.

Bergholt started the brighter of the two teams looking to attack at all opportunities.  Having been told to shoot whenever they got a clear sight of goal, Bergholt and in particular Theo, did this when the opportunity arose.  Although none of the shots went in they certainly drew a few “oohs!” and “aahs” from the crowd.  Unfortunately, as has the been the case so many times this season, Bergholt fell behind when a rare breach of Bergholt’s penalty box saw Bures squeeze the ball in at the far post.  HT 0-1.

The second half was a more open game as both teams looked to attack and it was the visitors who struck when Oliver wriggled clear of his marker and cracked the ball with his unfavoured right foot past the keeper.  With the score back level again it was a case of to and froing with both teams stopping each other outside of their own box before launching an attack of their own.  So with the clock ticking by it was clear that which ever team scored the next goal would win the game.

Unfortunately for Bergholt it went to Bures, when Bergholt’s nemesis this season of “the attacker bursting through at speed” got through the defence and toe-poked it home past Daniel just as he was about to be tackled.  Final score: 2-1 to Bures.

Another frustrating game for Bergholt as once again the performance and possession didn’t turn into the result that they probably on balance deserved.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Joseph Watkins – solid defending and crucial tackles

BHYFC Under 11s:  vs Lexden Saints Blues

An entertaining game with lots of end to end football saw the visitors run out 5-2 winners.  Bergholt Heath ‘player of the match’: Harvey Wilkinson

BHYFC Under 15s vs Romford Flyers Black (Essex Cup R3)

The visitors arrived at the Poors field very early, and being a big imposing team probably won the game at that point judging by the comments made by the home players as they arrived!

The game started with Romford showing a very quick and direct style against Bergholt’s more measured approach, resulting in some early chances for the visitors that luckily were wayward.

Bergholt’s first real foray into the visitors penalty area on 7 minutes resulted in a penalty as Max was brought down by the ‘keeper as he rounded him to put the ball into the net.  Ollie calmly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. 1-0. Romford came back into the game, but Bergholt held their own and in fact had the better of the possession and with a little more composure could have gone further ahead.  However with just 5 minutes of the half left Sam left the pitch with an injury from a high kick and as the defence was in the process of reorganising its personnel, the Romford striker got away down the right and hit a hard cross shot to the near post which unfortunately Connor could only parry into his own net.  HT: 1-1.

The second half started with Romford in far more confident mood and they took the game to Bergholt attacking in an even more direct style.  Within a couple of minutes Bergholt found themselves 2-1 down – the result of a penalty awarded when Harry got too close to the back of the striker as he run away from goal, and tripped him up.  2-1 became 3-1 within another couple of minutes when, from a corner, a Romford player headed towards goal. Connor look destined to take it in his hands but somehow the ball ended up in the net.

By now Bergholt were looking decidedly shaky with the shape of the team disappearing and speedy visiting players cutting through a dishevelled midfield almost at will. Romford scored again when Connor got his hand to another cross shot only for the winger to get in front of Aaron to tap the ball into the empty net. The fifth came when Mickey was caught too far forward which left the right winger time and space to drive into the box and hit a powerful shot into the roof of the net. The sixth and final goal came a couple of minutes from time: after a Bergholt corner, a long ball out of the visitors defence caught the Bergholt defenders outnumbered. Jamie tried to close down the striker as he got onto the bouncing ball but just before the challenge came he hit a first time shot from just outside the area into the net with Connor stranded on his penalty spot.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 1 – 6 Romford Flyers Black

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Jamie Bowden – never gave up and tried to keep the team together..

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 1st December:

  • Under 9 – Mid Winter Break – no games until 10/01/14
  • Stanway Villa Greens vs Under 11
  • Under 15 vs Halstead Town LCR2, KO 10.30am

Hillhouse Wood AGM & talk on Foraging for Fruits

Fruits that can be found locally whilst foragingForaging for Fruits of the wood is the title of the illustrated talk being given by Mitchell McLean immediately after the Friends’ AGM.

HollyThe 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.

 

Mary and Joseph’s local journey

Posada - Mary & Joseph touring West Bergholt & Great HorkesleyWill 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 at 11am on Sunday 1st December.  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

Posada

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 22nd December onwards.

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]”]).

On behalf of West Bergholt Methodist Church, St Mary’s Church West Bergholt and All Saints and St John’s Churches Great Horkesley.

BHYFC Results 17th November and Fixtures 24th November

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 17th November

Tempest vs BHYFC Under 9s

Bergholt’s first win of the season was against Tempest who were then playing in their first ever match together.  This time round Bergholt knew that they were in for a much closer game as the hosts have improved as the season progressed.

So it proved as the first half, much like last week, was even with both teams having some good possession.  Last week, Bergholt were shot-shy in the second half and so the Bergholt manager and coach asked the boys to try to change that and if they got an opportunity to then “have a crack!”.  From just outside the box, Theo did just that and his shot brushed past the post.  Despite this, and some excellent defensive work from the back three, Bergholt fell behind when Tempest broke down the right and the cross was angled such that it deceived Daniel and despite his desperate scramble to get to the ball, it sneaked in at the near post.  HT 0-1.

Needing to get an equaliser in the second half Bergholt looked to be more attacking and in particular both Ollie and Thomas H led the blues attack.  This paid off when after a scramble in the Tempest box, the ball fell to James just inside the box.  He sent a sweet left-foot curler into the corner of the net which sent the Bergholt supporters wild!
This boosted Bergholt’s confidence and Ollie burst through the Tempest defence and tested the keeper with a good effort.  But Bergholt didn’t have it all their own way and Tempest had quite some decent possession themselves.  They too came close to scoring themselves when the attacker shot across the face of the goal.  Daniel dived full length and pushed the ball round the post with an excellent save.

Not for the first time this season Bergholt were involved in a close game.  This time it ended as a draw.  FT 1-1.

Bergholt player of the match: Billy Sutton.  Super tackles and clearances.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Tempest

We met today’s opponents on the first day of the season way back in September.  Yet to this day we still await the leagues ruling as the match had to be played as a friendly.  It was good to see that Tempest had managed to keep a squad together and were starting to gel.  Our boys uncharacteristically started the first half well. There was much better passing going on with some nice interplay.  We were looking to start attacks with some through balls, they did not always come off but it was pleasing to see the boys trying to be creative.

Alex was having inspired game and a few times he broke into the box but was just too hesitant to fire off a shot. But it was from a quick throw by Al that Jonah caught the defence out and fired in the first GOOOAAALLL!

After all the good work it was a bit of a blow when our now normal defensive error allowed Tempest to equalise soon after. The guys continued to press and were soon rewarded when Jonah popped in his second GOOOAAALLL!!!

We started the second half in similar fashion with all the boys showing more composure today.  Fred was gaining ground down the right but we could not get the final ball in the box.  Things got tense soon after when a Tempest free kick popped in to equalise again.

The boys heads could have gone down at this point but they pushed on looking to retake the lead.  Eventually it came when Ty grabbed onto a defensive error and slotted it in GOOOAAALLL!!!

The game was finally made safe when on the edge of the box Jack played a nice backpass to Matt who from his trademark distance outside the area placed the ball high into the corner , GOOOAAALLL!!! of the game for me (but I’m biased).

Final score: Bergholt Heath 4-2 Tempest.

Man of the match went to Tyler who put in a good shift at the back in the first half and continued well up front in the second.

The Under 15’s had a free weekend with no match scheduled.

Next week’s fixtures Sunday 24th November:

  • Bures United vs Under 9
  • Under 11 vs Lexden Saints Blues, KO 10am
  • Under15 vs Romford Flyers (Essex Cup R3), KO 10.30am

Neighbourhood Crime & Personal Safety– 17th November

Advice on personal safety at ChristmasThe latest Neighbourhood Crime Report (17th November) shows only one reported crime for the Eight Ash Green and West Bergholt Area:

13th – 14th November – Fiddlers Folley

Criminal Damage to a vehicle.

Suspect unknown has caused damage to the victims vehicle by scratching all panels on the nearside of the vehicle.  Suspect has also caused 2 dents to panels on the nearside by unknown means.

Personal Safety at Christmas

The Essex Police Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for the area has also warned about the risk of crime in the 6 weeks leading up to Christmas and has recommended the attached document, published by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, as useful reading to ensure your personal safety:

 

Christmas is coming

Presents & gifts at Christmas coffee morning

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.