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Bergholt Heath YFC – Results & Fixtures 4th November 2012

Both our Under 8s, away to Rowhedge, and our Under 10s, away to Reed Hall, had their scheduled matches postponed due to water logged pitches.

The Under 14s had a ‘free’ week in the league and took advantage of this to play a friendly at home against Colchester Athletic. Bergholt included a couple of new faces in the team, who they hope to sign in the coming weeks, and ran out comfortable 4-1 winners. The Bergholt Heath goals came from Sam Clark, Oliver Sanderson (penalty) and two from one of the new players, Callum Griffiths. Oliver Sanderson was “man of the match” for Bergholt.

The Under 18s were the only team to play a scheduled leage game, at home to Maldon Saints and won 2-1. Alex Bartlett scoring both Bergholt goals.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 11th November:

  • Under 8 v Bures United (venue to be confirmed due to non-availability of pitch on the Poors Field)
  • Wivenhoe Town v Under 10 LC2
  • Wivenhoe Youth Blues v Under 14
  • Under 18 v Feering Falcon Reds KO 2pm
This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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Traffic Safety Plans

New Church Road nr Heathlands

In recent years village residents have become increasingly aware and concerned by the deteriorating safety aspects relating to the level of road traffic in West Bergholt, particularly in the environs of Heathlands Primary School.  Parked vehicles in and around New Church Road, particularly in the area of the school in term time, at school opening and closing times and around the area of the Co-op store are known traffic hazards.

In order to improve this situation the Parish Council has approved a traffic safety plan to address these concerns.  The plan has at its core the following statement:

 “The Parish Council has a vision for the future travel environment in the village where walking and cycling become the preferred modes of travel, that traffic levels and parking do not dominate our village and that the safety of adult and child pedestrians remains paramount”

An enhancement in levels of safety, both perceived and actual, is the fundamental aim of this plan and its objectives are to:

  • Improve all aspects of road safety for Heathlands School and nearby feeder roads.
  • Manage traffic in a way that prevents congestion, delays and maximises safety.
  • To improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Maintain access to important travel destinations.

It is felt that these aims and objectives can be achieved by restricting parking in the areas that present the greatest dangers while at the same time providing alternatives for parking, particularly those parents who find it necessary to use a car to transport their children to school. Means of slowing traffic are being considered while at the same time facilities are improved for pedestrians and cyclists.

These measures do depend on the support and agreement for funding of Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council. Some progress has been made and it has already been agreed to construct a “build out” in New Church Road around the exit of the pathway from Mumford Close.  This will provide extra safety for pedestrians and at the same time have the effect of slowing traffic.  Better signage for traffic around the school is also being given high priority.  Discussions are being held with the school to determine how the plan can assist in its efforts to ensure that pupils can travel safely to school.

A full copy of the plan can be obtained from the Parish Clerk or Harry Stone by Email at [email protected]

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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Allotment Updates

Since the article about vacant Allotment plots in the September Bulletin a number of people have shown an interest in obtaining a plot and in particular the smaller 5 rod plots. At the same time it has become apparent that some of those showing interest are younger residents of the village who have enthusiasm but limited experience of growing vegetables. The Allotment Committee is keen to support such new plot holders and is proposing to introduce a “buddy” scheme whereby those who feel they need advice and help can be paired up with an established and experienced plot holder. We already have one example of this arrangement working well. If interested you can contact Terry Claydon on 01206 242124 or Email [email protected].

Please also check our webpage for updates on November bonfire date and also availbilty of horse manure to allotment holders.

Harry Stone (Chairman of Allotment Committee)

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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Winter Draws On

Last year we may consider ourselves fortunate to have had only one bad spell of ice and snow. As a result of the efforts of a team of volunteers we were able to keep much of the village safely on the move by clearing pathways at an early stage.

The Environment Committee of the Parish Council is now making plans to repeat the operation should the same or worse happen again this winter. Naturally the more that volunteer the more we can do to help ourselves. If you are prepared to help in this initiative please contact Harry Stone on 241026 or Email [email protected]

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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Diamond Champion

Bob Gooden with Patricia Routledge

Many residents will know that for about thirty years Bob Gooden has been a dedicated volunteer and supporter of this community. In his earlier days in the village he was a well respected scout leader, a Church Warden and a member of the Parish Council, as well as having oversight of the running of the allotment site.

Notable among his contributions to the village has been his part in establishing the Care Network over 25 years ago. Most significant is the number of jobs Bob has undertaken, often topping the list with up to fifty in a year. In this time he has clocked up 3,634 miles for the community and at the age of 86 is still going strong.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to this village Bob was nominated, through the Parish Council, for a Diamond Award in the national scheme organized for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall by the WRVS. This was run on a regional basis and Bob was one of 60 selected from 860 nominations in the Eastern region.

On 19th Oct Bob attended a ceremony in London where he was presented with his award by Patricia Routledge of “Keeping up Appearances” fame. A well deserved and fitting tribute to a stalwart of our village.

Harry Stone

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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Bergholt Heath YFC – Results & Fixtures 28th October 2012

On a cold and rainy Sunday morning, Bergholt Heath Under-8s took on Lexden Saints buoyed by a good performance last week. Although the home team had the majority of the play in the first half, it was the visitors who went into the break one-nil up after a mix-up between the Bergholt keeper and defence. It was an early goal but this didn’t dishearten Bergholt and they nearly scored an equaliser when their goalbound effort was pushed round the post by the Lexden keeper.

The second half saw no let up in the weather or Bergholt’s desire to get the equaliser. Bergholt had a number of chances but couldn’t find the back of the net, whilst everyone lost count of the number of corners Bergholt had!  Unfortunately, as is the case too often this season, Bergholt were caught out by the counter-attack and a fabulous strike by the Lexden striker put the game beyond the reach of the home team. This was one of few chances Lexden were restricted to, depicted by frozen figure of Daniel in the Bergholt goal. Final score 0-2. Well played to both teams and well done to Lexden on their win.

Our Under-10s were also at home, verses Marks Tey, and a dominant performance saw Bergholt get back to winning ways to win by a huge margin: 10 goals to nil! The Bergholt Heath goal scorers were: Tyler Webb x 3, Daniel Thomson x 2 and one each for Benjamin Sams, Matthew Sanderson, Nathaniel Lerwill, Richard Frost and Thomas Whitlow. Well done boys!

The Under-14s league cup game at Feering was postponed due to the home team not being able to field a team. This should see Bergholt through to the next round by default.

The Under-18s were away to Arlesford Colune Rangers and came away with a creditbale 2-2 draw.

Next week’s fixtures, Sunday 4th November:

  • Rowhedge Juniors v Under 8
  • Reed Hall Sentinels v Under 10
  • Under 14 No game
  • Under 18 v Maldon Saints League Cup R2, KO 2pm
This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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We’re gonna get a new sheriff

… well maybe not quite as dramatic as that but we are going to get new Police & Crime Commissioner  (PCC) elected in November who will have authority to make a real difference in policing in our community.

A PCC is independent and will be elected to oversee how crime will be tackled in the Essex police force area.

Their aim will be to cut crime and to ensure Essex Police is effective. They will bring more of a public voice to policing and they will do this by:

  • regularly engaging and meeting with the public to help set police and crime plans;
  • ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most; and
  • appointing the chief constable, and (if necessary) dismissing them if they have not performed well.

The PCC will not ‘run’ Essex Police. Chief constables will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the police force, but they will be accountable to the public via PCCs.

Polling is on 15th November and the candidates, as declared by the Police Area Returning Officer on 19th October, are as follows:

  • Nick ALSTON – Chelmsford – The Conservative Party Candidate
  • Linda BELGROVE – Alresford, Tendring – Independent
  • Val MORRIS-COOK – Chafford & North Stifford, Thurrock – The Labour Party Candidate
  • Andrew George SMITH – 69 Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4LZ – United Kingdom Independence Party
  • Mick THWAITES – Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea – Independent
  • Robin TILBROOK – Quires Green, Willingale, Essex, CM5 0QP – English Democrats – “More Police – Catching Criminals!”
To find out more visit the http://www.choosemypcc.org.uk/ website – as well as telling you more about the election, after 26th October this will also provide information about each candidate.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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Lighting the skies for 20 years

Featuring BBC Essex presenter Steve Scruton, Heathlands School PTA are hoping their 20th Anniversary display goes with a bang. Taking place at Heathlands on Saturday 10th November they have planned a spectacular show with the same award winning display team promising yet again to put on a dazzling spectacle for all the family.

The organisers promise a great night out for all, with a top quality entertainment package, fun stalls and wide variety of food and drink.

  • Hog Roast, Barbecue and hot & cold drinks are available
  • Gates open 5.30pm
  • Bonfire lit 6.00pm
  • Fireworks from 7.00pm

Tickets/Programmes go on sale during October priced £3 pre-purchased or £4 on the night and will be
available from local village shops and other outlets, children aged 3 and under will have FREE admission.

    This highly popular event is now in its 20th year and has become a key highlight in the Colchester calendar, attracting families from a wide area. It is organised by the Heathlands School Parent Teacher Association and is the main fundraiser for the school, providing essential funds for much-needed equipment.

    This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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    Bergholt Heath YFC – Results & Fixtures 21st October 2012

    Our under 8s were away to Feering Falcons and the Bergholt boys showed their resilience this week after last week’s heavy defeat. Right from the outset they looked like a different team and matched Feering for possession, the only difference being that Feering managed to score 2 goals in the first half. All credit to Bergholt as their heads did not drop as they knew they could still get a result from the game and they were rewarded for their self-belief when James Pomphrett scored a brilliant solo goal. However, as is often the case in football, the scoring team switched off after the goal and conceded soon after. This was soon followed by another, but Bergholt rallied and were then the most likely to score next. However, this wasn’t to be and the final score was 4-1 to Feering.

    The under 10s were at home to Colchester Athletic and the manager’s warning a few weeks ago that there were some hard games coming up which the team would struggle against, seems to be coming true, with an 8-0 loss (and the goalkeeper being ‘man of the match’!). At least they built up a good bank of points at the start of the season!

    The under 14s were away to FC Clacton on a very wet and boggy pitch and were on the end of a 3-1 defeat.  Although the match saw 2 superb goals from the home team – one of which was a first time shot on the run from outside the area into the top corner – the match will be remembered by all that were there for an – at best dismal, at worst, biased – performance by the referee, and for the first time a Bergholt Heath manager scored the referee below the threshold at which we need to submit (and have written) a letter to the League.  The home team failed to advise Bergholt that the referee was their own appointment and that he was a brother of one of the players.  We were also advised when this information came to light that he was an FA approved referee, however we have since checked and he is not on the current FA list.  During the match the referee failed to award Bergholt a clear goal, continuously overruled his assistants to give throw-ins to the home team, and totally ignored several clear (and a few dangerous) fouls on the Bergholt players, each time saying “I didn’t see it”.  Enough said.  Bergholt Heath goal scorer: Oliver Sanderson. Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Jamie Bowden.

    The under 18s were at home to Maldon Saints and came away with a creditable 1-1 draw.

    Next weeks fixtures Sunday 28th October:

    • Under 8 v Lexden Saints, KO 11am
    • Under 10 v Marks Tey, KO 10am
    • Feering Falcons v Under 14, League Cup R2
    • Arlesford Colne Rangers v Under 18
    This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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    Your village needs your input…

    Did you know that Parish Councils can use new neighbourhood planning powers to establish general planning policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood?  If you have strong ideas about West Bergholt then why not have your say at a public meeting to discuss our Neighbourhood Plan?

    The meeting is to be held in the John Lampon Hall on Saturday 24 November 2012, beween 10.30am-12.30pm.  To find out more contact Murray Harlow by email at [email protected].

    This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net