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War Memorial protected from the elements

War memorial with protective casing

War memorial with protective casing - picture by Tony MorrisWar Memorial protected from the elements

A couple of years ago Gill Poole (of the West Bergholt Local History Group) approached the Parish Council. She raised concerns that the tiled war memorial, dedicated to the brewery workers who served in WW1, was becoming weather damaged.

History

Originally installed inside the Truman Building, the Essex Chronicle reported the original unveiling on 10th September, 1920 as follows:

Fine War Record

A handsome memorial tablet to the employees of Messrs. Daniell and Sons Breweries Ltd., who served in the war was unveiled at West Bergholt Brewery on Monday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering. No less than sixty-six names are inscribed on the tablet out of a total of about one hundred employees who rallied round the colours when the call came, practically every available man of military age and fitness going into the Forces. Fortunately, most of the men returned; nine gave their lives and several others were badly wounded.

The tablet is erected on the wall just inside the main gates of the brewery.  Mr. W. Gurney Benham, Chairman of the company, presided, and Mr. T. B. Daniell, a former chairman, unveiled the tablet, which in addition to the names recorded bears the following inscription:-

“TO THE HONOUR OF THE MEN FROM DANIELL AND SONS’ BREWERIES, WEST BERGHOLT AND COLCHESTER, WHO SERVED IN THE BRITISH FORCES IN THE GREAT EUROPEAN WAR 1914 – 1919.

‘AND THEIRS WERE DEEDS THAT SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND NAMES THAT MUST NOT WITHER.’ ”

Developers moved the tiled memorial outside onto the side of a peaceful walled garden when they transformed the site from brewery to housing. The tiles then started to deteriorate having never originally been intended for outside display.

Solution

So the Parish Council had the idea to cover the memorial with a weatherproof clear display cabinet. The project, which was led by Parish Cllr Brian Butcher, has taken 18 months to come to fruition and was only possible with a contribution & permission from Boydens Estate Agents, who are the management agents of the site.  The cover and installation costs came to a total of £2,064.65 with a generous donation from Boydens (Colchester) of £500, £75 from G & O Investments (freeholders) and with the Parish Council paying the remaining sum.

The weatherproof oak cover looks great and is a poignant memorial to the workers of the Brewery who served in the First World War, in this commemorative year.

Pictured Above

Pictured at the unveiling are:

  • Cllr Chris Stevenson – Chairman, West Bergholt Parish Council,
  • Cllr Murray Harlow – Communications, WBPC,
  • Cllr John Gili-Ross – Vice Chairman, Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) & Environment Chairman, WBPC,
  • Gill Poole – West Bergholt Local History Group,
  • David Boyden – Managing Partner (Boydens),
  • Alex Kane – Senior Property Manager (Boydens).

Picture courtesy of Tony Morris.

Also reported in Gazette News.

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Gladman Appeal – Deadline for Submissions

Gladman Appeal – Deadline for Submissions

The deadline for submissions to the Gladmans’ appeal is looming large.  You have until 15th September to submit your comments for the appeal which will be held in January.  Among other, the Parish Council and Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group have already raised objections; now is the time to add yours if you haven’t already done so.

How to Comment

Continue reading “Gladman Appeal – Deadline for Submissions”

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Don’t leave your home in the dark

Burglar
Burglar
Don’t leave your home in the dark

Don’t leave your home in the dark

Essex Police are warning residents not to leave their home in the dark.  With the nights drawing in, the tell-tale signs of empty houses become more apparent.  This is a bonus for burglars who prefer to target empty homes unseen and avoid confrontation.

As the days get shorter if you work away from home, or even pop out to get the children from school, by the time you return home it may already be dark.  A house in darkness says no one is in especially if your neighbour’s houses either side have lights on and show other signs of being occupied. If you back onto open farmland or have parking areas or footpaths to side or rear this may be even more apparent.

Illusion of Occupancy

Create the “Illusion of Occupancy”, when its dark make your home look like you are in. Leave lights on or put them on timers or daylight sensors to come when it gets dark. Remember though no one lives in the hall or on the landing so if you leave these lights on supplement these with lights on in rooms that you would normally occupy at that time of day i.e. lounge and kitchen.

A carefully placed imitation TV or “Fake TV” can further add to that illusion of occupancy by making it look like the television is on. Some burglars may also listen at windows or letterboxes for signs of activity, so consider leaving a radio on within your home.

Don’t forget the outside of your property too, if burglars see that it is lit they are less likely to approach for fear of being seen.
Leave lights on, with energy efficient bulbs it costs very little nowadays and yet may save you lots!

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After 139 Years

Methodist Memories FlyerAfter 139 Years

After 139 years of Methodist Ministry in our Chapel in West Bergholt, and after much prayer and discussion among our members, a decision was made to cease Sunday worship at the end of August. With an ageing congregation and numbers falling we have sadly decided that it is no longer reasonable to continue regular Sunday morning services. The Colchester Circuit will be marketing the site for sale from September. We will continue our activities in the hall, as part of our outreach in the village, for as long as we are able.

Methodist Memories

We could not let this important decision go by without a special event.  To mark this we are holding a special weekend of “Methodist Memories” at the end of September, September 29/30. This will be a Continue reading “After 139 Years”

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St Mary’s Update – 5th September 2018

Harvest Festival

St Mary’s Update – 5th September 2018

St Mary’s Church update for 5th September provides listings of services and other events and news.  This update includes Colchester Chamber Choir performing at St Peter’s, Boxted, Messy Church, Harvest Festival, Home Groups and more.

Music at St Peter’s

This Saturday, 8th September, at 6:30 pm the Colchester Chamber Choir will be at St Peter’s, Boxted, in aid of the tower repair fund.  They will perform inspirational Continue reading “St Mary’s Update – 5th September 2018”

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Summer History Visits

History group looking at location of circus seating

Local History Group LogoSummer History Visits

From May to August the WBLHG replaces its normal monthly meeting programme with a series of visits to places of local historical interest.  This year the group visited:

See below (click the links) for the reports.

Upcoming Meetings

The Local History Group welcomes Continue reading “Summer History Visits”