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Autumn Fruits Walk with Steve Hallam

Steve Hallam leads a walk in search of Autumn FruitsAutumn Fruits with Steve Hallam – 16th October

Steve Hallam will lead a guided walk to seek out berries, soft fruit, nuts, seeds & fungi.  All of these are now out in abundance.  To join Steve you should meet him at the Old Church at 10am on Sunday 16th October -wear suitable clothing!

Steve will explain the folklore about the finds, which ones should not be eaten – and what will happen to you if you do!  You should expect to see around 20 types of berries, fruits and nuts.

The walk will take in Hillhouse Wood and surrounding hedgerows, and will thus be a little longer than normal.

Strong boots or wellies should be worn, as we may encounter long wet grass!

 

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Premises & Recreation – 5th September 2016

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 5th September when, among other items, they discussed health & safety, terms of hire, asbestos surveys, social club, Bergholt Heath YFC, Orpen Hall toilets and storage.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Sub-committee meeting held on Monday 5th September 2016 in the John Lampon Hall

Continue reading “Premises & Recreation – 5th September 2016”

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Environment & Highways – 8th September 2016

The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th September and discussed a range of issues including football club storage, benches & seats, handymen, play equipment, ponds and flood risk on New Church Road.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 8th September 2016 in JL Hall

Continue reading “Environment & Highways – 8th September 2016”

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St Mary’s Update – 15th September 2016

Colchester Foodbank

St Mary’s Update – 15th September 2016

St Mary’s Church update for 15th September provides listings of services, bible readings and other events and news such as Harvest Festival & Foodbank.

Colchester FoodbankHarvest Festival Appeals – Sunday 2nd October

This year we will be donating our Harvest groceries and produce to the Food Bank and to the Open Door project run by Colchester Baptist Church. Continue reading “St Mary’s Update – 15th September 2016”

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New Speeding & Parking Initiative

Speeding & parking initiative using TrygveNew Speeding & Parking Initiative

Following the recent Traffic Safety Group meeting, a new initiative has been launched to help reduce parking & speeding issues in and around West Bergholt. Based on a free community safety App, Trygve, users can share and receive local incident information in real time.  This information can be as detailed as you want including pictures and GPS location but should always include:

  • Date.
  • Time.
  • Where (did it happen).
  • What (was the issue).

Using the App will allow the group to measure the number of incidents and identify hot spots.

Already in use in many communities in the UK, a Neighbourhood watch coordinator using it in his community has said:

The Trygve interface is easy to understandThe app has not only been good at creating a community, but we have also been able to help with a few incidents of anti-social behaviour and thefts, by being able to pass more information onto police.  It can help map any crime trends, and make users aware of areas they may want to be more alert.

It is an easier and quicker way for the community to communicate with each other as Facebook is not as instant as this app, nor can it use GPS as accurately.  I am proud to co-ordinate our group and use my skills from my job to share more safety tips.

You can download Trygve to Android or iPhone devices; there is also a mobile friendly web-version for other mobiles and devices.

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Traffic Safety Progress

Traffic Safety Progress

Traffic Safety ProgressTraffic Safety Progress

As a result of concerns about the safety of traffic in the village expressed at a recent Parish Council meeting a group consisting of Parish Councillors, Borough Councillors and village residents has been formed and met to consider what actions we can take to improve safety on our roads in the village.  The aim is to produce a plan with a strategy for actions that will be adopted by the Parish Council and lead to residents feeling more safe as they move around the village.

The Parish Council approved a Traffic Safety Plan in September 2012 with the objective of dealing with such issues mainly in the area of the school.  After reviewing progress on this plan the new group hopes to have revised proposals to put to the village for consultation.

You can read the 2012 plan here but in brief the vision was:

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.

The strategy for achieving the Aims and Objectives of this plan included:

  • Restricting parking.
  • Providing alternatives for parents.
  • Slowing traffic.
  • Improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Reinforcing the school travel plan.

Update on Measures Proposed

Measure

Progress
1. A “Build Out” in New Church Road from the footpath to Mumford Close. Not achieved due to objections from local residents but timed yellow line restriction from pathway instead.
2. “Built up Tables” at each end of New Church Road and School Lane. Not achieved due to objections but red patches painted in road.
3. Yellow zig-zag lines outside school to be extended as far as bend. Timed yellow line restriction added instead.
4. Improved signage on approaches to school. Achieved.
5. New footpath along the edge of Poors Land. Achieved.
6. Car Parks at Orpen Hall, Treble Tile and Church to be made more available for use by parents. Orpen Hall park improved and journey to school made safer at crossing with New Church Road.  Use of Treble Tile agreed and operated for a time but then withdrawn due to misuse by parents.
7. 20 MPH limit in New Church Road. Achieved with enhanced signage to follow.
8. Designated space for disabled parking on Lexden Road. Not achieved.
9. A “Park and Walk” scheme organised by parents. No known progress.
10. Parents who drive to school to be encouraged to operate a voluntary one way system in School Lane. No known progress.
11. The school to review its Travel Plan. Discussions between the school and Parish Council are ongoing.
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Care Network Calls for Volunteer Drivers

Care Network 0300 773 3100

Calling for Volunteer Drivers - Care Network 0300 773 3100Care Network Calls for Volunteer Drivers

New volunteer drivers are needed by the Care Network in order to continue running their local service.  For thirty years now they have been helping those who are not able to get themselves to medical or other important appointments and so need support.

So the future of this valuable service can be secured new volunteers are needed.  Most drivers run about 10 trips a year and are paid expenses.  So, do you enjoy driving and helping others, if so why not join?  Driver are asked to commit no more than they feel they can offer, just to help out when they can.

To join the team call Harry Stone on 241026 or email him at [email protected].

The Care Network is a registered charity and relies on donations to continue running.